FORD 2009 Explorer v.1 - Manual (Page 337)

WRECKER TOWING
Note: Turn off the power running boards (if equipped) prior to
preparing the vehicle for towing. Refer to Running boards in the Driver
Controls chapter.
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, refer to Automatic transmission
operation in the Driving chapter for directions on how to move the
gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position, for proper towing.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
2009 Explorer (exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
337