If you have a Ford Explorer and consider changing the camper soon, here is some information to help you. Checking which trailers are the most suitable for your needs and knowing basic metrics will let you drive safely and legally.

2019 Ford Explorers can tow vans of up to 2,000 - 5,000 pounds, while 2020 Explorers have additional 600 pounds available. However, towing capacity varies significantly due to the engine types and whether your car has FWD or 4WD system. Please note that not all Explorers have a towing package, so you may need to buy it additionally. At first sight, the towing capacity of your Ford Explorer means the total weight of the trailer you hitch to it. However, there are some details that you need to know before you buy a new camper.

How Much to Load

The simple rule is that your Ford’s towing capacity should not exceed the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of your trailer. The ATM is equal to the weight of your completely loaded van when it stands separately on the ground. This weight includes passengers, cargo, and the fluids in all completed tanks. So, if the ATM of the trailer you choose is close to the maximum towing capacity of your Explorer, you’d better consider a lighter track. You need to remember that your trailer passes about 10% of its weight (called Tow Ball Mass - TBM) once coupled with your Ford Explorer. And here, you should be aware of your Ford’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) allowed. 

The GVM consists of the dry weight (or curb weight - KW) of your Ford and a payload. KW includes the fuel and oil tanks gassed up and the driver’s mass, while the payload number consists of all other passengers, luggage, tuning equipment, and TBM weights. To keep it simple, just add 10% of your loaded truck mass to the laden Ford’s mass, and keep this number lower than your Ford’s model allows.

Types of Trailers

Here are the types of campers that your Explorer can handle. Pop-up trailers are among the lightest ones weighing up to 4,000 pounds. The compact tent is only several feet tall, but there is enough space to walk and sleep in once you pop it up. You should always have sleeping bags or warm blankets there and keep an eye on some national parks’ requirements. Pop-up trailers may be restricted to protect you from the local wildlife.

Hybrid trailers can weigh up to 5,000 lbs, and they include cooking and dining areas and a bathroom in a hard shell. Popping out queen size beds make them hybrid.

Teardrop trailers are the smallest ones, and their weight starts from 520 lbs. They are so light because they offer only a sleeping area and sometimes an outdoor cooking counter.

The Travel trailer’s weight lies between 1,000 lbs and 12,000 lbs, and this is what we mean by “a camper.” This one boasts a hard shell, has a kitchen, a toilet, and a full-size sleeping area.