The 2024 Ford F-150, a light-duty half-ton pickup, showcases remarkable capabilities. In certain setups, it can tow a staggering 14,000 lbs. and carry up to 3,325 lbs. in its bed, surpassing many medium-duty trucks from the past years.
Despite its robust weight capacity, the base model of this full-size Ford pickup is equipped with gentle springs and a comfort-focused suspension, which might not give the most reassuring feel during towing.
For enhancing your F-150’s towing experience, market offers a comprehensive range of products.
Remember: While aftermarket tweaks won’t boost your truck’s inherent towing limit, our specialists can guide you to products that ensure utmost confidence during towing and hauling tasks.
| Ford F-150 Towing Capacity Chart | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Max Towing | Max Payload | Engine |
| 2023 | 5,000 to 14,000 lbs1 2 | 1,410 to 3,310 lbs | 3.3L V-6, 2.7L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 3.5L Full Hybrid V-6, 5.0L V-8, 3.5L High-Output V-6 |
| 2022 | 5,000 to 14,000 lbs1 | 1,410 to 3,325 lbs | 3.3L V6, 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 3.5L Full Hybrid V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L High-Output V6 |
| 2021 | 5,000 to 14,000 lbs1 | 1,745 to 3,325 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8, 3.0L diesel |
| 2020 | 5,000 to 13,200 lbs1 | 1,500 to 3,270 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8, 3.0L diesel |
| 2019 | 5,000 to 13,200 lbs1 | 1,485 to 3,270 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8, 3.0L diesel |
| 2018 | 5,000 to 13,200 lbs1 | 1,420 to 3,270 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8, 3.0L diesel |
| 2017 | 5,000 to 12,200 lbs1 | 1,570 to 3,270 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V6 |
| 2016 | 5,000 to 12,200 lbs1 | 1,570 to 3,270 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V7 |
| 2015 | 5,000 to 12,200 lbs1 | 1,580 to 3,300 lbs | 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8 |
What Makes This Truck Ideal for Towing Heavy Loads?
The Ford F-150 stands out in the realm of half-ton vehicles, thanks to its continuous evolution and adaptability to industry shifts. Notably, its towing prowess is unparalleled in its class. This full-size Ford truck is designed to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease, simplifying your heavy-duty challenges.
The F-150’s towing capacity, although unmatched in the market, is influenced by several elements, including its engine, cab type, drivetrain, and bed configuration. Each of these factors contributes to the truck’s overall weight-bearing capability.
The truck is equipped with state-of-the-art features that ensure not only efficient but also safe towing. This ensures that drivers can confidently navigate various terrains and conditions with diverse loads.
In terms of performance, whether it’s standard towing or handling substantial weights, the F-150 consistently outshines its competitors. In essence, Ford’s innovative design transforms even the most daunting tasks into manageable feats.
Towing Guidelines
Before delving into equipment and add-ons, it’s pivotal to address the most vital element in towing: the driver. No amount of advanced gear can substitute for a driver who is skilled, informed, and attentive. Here are five fundamental guidelines every driver should adhere to when towing:
1. Recognize Your Boundaries
Before you connect the trailer, understand your boundaries, both personally and in terms of your vehicle’s capabilities. Have you ever managed a trailer of this magnitude or weight? If you haven’t, ponder if you’re sufficiently seasoned or prepared to venture out safely.
Moreover, ensure your F-150 is compatible with the trailer you intend to tow. Factor in the extra weight from equipment, passengers, water, supplementary fuel, and other loads when determining your total weight.
2. Ensure Tire Pressure is Optimal
Tires function within a specific pressure range. Even if your tires are designed to bear the weight you’re towing, remember that the stipulated weight capacity is valid only when the tires are inflated to their peak PSI. Prior to attaching a weighty trailer, it’s wise to inspect and possibly increase your tire pressure.
3. Inspect Your Lighting
Before embarking on your journey, verify that your trailer’s lights are functioning correctly. Whether it’s marker lights, running lights, indicators, or brake lights, ensuring they work is crucial for the safety of everyone involved.
For additional insights on enhancing your Ford F-150’s lighting capabilities, you can refer to this article.
4. Anticipate Extended Braking Distances
With a heavy load in tow, especially if the trailer lacks brakes, your F-150 will require a longer distance to halt. Hence, start braking much earlier than usual, guaranteeing you have ample space to stop without any mishaps.
5. Stay Alert
As the saying goes, always be on the lookout! It’s imperative to remain extra alert when towing. Regularly monitor your trailer’s lights, safety chains, and fastenings to preemptively identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into significant complications.
Equipment Guide
1. Hitches
Starting with the foundation of towing—hitches. These come in a variety of configurations, each designed for specific towing needs.
They vary in design, from 5th wheel and gooseneck to tow-behind/trailer and front hitches. Their capacity is categorized from class I to V, with each class indicating the weight they can handle. Refer to the provided class rating chart for detailed insights.
|
Class |
Receiver Size |
Gross Trailer Weight |
Tongue Weight |
|
Class 1 |
1-1/4-inch |
Up to 2,000 |
Up to 200 |
|
Class 2 |
1-1/4-inch |
Up to 3,500 |
Up to 350 |
|
Class 3 |
2-inch |
Up to 8,000 |
Up to 800 |
|
Class 4 |
2-inch |
Up to 10,000 |
Up to 1,000 |
|
Class 5 |
2-inch |
16,000 to 17,000 |
2,400 to 2,550 |
2. Air Springs
Whether you call them air springs or air bags, their function remains consistent. These components are a type of towing suspension that employs trapped air to cushion your F-150’s suspension. This prevents it from sagging excessively or hitting the ground when navigating uneven terrains.
By reinforcing the rear suspension, air springs ensure a more stable and controlled driving experience, especially when towing.
3. Bump Stops
Bump stops are aftermarket additions designed to cushion the impact between your F-150’s rear axle and its frame during intense compression, such as when you’re carrying a hefty load or towing a substantial trailer.
Instead of a jarring metal-to-metal collision, bump stops, made of robust rubber or polyurethane, take on the brunt of the impact, resulting in a much smoother ride.
For those who frequently haul or tow, specialized heavy-duty bump stops are available. These are designed with an extended, broad shape to activate sooner during compression, offering added support. They function similarly to airbags, countering excessive sag and reinforcing the rear suspension.
Which F150 Has The Best Towing Capacity
Here’s a comparison of the towing capacities for different F-150 engine options for the year 2024:
- 3.3-Liter V-6 Engine:
- Horsepower: 290
- Torque: 265 pound-feet
- Towing Capacity: Starts at 5,000 pounds and can go up to 8,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- 2.7-Liter EcoBoost V-6 Engine:
- Horsepower: 325
- Towing Capacity: Starts at 7,600 pounds and can reach up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- 5.0-Liter V-8 Engine:
- Horsepower: 400
- Towing Capacity: Starts at 8,200 pounds and can increase to 13,000 pounds with the Max Tow Package.
- 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V-6 Engine:
- Horsepower: 400
- Torque: 500 pound-feet
- Towing Capacity: Up to 14,000 pounds, which is the maximum capability for this truck.
- 3.5-Liter Powerboost Full Hybrid V-6 Engine:
- Horsepower: 430
- Torque: 570 pound-feet
- Towing Capacity: Up to 12,700 pounds.
- Ford F-150 Lightning (All-Electric):
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 pounds for the Lightning Pro. For the XLT or Lariat trims, the towing capacity increases to 10,000 pounds.
To achieve the highest towing capacity, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the best choice, offering a range from 11,000 pounds to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds with the Max Trailer Tow Package.
Towing Accessories
1. Towing Mirrors
Enhance your field of view with top-quality towing mirrors. Unlike the standard mirrors on your F-150, towing mirrors come with features like larger glass areas, built-in blind spot mirrors, extendable heads, and signal lights. Plus, their bolt-on design and plug-and-play wiring ensure a hassle-free installation.
2. Towing Lights
While towing, it’s not just about your visibility but also ensuring other drivers can clearly see your truck and trailer. Towing lights enhance this visibility. They can be placed almost anywhere thanks to their magnetic bases and offer marker, brake, and turn signal functionalities.
3. Hitch Adapters
Hitch adapters are versatile tools, allowing you to adapt from one hitch type to another or change the diameter of your F-150’s hitch receiver. This ensures compatibility with various trailers, provided they’re within your F-150’s weight capacity.
4. Brake Controllers
A close second to the importance of the trailer hitch is the brake controller. It facilitates communication between your truck’s braking system and the trailer’s brakes, offering extra stopping power when towing substantial loads.
Most brake controllers are easy to install, especially if your F-150 comes with the necessary wiring. They also allow you to tweak the brake sensitivity to your preference.
5. Loading Ramps
Loading ramps are indispensable for those who frequently load cargo onto their F-150 or trailers. They make the process smoother, reducing the strain on your back by allowing you to roll or slide items instead of lifting them.
Tips for Safe Trailer Towing
Towing a trailer demands extra caution since you’re essentially maneuvering an additional vehicle. Before embarking on your journey with a trailer, it’s advised to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection.
Always ensure that:
- The tire pressure is optimal.
- All lights function correctly.
- Mirrors are adjusted for clear visibility.
- If your trailer is equipped with brakes, confirm they’re in working order.
It’s crucial to verify that the hitch is securely attached and inspect the safety chains, ensuring they’re fastened beneath the trailer tongue. Also, make certain the license plate remains unobstructed.
When reversing with a trailer, having someone guide you is beneficial. If you’re alone, ensure the path is clear of obstacles before backing up. It’s essential to focus entirely on the task, so consider muting distractions like the radio.
On the road, maintain a moderate speed and avoid tailgating. Especially in less urban areas, try to keep a distance of at least 500 meters from the next vehicle.
Once you’ve reached your destination and it’s time to unhitch the trailer, remember to secure all tires to prevent any movement.
FAQ
Which Ford F-150 engine is best for towing?
If you want to achieve the highest Ford F-150 towing capacity, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine will be the best choice for your truck.
With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, your F-150 towing capacity will range from 11,000 pounds1 to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds2 with the Max Trailer Tow Package.
What weight can a Ford F-150 tow?
The weight that a Ford F-150 can tow will vary depending on the cab/box configuration, engine, and optional equipment. The 2024 Ford F-150 towing capacity can achieve a best-in-class tow rating of 14,000 pounds2 when properly equipped.
This can allow you to bring a camper or horse trailer along with you. However, make sure to count the weight of the contents in your assessment.
How do I increase the towing capacity of my Ford F-150?
The Max Trailer Tow Package is the best way to increase your Ford F-150 towing capacity. It includes essential towing equipment, tech tricks to make the job easier, and mechanical enhancements to help your Ford F-150 achieve a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds2 in the proper configuration. Ask our team about it when you stop by our dealership for a tour and test drive.
Can the Ford F-150 tow a horse trailer?
Yes, the Ford F-150 can tow a horse trailer in most cases. The towing capacity of the new 2024 Ford F-150 trucks ranges from 5,000 pounds to 14,000 pounds when properly equipped. If your fully loaded horse trailer falls within those parameters and your F-150 truck is set up for that tow rating, your new Ford truck can tow a horse trailer.
Can the Ford F-150 tow an Airstream?
Yes, Ford F-150 trucks can tow larger Airstream vehicles in many cases, depending on the truck’s towing capacity and the weight of the Airstream. The new 2024 Ford F-150 trucks can tow between 5,000 pounds and 14,000 pounds when properly equipped. If your new Airstream weighs less than the towing capacity of your new Ford truck, then your F-150 can tow an Airstream with ease.
Can the Ford F-150 tow a camper?
The new Ford F-150 trucks can easily be equipped to tow a travel trailer, camper, or fifth wheel. The new lineup of F-150 trucks can tow between 5,000 pounds and 14,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it the ideal vehicle to tow a camper. Learn more at our dealership about how to set up your truck for towing.
Final Words
The 2024 Ford F-150 is a testament to Ford’s commitment to combining power with functionality. While its inherent capabilities are impressive, enhancing its towing experience is made easy with a plethora of products and accessories available. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned tower, understanding your vehicle’s capabilities and equipping it with the right tools is the key to a safe and efficient towing journey.
