Herman Motor Company – Can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow my camper or boat near Adrian, MN?
The short answer is that the 2026 Ford Explorer is built to handle weekend toys with confidence around Adrian, MN. At Herman Motor Company, we help many families match the Explorer to their boat, pop-up, or compact travel trailer. With a composed ride, flexible powertrains, standard towing hardware, and smart driver-assistance features, the 2026 Explorer delivers the capability and day-to-day comfort shoppers expect in a three-row SUV.
Every 2026 Explorer is engineered for confident towing, whether you choose the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four or the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. The 2.3-liter is rated at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the available 3.0-liter V-6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet—power figures are dependent on premium fuel. A 10-speed automatic is standard, rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Crucially for in-market shoppers, the maximum towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and the included hardware makes it straightforward to get on the road.
Here is what makes the 2026 Explorer such a practical choice for towing around Rock County and beyond:
- Max towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Standard towing equipment: Class III Towing package with hitch, trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
- Powertrain choices: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four (300 hp/310 lb-ft) or available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 (400 hp/415 lb-ft), with a 10-speed automatic.
- Drivetrain options: Rear-wheel drive is standard; available all-wheel drive adds traction for gravel roads and winter commutes around Rock County.
- Driver-assistance confidence: Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist support confident towing.
What fits within that 5,000-pound capability for drivers near Adrian, MN? Many single-axle fishing boats, smaller fiberglass runabouts, compact travel trailers, lightweight cargo or utility trailers, and two-place snowmobile or ATV trailers often land in range when loaded correctly. Always base your decision on your trailer’s actual loaded weight, not just the brochure figure, and ensure hitch, tongue weight, and tire pressures align with guidance in the vehicle’s owner’s manual and your trailer documentation. If your setup uses electric trailer brakes, a compatible brake controller and proper calibration are important for smooth stopping.
To make your choice even easier, consider this quick plan to set up your Explorer for towing success around Adrian and Luverne:
- Confirm true trailer weight: Verify loaded trailer and tongue weight comply with the Explorer ratings in the owner’s manual.
- Choose your drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive is excellent for highway stability; all-wheel drive is a smart pick for gravel, boat ramps, and winter traction.
- Select an engine: Both engines can tow up to 5,000 pounds; the V-6 offers more reserve for passing and hill climbs with heavier loads.
- Prep your gear: Inspect trailer tires and lights, secure cargo, and if your trailer has electric brakes, install and calibrate a compatible brake controller.
- Test and learn: Practice low-speed maneuvers and braking with your trailer attached before heading out on I-90 or to your favorite lake.
Shoppers who enjoy unpaved access roads will want to take a look at the new Explorer Tremor. It adds a lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and special 18-inch wheels. While the tow rating remains up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, the Tremor’s added traction hardware can help when launching at less-than-ideal ramps or navigating rutted access points common in Southwest Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
The maximum towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Every 2026 Explorer includes a Class III Towing package with a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system, so you are set up from day one.
Does the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 increase the tow rating?
No. Both the 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four and the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V-6 delivers extra acceleration and reserve power when pulling near the upper end of the rating or at higher elevations.
Is all-wheel drive required to tow near Adrian, MN?
All-wheel drive is not required, but it is helpful for traction on gravel, wet boat ramps, and winter roads. Rear-wheel drive is standard and provides stable highway manners; choose all-wheel drive if your routine includes variable surfaces or frequent winter towing.
Which trims are best if I plan to tow and explore dirt roads?
All trims—Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST—include the Class III Towing package. If you expect unpaved travel, the Tremor’s lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires add confidence, while ST-Line and Platinum provide added comfort and tech for long-haul towing.
At Herman Motor Company in Luverne, we make towing straightforward for shoppers coming from Adrian and the surrounding communities. Our team can walk you through engine and drivetrain choices, demonstrate hitch and wiring connections, and help you confirm that your trailer setup aligns with the Explorer’s capabilities. Contact us to schedule a test drive and a towing consultation—our goal is to help you feel fully prepared for your next weekend away.
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