Ford F-150 Towing Capacity (2021)

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?

Yes. You bet it can tow!

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

Ford F-150 Towing Capacity – 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.

What total trailer 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 2021 and not including the new Lightning F-150 electric truck that is coming for model year 2022.

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 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	9400
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				5000	9500
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				5100	9700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				5000	9700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				5100	9900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8200	12600
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8200	12700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8200	12800
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8200	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8200	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8200	13000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8100	13100
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8200	13300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Regular	4x2	122.8				8300	13000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Regular	4x2	141.5				9900	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercab	4x2	145.4				9800	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercab	4x2	164.1				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9700	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	122.8				8300	13000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	122.8				8200	13200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				9900	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				9700	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				9800	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9500	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9400	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9700	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9400	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				9300	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				9100	13800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				9600	14600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				10400	15300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10500	15500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				10500	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10400	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				10500	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10400	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1				10400	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10400	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10300	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			12300	17600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4	Yes			12800	17800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			13000	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			12800	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				13000	18000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			12900	18100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes			13000	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			13000	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes	Yes		13000	18300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes	Yes		13000	18300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes	Yes		13000	18500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes	Yes		13000	18600
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			12100	17900
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			12100	18000
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			12100	18000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Regular	4x2	122.8				7600	12200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Regular	4x2	141.5				7600	12300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercab	4x2	145.4				7700	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercab	4x2	164.1				7600	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				7700	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				7800	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	122.8				7600	12200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				7600	12300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				7700	12500
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				7700	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				7700	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				7600	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				7700	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				7600	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				7800	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				7700	12900
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8600	13200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8600	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8500	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8400	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8400	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				8300	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8100	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8300	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				8300	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8100	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5			Yes	10000	14800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4			Yes	10000	15000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4			Yes	10100	15300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4			Yes	10100	15400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16100
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				11000	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				11100	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				11300	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				11300	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16100
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				11000	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				11100	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				11300	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				11300	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4	Yes			12300	17500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			12300	17700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			13000	17900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			12700	17900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			14000	19300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes			14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes			13800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			13900	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			13800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes	Yes		13300	18400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes	Yes		13100	18400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes	Yes		14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes	Yes		13800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes	Yes		14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes	Yes		13800	19500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				11000	16700
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				11100	16800
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			12700	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			12700	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				11000	17000
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				11000	17000
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			12400	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			12400	18400

Example
Suppose you want to search for all 3.5L EcoBoost models and find their Tow Rating. In the search bar in the top right of the table simply type “3.5L”.
If you then want to refine your search to Supercrew 4×4 models just type “3.5L Supercrew 4×4” in the search bar. If you then click on the Tow Rating column you can order the vehicles from largest to smallest Tow Rating.
You will see that the highest tow rating model has a 3.55 axle ratio, a wheelbase of 145.4 and has the max trailer tow package.

Gross vehicle weight rating of the F-150

We will come back to the 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).

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 trailer through the tongue weight (more on this below). You can assume that the tongue weight is between 10% -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.

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	9400
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				5000	9500
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				5100	9700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				5000	9700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				5100	9900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8200	12600
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8200	12700
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8200	12800
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8200	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8200	12900
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8200	13000
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8100	13100
3.3L PFDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8200	13300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Regular	4x2	122.8				8300	13000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Regular	4x2	141.5				9900	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercab	4x2	145.4				9800	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercab	4x2	164.1				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9700	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	122.8				8300	13000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	122.8				8200	13200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				9900	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				9700	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				9800	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				9500	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				9400	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				9700	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				9600	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				9400	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				9300	14800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				9100	13800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				9600	14600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				10400	15300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				10500	15500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				10500	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				10400	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				10500	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				10400	15600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1				10400	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10400	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10300	15800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			12300	17600
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4	Yes			12800	17800
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			13000	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			12800	17900
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				13000	18000
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			12900	18100
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes			13000	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			13000	18200
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes	Yes		13000	18300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes	Yes		13000	18300
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes	Yes		13000	18500
5.0L 4-Valve V8	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes	Yes		13000	18600
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				10500	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				10400	16300
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			12100	17900
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			12100	18000
3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			12100	18000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Regular	4x2	122.8				7600	12200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Regular	4x2	141.5				7600	12300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercab	4x2	145.4				7700	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercab	4x2	164.1				7600	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				7700	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.15	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				7800	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	122.8				7600	12200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				7600	12300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	122.8				7700	12500
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				7700	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				7700	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				7600	12600
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				7700	12700
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				7600	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				7800	12800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				7700	12900
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	122.8				8600	13200
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5				8600	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	122.8				8500	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5				8400	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4				8400	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1				8300	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4				8100	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				8300	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				8300	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				8100	13300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5			Yes	10000	14800
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	145.4			Yes	10000	15000
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	145.4			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2			Yes	10000	15100
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	145.4			Yes	10100	15300
2.7L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4			Yes	10100	15400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16100
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	145.4				11000	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x2	164.1				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	145.4				11100	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				11300	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercab	4x4	164.1				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				11300	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.31	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5				11200	16100
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4				11000	16200
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5				11200	16400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4				11100	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				11200	16500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				11300	16600
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				11300	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				11200	16800
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	145.4	Yes			12300	17500
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	145.4	Yes			12300	17700
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes			13000	17900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes			12700	17900
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			14000	19300
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes			14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes			13800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			13900	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			13800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x2	141.5	Yes	Yes		13300	18400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Regular	4x4	141.5	Yes	Yes		13100	18400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x2	164.1	Yes	Yes		14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercab	4x4	164.1	Yes	Yes		13800	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes	Yes		14000	19400
3.5L GTDI V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes	Yes		13800	19500
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4				11000	16700
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2				11100	16800
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	145.4	Yes			12700	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.55	Supercrew	4x2	157.2	Yes			12700	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4				11000	17000
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2				11000	17000
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	145.4	Yes			12400	18400
3.5L Hybrid V6	3.73	Supercrew	4x4	157.2	Yes			12400	18400

Example
Suppose you have a 2.7L EcoBoost, supercab, 4×4. In the search bar at the top of the table type “2.7L supercab 4×4”.
You will see three vehicle options with a GCWR ranging from 12,800lbs to 15,300lbs. The final GCWR depends then on what axle ratio you have and whether you have the 2.7L EcoBoost payload package.

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What is the maximum tongue 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 hitch. Ford recommends a maximum tongue weight of 500lbs with a straight hitch receiver, however if you are using a weight distributing hitch they recommend upto 1,400lbs for tongue load.

How should I measure trailer tongue weight?

You have three options to measure the tongue weight from your trailer.

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 tongue 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 tongue weight. For a travel trailer with batteries and propane you may need to add that weight if the manufacturer has not included it. In addition you need to add the weight of the hitch. Note that this is an estimate since not all the weight of these objects will be transmitted through the hitch, so adding 100% of the weight to your tongue weight will over-estimate it. Also some of the weight of the trailer cargo will get transmitted through the hitch.

Tongue weight rule of thumb

It’s recommended that the tongue weight is between 10%-15% of the gross trailer weight (dry weight plus the weight of the cargo). If the tongue weight is below 10% then that will cause towing instability and the trailer may porpoise, and if the tongue weight is too high then the trailer will be pitched forward and put too much load on the hitch. You want a level trailer and ideally the tongue load will be 12% of the gross trailer weight.

So one check you need to do is to take the gross trailer weight you calculated above and check that 10%-15% is within the maximum tongue weight given in the table above.

Example
Suppose you have calculated your gross trailer weight as 8,000 lb. The ideal tongue load is between 10% and 15% of this amount. That would be between 800lb – 1,200 lb. If you have a weight distributing hitch then this is within recommended limits. However, without a WDH you are outside the recommended tongue weight.

Adjusting tongue weight

You have two main methods to adjust tongue weight;

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

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

Check the rear axle weight rating

The rear axle weight rating is similar to the tongue weight. 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 tongue weight.

However, if you’re within the tongue 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 trailer frontal area?

If your trailer 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.

The limit is not imposed by the engine but instead your max tow rating. For a tow rating between 5,001 and 7,700 lbs (and a towing package or a payload package) the limit is 55 sqft.

For a tow rating 7,701 lbs and greater (and a towing package or a payload package) the limit is 60 sqft.

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 tongue weight does not exceed the GVWR
Check that the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer does not exceed the GCWR
Check that the tongue weight is between 10% -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!

What can a F-150 tow?

Given the above numbers, you might be asking – What kind of trailers can a F-150 tow? Let’s dig into it now!

As we saw above the maximum tow rating an F-150 was 14,000 lb. A Class V Extra Heavy Duty Hitch is defined as 10,000 lbs and above, so this would be possible for the highest tow rating F-150 models.

The minimum tow rating is 5,000 lbs which would only require a Class III hitch receiver, and a Class II would not be possible with these models of trucks.

Class	Maximum Trailer Weight
Class I - Light Duty	2,000 lb
Class II - Medium Duty	3,500 lb
Class III - Heavy Duty	6,000 lb
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty	10,000 lb

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Frequently asked questions

Which F-150 has the most towing capacity? Simply order the table at the start of this article by towing capacity and you will see that the model with the highest towing capacity is 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.55 axle, Supercrew, 4×2, 145.4 wheelbase with the max trailer tow package.

What is the towing capacity of the Ford F-150 EcoBoost? Simply filter the table by “GTDI” and you will see all the EcoBoost models with their towing values.

Can a Ford F-150 tow 10,000 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.

Conclusion
The maximum tow rating for the F-150 is 14,000 lbs, but this is highly dependent on the model. For your model of Ford F-150 use the above information above to find the towing rating, GVWR, curb weight and GCWR. Write this data down then visit our towing calculator main page to put it all together!