Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Year, Engine, and Configuration

Ford F-150 towing capacity can vary by thousands of pounds even between two trucks from the same model year.

Engine choice matters, but it is only part of the equation. Cab style, bed length, 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain, axle ratio, wheelbase, towing equipment, trim, payload, passengers, and cargo can all affect how much a specific F-150 is rated to tow.

That distinction is especially important when shopping used. A properly configured 2023 F-150 could reach a maximum available 14,000-pound tow rating, while another 2023 F-150 with a different engine and configuration might be rated far below that number.

How Ford F-150 Towing Ratings Work

A towing-capacity chart usually gives you the highest trailer weight available for a particular engine or configuration. That is useful for comparing trucks, but it is not enough to determine what an individual used F-150 can safely tow.

Maximum Available Towing vs. Your Truck’s Rating

When Ford says an F-150 can tow up to 13,500 or 14,000 pounds, that rating refers to a specifically equipped truck.

For example, Ford’s 2024 towing guide identifies the 13,500-pound maximum with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6, SuperCrew cab, 6.5-foot box, 4×4 drivetrain, Tow/Haul Package, and optional Max Tow Axle.

Engine and Axle Ratio

The engine determines how much power and torque are available, but axle ratio also changes how the truck uses that output. Ford’s year-specific towing tables pair engine, axle ratio, GCWR, cab, wheelbase, and drivetrain to establish maximum loaded trailer weight.

Cab, Bed, and Drivetrain

Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew trucks have different curb weights and wheelbases. Bed length matters too. A 4×4 system adds useful traction but also changes vehicle weight and configuration, so otherwise similar 4×2 and 4×4 trucks may receive different ratings.

Payload Can Become the Limiting Factor

Trailer weight is only one limit. Payload includes:

• The driver and passengers.
• Cargo in the cab.
• Cargo in the bed.
• Accessories and aftermarket equipment.
• The trailer’s tongue weight.

A truck can therefore reach its payload, GVWR, or rear-axle limit before reaching the maximum trailer weight shown in an advertisement.

Max Trailer Tow Package and Tow/Haul Equipment

Package names and equipment changed across these model years. Many earlier F-150s use terms such as Trailer Tow Package and Max Trailer Tow Package. Newer trucks can use a Tow/Haul Package together with an optional Max Tow Axle for the highest ratings.

Do not assume a receiver hitch means the truck has every factory component needed for its maximum advertised tow rating.

Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Model Year: 2015–2020

The 2015 model year began the aluminum-body F-150 generation. During this period, maximum available towing increased from 12,200 pounds to 13,200 pounds as Ford revised engines and powertrains.

Maximum available ratings shown. Exact towing capacity varies by cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, equipment, payload, and other factors. Performance-specific Raptor and Limited configurations are not shown.

2015–2017 F-150 Towing

For 2015 and 2016, the 3.5L EcoBoost was the towing leader at up to 12,200 pounds. The 5.0L V8 reached as high as 11,100 pounds, while the 2.7L EcoBoost reached up to 8,500 pounds.

Ford updated the 3.5L EcoBoost for 2017 and paired it with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, but the maximum advertised F-150 towing rating remained 12,200 pounds.

2018 Was a Major Powertrain Change

The 2018 F-150 brought a new 3.3L V6, an updated 2.7L EcoBoost, changes to the 5.0L V8, and a 13,200-pound maximum available rating with the 3.5L EcoBoost.

The first F-150 Power Stroke diesel also arrived for 2018, with a maximum available tow rating of 11,400 pounds in the appropriate configuration.

2019–2020 F-150 Towing

The overall maximum remained 13,200 pounds for 2019 and 2020. A properly equipped 3.5L EcoBoost remained the towing leader, while the 5.0L V8 and 3.0L Power Stroke diesel both reached approximately 11,500 pounds in their highest-rated configurations.

Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Model Year: 2021–2023

Ford redesigned the F-150 for 2021 and increased the maximum available towing rating to 14,000 pounds. The new generation also introduced the 3.5L PowerBoost full-hybrid V6.

3.5L EcoBoost: Up to 14,000 Pounds

The 3.5L EcoBoost provided the highest published conventional towing rating in the 2021–2023 mainstream F-150 lineup. Achieving 14,000 pounds required the appropriate cab, drivetrain, axle, and Max Trailer Tow Package.

5.0L V8: Up to 13,000 Pounds

The 5.0L V8 reached up to 13,000 pounds during this period, making these model years particularly interesting for used shoppers who want a naturally aspirated V8 and substantial towing capability.

PowerBoost Hybrid: Up to 12,700 Pounds

PowerBoost arrived for 2021 and Ford rated it at up to 12,700 pounds for 2021–2023. It may appeal to buyers who want towing capability together with hybrid operation and available Pro Power Onboard electrical power.

The Last Diesel F-150

The 3.0L Power Stroke remained available for 2021 with a maximum available 12,100-pound tow rating. It left the regular F-150 lineup after 2021, making 2018–2021 the main model-year window for used diesel F-150 shoppers.

Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Model Year: 2024–2026

Ford refreshed the F-150 for 2024. Maximum available towing changed slightly compared with 2021–2023, while the mainstream lineup centered on the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, and PowerBoost hybrid.

Maximum available towing by engine. Exact ratings depend on the individual configuration.

For 2026, Ford continues to list the 3.5L EcoBoost at a maximum available 13,500 pounds. The 5.0L V8 reaches up to 12,800 pounds, the 2.7L EcoBoost up to 8,400 pounds, and PowerBoost up to 11,600 pounds.

How to Find a Specific Used F-150’s Towing Capacity

A year-and-engine chart narrows the search. It does not finish it.

An aftermarket hitch does not increase the manufacturer’s towing rating.

Payload, GCWR, and Tongue Weight: Three Numbers You Should Know

Payload

Payload is the amount of weight the truck can carry. Passengers, luggage, tools, cargo, accessories, and trailer tongue weight all use payload.

GVWR

GVWR is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating—the maximum allowable loaded weight of the truck itself.

GCWR

GCWR is the Gross Combined Weight Rating. It represents the allowable combined loaded weight of the tow vehicle and trailer.

Tongue Weight

With a conventional trailer, some of the trailer’s loaded weight presses down on the hitch. That load has to fit within the truck’s remaining payload along with passengers and cargo.

Matching an F-150 to Your Trailer

Instead of starting with the highest F-150 towing number, start with the trailer and determine what it will actually weigh when loaded.

Boats

Use the combined weight of the boat, trailer, fuel, batteries, gear, and anything else that will travel with you. Boat ramps can also make drivetrain and traction important considerations beyond the towing number alone.

Travel Trailers and Campers

Do not compare an F-150 rating only with a camper’s advertised dry weight. Account for water, propane, batteries, food, camping equipment, personal belongings, and tongue weight.

Equipment and Utility Trailers

Include the weight of the trailer itself plus machinery, materials, tools, fuel, attachments, and other equipment. For work use, calculate from the heaviest load you realistically expect to carry rather than an empty trailer.

F-150 Towing Safety Basics

Before towing:

• Confirm the truck and trailer are within all applicable weight ratings.
• Check the hitch and coupler.
• Connect safety chains correctly.
• Verify trailer lights.
• Confirm trailer brakes and the brake controller when applicable.
• Check truck and trailer tire condition and pressure.
• Secure all cargo.
• Account for passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle.
• Allow additional stopping distance.
• Practice turning and backing in a safe area if you are unfamiliar with the trailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Ford F-150 tow?

It depends on the model year and configuration. Recent properly equipped F-150s have maximum available ratings above 13,000 pounds, but individual trucks can be rated substantially lower.

What year F-150 can tow 14,000 pounds?

Ford listed a maximum available conventional tow rating of 14,000 pounds for properly configured 2021, 2022, and 2023 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.

What is the 2026 Ford F-150 towing capacity?

Ford lists up to 13,500 pounds for a properly equipped 2026 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Other mainstream engines are rated up to 12,800 pounds for the 5.0L V8, 11,600 pounds for PowerBoost, and 8,400 pounds for the 2.7L EcoBoost.

Which F-150 engine is best for towing?

Across many recent model years, the 3.5L EcoBoost carries the highest maximum available towing rating. The best engine still depends on your trailer, payload needs, driving habits, and exact truck configuration.

How much can a 5.0L V8 F-150 tow?

It varies by year and configuration. Ford listed up to 11,100 pounds in 2015, up to 13,000 pounds for 2021–2023, up to 12,900 pounds for 2024–2025, and up to 12,800 pounds for 2026.

How much can a 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 tow?

Ford listed maximum available ratings of 8,500 pounds in 2015–2017, 9,000 pounds in 2018–2020, 10,100 pounds in 2021–2023, and 8,400 pounds in 2024–2026.

How much can a PowerBoost F-150 tow?

Ford listed up to 12,700 pounds for PowerBoost in 2021–2023, 11,200 pounds for 2024–2025, and 11,600 pounds for 2026.

Can I tell F-150 towing capacity from the VIN?

The VIN is a useful starting point and can be used with Ford’s vehicle-specific tools where supported. You should still confirm drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, factory towing equipment, payload, and the year-specific towing guide.

Does 4×4 reduce F-150 towing capacity?

It can, because four-wheel-drive hardware changes vehicle weight and configuration. However, some newer maximum-towing configurations are themselves 4×4, so there is no universal rule. Check the specific truck.

Does adding a tow hitch increase towing capacity?

No. An aftermarket hitch does not increase the manufacturer’s tow rating. The truck must remain within its Ford-specified trailer, payload, GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR limits.