FORD 2004 Explorer v.2 - Manual (Page 175)

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
4x2
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)
Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)
4.0L SOHC/4.6L*
Class II towing 3.55 3493 (7700) 0-1479 (0-3260)
4.0L SOHC Class
III/IV towing 3.73 LS 4645 (10240) 0–2622 (0-5780)
4.6L* Class III/IV
towing 3.73/3.73 LS 5262 (11600) 0-3239 (0-7140)
Notes: - For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300
meters (1000 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table
and instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer to Vehicle
loading in this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The
combined weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
*-When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and
on steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the
engine from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of
interior temperatures.
Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
2004 Explorer (exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
175