Towing weight limit without trailer brakes 2010 XLT 4.0

[nasmeyer]

I have easily pulled my utility trailer with an ATV with my 2010 Explorer XLT 4.0. The trailer and ATV weigh in around 1800 pounds. Normal braking isn't a problem, and haven't had to try an emergency stop yet. I was wondering what the towing limit is without trailer brakes for my Explorer? I'm sure the 5000 limit I have found online for the class III/V requires trailer brakes.

 

[michael loibl]

I’m not sure what the official ford limit without brakes is, but I can share personal experience with my 2006 V6.

I bought my camper used about 60 miles east of home on Long Island in NY. At the time, I did not yet own a brake controller, and the most I had towed with explorer was my utility trailer maybe 1,300 pounds loaded.

The camper weighed 2,800 pounds empty, and it towed very well on the ride home, but I was extra careful.

That weekend, we decided to try it out at a campground, so I asked my wife to pick a local one and reserve it. The brake controller I ordered had not arrived yet, and wife informed me the site she booked was off exit 2 of the NJ Turnpike...110 miles away. Despite now weighing approximately 3,500 pounds, plus 5 people, food and bags, the explorer handled it fine, including 2 sudden stops.

Not suggesting you take unnecessary risks, but the truck was stable without trailer brakes

 

[Explorer_PL]

I towed an enclosed 6 x12 trailer weighing 3-3.5k lbs many times with our v6 before I put the controller on it.
The trailer does not have brakes anyway so that does not matter.
The truck handled it with no problems, just like Michael above said.
The other trailer we tow is a 7k one with electric brakes and 2 axles, and we use the v8 one for that primarily, but few times the v6 pulled it fine as well - it was not loaded fully, maybe 3-3.5k again.
Explorers' brakes do pretty good job.

 

[CoopakayakWI]

I towed a trailer around 3000 lbs 60 miles to and from without trailer brakes hooked up and the Explorer pulled and braked fine for me.

 

[07EddyB]

I'm glad all of you have such great brakes. I've had the dealer replace the master cylinder and do a flush under warranty. Since then I've replaced all the pads and rotors and my Ex still doesn't have what I would describe as great brakes.

As I recall, it's a common complaint here.

I have a single axle utility trailer that weighs about 800. I've had it up to the the 3200# or so weight rating on the axle and the Ex definitely shows it's weakness in the braking category. Don't get me wrong - it will stop - but the brakes are a weak point to begin with so having a fully loaded trailer doesn't help.
It's common sense that a trailer without brakes is going to put more stress on the vehicle brakes. And if they aren't that great to begin with then....