The Ford Explorer has long been a symbol of versatility and capability in the SUV market, and the 2013 Ford Explorer model is no exception. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, towing a boat for a weekend getaway, or hauling a trailer full of equipment, understanding the towing capacity of your vehicle is crucial. This article will explore the 2013 Ford Explorer’s towing capacity, including its engine options, towing features, and tips for safe towing. This detailed guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your Ford Explorer’s towing capabilities.
Table of Contents
Overview of the 2013 Ford Explorer
The 2013 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that blends comfort, performance, and functionality. The Explorer is designed to cater to a wide range of drivers and is available in several trims, including the Base, XLT, Limited, and Sport. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology make it a popular choice for families and adventurers.
One of the standout features of the 2013 Explorer is its towing capacity. Depending on the engine and configuration, the 2013 Ford Explorer offers a respectable towing capacity that allows you to haul various trailers, from small campers to medium-sized boats.
Engine Options and Their Impact on Towing Capacity
The 2013 Ford Explorer has three different engine options, each offering varying power and towing capabilities. Let’s examine how these engines impact the vehicle’s towing capacity.
1. 2.0-Litre EcoBoost I-4 Engine
The base engine for the 2013 Ford Explorer is the 2.0-litre EcoBoost inline-4. This engine is designed for efficiency, delivering 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. While this engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, it is not the best choice for heavy towing. The towing capacity of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost is limited to 2,000 pounds (907 kg).
This lower towing capacity suits light trailers like small utility or lightweight campers. However, if you need to tow heavier loads, you may want to consider one of the more powerful engine options.
2. 3.5-Litre V6 Engine
The 3.5-litre V6 engine is the standard engine for most trims of the 2013 Ford Explorer. This engine produces 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, significantly boosting towing capability compared to the 2.0-litre EcoBoost. With the 3.5-litre V6, the 2013 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).
This towing capacity makes the V6 engine a more versatile choice for those needing to tow larger trailers, such as mid-sized boats, camper trailers, or horse trailers. The increased power and torque make it easier to handle heavier loads, especially on hilly or uneven terrain.
3. 3.5-Litre EcoBoost V6 Engine (Sport Trim)
The most powerful engine available for the 2013 Ford Explorer is the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, which is standard on the Sport trim. This engine delivers an impressive 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, making it the most capable option for towing. With this engine, the 2013 Explorer’s towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), but the additional power and torque provide a smoother and more confident towing experience.
The Sport trim is ideal for drivers who prioritise performance and want the best towing experience possible. Whether you’re towing a large trailer or simply want the added power for acceleration and passing, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine offers the needed performance.
Towing Features and Equipment
In addition to engine options, the 2013 Ford Explorer offers several towing features and equipment that enhance its towing capabilities. These features help ensure a safer and more efficient towing experience, whether hauling a small trailer or a more significant load.
1. Class III Trailer Tow Package
To fully utilize the 2013 Explorer’s towing capacity, you must equip your vehicle with the Class III Trailer Tow Package. This package includes a heavy-duty radiator, an engine oil cooler, a hitch receiver, and a 7-wire harness with a 4-/7-pin connector.
The Class III Trailer Tow Package is a must-have for those who plan to tow regularly or need to tow heavier loads. It helps keep the engine cool during towing, provides a secure connection for your trailer, and ensures that your vehicle is fully equipped to handle the towing demands.
2. Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway is familiar when towing, especially at higher speeds or windy conditions. The 2013 Ford Explorer comes equipped with Trailer Sway Control, a feature that helps mitigate trailer sway and stabilise your load. This system uses sensors to detect when the trailer begins to sway and applies selective braking to individual wheels to regain control.
This feature is precious for those new to towing or needing a tow in challenging conditions. It provides added peace of mind and helps prevent accidents caused by trailer instability.
3. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
Towing on hilly terrain can be challenging, but the 2013 Explorer’s Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control features make it easier. Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on a hill, allowing you to get moving without worrying about the trailer pulling you backwards. On the other hand, Hill Descent Control helps maintain a steady speed when descending steep grades, reducing the need for constant braking.
These features are handy for those frequently tow in mountainous or hilly regions. They provide added control and make towing on inclines and declines more manageable.
Safety Considerations for Towing
Towing can be demanding, and safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re an experienced tower or new to the process, following these safety tips will help ensure a safe and successful towing experience with your 2013 Ford Explorer.
1. Know Your Towing Limits
The first step in safe towing is understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity and staying within those limits. Overloading your vehicle can lead to dangerous handling, increased stopping distances, and potential damage to your vehicle. Always check your trailer’s weight, including the load you carry, to ensure it falls within the Explorer’s towing capacity.
2. Distribute Weight Evenly
Proper weight distribution is essential for safe towing. Ensure that the weight in your trailer is evenly distributed, with slightly more weight placed towards the front. This helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of trailer sway. Use a weight-distributing hitch if necessary to ensure balanced towing.
3. Check Your Brakes and Lights
Before hitting the road, always check your trailer’s brakes, lights, and connections. Ensure your brake lights, turn signals, and indicators function correctly. If your trailer has electric brakes, ensure they are appropriately adjusted and synced with your vehicle’s braking system.
4. Drive Cautiously
Towing requires a different driving approach than regular driving. Allow longer stopping distances, take turns more slowly, and avoid sudden lane changes. Keep safe from other vehicles and know your trailer’s size, especially when manoeuvring tight spaces.
5. Use Your Mirrors
Visibility is critical when towing, so ensure your mirrors are correctly adjusted to provide a clear view of your trailer and the road behind you. Consider using towing mirrors if your trailer is more comprehensive than your vehicle, as they provide a broader field of view.
Comparing the 2013 Ford Explorer to Competitors
When considering the towing capacity of the 2013 Ford Explorer, it’s helpful to compare it to other mid-size SUVs in its class. Here’s how the Explorer stacks up against some of its competitors:
1. Chevrolet Traverse
When properly equipped, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse offers a towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds (2,359 kg). While slightly higher than the Explorer’s 5,000-pound capacity, the difference is minimal. Both vehicles offer similar towing capabilities, but the Explorer’s more powerful engine options may provide a smoother towing experience.
2. Dodge Durango
The 2013 Dodge Durango is known for its impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds (3,357 kg) when equipped with the 5.7-litre V8 engine. While the Durango offers a higher towing capacity than the Explorer, it also has a higher price tag and lower fuel efficiency. The Explorer may be a better choice for those who need a balance of towing power and everyday usability.
3. Toyota Highlander
The 2013 Toyota Highlander offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), identical to the Explorer. Both vehicles are closely matched in towing capabilities, but the Explorer’s more powerful engine options and advanced towing features give it an edge for those who prioritise towing performance.
Conclusion
The 2013 Ford Explorer is a versatile and capable SUV with a solid towing capacity. It is an excellent choice for towing trailers, boats, or campers. With three engine options, advanced towing features, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Explorer is well-equipped to handle various towing tasks.
However, choosing the right engine and towing package for your needs is essential. If you plan to tow regularly or need heavier loads, the 3.5-litre V6 engine with the Class III Trailer Tow Package is your best bet. For those who prioritise performance and want the most potent option, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 in the Sport trim offers the best towing experience.
Following proper towing safety practices and equipping your Explorer with the right features, you can enjoy a safe and efficient towing experience with your 2013 Ford Explorer. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the lake or simply need to haul equipment, the 2013 Explorer can do the job.