How much can a Ford F-150 tow? Ratings by engine for Southwest Houston drivers

A Ford F-150 tows up to 13,500 pounds, and the engine sets the ceiling: the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 4×4 with the Max Trailer Tow Package is highest, while the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 rate lower. Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston, at 6445 Southwest Freeway, sells the F-150, and Ford’s published rating for your exact engine, axle ratio and drivetrain is the number to tow by.

The rating starts with the engine. The tow package, axle ratio, drivetrain and payload finish it.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Houston. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

The F-150 engine you choose sets how much it can tow

The engine and drivetrain set the rating. Ford rates the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 4×4 at 13,500 pounds when properly equipped, and that rating requires the Tow/Haul Package and the optional Max Tow Axle (Ford, 2026).

Trailers over 11,600 pounds on a gas F-150 also need the Tow/Haul Package (53T) and the optional Max Tow Axle (Ford, 2026). A lighter trailer does not need the top rating. A heavier one does, and the equipment on the truck decides whether it gets there.

We sell the F-150, so the rating for the truck you buy depends on its equipment, not on the nameplate alone.

Ford F-150 towing ratings by engine, cab and drivetrain

Ford publishes one towing rating for each engine and drivetrain. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 leads in both drive types, and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is the lowest of the three engines.

The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 makes 570 lb-ft of torque, the most of the three engines. Each rating applies when the truck is properly equipped, so match the number to the truck’s own equipment.

What does the Max Trailer Tow Package add to an F-150?

The Max Trailer Tow Package adds an upgraded rear axle ratio, and it requires the Tow/Haul Package (Ford, 2026). A trailer brake controller comes with the package and is not standard on the base truck (Ford, 2026).

The package also includes an automatic transmission oil cooler. The standard hitch receiver is rated at 11,600 pounds. Max Tow Axle includes a 2-inch reinforced receiver rated at 14,000 pounds (Ford, 2026). A receiver rating is a hitch limit, separate from the truck’s tow rating.

Why does an F-150 reach its payload limit before its tow limit?

Payload is the weight the truck carries, and trailer tongue weight counts against it. When towing, trailer tongue weight is part of payload (Ford Towing Calculator help). Ford says tongue load should be 10% of total loaded trailer weight (Ford, 2026).

Ford’s published payload is 1,775 pounds for the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 2,440 pounds for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Ford, 2026). Passengers and cargo count against that same number, so a truck can reach its payload limit before its tow limit.

How do you match an F-150 engine to your trailer’s weight?

Choose the engine whose rating covers the loaded trailer with room to spare, because a trailer’s loaded weight is higher than its empty weight.

Every figure in this example is hypothetical. Say the loaded trailer weighs 7,000 pounds. At 10%, its tongue weight is 700 pounds. The 2.7L in 4×2 rates 8,400 pounds, so it covers that trailer on paper. Check the door sticker before you commit.

How do you find the exact tow rating on a specific F-150?

The certification label on the driver’s side door jamb gives the exact towing capacity for your truck. Ford’s published procedure, from its page on towing capacity, has three steps:

1. Refer to the certification label found on the driver’s side door jamb. This label provides the precise towing capacity for your vehicle.

2. If the label is unavailable or unclear, use the RV & Trailer Towing Guide: access the RV & Trailer Towing Guide website, select Make, Year, Model and Trim (if available), select Search, then scroll down to the RV & Trailer Towing Guides section and select the model year towing guide listed.

3. Before towing, review your Owner’s Manual and the RV & Trailer Towing Guide for information specific to your vehicle. Note: The RV & Trailer Towing Guide is not Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) specific; for the most accurate VIN-specific information, speak with a certified expert at your preferred Ford Dealer.

Ford’s 2026 F-150 towing information adds that maximum payload varies with accessories and configuration, so read the doorjamb label for a specific truck’s carrying capacity. Always properly secure cargo.

What should Southwest Houston drivers know before towing with an F-150?

Texas requires two separate safety chains on a towed trailer. A trailer heavier than 4,500 pounds gross needs brakes that apply automatically if it breaks away from the truck.

Safety chains must be attached in a manner approved by the department, and two separate chains must be used at the same time (Texas Administrative Code, 2013). The chains may not contact the road while the vehicles are moving (Texas Administrative Code, 2013).

A trailer that weighs 4,500 pounds or less gross needs no brakes. Drawn faster than 30 miles per hour, it needs brakes on both wheels of the rear axle (Texas Transportation Code).

Bring your trailer’s loaded weight and your truck’s door sticker figures when you visit us at 6445 Southwest Freeway.

FAQ

How do F-150 towing ratings change from one model year to the next?

Ford’s 2025 F-150 page lists up to 13,500 pounds of maximum towing for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Ford.com, 2025). The model year changes the published number, so use the rating for the year on the truck.

What does the integrated trailer brake controller do on an F-150?

It assists in smooth and effective trailer braking based on the towing vehicle’s brake pressure (Ford Owner’s Manual, 2026). When the feature is enabled, the trailer brakes engage automatically when you use the truck’s brakes (Ford).

What does Tow/Haul mode do on an F-150?

Tow/Haul mode moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce how often the transmission shifts when towing a trailer or heavy load (Ford Owner’s Manual, 2025). It also provides engine braking in all forward gears when descending a slope, and it tunes the steering to enhance comfort when towing or carrying heavy loads (Ford Owner’s Manual, 2025).

What does towing do to F-150 fuel economy?

Towing a trailer decreases fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). A 2014 Oak Ridge National Laboratory study found fuel economy penalties of 30% in the city cycle and 50% at 80 miles per hour for an SUV pulling a 3,500 pound enclosed cargo trailer (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 2014). Plan for fuel costs on every loaded tow.

What if you need to tow more than an F-150 can?

Ford’s published line maximums for Super Duty are 30,000 pounds with a conventional hitch, 35,000 pounds with a 5th-wheel, and 40,000 pounds for a diesel gooseneck, each for the best-equipped configuration. Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston sells new Super Duty trucks. Match the trailer and hitch type to the configuration you buy, because the top figure applies only to the best-equipped version.

Buy your F-150 from Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston

Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston sells new Ford trucks, including the F-150 and Super Duty, at 6445 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074. Group 1 Automotive is our parent company. Our Google rating is 4.3 stars across 4,732 reviews, and 77 in 100 of them are five-star.

In a September 2026 Google review, Franco V. wrote: “Fantastic! I bought a 2026 truck and I’m so happy! Mary Hill helped me; she’s the best!” We offer home test drives and deliveries, so you can test drive the truck without leaving home.

In a July 2026 Google review, Patrick Z. wrote: “David was friendly and helpful. He helped me in getting my vehicle fixed in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend him to all your service needs.” Service can be scheduled online. Service hours are Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday.

Same-brand Ford dealers on Google rate as follows:

Start by getting your trade-in offer online from your license plate, VIN, or make and model, then apply for financing online. Then bring your truck’s door sticker figures and your trailer’s loaded weight to Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston at 6445 Southwest Freeway, or take a home delivery. Get your online trade-in offer.

Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Houston showroom, or call 281-588-5000.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.