We’ve written extensively about Ford vehicles and their capabilities. This time we’ve taken a deep dive into the Ford Explorer models that can be flat towed the Ford Explorer. Given that this is a popular activity these days, it’s essential to know the ins- and outs.
So, can you flat tow a Ford Explorer?
2003-2005 Ford Explorers can be flat towed if they have 4×2 RWD or 4×4 with a tow kit accessory. Similarly, 2005-2009 Explorers can be flat towed if they have 4×4. 2010-2019 Explorers with 3.5 or 3.7L engines can be flat towed if they have 2WD. 2020-present-day Explorers and Explorers with AWD cannot be flat towed.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the specific rules for each generation of the Explorer. Furthermore, we give you step-by-step instructions on how to flat tow these cars for the generations that have this possibility. Read on!
Model Years That Can Be Flat Towed
2003 – 2005
Ford Explorers manufactured from 2003 – 2005 can only be flat towed if they are 4×2 RWD. 4×4’s with an electronic shift transfer case can only be flat towed if the neutral tow kit accessory is installed.
This video talks about the process of installing a front tow hook:
AWD Explorers can not be flat towed because damage to the transmission will occur.
2005 – 2009
Ford Explorers manufactured from 2005 – 2009 can only be flat towed if they have 4×4 with an electronic shift transfer case and when the neutral tow kit accessory is installed.
Towing a 2WD or AWD Explorer can only be done by using a trailer where all four wheels are of the ground. Flat towing these models will result in transmission damage.
2010 – 2015
Ford Explorers manufactured from 2010 – 2015 that have a 2.0, 3.5, or 3.7L engine can be towed with the help of a tow dolly and with the front wheels of the ground (except for AWD models). The 2.0L models cannot be flat towed. However, the 3.5 and 3.7L versions can be flat towed.
2015 – 2019
Ford Explorers manufactured from 2015 – 2019 can only be flat towed if they have a 3.5L Duratec or 3.5L EcoBoost engine. All other Explorers cannot be flat towed.
The front-wheel-drive versions of the car can only be towed by use of a tow dolly and with the front wheels of the vehicle off the ground. The all-wheel-drive versions of the Explorer can only be hauled on a trailer and with all four wheels of the ground.
2020 – present
Ford Explorers manufactured from 2020 – present day cannot be flat towed. Vehicles that are equipped with rear-wheel-drive can only be towed by using a tow dolly. Explorers with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive can only be hauled on a trailer and with all four wheels of the ground.
Safety Precautions When Towing An Explorer
There are several safety precautions you have to take into account when towing an Explorer. Below we’ve written down the precautions for every model year of the Explorer.
- For 2003 – 2005 Explorers a maximum speed of 35 mph cannot be exceeded. The same accounts for the maximum distance of 50 miles. If you intend to flat tow your Explorer for a longer period of time than you have to disconnect the driveshaft. This is something that only a qualified technician can do.
- For Explorers produced from 2006 onwards a maximum speed of 65 mph cannot be exceeded.
- Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle.
- Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each towing day and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift into drive (D) and then into reverse (R) before shifting back into neutral (N).
Flat Towing An Explorer Step-By-Step
Below we’ve outlined the flat towing procedure for Ford Explorers that were manufactured from 2010 – 2019.
The reason for this is that Ford did not include instructions for flat towing the Explorer before 2010. The Explorers produced after 2019 cannot be flat towed and therefore don’t have any instructions.
2010 – 2015
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:
- Tow only in the forward direction.
- Release the parking brake.
- Place the transmission in position N.
- Place the ignition in the accessory position.
2015 – 2019
If you tow your car with all four wheels on the ground:
- Tow only in the forward direction.
- Release the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
- Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the keyless start button until the vehicle starts.
- Press the brake pedal and shift the gearshift into neutral (N).
- Turn the vehicle off by pressing the keyless start button once.
- Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. You need the door key to lock and unlock doors when the
battery cable is disconnected. Start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
- Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then turning the ignition key until the vehicle starts.
- Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into neutral (N).
- Turn off your vehicle by turning the ignition key past the accessory position. The key position is between the accessory and off positions.
- Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery.
Closing Thoughts
We have investigated the various requirements and restrictions across different generations of this popular Ford car. It’s clear that not all Explorers can be flat towed, and specific rules apply to each generation. But with the correct knowledge and precautions, it is possible to tow select models with ease and safety.
Should you wish to further understand your Ford Explorer’s specifications, consider reading more about the bolt pattern of the Ford Explorer. Perhaps you’re interested in a broader perspective, like the bolt pattern of all Ford models.
Or if you are curious about other Ford models and their towing capabilities, you may find our article on “How To Flat Tow A Ford Edge” informative. Like the Explorer, not all Edge models can be flat towed, and it’s crucial to understand the restrictions to avoid damaging your vehicle.
To conclude, the ability to flat tow a Ford Explorer can offer great convenience. However, it’s essential to follow the guidelines for your specific model to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Happy towing!
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Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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