2004 Ford Explorer towing capacity

The 2004 Ford Explorer is published in 32 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 5,400 to 7,160 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (7,160 lb) sits in mid-size SUV / pickup territory.

The table below lists every trim of the 2004 Ford Explorer 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

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 2003

The 2003 Ford Explorer carried a maximum tow rating of 7,300 lb. The 2004 model is rated 140 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2003 Ford Explorer page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2004 Ford models

The rest of Ford's 2004 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

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.