Ford towing guide for 2026

The maximum tow capacity for each current Ford model with the right engine, axle, and tow package, as of the 2026 model year:

These are the maximum-rated configurations. Your truck’s actual tow rating depends on the engine, axle ratio, cab style, bed length, and tow package. Pull the door jamb sticker for the GVWR and check the in-vehicle tow guide menu or the Ford tow guide PDF for the exact rating for your VIN.

Important recall to check first

Ford recall 26C10 / NHTSA 26V104000 covers roughly 4.3 million vehicles for an Integrated Trailer Module software fault. Affected models:

• F-150 (2021 to 2026, including Lightning and PowerBoost hybrid)
• F-Series Super Duty (2022 to 2026)
• Ranger (2024 to 2026)
• Expedition (2022 to 2026)
• Maverick (2022 to 2026)
• Transit (2026)
• Lincoln Navigator (2022 to 2026)

The fault can disable or cause erratic trailer brake output, trailer lights, and trailer-related warnings. Ford pushed the OTA fix in March 2026.

Before towing anything heavy with any of these vehicles, check your VIN at owner.ford.com to confirm the recall has been applied. Some trucks need the OTA to download and install (start the truck, leave it for 15 minutes on Wi-Fi or in cell range). A few need a dealer visit if the OTA failed.

Knowing your true tow rating

The brochure number is the rated maximum. Your real capacity is lower once you add passengers, fuel, gear in the bed, and a hitch.

Math to do before buying or hooking up:

1. Find your truck’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) in the owner’s manual or door jamb.
2. Subtract the actual weight of your truck loaded (people, fuel, cargo, hitch).
3. The difference is your real maximum trailer weight.

Example: F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 with 3.5L EcoBoost High Output. GCWR around 18,500 lb. Truck loaded for a trip with family and gear: 7,200 lb. Real trailer max: 11,300 lb. That’s well under the advertised 13,500 lb. Most owners discover this when they weigh at a CAT scale.

Engines and what they do

EcoBoost V6 (3.5L)

The big V6 EcoBoost is the F-150 workhorse. Two versions in 2026:

• 3.5L EcoBoost (standard): 400 hp / 500 lb-ft, towing up to 12,700 lb.
• 3.5L EcoBoost High Output: 450 hp / 510 lb-ft, towing up to 13,500 lb.

The High Output is the F-150 Raptor engine and select Limited trims. Most trucks shipped with the standard.

5.0L V8 Coyote

Still available on F-150 in 2026. 400 hp / 410 lb-ft. Tows up to 13,000 lb. Naturally aspirated, no turbo lag, prefers premium fuel for best output. Less heat under hard towing than smaller turbo engines.

2.7L EcoBoost V6

The “small” EcoBoost on F-150, Ranger, and Bronco. 325 hp / 400 lb-ft on F-150, slightly different in other trims. Tows 9,500 lb on F-150 with Max Tow.

3.0L PowerStroke Diesel (returns 2026 on F-150?)

Ford discontinued the 3.0L PowerStroke diesel on F-150 for 2022 to 2024 but has signaled it may return. Check your specific 2026 build for availability.

6.7L PowerStroke (Super Duty)

The Super Duty diesel. Two versions:

• Standard Output: 475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft
• High Output: 500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft

The HO PowerStroke unlocks the headline tow capacities on F-350 and F-450 (38,000 to 40,000 lb gooseneck).

F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid

3.5L V6 + electric motor between engine and transmission. 430 hp / 570 lb-ft. Tows up to 12,700 lb. Onboard 2.4 kW (or optional 7.2 kW Pro Power) inverter for jobsite or campsite power.

F-150 Lightning

All-electric. Standard Range tows 5,000 to 7,700 lb depending on trim. Extended Range with Max Trailer Tow Package tows 10,000 lb. Expect range to drop 40 to 55 percent under tow load.

Tow packages: what’s actually in them

Ford’s various “Tow Packages” vary by model but typically include:

• Higher-capacity radiator or trans cooler
• Heavier-duty rear axle (sometimes a different ratio)
• 7-pin trailer connector
• Integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) on most full-size trucks
• Trailer sway control software
• Tow/Haul transmission mode
• Tow mirrors (power, heat, signal lamps on higher trims)
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist (Lariat+ on F-150, Super Duty)

The “Max Trailer Tow Package” (or “Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package”) adds further upgrades to hit the maximum rated capacity. Without it, an F-150 with otherwise-identical config tows several thousand pounds less.

Hitch selection by vehicle

F-150 from the factory comes with a Class III or IV receiver. Super Duty trucks have Class V receivers and the prep package for fifth wheel / gooseneck hitches in the bed.

What to install before towing heavy

• Brake controller (factory ITBC ideal, aftermarket Tekonsha P3 or Redarc Tow-Pro otherwise)
• Weight distribution hitch on travel trailers over 5,000 lb (Equal-i-zer, Husky, Reese)
• Tow mirrors that show 200 ft behind the trailer
• Trailer breakaway battery, fresh
• Verified working trailer lights, brakes, signals
• Tire pressure correct for the load (door jamb shows loaded pressures; usually higher than empty)
• Transmission cooler if your truck doesn’t have one (most F-150s with tow package do)

Common mistakes

• Towing at advertised max without checking GCWR with your specific loaded truck
• Skipping the brake controller because the salesperson said “you don’t need one for this trailer”
• Driving 75 mph with a tall travel trailer (the wind drag and stability margins assume 55 to 65 mph)
• Not weighing tongue weight before installing a weight distribution hitch
• Ignoring the recall 26C10 warning on a 2021+ truck