Ford F-150 Towing Capacity

The Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds when properly equipped. Ford trucks are the toughest and most powerful trucks on the planet. For decades, Ford has set the standard for quality using high-strength yet lightweight materials. Powerful engines are available to tackle whatever job you might have to do and smart towing features make them even easier. Here’s a run-down of the Ford F-150 towing capacity by trim and how Ford makes it all possible.

F-150 XL and XLT Trims

Image via Flickr by CFlo Photography

The F-150 XL and F-150 XLT may be the basic trims, but there’s nothing basic about them. They both use a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with port fuel direct injection and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) technology that opens and closes the valves in precise increments to match situational power demands for optimal power output. Ford pairs this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. 

You can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the standard setup on the two-wheel-drive model or 5,200 pounds with the four-wheel-drive system. Both trims come with a trailer sway control standard. Add the trailer tow package, and you can tow up to 8,200 pounds with either two or four-wheel-drive. Ford offers six additional engines available as an upgrade that will increase your power and towing capacity.

A rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist is standard and helps guide your hitch ball to your trailer tongue. You can opt for the trailer technology package and get Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a 360-degree camera, trailer reverse guidance, a trailer brake controller, and a smart trailer tow connector that includes the blind-spot information system (BLIS) with trailer coverage.

Ford F-150 Lariat

The F-150 Lariat uses a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with twin intercooler turbochargers, port fuel direct injection, and a dual overhead cam design with variable cam timing technology. Ford pairs this engine with the same 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers an impressive 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The Lariat can tow up to 7,600 pounds with the basic setup and 7,700 pounds with the four-wheel-drive system. Adding the trailer tow package described above, you can tow up to 10,000 pounds. A Class IV trailer hitch is standard and includes a four and seven-pin wiring harness, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, and the smart trailer tow connector with BLIS with trailer coverage. Trailer sway control is also standard. A trailer technology package is an option, along with five additional engines that offer increased power and towing capacity.

Ford F-150 King Ranch and Platinum Trims

Ford’s legendary 5.0-liter V-8 engine is standard on the King Ranch trim. This engine features port fuel direct injection and Ti-VCT technology. It also features variable displacement engine (VDE) technology that shuts off half of its cylinders when power isn’t needed.

When paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain performs, delivering 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The basic setup can tow up to 8,300 pounds. Adding the tow package brings your towing capacity to 10,400 pounds. A max trailer tow package is available and includes a 3.55 electronic locking rear differential, a four and seven-pin wiring harness, a 36-gallon fuel tank, the Class IV trailer hitch receiver, Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, the smart trailer tow connector, an integrated trailer brake controller, and an updated rear bumper.

The trailer sway control is standard while the trailer technology package remains an option. You also have four additional engine options that can improve power and towing capacity.

Ford F-150 Limited

Ford equipped the Limited trims with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine standard. This engine uses twin intercooler turbochargers and port fuel direct-injection technology to deliver on-demand power with virtually no lag. Mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain puts out 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

The standard setup can tow up to 11,200 pounds. Adding the trailer tow package boosts your towing capacity to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds. Trailer sway control and a Class IV hitch are standard.

Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford’s off-road beast, the Raptor, uses a high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine to produce an outstanding 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The Raptor can tow up to 8,200 pounds with the standard setup and can go up to 13,800 when properly equipped. 

Two Additional Engine Options

A 3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6 turbo-diesel engine is available on the F-150. This engine delivers the perfect balance of efficiency and power, putting out 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. An F-150 using this engine can tow up to 12,100 pounds when properly equipped. The Power Stroke turbo-diesel engine is available on every trim but the Limited.

Ford has an available full-hybrid 3.5-liter Power Boost V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain cranks out 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. This full-hybrid engine can tow up to 12,400 pounds when properly equipped. The full-hybrid engine is available on every trim.

Heavy Duty Construction

The entire lineup of F-150 trucks uses a fully-boxed high-strength steel frame with large cross-sections. A state-of-the-art roll-forming process is how they fabricate the steel for superior strength that is lighter and stronger than traditional methods. 

Sitting on top of this frame is Ford’s high-strength military-grade aluminum-alloy body: the only one in its class. The aluminum alloy undergoes a heat-treating process to harden the aluminum. This hardened aluminum allows for a thicker, stronger material that is lightweight and dent resistant. The result is a higher power-to-weight ratio that provides for best-in-class payload and tow capacity ratings.

Off-Road Capability

A handful of off-road systems make the Ford F-150 one of the most capable off-road trucks. Hill descent control, a rugged suspension system, and a capable four-wheel-drive platform consistently put the F-150 ahead of the competition.

At Oxmoor Ford, we have one of the largest selections of F-150s in the region. We are conveniently located at 100 Oxmoor Lane in Louisville, Kentucky. We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit our showroom. One of our friendly, professional team members will be happy to answer your questions and take you on a test drive.