Get Driving -> TRAILER TOWING Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Driving

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in

serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle

rollover, and/or personal injury.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the

originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR

limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do

not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

SPECIAL LOADING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OWNERS OF PICKUP

TRUCKS AND UTILITY-TYPE VEHICLES

For important information regarding safe operation of this type

of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle section in

this chapter.

Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.

Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping

distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.

Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and

people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing

section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.

2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your

vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.

3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.

This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be

below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.

TRAILER TOWING

Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow

option package.

Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,

transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to

maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment

while towing.

173

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:

• Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.

• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to

tow in this chapter.

• Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving

while you tow in this chapter.

• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the

severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.

• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km

(500 miles).

• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the

proper installation and adjustment specifications.

Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance

Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer

to Vehicle loading in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue

load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.

Your vehicle is equipped with a standard Class II integrated hitch and

requires only a draw bar and ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank

diameter. An optional Class III/Class IV hitch is also available.

Note: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the

certification label.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer

weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in

engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle

control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.

174

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

4x2 w/automatic transmission

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight

Engine

Rear axle ratio Maximum

Trailer weight

GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

3493 (7700)

4645 (10240)

range-kg (lbs.)

(0-Maximum)

0-1497 (0-3300)

0–1588 (0-3500)

0-2640 (0-5820)

4.0L SOHC/4.6L* 3.55

4.0L SOHC

w/Class III

Trailer Tow

Package

3.73 LS

4.6L*

3.73/3.73 LS

5262 (11600)

0-3257 (0-7180)

Notes: - For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300

meters (1000 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table

and instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer to Vehicle

loading in this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The

combined weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded

trailer must not exceed the GCWR.

*-When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and

on steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the

engine from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of

interior temperatures.

Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing

hitch.

175

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

4x4 w/automatic transmission

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight

Engine

Rear axle ratio Maximum

Trailer weight

GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

3493 (7700)

4536 (10000)

range-kg (lbs.)

(0-Maximum)

0-1542 (0-3400)

0-2440 (0-5380)

4.0L SOHC/4.6L* 3.55

4.0L SOHC

w/Class III

Trailer Tow

Package

3.73 LS

4.6L*

3.73/3.73 LS

5262 (11600)

0-3166 (0-6980)

Notes: - For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300

meters (1000 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table

and instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer to Vehicle

loading in this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The

combined weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded

trailer must not exceed the GCWR.

*-When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and/or

on steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the

engine from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of

interior temperatures.

Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing

hitch.

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is

properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer

dealer if you require assistance.

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load

carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that

10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

176

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers

of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the

chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency

gives to you.

Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are

safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s

specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal

regulations.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your

vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough

braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the

GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your

trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or

trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking

up trailer lamps.

Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s taillamp

circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in

fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer

tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be

required.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.

• To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist

in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission section in this

chapter.

177

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside

temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate

higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed

until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to

Engine coolant temperature gauge in the Instrument cluster

chapter.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more

frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for

more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make

wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.

• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do

not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become

less effective.

• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

Launching or retrieving a boat

Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer

into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the

trailer is removed from the water.

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:

• do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of

the rear bumper.

178

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

• do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the

bottom edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:

• causing internal damage to the components.

• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.

Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in

water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed

unless a leak is suspected or repair required.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow

your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a

recreational vehicle).

These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not

damaged due to insufficient lubrication.

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) 4x2 vehicles:

This applies to all 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel drive

capability.

• Place the transmission in N (Neutral).

• Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).

• Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).

If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must

be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the

driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your

local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.

Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause

transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal

transmission components.

4x4 vehicles with electronic shift transfer case (Neutral tow kit

accessory):

On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you

to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the

ground. Contact your dealer for more details. Do not tow your vehicle

with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral tow kit as

vehicle damage may occur.

AWD vehicles:

Vehicles equipped with AWD cannot be towed with any wheels on the

ground as vehicle damage may occur.

179

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving -> TRAILER TOWING for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Related Topics

Driving

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals