Quality Auto Mall – Can the 2026 Ford Explorer Tow My Boat or Camper near Clifton, NJ?
The answer is confidence-inspiring: the 2026 Ford Explorer is built to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a versatile partner for weekend escapes from Clifton to the Jersey Shore or up to Lake Hopatcong. At Quality Auto Mall, our team helps shoppers match the right Explorer configuration to the right trailer, so you enjoy smooth, secure towing without guesswork.
Every 2026 Explorer includes a Class III Towing package with a factory hitch, an integrated trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control. Pair that with the Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive architecture and 10-speed automatic transmission, and you get steady composure whether you’re hauling a lightweight camper, a pair of personal watercraft, or a small boat and gear. You can choose from two engines to suit your driving style: a lively 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower or the ST’s twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 delivering 400 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available across the lineup for added traction when launching at a slippery ramp or pulling away on snow-dusted North Jersey roads.
If you are wondering what “5,000 pounds” looks like in the real world, here are common setups many Clifton area drivers tow with confidence. Keep in mind that your actual capacity depends on your specific vehicle’s equipment and your trailer’s weight when loaded with fuel, water, and gear.
- Small boat and trailer: Aluminum fishing rigs, lightweight bowriders, or center consoles within the rating
- Compact travel trailers: Many single-axle campers that remain under the limit when fully packed
- Pair of PWCs: Two personal watercraft on a tandem trailer with accessories
- Utility or cargo trailer: Home improvement supplies, landscaping gear, or motorcycles
To get the most out of your Explorer’s capability, a methodical setup matters. The checklist below is what our advisors review with new owners before their first trip, and it’s a great habit to follow before every tow near Clifton, NJ.
- Confirm ratings: Verify your trailer’s loaded weight and tongue weight, and review the Explorer’s labels and Owner’s Manual to ensure you are within all limits
- Balance the load: Aim for about 10–15 percent of total trailer weight on the hitch and keep heavy items centered and low between the axles
- Check connections: Inspect the coupler latch, safety chains, breakaway cable where applicable, and plug in the wiring harness
- Test lighting: Confirm brake lights, turn signals, and running lights function properly before driving
- Set tire pressures: Inflate both vehicle and trailer tires to their recommended pressures, including the spare
- Plan your route: Favor routes like Route 3, Route 46, or the Garden State Parkway with steady speeds and wide shoulders, and allow extra distance for braking
Technology adds confidence, too. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360® features such as forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist support awareness when you are managing extra length and weight. Trailer sway control—standard with the Class III Towing package—can apply selective braking to help counteract oscillation. Select trims also offer BlueCruise™ hands-free highway driving on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones; always consult the Owner’s Manual for feature availability and limitations when towing, and remain attentive at all times.
Choosing the right trim is straightforward. Many shoppers near Clifton gravitate to the Explorer ST-Line for its balanced feature set and available advanced driver-assist options. Drivers who want maximum on-ramp punch love the ST and its 400-hp EcoBoost V6. If your plans include gravel launches or unpaved access roads to North Jersey lakes and campsites, the new Tremor brings a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires—useful hardware with the same 5,000-pound max rating when properly equipped.
Ready to personalize your towing setup? Our Ford-trained team can walk you through brake-controller options for trailers equipped with electric brakes, demonstrate safe hitching procedures, and review loading best practices. From there, schedule a test drive at Quality Auto Mall in Rutherford—minutes from Clifton—so you can feel the Explorer’s stability, visibility, and power before your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need all-wheel drive for towing around Clifton, NJ?
All-wheel drive is not required for the 5,000-pound rating, but it is a smart choice for traction on wet ramps, gravel lots, or in winter weather. Rear-wheel drive remains confident on dry pavement and is standard across the lineup; AWD adds assurance when surface grip is variable.
What tongue weight should I target with the 2026 Explorer?
A good rule of thumb is 10–15 percent of the trailer’s loaded weight on the hitch. Staying in that range helps reduce sway and improves steering stability. Always confirm your specific hitch and vehicle limits in the Owner’s Manual and avoid exceeding any rating.
Is a trailer brake controller necessary?
Many travel trailers and some boat trailers use electric brakes, which perform best with a brake controller. The Explorer’s integrated wiring supports a controller—our service team can review options and install one if your trailer requires it. Always follow New Jersey regulations regarding trailer brakes and equipment.
Can I use BlueCruise™ while towing?
BlueCruise™ is available on select trims and operates on prequalified Hands-Free Blue Zones. Towing may affect feature operation or availability—always review the Owner’s Manual for guidance, remain attentive, and keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road when conditions demand.
Our goal at Quality Auto Mall is to make towing feel simple and safe from day one. Visit us near Clifton, NJ to explore 2026 Ford Explorer models, review towing gear, and take a customized test drive that reflects how you plan to use your SUV on North Jersey roads.
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