Ford F-150 Towing by Year
A properly equipped F‑150 tops out between 13,200–14,000 lbs (conventional).
The peak years were 2021–2023 at 14,000 lbs, with 2024–2025 at 13,500 lbs and 2020 at 13,200 lbs.
In nearly every case, the max number requires the 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Trailer Tow Package, the right axle ratio, and a light/long configuration.
Quick-Compare: F‑150 Tow Max by Year (2020–2025)
| Model year | Max conventional tow (lbs)* | Engine/setup that enables it |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13,500 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 + Tow/Haul Package + Max Tow Axle (select SuperCrew/SuperCab configurations) |
| 2024 | 13,500 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 + Tow/Haul Package + Max Tow Axle (SuperCrew 6.5′ box 4×4 noted) |
| 2023 | 14,000 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 + Max Trailer Tow Package (select SuperCab 8′ box 4×2 or SuperCrew 4×2) |
| 2022 | 14,000 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 + Max Trailer Tow Package (select SuperCab 8′ box 4×2 or SuperCrew 4×2) |
| 2021 | 14,000 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 + Max Trailer Tow Package (select SuperCab 8′ box 4×2 or SuperCrew 4×2) |
| 2020 | 13,200 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 + Max Trailer Tow Package (select cabs/axles) |
* When properly equipped. Conventional bumper‑pull with a weight‑distributing hitch for the big numbers. Your VIN‑specific rating can be lower based on trim, options, passengers, cargo, and axle ratio.
How to check your exact tow rating (do this before you hitch up)
- Run the official VIN towing calculator → https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator/
- Open the Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for your model year (downloads below). Use the tables to match engine + axle ratio + wheelbase + cab/bed.
- Confirm the door‑jamb labels for GVWR/GAWR and compare against your tongue load and payload after passengers and cargo.
- If you’re within ~10% of a limit, choose a lighter trailer or redistribute weight. It’s easier on brakes, transmission, and tires.
Pro tip: On 5.5‑ft beds, a 5th‑wheel hitch may physically fit but many 5th‑wheel trailer designs are not compatible with F‑150 geometry. Short‑bed + wide‑nose 5ers are the common gotcha.
Year‑by‑Year Cheat Sheet
2025 Ford F‑150
- Max tow: 13,500 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost + Tow/Haul Package + Max Tow Axle.
- Other engines (max conventional): 5.0L V8 12,900; PowerBoost Hybrid 11,200; 2.7L EcoBoost 8,400; Raptor 3.5 H.O. 8,200; Raptor R 5.2 SC 8,700.
- Typical strong setups: SuperCrew 6.5′ box or SuperCab with the Max Tow Axle and an ELSD.
- Download: 2025 F‑150 towing sheet (PDF).
2024 Ford F‑150
- Max tow: 13,500 lbs. SuperCrew 6.5′ box 4×4 cited with 3.5L EcoBoost + Tow/Haul + Max Tow Axle.
- Hybrid tops out around 11,200 lbs in most common configurations.
- Download: 2024 F‑150 towing sheet (PDF).
2023 Ford F‑150
- Max tow: 14,000 lbs when configured with the 3.5L EcoBoost and Max Trailer Tow Package.
- Notes: This was the last model year before the 2024 refresh; 14k remained the headline figure for conventional towing.
- Download: 2023 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (PDF) → F‑150 section.
2022 Ford F‑150
- Max tow: 14,000 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost + Max Trailer Tow Package on SuperCab 8′ box 4×2 or SuperCrew 4×2.
- Hybrid commonly ~12,700 lbs depending on GCWR/axle.
- Download: 2022 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (PDF) → F‑150 section.
2021 Ford F‑150
- Max tow: 14,000 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost + Max Trailer Tow Package (SuperCab 8′ box 4×2 or SuperCrew 4×2).
- Important fit note: Many 5th‑wheel trailer designs are not compatible with 5.5′ beds even if a hitch fits.
- Download: 2021 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide / F‑150 Towing Selector (PDF).
2020 Ford F‑150
- Max tow: 13,200 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost + Max Trailer Tow Package.
- Yes, F‑150 can bumper‑pull over 10k, but you’ll need weight‑distribution, proper tongue weight (~10%), and to respect frontal‑area limits listed in the guide.
- Download: 2020 F‑150 Towing Selector (PDF).
What changes the number most?
- Engine choice: The 3.5L EcoBoost posts the highest GCWR and tow ratings year after year. Hybrid and 5.0L V8 tow plenty, but not quite the peak number in 2024–2025.
- Axle ratio: Numerically higher ratios (e.g., 3.55/3.73) boost tow ratings.
- Packages: Max Trailer Tow (’21–’23) or Tow/Haul + Max Tow Axle (’24–’25) are must‑haves if you want five‑digit tow capacity.
- Wheelbase & curb weight: Long wheelbase helps stability and ratings. Heavy trims/options consume payload and can reduce tow.
Related Truck Report Geeks guides (internal links)
- Ford F‑150 Towing Capacity Chart → https://truckreportgeeks.com/ford-f150-towing-capacity-chart/
- 2025 Ford F‑150: Full Specs, Towing & Tech → https://truckreportgeeks.com/2025-ford-f150/
- Which 2025 F‑150 Has the Best Payload? → https://truckreportgeeks.com/which-2025-f-150-has-the-best-payload-rating/
Official resources (external downloads)
- 2025: F‑150 Towing Info (PDF) → https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2025-Ford-F150-Towing-Guide-1.pdf
- 2024: F‑150 Towing Guide (PDF) → https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2024-Ford-F-150-Towing-Guide.pdf
- 2023: Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (PDF) → https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2023-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf
- 2022: Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (PDF) → https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2022_RV_Trailer_Towing_Guide.pdf
- 2021: F‑150 Towing Selector (PDF) → https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_F150_r4_Oct20.pdf
- 2020: F‑150 Towing Selector (PDF) → https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/20Towing_Ford_F150_Oct15.pdf
- VIN‑specific towing calculator → https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator/
FAQs
Which F‑150 tows 13,500–14,000 lbs?
The 3.5L EcoBoost with the right axle and tow package. For 2021–2023, that’s the Max Trailer Tow Package. For 2024–2025, it’s Tow/Haul + Max Tow Axle. Long wheelbase cabs/boxes help.
Does the PowerBoost Hybrid tow as much as the 3.5 EB?
Not quite in 2024–2025. It commonly caps around 11,200 lbs. In some 2021–2023 combinations it reached ~12,700 lbs.
Do I need a weight‑distributing hitch?
Yes for trailers over 5,000 lbs on F‑150. It’s also how you get the bigger published numbers safely.
Can an F‑150 tow a 5th‑wheel?
Some shorter/light 5ers are possible, but many 5th‑wheel designs aren’t compatible with 5.5′ beds and turning clearance can be an issue. Most owners step up to Super Duty for 5th‑wheel/gooseneck.
What tongue weight should I target?
About 10% of loaded trailer weight for conventional towing. Keep it within your available payload after passengers and gear.
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