Towing Guides
Before You Buy
If you are selecting a vehicle that will be used for towing, you should determine the approximate weight of the trailer you intend to tow, including the weight of any additional cargo and fluids that you will be carrying in the trailer. Also, be sure the vehicle has the proper optional equipment (refer to specific vehicle pages). Keep in mind that performance can be severely affected in hilly terrain when the minimum acceptable powertrain combination is selected. Consider purchasing a vehicle with a more powerful engine.
Different Trailer Classes:
Class I: Light-Duty
- 2,000-lb maximum weight (trailer and cargo combined
- Small folding camping trailers and trailer for small bots, motorcycles, and snowmobiles
- Many Ford vehicles can handle easily
- Conventional weight-carrying hitch
Class II: Medium-Duty
- 2,001-3,500-lb gross trailer weight
- Large folding camping trailers, single-axle, small to medium length (up to 18ft) trailers
- Ford trucks and compact SUVs can be equipped to tow these trailers
- Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle
Class III: Heavy-Duty
- 3,501-5,000-lb gross trailer weight
- Dual-axle or large single axle- travel trailers
- Most properly equipped Ford trucks and SUVs can tow them
- Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle
Class IV: Extra-Heavy-Duty
- Over 5,000lb gross trailer weight
- Largest travel and 5th-wheel trailers made for recreation
- Most Ford trucks and some SUVs can be equipped to handle trailer weights in this class
- Most applications require a conventional weight-distributing or 5th wheel hitch
Base Curb Weight
PLUS
Cargo Weight
PLUS
Passenger Weight
EQUALS
Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)
GVW must not exceed GVWR.
Gross Vehicle Weight
PLUS
Loaded Trailer Weight
EQUALS
Gross Combination Weight
(GCW)
GCW must not exceed GCWR.
The Basics
- Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or any optional equipment. A sales specialist can get you this number for the vehicle you are considering.
- Cargo Weight includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment (check with your sales consultant). When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of the Cargo Weight.
- Payload is the combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the Base Curb Weight.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo). This number- along with other weight limits, as well as tire, rim size, and inflation pressure data - is shown on the vehicles Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the front door lock facing the door latch post pillar. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
- Gross Axle Weight (GAW) is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear). To determine the Gross Axle Weights for your vehicle and trailer combination, take your loaded vehicle and trailer to a scale. With the trailer attached, place the front wheels of the vehicle on the scale to get the front GAW. For rear GAW, weigh the towing vehicle with the trailer attached, but with just the four wheels of the vehicle on the scale. Subtracting front GAW from that amount gives you the rear GAW.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum weight to be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are also shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer - including all cargo and passengers - that the vehicle can handle without risking damage. (Important: The towing vehicle's brake system is rated for operation at the GVWR - NOT GCWR. Separate functional brake systems should be used for safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 1,500lbs when loaded.) The measured GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
- Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (as shown in the Trailer Towing Selector charts for each vehicle) is the highest possible weight of a fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow, based on a minimum towing vehilce GVW. It assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (5th wheel trailer), and driver and passenger. F-Series Super Duty Chassis Cab models also assume a second-unit body weight based on 80 lbs per foot cab-to-axel(CA).
- Tongue Load or 5th-wheel King Pin Weight is another critical measurement that must be made before towing. It refers to the amount of the trailer's weight that presses down on the trailer hitch. Too much tongue load or king pin weight can cause suspension/drivetrain damage and can press the vehicle down in back causing the front wheels to lift to the point where traction, steering response and braking can be severely decreased. Too little tongue load or king pin weight can reduce rear-wheel traction and cause instability, which may result in tail wagging or jackknifing.
F-150 Towing
F-150 performance and capability starts with an impressive, torque-rich powertrain lineup. With six different engine choices, F-150 offers several options to meet diverse job applications. So you can confidently pick the engine that best fits your recreational vehicle or job-related towing needs.
Each F-150 engine is paired to an innovative 10-speed automatic transmission with optimized gear spacing, including three overdrive gears to help maximize shift points to optimize power, low-rpm torque and fuel efficiency. Selectable Drive Modes provide added functionality.
Super Duty Towing
The 2025 Super Duty Pickups represent the pinnacle of BUILT FORD TOUGH® with rugged durability and capability. Impressive powertrains and innovative connected features and services meet the needs of a multitude of commercial vocations and personal use towing customers. The 2025 Super Duty Chassis Cab models define the legendary work ethic and capability associated with work-ready Ford trucks for a wide range of commercial applications. F-350®/F-450®/F-550®/ and F-600® models are always ready to be upfit and are designed to conquer even the challenging jobs.
Super Duty Towing: Built to Take on the Toughest Jobs
When the job demands serious power, the Ford Super Duty steps up to the challenge. Designed with class-leading towing capabilities, advanced trailering technology, and unmatched durability, the Super Duty is your ultimate partner for hauling heavy loads. Whether you're pulling a trailer for work, recreation, or farming, the Super Duty offers the strength, stability, and confidence you need to get the job done right.
With features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, integrated trailer brake control, and best-in-class towing ratings, the Ford Super Duty ensures smooth, controlled performance even under the heaviest demands. Take on any task with ease-because with Super Duty, no load is too big, and no journey is too far.
Get ready to tow smarter, safer, and stronger with the Ford Super Duty.
FAQ's
The towing capacity of Ford trucks varies by model, engine, and configuration. For example, the Ford F-150 offers towing capabilities up to 14,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Super Duty series can tow up to an incredible 40,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer. Always check the specifications for your exact truck model and setup to determine its maximum towing capacity.
Ford trucks are equipped with advanced towing technologies, including:
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™: Makes reversing a trailer easier by allowing you to steer it with a knob.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Improves braking performance when towing heavier loads.
- Smart Hitch: Helps optimize weight distribution and provides guidance for safe towing.
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage: Monitors blind spots, including those of your trailer.
To ensure your Ford truck is properly equipped, confirm it has the appropriate towing package, hitch type, and trailer wiring harness. You can find details about your specific truck’s towing capabilities in the owner’s manual or by consulting your sales specialist.
Yes! Ford trucks are engineered for safe towing in a variety of conditions. Features like Trailer Sway Control, hill start assist, and all-wheel or four-wheel drive help you maintain control on steep inclines, rough terrain, or in bad weather. Always adjust your driving speed and techniques to match road and weather conditions when towing.
To calculate your towing weight limits, you need to know:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
- Payload Capacity
Subtract the truck’s curb weight, passengers, and cargo from the GCWR to determine how much you can safely tow. Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the Ford Towing Guide for precise information.
Visit the official Ford Towing Guide online or speak with your sales specialist at All-State Ford for expert advice and assistance. You can also schedule a test drive or consultation to explore the towing features in person.
Yes, Ford offers a range of accessories to enhance your towing experience, including upgraded hitches, towing mirrors, and bed-mounted fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch kits. Check with your dealer for options compatible with your truck.
Still Have Questions? Contact Us.
* Indicates a required field
This page and all of its content is courtesy of Ford.com- to learn more please click here.