The Ford F-150 has built its reputation on everyday versatility, work-ready capability, and strong towing performance. From boats and utility trailers to campers and equipment, the amount an F-150 can tow depends heavily on the model year, engine, cab and bed configuration, drivetrain, axle ratio, and towing equipment. That means the maximum advertised rating is only part of the story.
This guide looks at Ford F-150 towing capacity across generations, including the latest 2027 and 2026 specifications. Drivers shopping for a current model can also explore our new Ford F-150 inventory in Bakersfield to compare available configurations.
2027 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 2027 Ford F-150 continues to offer a maximum available towing capacity of 13,500 pounds when properly equipped with the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Ford specifies that this maximum is available on an F-150 SuperCrew with the 6.5-foot box, 4×4, Tow/Haul Package, and available Max Tow Axle.
A major change for 2027 is the new standard 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which replaces the previous 2.7L EcoBoost as the base engine. Ford rates the new 3.0L EcoBoost for up to 8,400 pounds of towing when properly equipped. The lineup also continues to offer the 5.0L V8, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6.
The 2027 F-150 also introduces available BlueCruise with Towing. On properly equipped trucks with an active BlueCruise plan, the system can support hands-free highway driving on compatible Blue Zones while towing a properly configured trailer. Drivers still need to remain attentive and follow all system limitations.
2026 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 2026 Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. Maximum available towing capacity varies by engine:
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: up to 8,400 pounds
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8: up to 12,800 pounds
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6: up to 13,500 pounds
- 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6: up to 11,600 pounds
- 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6 in F-150 Raptor: up to 8,200 pounds
- 5.2L Supercharged V8 in F-150 Raptor R: up to 8,700 pounds
The highest 2026 tow rating comes from a properly configured F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, Tow/Haul Package, and available Max Tow Axle. Ford also offers towing technology such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, an integrated trailer brake controller, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, and available trailer-related camera features on select configurations.
2024–2025 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 2024 redesign brought a maximum available towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, and that rating continued for 2025. In both years, the maximum rating comes from the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 when the truck is properly configured.
For 2025, Ford listed maximum available towing ratings of 8,400 pounds for the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 12,900 pounds for the 5.0L V8, 13,500 pounds for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 11,200 pounds for the PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6. Raptor and Raptor R models prioritize high-performance off-road capability, with lower maximum tow ratings than the strongest conventional F-150 configurations.
2021–2023 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 14th-generation F-150 debuted for 2021 and pushed maximum available towing capacity to 14,000 pounds. A properly equipped truck with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and Max Trailer Tow Package could reach that rating.
The PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 also joined the lineup during this generation, giving buyers another option for combining towing capability with onboard electrical power. For 2023, Ford rated the PowerBoost for up to 12,700 pounds of towing, while the 5.0L V8 could tow up to 13,000 pounds and the 3.5L EcoBoost remained the maximum-towing choice at 14,000 pounds.
2015–2020 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 13th-generation F-150 introduced the aluminum-alloy body that became one of the truck’s defining engineering changes. Maximum towing capability increased substantially over the life of this generation.
The 2015 F-150 could tow up to 12,200 pounds when properly equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. By the 2018 model year, maximum available towing capacity had increased to 13,200 pounds, a figure that continued through the later years of the generation.
Depending on model year, available engines included the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, naturally aspirated V6 options, and 5.0L V8. Cab configuration, axle ratio, drivetrain, wheelbase, and towing packages all affected the final rating.
2009–2014 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 12th-generation F-150 expanded both capability and engine choice. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 arrived for the 2011 model year and became an important towing engine for the F-150 lineup.
By 2014, the F-150 could tow up to 11,300 pounds when properly equipped. Other available engines during this generation included V6 and V8 options such as the 5.0L V8, while earlier trucks were available with engines including the 4.6L and 5.4L V8.
2004–2008 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 11th-generation F-150 was offered with engines including the 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8, and 5.4L Triton V8. Towing capability varied substantially depending on cab style, wheelbase, axle ratio, drivetrain, and equipment.
Later trucks from this generation offered considerably stronger tow ratings than many base configurations. Anyone shopping for a used F-150 from this period should verify the exact truck’s tow rating rather than relying on a generation-wide figure, since two visually similar trucks can have very different ratings.
1997–2003 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The 10th-generation F-150 brought a major redesign and was available with engines including the 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8, and 5.4L V8. Ford offered numerous cab, bed, axle, and drivetrain combinations during these years, so towing capacity varied considerably from one truck to another.
For older F-150 models, the original owner’s manual and Ford towing guide for the specific model year are the best references. The truck’s axle ratio, Gross Combined Weight Rating, payload rating, hitch equipment, and condition should all be considered before towing.
1992–1996 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The ninth-generation F-150 was available with powertrains including the 4.9L inline-six, 5.0L V8, and 5.8L V8. These trucks predate many of the towing-assistance technologies found on modern F-150 models, making the correct hitch setup, braking equipment, payload calculation, and weight distribution especially important.
Because towing ratings varied by engine, transmission, axle ratio, wheelbase, and drivetrain, owners should consult documentation for the exact truck before determining how much it can safely tow.
1987–1991 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The eighth-generation F-Series arrived for 1987. F-150 powertrain choices included the 4.9L inline-six along with available V8 engines. Towing capability depended heavily on the individual configuration, and ratings from this era should not be estimated solely from engine displacement.
If you own or are considering an F-150 from this period, verify the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, axle rating, hitch equipment, and original towing documentation before attaching a trailer.
1980–1986 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The seventh-generation F-Series debuted for 1980 with a lighter chassis and a range of six-cylinder and V8 engines. As with other older F-150 generations, towing ratings differed significantly based on engine, transmission, rear axle, wheelbase, and optional towing equipment.
Age and condition also matter when towing with a classic truck. Brakes, cooling-system components, tires, suspension parts, hitch hardware, and transmission condition should be inspected before using an older F-150 for regular towing.
1975–1979 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
The F-150 nameplate was introduced for the 1975 model year during the sixth generation of the Ford F-Series. Available powertrains included inline-six and V8 engines, but towing ratings varied widely depending on the exact year and configuration.
For these early F-150s, modern advertised tow-capacity comparisons are not especially useful. Owners should rely on original Ford documentation and confirm that the truck, hitch, brakes, tires, and other components remain suitable for the intended trailer.
What Determines Ford F-150 Towing Capacity?
Two F-150 trucks from the same model year can have very different towing capacities. Important factors include:
- Engine and powertrain
- Rear axle ratio
- 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain
- Regular Cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew configuration
- Bed length and wheelbase
- Tow/Haul Package or other towing equipment
- Payload carried inside the truck
- Passengers, accessories, and cargo
- Trailer tongue weight
Maximum advertised towing capacity represents a specific properly equipped configuration. It does not mean every F-150 from that model year can tow that amount. Always verify the rating for the exact vehicle before towing.
Find the Right Ford F-150 for Towing in Bakersfield
The Ford F-150 has continued to evolve from a straightforward work truck into a full-size pickup with advanced powertrains, trailer technology, and towing capability. Today’s F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped, while previous generations offer a wide range of capabilities for used-truck shoppers.
At Jim Burke Ford, our team can help you compare engines, cab and bed configurations, towing packages, and available equipment to find an F-150 that fits what you plan to tow. Browse our new Ford F-150 inventory or explore our used trucks for sale in Bakersfield to get started.
Maximum towing ratings shown are manufacturer maximums for properly equipped vehicles. Actual towing capacity varies by vehicle configuration, equipment, passengers, cargo, accessories, payload, and trailer setup. Always consult the owner’s manual, towing guide, and vehicle certification labels for the specific truck before towing.
