1997 Ford Explorer Two-Door 4x2 towing capacity
The 1997 Ford Explorer Two-Door 4x2 is published in one configuration with a tow rating of 5,000 lb (mid-size SUV / pickup territory).
The table below lists every trim of the 1997 Ford Explorer Two-Door 4x2 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 V-6 | 4.0 V-6 | — | — | — | 5,000 | — | — | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 1996
The 1996 Ford Explorer Two-Door 4x2 carried a maximum tow rating of 5,100 lb. The 1997 model is rated 100 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 1996 Ford Explorer Two-Door 4x2 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 1997 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 1997 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1997 Ford Econoline E350 Cargo | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F250 Crew CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F350 Crew CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F350 Regular CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F350 Super CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford Club Wagon | 10,000 |
Notes
- Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio.
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.