RVs That Fit Your Truck
These all fall within your safe towing range of 4,000 lbs (we use 80% of max to give you breathing room)
15.7 MPG 2018 Forest River RV Cherokee 304r
1,100 lbs
8
35' 9"
15.7 MPG 2020 Jayco Hummingbird 10rk
2,000 lbs
2
12' 11"
15.7 MPG 2019 Jayco Hummingbird 10rk
2,000 lbs
2
13'
15.7 MPG 2018 Jayco Hummingbird 10rk
2,000 lbs
2
13'
15.5 MPG 2024 Forest River RV Viking 9000 9000rok
2,180 lbs
2
14' 2"
15.5 MPG 2024 Coachmen RV Clipper 9000 9000rok
2,180 lbs
2
14' 2"
15.5 MPG 2025 Coachmen RV Clipper Rok 9000rok
2,180 lbs
2
14' 4"
15.5 MPG 2024 inTech RV Flyer Pursue
2,200 lbs
2
13' 9"
15.5 MPG 2024 inTech RV Flyer Chase
2,200 lbs
2
12' 5"
15.5 MPG 2022 inTech RV Flyer Pursue
2,200 lbs
2
13' 9"
15.6 MPG 2014 Forest River RV Wildwood Heritage Glen F276rk
1,176 lbs
6
34' 3"
15.1 MPG 2014 Forest River RV Sierra 375rks
1,550 lbs
2
41' 11"
14.4 MPG 2021 Dutchmen Astoria Platinum-3803flp
2,362 lbs
6
42' 5"
13.7 MPG 2017 Keystone RV Montana High Country 293rk
3,500 lbs
4
34' 6"
13.2 MPG 2019 Keystone RV Cougar 361rlw
3,980 lbs
6
39' 4"
13.6 MPG 2015 Heartland Torque Tq-270-hg
1,300 lbs
6
36' 2"
11.9 MPG 2014 Jayco Jay Sport 10fd
2,350 lbs
7
20' 11"
11.9 MPG 2013 Jayco Jay Sport 10fd
2,350 lbs
7
20' 11"
11.9 MPG 2012 Jayco Jay Sport 10fd
2,350 lbs
7
20' 11"
11.9 MPG 2008 Forest River RV Flagstaff Mac Br23sc
2,382 lbs
6
11.9 MPG 2008 Forest River RV Flagstaff Mac 206bh
2,383 lbs
6
20' 3"
11.9 MPG 2008 Forest River RV Rockwood Freedom 1920bh
2,383 lbs
6
20' 3"
11.8 MPG 2015 Livin Lite Realtree Basecamp
2,400 lbs
4
20' 3"
11.8 MPG 2015 Starcraft RV Comet 1021
2,450 lbs
6
20' 9"
11.8 MPG 2014 Starcraft RV Comet 1021
2,450 lbs
6
20' 11"
14.1 MPG 2012 Aliner Alite Base
1,000 lbs
2
9' 5"
13.8 MPG 2018 Livin Lite Quicksilver 6-0
1,200 lbs
3
10'
13.8 MPG 2016 Livin Lite Quicksilver 6-0
1,200 lbs
3
10'
13.8 MPG 2015 Livin Lite Quicksilver 6-0
1,200 lbs
4
10'
13.8 MPG 2014 Livin Lite Quicksilver 6-0
1,200 lbs
4
10'
13.8 MPG 2013 Livin Lite Quicksilver 6-0
1,200 lbs
4
10'
13.7 MPG 2019 Coachmen RV Clipper Express 9-0td
1,273 lbs
2
9'
13.7 MPG 2019 Coachmen RV Clipper Express 9-0
1,273 lbs
2
9'
13.7 MPG 2019 Coachmen RV Viking Express 9-0td
1,273 lbs
2
9'
13.7 MPG 2019 Coachmen RV Viking Express 9-0
1,273 lbs
2
9'
Recommended Towing Gear
Equipment recommended for 5,000 lbs towing capacity
Specifications
Max Towing Capacity
5,000 lbs
Max Payload
0 lbs
GVWR
0 lbs
GCWR
0 lbs
Curb Weight
4,557 lbs
Hitch Class
Class III
Cargo Capacity
21 cu ft
Engine
3.5L
Horsepower
290 HP @ 6500 rpm
Torque
255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular unleaded
Fuel Tank
18.6 gallons
Length
197.1"
Width
78.9"
Height
70.4"
Ground Clearance
7.6"
Other 2012 Ford Explorer Configurations
View All Trims →| Configuration | Max Towing | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD | 5,600 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD | 5,600 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer ST AWD | 5,600 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer ST RWD | 5,600 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD | 5,300 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer Active AWD | 5,300 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line RWD | 5,300 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line AWD | 5,300 lbs | 19.1 mpg | → |
| 2024 Ford Explorer King Ranch RWD | 5,600 lbs | 21.2 mpg | → |
| 2024 Ford Explorer King Ranch AWD | 5,600 lbs | 21.2 mpg | → |
Common Questions
How much can I actually tow with my 2012 Ford Explorer XLT?
Your 2012 Ford Explorer XLT can tow up to 5,000 lbs according to the manufacturer. But here's our advice: stay around 80% of that (about 4,000 lbs) for a much better towing experience. You'll have room for hills, headwinds, and those unexpected moments on the road.
What about payload — how much stuff can I put in the truck?
You've got 0 lbs of payload capacity. That's everything that goes IN your truck: passengers, camping gear, coolers, and don't forget — the tongue weight from your trailer counts too. It adds up faster than you'd think!
What kind of hitch do I need?
For your 5,000 lbs towing capacity, you'll want a Class III hitch. Make sure whatever hitch you buy is rated for the weight you're actually planning to tow — not just the minimum. A little overkill on the hitch is always better than not enough.
What types of RVs will work with my truck?
With your 4,000 lbs safe towing capacity, you're looking at most travel trailers and slide-in campers. We've put together a list of compatible RVs above — take a look and see what catches your eye.
What does GVWR mean and why should I care?
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — yours is 0 lbs. Think of it as the maximum your truck can weigh when it's fully loaded with people, gear, fuel, everything. Exceed it and you're putting extra stress on your brakes, suspension, and tires. Not worth the risk.
