The 2018 Ford Explorer stands out as a leading contender in the midsize SUV segment, not only for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and technology-packed features but also for its robust towing capabilities. With a reputation built on versatility and power, the 2018 Explorer attracts buyers who need a vehicle that can haul everything from small trailers to boats and recreational vehicles.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the towing performance of the 2018 Ford Explorer, covering engine choices, towing packages, real-world applications, and how it stacks up against its competitors. You’ll thoroughly understand how the Explorer can meet your towing needs by the end.
The Importance of Towing Capacity in Midsize SUVs
Before we dive into the specifics of the 2018 Ford Explorer, it’s essential to understand why towing capacity matters when choosing an SUV. For many drivers, an SUV is more than just a family vehicle; it’s also a workhorse for weekend trips, outdoor adventures, and hauling equipment. Whether pulling a small camper for a family vacation or transporting equipment for a home improvement project, having a vehicle with adequate towing capacity is critical.
Midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer are popular because they balance comfort, performance, and towing power. They’re more agile and fuel-efficient than full-size SUVs or trucks, but they still have enough power to tow moderate loads. The 2018 Explorer excels in this regard, offering enough towing capacity for most recreational and light-duty commercial needs.
Understanding Towing Capacity: The Basics
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow without compromising performance or safety. This weight includes not only the load being towed but also any passengers and cargo inside the vehicle. The towing capacity is determined by several factors, including engine power, suspension, transmission, braking systems, and the presence of towing accessories.
When towing, it’s critical to stay within the vehicle’s towing capacity. Overloading the vehicle can damage the engine, transmission, brakes, and other systems and create dangerous driving conditions. Ford has designed the 2018 Explorer focusing on safe and efficient towing, offering a range of features to ensure that drivers can handle heavy loads confidently.
Safety Features for Towing with the 2018 Ford Explorer
Towing can put additional strain on a vehicle, making it essential to have safety features that help maintain control and stability. The 2018 Ford Explorer has various systems designed to make towing safer and more manageable, even for less experienced drivers. Here are some of the key safety features:
1. Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway can occur when a trailer begins to veer or sway from side to side due to wind, high speeds, or improper loading. If left unchecked, sway can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and potentially lead to an accident. The 2018 Explorer comes standard with Trailer Sway Control, a system that automatically applies the brakes and reduces engine torque if it detects swaying. This feature enhances stability and ensures drivers can control the vehicle, even in challenging conditions.
2. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
Another key safety feature in the Explorer is AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). This system uses gyroscopic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s movement and applies the brakes to individual wheels when necessary to prevent rollovers. When towing, especially on uneven terrain or during sharp turns, the added stability from this system is invaluable.
3. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
Towing larger trailers can make it difficult to see vehicles in your blind spots. The available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) helps alert drivers when vehicles are in their blind spots, making it safer to change lanes or merge. Cross-traffic Alert provides additional safety when backing out parking spaces or driveways by detecting approaching vehicles and sounding an alert.
4. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
Towing on hilly terrain presents unique challenges, particularly when starting on an incline or descending a steep slope. Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an incline, giving drivers time to switch from the brake to the accelerator without losing control. Hill Descent Control allows for a controlled descent down steep grades by maintaining a consistent speed, reducing the need for constant braking.
5. Rear-View Camera with Trailer Guidance
Backing up while towing can be tricky, but the Explorer’s standard rear-view camera makes it more accessible. The camera provides a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle, and Trailer Guidance adds visual cues to help drivers align their trailer and hitch when reversing. This feature is especially useful when hooking up a trailer by yourself.
Real-World Towing Scenarios with the 2018 Ford Explorer
To better understand the Explorer’s towing capacity, let’s examine a few real-world scenarios in which this SUV excels.
1. Towing a Boat for Weekend Adventures
Imagine you’re an avid boater who loves to spend weekends at the lake. A typical small fishing boat or personal watercraft weighs around 2,000 to 3,000 pounds (907 to 1,360 kg) when fully loaded with gear and fuel. The 2018 Explorer’s 3.5-litre V6 engine with the Class III Trailer Tow Package can easily handle this load, allowing you to quickly tow your boat to and from the water.
The Explorer’s towing stability features, such as Trailer Sway Control and Roll Stability Control, help ensure the boat remains steady on winding roads or during sudden stops. With its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, you can tow larger boats too, such as ski boats or pontoon boats, provided their weight falls within the limit.
2. Hauling a Camper for Family Road Trips
For families who enjoy camping, the Explorer provides ample towing power for small to mid-sized campers. A lightweight travel trailer typically weighs between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds (1,360 to 2,268 kg), making it a perfect match for the Explorer’s towing capacity. With the 3.5-litre V6 or the EcoBoost V6 engine, towing a camper becomes a stress-free experience, even when driving through mountain ranges or rough terrains.
Additionally, the rear-view camera with Trailer Guidance simplifies the task of parking a trailer at the campsite, ensuring you can easily navigate tight spaces.
3. Utility Trailers for Home Improvement Projects
Many homeowners invest in utility trailers for transporting building materials, lawn equipment, or other heavy items for DIY projects. A typical utility trailer, loaded with building supplies such as lumber or concrete, often weighs between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds (907 to 1,588 kg). The Explorer’s towing capabilities, solid handling, and braking power make it a reliable vehicle for hauling these loads. The power and stability combination makes transporting heavy materials easier without compromising safety or performance.
Towing Accessories for the 2018 Ford Explorer
While the Class III Trailer Tow Package provides many of the essentials for towing, some additional accessories and upgrades can enhance the Explorer’s towing capabilities. Here are some helpful towing accessories for the 2018 Explorer:
1. Towing Mirrors
Standard mirrors may not provide enough visibility when towing wide or long trailers. Towing mirrors extend outward to give you a better view of the road, helping you safely change lanes or reverse while towing.
2. Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch helps distribute the trailer’s tongue weight more evenly across the vehicle and axles. This can improve handling, braking, and overall stability, especially when towing heavier loads.
3. Brake Controller
A brake controller is essential for towing trailers equipped with electric brakes. It allows the driver to control the trailer’s braking system, which reduces the strain on the vehicle’s brakes and enhances safety when towing heavier loads. Some models of the 2018 Explorer may require an aftermarket brake controller for heavier trailers.
Comparing the 2018 Ford Explorer to Competitors
When considering the 2018 Ford Explorer for towing, it’s helpful to see how it compares to similar midsize SUVs. Here are a few competitors that also offer notable towing capabilities:
1. Chevrolet Traverse
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) when equipped with its V6 engine and towing package. Like the Explorer, it’s a three-row SUV with strong towing capabilities, making it a solid choice for families. However, the Traverse’s base engine offers less power than the Explorer’s options, and some drivers may prefer the sportier handling of the Explorer’s EcoBoost engine.
2. Honda Pilot
The 2018 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) with all-wheel drive and the necessary towing package. It’s comparable to the Explorer in towing power, but the Explorer has a slight edge with its available turbocharged engine, providing more torque for challenging towing situations.
3. Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) with its V6 engine and optional towing package. While the Highlander is a strong competitor, the Explorer’s wide range of towing features, combined with the power of the EcoBoost engine, gives it an advantage in terms of versatility and performance.
Maintenance Tips for Safe Towing with the 2018 Ford Explorer
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your 2018 Ford Explorer performs at its best when towing. Here are some key tips to keep your vehicle in top shape for towing:
1. Check the Transmission Fluid
Towing puts additional stress on the transmission, which can cause the fluid to break down faster than during normal driving. Check the transmission fluid regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing it, especially if you tow frequently.
2. Inspect Brakes Regularly
Towing heavy loads increases the demand on your vehicle’s braking system. Regularly inspect your brakes to ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any signs of wear, such as squealing or reduced braking performance, replace the brake pads and rotors as needed.
3. Monitor Tire Pressure
Proper tyre pressure is critical when towing, as underinflated tyres can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and even blowouts. Check your tyre pressure before towing and ensure it’s within the recommended range for the vehicle and the trailer.
4. Use the Correct Hitch and Ball Mount
Using the correct hitch and ball mount for your towing setup is essential for safe towing. Make sure your hitch is rated for the weight you plan to tow, and double-check that the ball mount height allows for a level connection between the vehicle and trailer.
Conclusion
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a versatile and capable SUV that excels at towing. It offers a range of engine options, towing features, and safety systems that make it a reliable choice for anyone needing to haul moderate loads. Whether towing a boat, camper, or utility trailer, the Explorer provides the power and stability you need for a safe and enjoyable towing experience.
With its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Explorer competes well against other midsize SUVs in its class. Its available turbocharged engine and advanced safety features give it a distinct edge in challenging towing scenarios.
For those looking for a capable family vehicle that can also handle the demands of towing, the 2018 Ford Explorer is a strong contender. It offers the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and power.