2026 Ford F150 Towing Capacity
The 2026 Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,500 lb when properly equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and the right axle, cab, and tow package. Max payload tops out at about 2,440 lb depending on configuration. Always verify your specific truck’s door-jamb sticker and Ford’s tow charts.
🧭 At-a-Glance: Trims, Engines, Prices, Tow & Payload
| Trim | Core Engine / Transmission | Est. Starting Price (U.S.) | Max Tow (when equipped) | Max Payload (when equipped) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 / 10-speed auto | ≈ $45k | Up to ~8,400 lb | ~1,700–1,900 lb |
| STX / XLT | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 / 10-speed auto | low-to-mid $50k | Up to 13,500 lb | ~2,200–2,400 lb |
| Lariat | 5.0L V8 / 10-speed auto | high $50k–low $60k | Up to ~12,900 lb | ~2,100–2,300 lb |
| King Ranch / Platinum | 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 | $70k+ | Varies by build | Varies by build |
| Tremor / Raptor / Raptor R | HO EcoBoost / 5.2L SC V8 | $70k–$90k+ | Lower than max-tow builds | Lower due to off-road hardware |
Tow and payload figures above reflect “max available” configurations and vary by axle ratio, cab/bed, drive, and options.
🚚 Towing & Tongue-Weight Essentials
Tongue weight rule of thumb: plan for 10–15% of the loaded trailer’s weight on the hitch.
A 10,000-lb travel trailer typically targets ~1,000–1,500 lb of tongue weight, which counts against payload. Verify against your truck’s placard and Ford’s tow charts.
Payload reality check: Max payload for properly equipped F-150s lands around 2,440 lb, but your exact truck may differ. Passengers, gear, hitch hardware, and tongue load all subtract from what’s left. https://www.ford.com/
⚙️ Engines, Performance & Transmissions
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is a strong base for light towing and everyday use.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the tow champ and the simplest path to the 13,500-lb rating when spec’d right.
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 delivers classic V8 feel and competitive tow numbers when configured correctly.
- PowerBoost Hybrid (where available) emphasizes torque and efficiency but won’t match the 3.5L EcoBoost’s max-tow headline.
- 10-speed automatic is standard across the gas and hybrid lineup and is paired to Ford’s tow logic in the published guides.
⛽ Fuel Economy
EPA ratings may vary by configuration, and towing drastically reduces MPG for any full-size truck.
Hybrid builds can be efficient unladen, while 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 trade some efficiency for towing headroom.
Use the truck’s trip computer to log MPG when towing and plan fuel stops conservatively. For planning tools and current tow references, start at Ford’s towing hub. https://www.ford.com/
Interior Comfort & Workday Usability
Cab choices span Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, so you can prioritize bed length or back-seat comfort depending on mission.
Expect a large digital cluster, a wide infotainment screen with wireless smartphone integration, and available trailering cameras and tow aids such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist on select trims.
For feature expectations across the 2026 range, see MotorTrend’s overview. MotorTrend
📏 Bed Sizes & Measurements
The F-150 offers three bed lengths that have remained consistent in recent model years: 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft, and 8-ft.
Typical box dimensions many shoppers reference are about 67.1 in (5.5-ft length), 78.9 in (6.5-ft), and 97.6 in (8-ft), with width between wheelhouses of ~50.6 in and depth of ~21.4 in.
These figures are handy for planning ATV ramps, tonneau covers, or fifth-wheel prep.
📡 Infotainment & Tow Tech
Expect SYNC 4, a large touchscreen, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster in most builds, along with over-the-air updates.
Tow-helping technology such as multi-view cameras, guidance lines, and the Pro Trailer features reduce stress when backing a boat, utility, or enclosed trailer.
For a quick manufacturer overview of tow-tech and downloadable charts, use Ford’s towing hub.
🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance
Forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping, and rear cross-traffic alert are widely expected, while available BlueCruise hands-free driving and 360-degree cameras broaden the assistance suite on higher trims. Reviewers outline these expectations for the 2026 lineup.
🛠️ Warranty & Maintenance Basics
Ford’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers the vehicle bumper-to-bumper, and the Powertrain Warranty typically runs 5 years/60,000 miles and covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.
Confirm exact coverage and terms for your VIN. When towing frequently, shorten service intervals for brakes, fluids, and inspections.
🆚 Rival Snapshot
- F-150 (2026): Max tow up to 13,500 lb with 3.5L EcoBoost. Broadest configuration spread and deep tow-tech catalog.
- Silverado 1500 (2026): Competitive tow figures but fewer builds touch the Ford’s top headline.
- Ram 1500 (2026): Ride and cabin polish are standouts; max-tow tends to trail Ford’s peak numbers.
🧩 How To Spec For Max Tow
- Choose the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
- 2) Select the correct axle ratio for towing.
- 3) Pair a cab/bed combo that qualifies for the highest ratings.
- 4) Add the Max Trailer Tow Package and trailer-brake controller.
- 5) Confirm ratings on your door-jamb payload sticker and Ford’s tow charts before you hitch.
❓ FAQs
What’s the tongue weight for an F-150 towing setup?
Plan for 10–15% of the fully loaded trailer’s weight on the hitch. Example: a 10,000-lb trailer targets ~1,000–1,500 lb tongue load. Verify your specific limits via Ford’s tow charts and your truck’s payload label.
Does bed length change towing or payload?
Yes. Bed length, cab style, drive type, axle ratio, and options all influence published ratings. The “max available” figures assume a specific combination. Always cross-check with Ford’s resources.
Which engine should I choose for heavy towing?
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the straightforward path to the 13,500-lb rating in 2026.
Where can I verify my exact rating?
Use Ford’s towing hub and calculator, then confirm the VIN-specific sticker and the official tow chart PDFs.
🏁 Conclusion
Spec the 3.5L EcoBoost with the right axle, cab/bed, and tow package and the 2026 F-150 can tow up to 13,500 lb, carry strong payload, and still deliver modern comfort and tech.
Build to your real trailer weight, confirm tongue load against payload, and leverage Ford’s tow resources before you hitch.
If this helped your search, please like and comment with your intended trailer and route so we can tailor a setup checklist for you.