F-150 towing capacity by engine
If you want the highest possible tow rating, the 3.5L EcoBoost is the top dog at up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped.
If you want a close second with classic V8 behavior, the 5.0L V8 is rated up to 12,900 lbs (properly equipped).
If you want a strong everyday tow setup with typically lower cost, the 2.7L EcoBoost is rated up to 8,400 lbs (properly equipped).
▸ Comparison table (best engine by towing goal)
These are Ford’s published “Available Max Towing (lbs.)” figures for 2025.
| Engine (2025 F-150) | Max conventional tow (up to) | What it’s best for | “Buy this if…” |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 8,400 lbs | Light–mid towing | You tow occasionally and want solid capability without paying for max-tow spec. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 13,500 lbs | Heavy towing | Your trailer is big, or you want the most headroom for future upgrades. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 12,900 lbs | Heavy towing + V8 preference | You want near-top towing with V8 feel and strong all-around performance. |
Important: Max towing varies by configuration, cargo, accessories, and passengers.
⚠ Before you pick an engine (two rules that matter more than horsepower)
Rule #1: “Properly equipped” controls the number.
Ford’s max figures assume the right configuration and required equipment.
Rule #2: If you tow without a weight-distribution hitch, Ford says do not exceed 5,000 lbs.
Engine-by-engine breakdown
1) 2.7L EcoBoost (up to 8,400 lbs)
Best for: Utility trailers, smaller campers, boats, and “weekend tow” needs.
Why it works: Ford’s selector shows multiple 2.7L tow ratings that change notably by axle ratio and wheelbase, with the top rating reaching 8,400 lbs.
The tradeoff: If your trailer plan creeps upward over time, you can outgrow the headroom faster than with the 3.5 or 5.0.
External reference (authoritative): Use Ford’s official towing guide tables for the exact rating by cab/bed/axle.
2) 3.5L EcoBoost (up to 13,500 lbs)
Best for: Larger travel trailers, equipment trailers, heavier enclosed trailers, and buyers who want maximum flexibility.
Why it wins: Ford lists the top F-150 max tow at 13,500 lbs for the 3.5L EcoBoost when properly equipped.
What unlocks the big number: Ford notes certain max-tow outcomes require Tow/Haul Package (53T) plus the optional Max Tow Axle on applicable builds.
The tradeoff: You must be more deliberate about spec’ing (axle ratio, wheelbase, package content) to make sure your truck is actually the “right” 3.5L build.
3) 5.0L V8 (up to 12,900 lbs)
Best for: Heavy towing for owners who prefer V8 characteristics and want near-top capability without chasing the absolute maximum rating.
Why it’s compelling: Ford lists the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 at up to 12,900 lbs max towing in the 2025 engine lineup summary.
The tradeoff: You can tow very heavy, but you still need the correct axle/configuration to land on the higher lines in the selector.
▸ Which engine should you choose for 5,000 / 8,000 / 10,000+ lbs?
Around 5,000 lbs: Any of the three can make sense, but remember Ford’s guidance that towing over 5,000 lbs calls for a weight-distribution system.
Around 8,000 lbs: The 2.7L can reach into this range (properly equipped), but you’ll usually have more margin with the 5.0L or 3.5L.
10,000+ lbs: This is where the 3.5L and 5.0L are typically the rational picks, with the 3.5L giving the highest ceiling at 13,500 lbs.
▸ How to verify your exact rating in 2 minutes
Ford’s tow ratings vary by configuration, and the fastest way to avoid mistakes is to run your VIN.
Use this tool: Ford towing calculator (VIN-based lookup) https://www.ford.com/
- F-150 towing capacity chart (by engine & axle)
- F-150 payload vs towing (the simple math)
- F-150 weight-distribution hitch rules explained
FAQs
Which F-150 engine tows the most?
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 has the highest published max tow rating at up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped.
How much can the 5.0 F-150 tow?
Ford lists the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 at up to 12,900 lbs max towing for 2025 when properly equipped
How much can the 2.7 EcoBoost F-150 tow?
Ford lists the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 at up to 8,400 lbs max towing for 2025 when properly equipped
Do I need a weight distribution hitch on an F-150?
Ford states: Do not exceed 5,000 lbs of trailer weight when towing without a weight-distribution system.
Conclusion
If you are buying specifically to tow heavy, choose the 3.5L EcoBoost and spec for the correct axle/package path to reach the top ratings.
If you want near-top towing with V8 preference, the 5.0L V8 is a strong choice at up to 12,900 lbs properly equipped
If your towing is light to moderate, the 2.7L EcoBoost can be a cost-effective workhorse up to 8,400 lbs properly equipped.
Please leave a comment below and tell us your setup, also come back again truckreportgeeks.com
Sources
2025 Ford F-150 Towing Guide (official PDF) Ford VDM
Ford Towing Calculator (VIN-based towing capacity lookup) https://www.ford.com/
How to use the Ford Towing Calculator (official instructions) https://www.ford.com/
Here’s the problem with their advice to use a weight distributing hitch over 5000 pounds, most modern RV trailers use an aluminum frame, not steel. If you use a weight distributing hitch, it moves the load onto the aluminum frame of the trailer, which can’t take it and it will break eventually. So Ford says to use a weight distributing hitch, but RV manufacturers say not to use a weight distributing hitch, which limits you to 5000 pounds of towing. If you’re going to be limited to 5000 pounds, then you are better off to just buy the cheapest truck that can handle 5000 pounds towing, and not buy more truck than you need for that. You can probably get away with the base 3.3 liter V6, and still tow 5000 pounds, for a lot less money than the other options.