Ford F-150 Towing Capacity And What It Can Tow

The Ford F-150 has been America’s best-selling truck for four decades and for good reason. It’s versatile, dependable, and powerful. One of the most important specs of any truck is its towing capacity and the F-150 does not disappoint. So, how much can the Ford F-150 tow?

The towing capacity of a vehicle depends on a few factors such as the size of the engine, the transmission, the axle ratio, and the suspension. The Ford F-150 maximum towing capacity is 14,000 pounds. This is achieved by the picking the right engine and the configuration of the truck.

The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine is the most popular choice among F-150 drivers. This engine has a towing capacity of up 8,500 pounds. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine is a great choice for those who want a little more power without sacrificing fuel efficiency. This little engine can tow up to a whopping 14,000 pounds, just like the 5.0L V8 engine.

Ford F-150’s Maximum Towing Capacity

​Ford continues to serve impressive feats of engineering with its 2023 lineup of the F-150 series. Two models that stand out are the compact yet powerful Lariat SuperCrew, powered by a 2.7L 6cylinder Turbo engine, and the hardy King Ranch SuperCrew, roaring with a 5.0L V8 engine. Despite different engine sizes, the Lariat and the King Ranch both astound with a massive 14,000-pound towing capacity, proving performance and size aren’t always in direct proportion.

Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. 2.7L V6 Turbo

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew is a truck to talk about. It comes with a compact but powerful engine, the 2.7L 6cylinder Turbo 10A. Don’t let the small size trick you. This engine is truly a beast, designed to deliver outstanding horsepower and torque.

Despite its small size, this truck can pull some serious weight. A standout feature of the 2023 F-150 Lariat is its outstanding towing capacity. Yes, it’s true. This seemingly compact powerhouse has an impressive towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads for business or towing a trailer for a weekend getaway, this truck won’t let you down.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat doesn’t just make big promises, it delivers. This truck’s small 2.7L engine brings together two wonderful worlds – incredible power and terrific versatility. With its impressive towing capacity, it stands out amongst competitors, proving that sometimes, big things truly come in small packages.

Ford F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew 5.5 ft. With A 5.0L V8 Engine

The 2023 Ford F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew is a rugged truck with a bold heart. Its power comes from a hefty engine, the 5.0L V8 10A. The size isn’t just for show; this sturdy powerplant emits an intense roar while delivering top-notch horsepower and impressive torque.

Just like its sibling, the Lariat, the King Ranch too boasts a remarkable towing capacity. It can tow up to 14,000 pounds of weight without breaking a sweat. This truck has been designed to smoothly haul heavy loads whether for work or play, presenting no challenge too big or heavy.

With the 2023 Ford F-150 King Ranch, Ford continues to gain an edge in the world of pickup trucks. It’s the blend of a capable 5.0L V8 engine and the equally impressive towing capacity that sets it apart. The King Ranch doesn’t just give you more engine, it gives you more possibilities, echoing the motto ‘Size does matter’.

Ford F-150 Towing Capacity By Year

From 1990 to 2000, Ford F-150 trucks offered a steady towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. Advancements in 2001 saw this number jump to 8,400 lbs, maintained until 2003. In 2004, the F-150 experienced another uplift, reaching a towing capacity of 9,200 lbs, but fell slightly to 8,500 lbs. in the following year.

The 2006 year model up to 2008, the Ford F-150s stayed at 9,500 lbs. Then form 2009 all the way up to 2015, Ford upped the game, offering a remarkable towing capacity of 11,300 lbs. The strength kept climbing for 2016 and 2017 models, offering a greater pull of 11,900 lbs.

More recently, between 2018 and 2020, the F-150 models ramped up their strength to tow an impressive 13,200 lbs. And for the latest models from 2021 to present, Ford has blazed a trail with an astounding 14,000 lbs. towing capacity, pushing limits and expectations in the world of trucks.

Ford F-150 Maximum Towing Capacity

Year	Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs.)
1990-2000	7,500 lbs.
2001-2003	8,400 lbs.
2004	9,200 lbs.
2005	8,500 lbs.
2006-2008	9,500 lbs.
2009-2015	11,300 lbs.
2016-2017	11,900 lbs.
2018-2020	13,200 lbs.
2021-2023	14,000 lbs.

Factors That Affect Your F-150’s Towing Capacity

​As the owner of a Ford F-150, you may be wondering what things affect your truck’s towing capacity. After all, towing capacity is an important figure to consider when determining what you can and cannot tow with your truck. Here are some of the key things that affect your F-150’s towing capacity:

The first factor that affects your F-150’s towing capacity is the engine. The type of engine in your truck will determine how much power it has and, as a result, how much weight it can tow. If you have a V8 engine, you will have more power and a higher towing capacity than if you have a smaller engine.

Another important factor that affects towing capacity is the transmission. The type of transmission in your F-150 will also affect how much weight it can tow. For example, a truck with an automatic transmission will typically have a higher towing capacity than a truck with a manual transmission.

The weight of the truck is the other big item that affects the towing capacity. The heavier the truck, the less weight it can tow. This is because the truck’s engine has to work harder to move the extra weight of the truck. So, if you have a heavy-duty F-150, it will have a lower towing capacity than a lighter-duty model.

Ready to Tow? Maximize Your F-150’s Capacity

​Are you looking to maximize your Ford F-150’s towing capacity? Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow, and it’s important to know this number so you can ensure your vehicle can handle the weight of your trailer or camper. The Ford F-150 has a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds, so it can handle most trailers and campers with ease. But how do you maximize your F-150’s towing capacity? Here are a few tips:

1. Choose the right model. The Ford F-150 comes in a variety of models, and each model has a different towing capacity. If you’re looking to tow a large trailer or camper, you’ll want to choose a model with a higher towing capacity. The Ford F-150 Raptor has a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds, while the Ford F-150 Limited has a towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds.
2. Select the right engine. The engine you choose will also affect your towing capacity. The Ford F-150 comes with six different engine options, and the towing capacity ranges from 5,000 pounds to 13,200 pounds depending on the engine. If you’re looking to tow a large trailer or camper, you’ll want to choose an engine with a higher towing capacity.
3. Choose the right gear ratio. The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear to the number of teeth on the pinion gear. The higher the gear ratio, the greater the towing capacity. The Ford F-150 comes with three different gear ratios: 3.31, 3.55, and 4.10. If you’re looking to tow a large trailer or camper, you’ll want to choose a gear ratio with a higher number.
4. Add extra features. There are a few extra features that can help increase your towing capacity. Adding a tow package can increase your towing capacity by up to 1,000 pounds. And if you choose the Ford F-150 Raptor, you’ll get standard features like Hill Descent Control and Trailer Sway Control that can help you tow with ease.

What Can A Ford F-150 Tow?

​With the various towing capacities over the years of this truck as well as many different configurations available, I’ve split these into 2 buckets. One bucket for the trucks that have a towing capacity of 7,000 to 9,000 lbs., another bucket for trucks with the towing capacity of 9,000 to 14,000 lbs.

Here is a list of items you can potentially tow with an 7,000-9,000 lbs. towing capacity, along with brief descriptions:

• Travel Trailers: Larger and more luxurious trailers equipped with amenities for comfortable camping and road trips. (Approximately 4,000 to 12,000 lbs)
• Boats (Small to Medium): Boats that include mid-sized fishing boats, speedboats, and smaller cabin cruisers. (Approximately 3,000 to 12,000 lbs)
• Car Hauler Trailers: Trailers designed for transporting multiple vehicles, making them suitable for auto transport. (Approximately 5,000 to 12,000 lbs)
• Horse Trailers (with Horses): Trailers equipped to transport horses, often with multiple horse stalls and living quarters for horse owners. (Approximately 4,000 to 12,000 lbs, depending on the number of horses and equipment)
• Fifth-Wheel Trailers: Towed by a hitch in the bed of a pickup truck, these trailers often feature spacious interiors and amenities. (Approximately 9,000 to 15,000 lbs)
• Toy Haulers: Travel trailers or fifth-wheels with built-in garages for transporting motorcycles, ATVs, or other recreational vehicles. (Approximately 6,000 to 20,000 lbs. or more, depending on size and cargo)
• Large Cargo Trailers: Heavy-duty trailers for moving equipment, machinery, or substantial loads. (Approximately 5,000 to 15,000 lbs. or more)
• Mobile Food Trailers: Custom trailers used for food vending or mobile catering. (Varies widely based on size and equipment, typically 3,000 to 10,000 lbs. or more)
• Multi-axle Trailers: Heavy-duty trailers designed for hauling substantial loads such as construction equipment or oversized cargo. (Typically between 5,000 to 20,000 lbs. or more, depending on the design and purpose)

Here is a list of items you can potentially tow with a towing capacity of 9,000 to 14,000 lbs., along with brief descriptions:

• Large Travel Trailers: Spacious trailers with multiple amenities, suitable for extended vacations or full-time living on the road. (Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 lbs. or more)
• Boats (Medium): A wide range of boats, including larger fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, and some medium-sized yachts. (Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 lbs. or more, depending on the boat’s size and type)
• Car Hauler Trailers: Heavy-duty trailers designed to transport multiple vehicles, making them ideal for car dealerships or car enthusiasts. (Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 lbs. or more)
• Horse Trailers (with Multiple Horses): Trailers equipped to transport several horses, often with comfortable stalls and amenities for equestrian needs. (Approximately 10,000 to 20,000 lbs. or more, depending on the number of horses and equipment)
• Fifth-Wheel Trailers (Medium): Luxury fifth-wheel trailers with spacious interiors, ideal for long-term travel or as a full-time residence. (Approximately 12,000 to 18,000 lbs. or more)
• Toy Haulers (Medium): Fifth-wheel or travel trailers with a dedicated garage area for transporting motorcycles, ATVs, or recreational vehicles. (Approximately 6,000 to 20,000 lbs. or more, depending on size and cargo)
• Multiple Axle Trailers (Specialized): Specialized trailers for transporting unique cargo, like industrial machinery or specialized equipment. (Approximately 10,000 to 30,000 lbs. or more, depending on the cargo and design)

Always verify that your towing vehicle is rated for the intended load, and follow safety guidelines and regulations when towing any of these items.