1996 Ford Thunderbird towing capacity

The 1996 Ford Thunderbird is published in one configuration with a tow rating of 2,000 lb (light utility / small-trailer territory).

The table below lists every trim of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.

How this year compares to 1995

The 1995 Ford Thunderbird carried a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lb. The 1996 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 1995 Ford Thunderbird page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 1996 Ford models

The rest of Ford's 1996 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.