Ford F-150 Towing Capacity & Tow Calculator

Low-RPM Turbo Torque Benchmark

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is the benchmark choice for long-distance RV and heavy equipment trailering. Generating 500 lb-ft of torque at just 3,100 RPM, it holds 8th, 9th, and 10th gears effortlessly on level highways while towing 8,000-pound travel trailers. Paired with twin water-cooled turbochargers and dual-injection (port and direct), it produces robust climbing power over high-altitude mountain passes where naturally aspirated engines lose 3 percent power per 1,000 feet of elevation.

High-Payload Workhorse & Exhaust Note

The legendary 5.0L Coyote V8 provides classical American V8 linear power delivery with composite intake runners and cylinder deactivation technology. When paired with the Heavy-Duty Payload Package (HDPP) on 2018 to 2023 models, it achieved an industry-leading 3,325-pound payload rating. Because peak torque of 410 lb-ft occurs higher in the rev band at 4,250 RPM, the 10-speed transmission shifts more actively into 5th and 6th gear on highway inclines to maintain momentum.

Instant Off-the-Line Torque & 7.2 kW Generator

The PowerBoost hybrid pairs the 3.5L EcoBoost with a 33 kW (44 hp) electric motor integrated directly inside the transmission bellhousing, producing an immense 570 lb-ft of torque. Electric assist eliminates turbo lag from dead stops at boat ramps and traffic lights. The game-changing feature is Pro Power Onboard: offering up to 7.2 kW of exportable 120V/240V power in the truck bed, allowing RV campers to run dual rooftop air conditioners without packing a separate gasoline generator.

Quick Spooling Mid-Size Camper Champion

Engineered with a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block identical to Ford Super Duty 6.7L diesels, the 2.7L EcoBoost is exceptionally stout. Delivering 400 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM, it easily handles single-axle travel trailers, bass boats, and utility trailers up to 7,000 pounds while delivering superior unladen fuel economy (up to 25 MPG highway) when disconnected from the hitch.

Off-Road Velocity Over Tongue Weight

Exclusive to the F-150 Raptor, this high-output twin-turbo V6 produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque with turbine wheels borrowed from the Ford GT supercar. While powertrain capability is monstrous, maximum towing is capped at 8,200 pounds due to soft, long-travel rear coil-spring suspension and large 35-inch or 37-inch all-terrain tires that flex under heavy lateral trailer loads.

13,500 lbs Maximum Tow Rating

Calculated under SAE J2807 standard with a single 150-pound driver, zero passenger weight, and zero truck bed cargo.

1,840 lbs Total Payload Capacity

Tongue weight, hitch hardware, passengers, firewood, coolers, and aftermarket accessories ALL subtract directly from this single limit.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Controls trailer articulation during reverse maneuvers using an ergonomic dashboard rotary knob. The driver simply turns the knob in the direction they want the trailer to travel, and the truck computer automatically rotates the electric power steering wheel.

Pro Trailer Hitch Assist

Leverages the rear camera, corner radars, and ultrasonic sensors to detect the trailer coupler. With the touch of a button, the F-150 automatically controls steering, accelerator, and brakes to guide the hitch ball directly beneath the trailer tongue coupler with millimeter precision.

Onboard Scales & Smart Hitch

Measures real-time vehicle payload and trailer tongue weight using suspension height sensors. Visual feedback is displayed on the center touchscreen, through the FordPass mobile app, or via vertical LED lights built directly into the truck taillights to prevent payload overloading.

BLIS with Trailer Coverage

Extends blind spot radar detection along the entire flanks of trailers up to 33 feet in length and 9 feet in width. If a vehicle approaches in an adjacent lane beside your trailer, warning indicators illuminate in the exterior side mirrors.

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC)

Fully synchronized with the truck anti-lock braking system (ABS). Provides digital gain adjustments from 0.0 to 10.0 in 0.5 increments on the instrument cluster, paired with manual squeeze pinch levers for emergency trailer stabilization.

Lower the trailer coupler over the 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch hitch ball until fully seated. Engage the locking pawl and slide a steel safety cotter pin through the latch hole. Jack the tongue up 2 inches to verify the ball cannot separate.

Cross safety chains underneath the trailer tongue in an 'X' pattern before attaching hooks to the truck hitch eyelets. This creates a supportive safety hammock to catch the trailer tongue if the hitch ball disconnects.

Clip the emergency breakaway switch cable directly to the truck receiver frame with sufficient slack for full-lock turns. Never connect the breakaway cable to the safety chains or hitch ball.

Insert the 7-pin round wiring plug firmly into the truck receptacle until the spring door latch locks over the plug tab. Confirm running lights, hazard flashers, turn signals, and electric brake connectivity.

Perform a 20 MPH rolling brake test in a safe area. Squeeze the manual pinch levers on the integrated brake controller to confirm trailer electric brakes stop the combined rig firmly without tire lockup.

Audit cold inflation pressures on all four truck tires according to the door placard, and inflate all trailer Special Trailer (ST) tires to their maximum sidewall cold PSI rating (typically 50, 65, or 80 PSI) to prevent highway sidewall heat blowouts.

Drive the loaded truck and trailer over a certified public CAT scale at a truck stop. Obtain separate weight tickets for your steer axle, drive axle, and trailer axles to confirm neither GAWR, GVWR, nor GCWR ratings are breached.

14 - 17 MPG

11 - 14 MPG

8 - 11 MPG