Can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow your family boat or camper near Brighton, MI?

Lasco Ford - Can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow your family boat or camper near Brighton, MI?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is engineered to make weekend towing simple and confidence-inspiring for families around Brighton, MI. Rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, every 2026 Explorer includes a factory Class III Towing Package with a hitch, trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system. That means you start with the hardware you need right from the showroom, and our team at Lasco Ford, serving Hartland, Howell, and Holly, can help you match the engine and drivetrain combinations that best support your plans.

Under the hood, Explorer offers two compelling powertrains: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, and an available twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. (power figures dependent on premium fuel). A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, Rear-Wheel Drive is standard, and All-Wheel Drive is available. Ride and handling are composed and predictable across the lineup, while the Explorer ST’s added power brings effortless passing and highway merging with a trailer in tow. If you are planning to tow in mixed weather or on unpaved approaches to the campsite or boat launch, our consultants can walk you through whether AWD or specific trims make sense for your route.

To help you visualize real-world scenarios, these are common items Explorer shoppers near Brighton, MI successfully tow within the 5,000-pound maximum when properly equipped and loaded:

• Pop-up campers and teardrops: Lightweight camping setups that keep family trips flexible and easy to maneuver.
• Small travel trailers: Many single-axle models designed for couples and small families fall at or under this rating.
• Aluminum fishing boats: Typical 16 to 18-foot aluminum rigs on single-axle trailers for inland lakes and rivers.
• Personal watercraft: A pair of PWC on a shared trailer for summer fun at local launches.
• Utility and cargo trailers: Garden equipment, DIY supplies, or seasonal storage needs.
• Snowmobiles or ATVs: A small enclosed or open trailer for winter weekends up north.

Preparation and setup are just as important as capability. Before you hitch up around Brighton, use the simple checklist below to keep towing smooth and predictable.

1. Confirm ratings: Review the Explorer’s maximum tow rating and your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in the owner’s manuals.
2. Balance the load: Distribute cargo so tongue weight and axle loads stay within recommended limits for stability.
3. Inspect connections: Verify the hitch pin, coupler latch, safety chains, and wiring plug are secure and functioning.
4. Check lights and brakes: Test running lights, turn signals, and brake lights; confirm trailer brakes if equipped.
5. Set mirrors and plan stops: Adjust mirrors for clear sightlines and account for extra space and time when braking.
6. Monitor sway: The trailer sway control system helps, and smooth steering inputs calm minor oscillations.

Trim choice can tailor your towing experience. New for 2026, Explorer Tremor adds a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and special 18-inch wheels—useful for muddy or rutted launch areas and primitive campsites. If your driving is mostly highway with occasional state-park duty, an ST-Line or Platinum with the 2.3-liter engine offers strong performance and standard tech, while the ST’s 400-horsepower V-6 is ideal for those who value added punch with a trailer or a full cabin.

Inside, the 2026 Explorer supports road-trip comfort with a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience. Standard connectivity enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through compatible devices, with available Bang & Olufsen audio on most trims. For families juggling cargo and passengers, the third row folds flat when not in use; there is space for everyday gear behind the seats, and considerable room with the second and third rows folded, so coolers, tackle boxes, or camping totes find a secure spot inside.

Safety and driver-assistance features come standard, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, plus lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. These systems provide added reassurance when you are towing on US-23 or navigating weekend traffic near Kensington Metropark boat launches. Our team can also demonstrate how these features work around a trailer and help you set up your mirrors and connections for a confident first tow.

From selecting the right engine and drivetrain to confirming trailer compatibility, our advisors at Lasco Ford will align your Explorer to your weekend plans around Brighton, MI. We can also schedule a test drive route that mirrors your typical roads, talk through loading best practices, and ensure your hitch, wiring, and trailer lights are ready before you head out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is 5,000 pounds enough to tow my boat or camper?

For many pop-ups, teardrops, smaller single-axle travel trailers, aluminum fishing boats, and personal watercraft trailers, yes—5,000 pounds covers typical real-world setups when properly equipped and loaded. Always verify your trailer’s GVWR and actual loaded weight before you tow.

Which engine should I choose for towing?

The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque and handles many family campers and boats confidently. If you want extra acceleration on grades or routinely tow near the upper range, the Explorer ST’s 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 offers greater performance headroom.

Do I need All-Wheel Drive to tow around Brighton?

Rear-Wheel Drive is standard and capable for paved routes. All-Wheel Drive can add traction for wet ramps, gravel campground roads, and winter driving common in Michigan. Our team will recommend a setup based on where you tow and the surfaces you drive.

What towing equipment comes standard on the 2026 Explorer?

Every 2026 Explorer includes a Class III Towing Package with a hitch, trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system. We can test your connections at delivery and review safe towing practices before you leave.

If you are ready to see how the 2026 Ford Explorer fits your towing plans near Brighton, MI, our team at Lasco Ford is here to help. Visit us in Fenton for a personalized walkaround and a towing consultation tailored to your boat, camper, or weekend gear.

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