Lithia Springs Ford – Can the 2026 Ford Explorer Tow Your Camper or Boat near Austell, GA?
Families around Austell count on a three-row SUV that can haul people during the week and tow toys on the weekend, and the 2026 Ford Explorer delivers that balance with confidence. At Lithia Springs Ford, our team fields towing questions every day because the Explorer’s capability is both practical and easy to use. The headline is simple: when properly equipped, every 2026 Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and Ford includes the Class III Towing package across the lineup for a seamless hook-up whether you are heading to Sweetwater Creek State Park or backing down a ramp at Lake Allatoona.
Under the hood, Explorer offers two compelling powertrains to match your towing plans. Many trims feature a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder paired to a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with available all-wheel drive for extra traction. The Explorer ST turns up the performance with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, and that extra muscle is a great fit for heavier loads or hilly routes toward North Georgia. A new Tremor trim joins the lineup for 2026 with a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires—smart hardware if your camper sits off a gravel path or you launch a boat on a slick ramp. Regardless of trim, the factory Class III Towing package makes getting on the road straightforward.
Towing confidence is about more than power and a hitch. Explorer’s factory equipment includes a receiver hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and Trailer Sway Control integrated with the vehicle’s stability systems for calm tracking at highway speeds on I-20. Visibility helps, too. The 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience provides crisp camera views to assist when lining up to the coupler, while built-in navigation and your favorite apps via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help route you around traffic in Douglasville or down to your favorite campground. Available driver-assist features such as Ford BlueCruise on select trims can reduce fatigue on long stretches, and a suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 features lends peace of mind when your family and gear are onboard.
Before you hitch up for the first trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Our advisors walk shoppers through the basics during a towing consultation so the first drive feels as easy and predictable as a Tuesday school run.
- Verify your trailer’s weight against Explorer’s 5,000-pound maximum rating.
- Check tongue weight to target about 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight.
- Set ball mount height so the trailer sits level when loaded.
- Connect safety chains in a crisscross pattern under the coupler.
- Test trailer lights and brakes before leaving your driveway.
- Distribute cargo evenly to prevent sway and maintain steering feel.
Local terrain and weather can influence your setup, so think about where you tow most often. If you frequently launch on wet ramps or travel gravel roads near Allatoona or Acworth, all-wheel drive is a smart add for traction. If your weekends mean interstate miles with a small travel trailer, rear-wheel drive provides stable, efficient cruising. Our team can help you choose a trim and drivetrain that matches your route, your load, and your passengers.
- Boat owners appreciate the Tremor’s added ground clearance on uneven approaches.
- ST-Line shoppers enjoy sporty looks while retaining the 5,000-pound rating.
- Platinum buyers can option the V-6 for extra passing power on rolling highways.
- Every 2026 Explorer includes a factory hitch and wiring for a quick, clean hook-up.
We also help with the details that matter day to day. Need a different ball size for your trailer? Curious about brake controller options for certain trailers? Want a hitch walk-through and a quick test on our lot? Our experts are here with hands-on support so your Explorer is dialed in before your first trip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer towing capacity?
When properly equipped, Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. For 2026, every Explorer includes a Class III Towing package with a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and Trailer Sway Control for added stability.
Which 2026 Explorer trim is best for towing?
All trims carry the same 5,000-pound maximum rating with the standard Class III Towing package. Choose ST for the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 if you want stronger acceleration with a heavier camper or more passengers, or pick Tremor if your setup often involves rutted paths or slick ramps. ST-Line, Active, and Platinum with the turbocharged four-cylinder still tow confidently within the same maximum rating.
Do I need all-wheel drive to tow around Austell and Metro Atlanta?
Rear-wheel drive is excellent for stable highway towing and dry conditions. All-wheel drive adds traction on wet boat ramps, gravel, or when rain rolls through on I-20. If your trips include launch ramps or unpaved campgrounds, AWD is worth considering.
What should I bring to a towing consultation at Lithia Springs Ford?
Bring your trailer’s GVWR, expected cargo weight, current ball size, and ball mount height if you have one. Our team will help verify tongue weight, check wiring, and make sure your Explorer’s setup fits your trailer before you head out.
If you are shopping near Austell, GA, Lithia Springs Ford is minutes away off I-20 on Thornton Road. We can pair you with the right 2026 Explorer, demonstrate the factory Class III Towing package in person, and fine-tune your hitch and wiring so your first tow is straightforward and stress-free. Schedule a test drive and towing walk-through today, and take advantage of our VIP Advantage for added peace of mind on every mile.
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