FORD 2013 Explorer v.1 - Manual (Page 294)

Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed from the front if proper
wheel lift equipment is used to raise the front wheels off the ground. The
rear wheels can be left on the ground when towed in this fashion.
FWD vehicles can also be towed from the rear using wheel lift
equipment; however, the front wheels must be placed on a dolly to
prevent damage to the transmission.
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles must be towed with a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment, with all the wheels off the ground, to
prevent damage to the transmission, AWD system or vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled (without access to wheel
dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration) under the following conditions:
• The vehicle is facing forward so that it is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission is placed in N (Neutral). Refer to Automatic
transmission in the Transmission chapter if you cannot move the
transmission into N (Neutral).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
towing earlier in this section.
294 Towing
2013 Explorer (exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)