Ford Explorer: Towing / Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels

Emergency Towing

WARNING: If your vehicle has a steering wheel lock make sure the ignition is in the accessory or on position when being towed.

If your vehicle becomes inoperable without access to wheel dollies or a vehicle transport trailer, it can be flat-towed with all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission configuration, under the following conditions:

• Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
• Refer to the Manual Park Release procedure. See Automatic Transmission. Failing to do so may result in damage to the transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).

Recreational Towing

You cannot recreational tow your vehicle with all wheels on the ground because vehicle or transmission damage may occur. We recommend towing your vehicle with all four wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.