Ford F-150 5th wheel towing capacity (2022)

The Ford F-150 is perhaps the most popular half-ton truck for towing. It was introduced in1975 and is now in its 14th generation.

But can it tow a 5th wheel?

Yes…. but… it’s complicated.

There are a dizzying range of variation on the truck and so navigating the 5th wheel tow capacity can be tricky. The good news is that we have turned Ford’s complex pdf into a much simpler (and searchable) table.

Main factors that impact towing

When we dive into the main table below you will see that there are many different factors that impact how much the modern F-150 can tow. The main factors are:

Engine
Axle Ratio
Cab (Regular / Supercab / Supercrew)
Whether it has the max trailer tow package installed

But there are a number of other factors to consider:

2WD / 4WD
Wheelebase
Whether the payload package is installed

To find out the details of your own truck you may need to consult the window sticker, the driver’s door jamb sticker, the owner’s manual or Ford’s website.

Additional factors for 5th wheel towing

There are a couple of additional considerations that Ford raises if you are considering towing a 5th wheel.

Tailgate clearance

When towing a 5th wheel Ford specify that the maximum tailgate height should be 58.3″. They define the maximum tailgate height as the distance from the ground to the top of the closed tailgate lip at base curb weight. This height will vary by model and options, and tire size. So there is no good way to find this number other than actually measuring the distance on your truck.

Raptor and Lightning

Ford do not recommend towing a 5th wheel with a Raptor of Lightning models.

Short-box models

If your model has a box length of 5.5′ box – this is the Supercrew models with the 145.4′ wheelbase – then Ford warns that these boxes will accept a 5th wheel hitch, but most 5th wheel trailers will not be compatible with these models.

What total 5th wheel weight can a Ford F-150 tow?

Perhaps the main issue to consider is the engine, and the Ford F-150 comes in six standard engines. Note this is for model year 2022 and not including the new Lightning F-150 electric truck since that is not recommended by Ford for towing a 5th wheel.

3.3L PFDI V6
5.0L 4-Valve V8
3.0L Turbo 3.31 Diesel V6
2.7L GTDI V6 (EcoBoost)
3.5L GTDI V6 (EcoBoost)
3.5L Hybrid V6

However, it’s not just the engine that’s important, you will want to consider the other factors we highlighted above.

One way to figure out the towing capacity of your truck is to check on Ford’s PDF of towing capability. But it’s pretty complex – see below! That’s a complicated table with many footnotes.

If only there was a simpler format?

We got you bud! We’ve converted this into a much more straightforward and easily searchable table.

Table of 5th wheel tow ratings

The table below gives all the different F-150 configurations, with one vehicle per row. The last two columns give the max Tow Rating and GCWR of the applicable vehicle.

Engine	Axle Ratio	Cab	4WD	Wheelbase	Max Trailer Tow package (53C)	HD Payload Package (627)	2.7L EcoBoost Payload package (622)	Tow Rating	GCWR
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	122.8				5000	9500
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				5000	9600
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				5000	9800
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				5000	9900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				5000	10000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8200	12700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8200	12800
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8100	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8000	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8100	13000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8000	13000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8100	13200
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8200	13400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	122.8				8300	13100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	122.8				8100	13200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				9800	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				9500	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				9500	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9300	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				9200	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				9700	14900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9500	14900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9400	14900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				9100	13900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				9000	14600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				10300	15300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10400	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10300	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10300	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				10500	15700
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				10500	15700
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10300	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10200	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	15900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1				10400	15900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10700	17700
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			12000	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4	Yes			11100	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			11700	18000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5		Yes		13000	18100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				12000	18100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1		Yes		11800	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2		Yes		11400	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5		Yes		13000	18300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1		Yes		13000	18400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			10800	18400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			10700	18400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes			11100	18500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2		Yes		13000	18500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1		Yes		12900	18600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2		Yes		12900	18700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	122.8				7500	12200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				7500	12300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				7600	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				7600	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				7700	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				7600	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				7500	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				7700	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				7800	12900
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				7600	13000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8500	13200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8500	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8000	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8400	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8100	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8000	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5			Yes	10000	14900
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4			Yes	9900	15000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5			Yes	9900	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1			Yes	9900	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4			Yes	9900	15200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2			Yes	10000	15200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4			Yes	10000	15400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4			Yes	10000	15500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10100	16300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9500	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10800	16700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9800	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10100	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9700	16900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10100	16300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9500	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10800	16700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9800	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10100	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9700	16900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10100	17600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			9900	17700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			13000	18000
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			11700	18000
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			11100	19300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes			10900	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			10800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			9800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			10100	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes			9700	19500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			9000	17100
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes	Yes		13300	18500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes	Yes		13000	18500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes	Yes		13900	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes	Yes		13800	19500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes	Yes		14000	19500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes	Yes		13700	19500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				10200	16800
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			10200	18500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10400	16900
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			10400	18500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8500	17100
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			8500	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				8300	17100
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			8300	18400

Example
Suppose you want to search for all the 5.0L Supercrew models with the Max Trailer Towing Package and find their Tow Rating. In the search bar in the top right of the table simply type “5.0L Supercrew”.
Then click the up/down arrows at the top of the Max Trailer column. This will order the column so you see two truck models at the top of the table with “Yes”.
Both these models are 4×4 and the towing rating of 10,700 and 10,800 differs by the wheelbase.
Embed from Getty Images

Gross vehicle weight rating of the F-150

We will come back to the 5th wheel trailer shortly. However one key check you need to make is that the weight of the F-150’s cargo does not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Warning when towing a 5th wheel trailer
Make sure that you account for the load weight of the trailer king pin on the bed of the truck. This load will count against your payload along with luggage, passenger and option weight. This is likely to be your single most limiting factor in using a F-150 to two a 5th wheel trailer

When you’re towing you don’t have an empty truck. You need to consider the weights of the;

Driver,
A tank of gas and other vehicle fluids,
Other passengers,
Specific vehicle options,
Passengers,
Any stuff that you might have in the vehicle.

None of this is in the trailer but it’s important to note that it does count towards the GVWR.

The GVWR of a F-150 varies between 6,010lbs and 7,850lbs. However it really depends on what options are installed, and in particular whether you have the Heavy Duty Payload Package (code 627) installed. The only real way to find this out is to look at your vehicle’s safety compliance sticker on the driver’s door jamb. If you are shopping for a truck then it’s recommended that you ask the dealer to send you a photo of this sticker so you can see the precise GVWR.

How to check your F-150 is not overloaded

You need to either weigh your fully laden truck on a CAT scale or estimate the total weight.

To estimate the laden weight you need the weight of the empty vehicle from the manufacturer (curb weight) plus an estimate the weight of the people and cargo. In addition your will have some weight from your 5th wheel through the king pin weight (more on this below). You can assume that the king pin weight is 15% of the gross trailer weight.

What is the curb weight of a F-150?

An empty F-150 is measured by the manufacturer as the curb weight.

The US EPA defines the curb weight as the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids, but not including options, driver, passengers or cargo. Your vehicle will have different options and will have a driver, passengers and cargo. So what do you do?

The curb weight of an F-150 depends on the engine, the cab size and whether it is 4×2 or 4×4. The curb weights vary between 4,021lbs and 5,540lbs. The best place to find the weight of your vehicle is to look on the sticker on the driver’s door jamb.

You can then use our calculator with the curb weight and add the weight of passengers and cargo plus the weight of your trailer to ensure it is within the GVWR shown above.

Are we done?

Not quite! We now need to check the combined weight of the truck and the trailer.

Gross combined vehicle weight

There are a few constraints to consider when towing a trailer. First you need to establish whether your trailer and its contents are within limits.

Embed from Getty Images

What is the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the F-150?

The GCWR is the total allowable weight of the empty F-150, its cargo and the weight of the trailer. It’s the weight of the whole kit and caboodle.

The following table details the GCWR of the F-150 in the final column.

Table of gross combined weight ratings for the F-150

Engine	Axle Ratio	Cab	4WD	Wheelbase	Max Trailer Tow package (53C)	HD Payload Package (627)	2.7L EcoBoost Payload package (622)	Tow Rating	GCWR
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	122.8				5000	9500
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				5000	9600
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				5000	9800
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				5000	9900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				5000	10000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8200	12700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8200	12800
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8100	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8000	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8100	13000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8000	13000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8100	13200
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8200	13400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	122.8				8300	13100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	122.8				8100	13200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				9800	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				9500	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				9500	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9300	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				9200	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				9700	14900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9500	14900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9400	14900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				9100	13900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				9000	14600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				10300	15300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10400	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10300	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10300	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				10500	15700
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				10500	15700
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10300	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10200	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	15900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1				10400	15900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10700	17700
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			12000	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4	Yes			11100	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			11700	18000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5		Yes		13000	18100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				12000	18100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1		Yes		11800	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2		Yes		11400	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5		Yes		13000	18300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1		Yes		13000	18400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			10800	18400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			10700	18400
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes			11100	18500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2		Yes		13000	18500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1		Yes		12900	18600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2		Yes		12900	18700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	122.8				7500	12200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				7500	12300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				7600	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				7600	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				7700	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				7600	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				7500	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				7700	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				7800	12900
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				7600	13000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8500	13200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8500	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8000	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8400	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8100	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				8300	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8000	13400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5			Yes	10000	14900
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4			Yes	9900	15000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5			Yes	9900	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1			Yes	9900	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4			Yes	9900	15200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2			Yes	10000	15200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4			Yes	10000	15400
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4			Yes	10000	15500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10100	16300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9500	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10800	16700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9800	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10100	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9700	16900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10100	16300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9500	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9900	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10800	16700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9800	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10100	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9700	16900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10100	17600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			9900	17700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			13000	18000
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			11700	18000
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			11100	19300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes			10900	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			10800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			9800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			10100	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes			9700	19500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			9000	17100
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes	Yes		13300	18500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes	Yes		13000	18500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes	Yes		13900	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes	Yes		13800	19500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes	Yes		14000	19500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes	Yes		13700	19500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				10200	16800
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			10200	18500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10400	16900
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			10400	18500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8500	17100
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			8500	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				8300	17100
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			8300	18400

Example
Suppose you have a 3.5L EcoBoost, supercab, 4×4. In the search bar at the top of the table type “3.5L supercab 4×4”.
You will see seven vehicle options with a GCWR ranging from 16,600lbs to 19,500lbs. The final GCWR depends then on what axle ratio and the towing package.

Want to be kept up-to-date on developments on this site? Use the signup for occasional emails. We hate spam and you email is safe with us!

[mc4wp_form id=”156″]

What is the maximum king pin weight of a F-150?

When you are towing a trailer the weight of that trailer gets transmitted down through two places – the axle and wheels of the trailer and the hitch between the trailer and your F-150.

You need to ensure that there is not too much weight being transmitted through the pin. For a 5th wheel Ford recommends 15% of the trailer weight. So if your trailer weights 8,000lbs, then the pin weight should be 1,200lbs. As per the warning above, this is going to seriously limit your payload capacity, and is likely to be the main limiting factor in using a F-150 to tow a 5th wheel.

How should I measure 5th wheel king pin weight?

You have three options to measure the king pin from your 5th wheel.

Use a specialized tongue weight scale such as a Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scale
Weigh your vehicle and trailer on a CAT scale
Estimate the king pin weight

Option 1 is best, followed by 2. However let’s look at option 3.

Your trailer’s manufacturer will usually provide an indication of the hitch weight. Note that this is an estimate since not all the weight of your cargo will be transmitted through the hitch, so adding 100% of the weight to your king pin weight will over-estimate it.

King pin weight rule of thumb

For recommends that 15% of the gross trailer weight (dry weight plus the weight of the cargo) is the king pin weight. This ensures optimum load carrying and sway control performance.

Example
Suppose you have calculated your gross trailer weight as 8,000 lb. The ideal ling pin load is 15% of this amount. This would be 1,200 lbs.

Adjusting king pin weight

You have two main methods to adjust king pin weight;

Either add or remove load from the 5th wheel. Adding weight to the trailer will increase the pin weight, and removing weight will reduce the pin weight.
Moving weight around the 5th wheel. You can increase pin weight by moving existing load to the front of the 5th wheel. Similarly, you can reduce pin weight by moving existing load to the rear of the 5th wheel.

However, you do not want your trailer very unbalanced, and you want a level 5th wheel while towing.

Check the rear axle weight rating

The rear axle weight rating is similar to the king pin weight rating. All vehicles have a weight limit that they can take on the rear and front axles. Usually the best place to find this information is on the driver’s door jamb sticker. The best way to check you are not exceeding this amount is to weigh your trailer and towing vehicle at a CAT scale.

Or you can just weigh your fully-laden truck and make an allowance for trailer weight that is transmitted to the rear axle – namely the king pin weight.

However, if you’re within the king pin weight guidance, then in all likelihood your rear axle will be within limit but it’s very dependent on the load you are carrying in your truck.

What is the maximum 5th wheel frontal area?

If your 5th wheel and F-150 have passed all the previous tests then you are probably good-to-go. However the manufacturer does give a restriction on the trailer frontal area. This is area of the front of the trailer that creates drag. You can have a very light trailer that is within the weight restrictions described above, but if it’s a huge sail that blocks airflow then it’s a no-no.

Trailers with a more aerodynamic profile, such as a teardrop, are clearly better in this respect. So for completeness let’s summarize the maximum frontal area measured in square feet.

Ford recommend that for any powertrain with a trailer towing package or payload package the maximum frontal area for a 5th wheel not exceed 75 sq. ft.

Putting it all together!

Have you been following everything upto now?

There are a number of checks you need to make to ensure that you have a safe towing experience with your truck.

Check that the gross trailer weight is within the tow rating of the truck
Check that the truck is not overloaded and the gross weight of the truck plus the pin weight does not exceed the GVWR
Check that the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the 5th wheel does not exceed the GCWR
Check that the king pin weight is 15% of the gross trailer weight

In theory you also need to check the rear-axle load, front-axle load and trailer frontal area. However if you have passed all the above tests and are within 10% on all of them then you are probably fine.

I’m confused and I have questions!

There is a lot to keep straight here.

However we have now provided you with all the information on the Ford F-150 to enable you to input all the key data into our towing calculator. This is the easiest way to check that you have completed all the steps.

Our tool is simple but comprehensive. You won’t miss anything is you follow all the steps, but drop us a note if you are struggling! Stay safe!

Frequently asked questions

Can you pull a 5th wheel with a Ford F-150? Yes you can. However there is more to think about than for a trailer and the restrictions are much greater. When you factor in the higher weights and the king pin weight on your payload then you will not be left with many model options to consider.

Can I pull a 5th wheel with a half-ton truck? Yes, see the above question.

Can a Ford F-150 tow 7,000 lbs? Yes, there are many models that can tow 10,000 lbs or more.

How much can a Jeep Wrangler tow? Check out our other article on how much a Jeep Wrangler can tow.

Next Steps
For your model of Ford F-150 use the above information above to find the 5th wheel towing rating, GVWR, curb weight and GCWR. Write this data down then visit our towing calculator main page to put it all together!