Curious about the 2025 Ford F-150’s towing capacity? This guide provides ten key insights into its towing capabilities, from engine options to safety features. Perfect for work or play, learn how to maximize your F-150’s potential for towing trailers, boats, or equipment safely.

Safety Warning: Towing is hazardous. Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or tow beyond capacity to avoid damage or accidents.

1. Understand F-150 Towing Capacity

The 2025 Ford F-150 tows between 5,000 and 13,500 pounds, depending on engine, cab, drivetrain, and equipment. Knowing your truck’s limit ensures safe towing for various loads.

Capacity varies by configuration. Here’s what defines F-150 towing.

• Max capacity is 13,500 lbs. Achieved with 3.5L EcoBoost V6, SuperCrew 4×4, 6.5-ft bed, and Max Trailer Tow Package.

• Base models tow less. Older 3.3L V6 models towed 5,000 lbs, retired in 2024.

• Check the manual. Confirm your model’s capacity, costing $0, to avoid $500-$2,000 in damage.

• Use VIN lookup. Verify specs on Ford’s website, taking 2-3 minutes for accuracy.

2. Know the Engine Options

The F-150’s six engines—EcoBoost V6s, V8s, and hybrid—offer varied towing capacities. Engine choice determines how much you can tow, from light trailers to heavy campers.

Engines drive towing power. Here’s how they impact capacity.

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp). Tows up to 10,100 lbs with Tow/Haul Package, ideal for small trailers.

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp). Reaches 13,500 lbs, perfect for boats or campers.

• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid (430 hp). Tows up to 11,200 lbs, balancing efficiency and power.

• 5.0L V8 (400 hp). Handles 12,900 lbs, great for heavy loads.

3. Factor in Cab and Bed Configurations

Cab (Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew) and bed length (5.5, 6.5, or 8 feet) affect towing capacity. SuperCrew with a 6.5-ft bed often maximizes towing.

Configuration shapes limits. Here’s how cab and bed impact towing.

• SuperCrew, 6.5-ft bed. Tows 13,500 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost and Max Tow Package.

• Regular Cab, 8-ft bed. Offers high payload (2,440 lbs), slightly lower towing.

• SuperCab varies. Tows up to 12,900 lbs with 5.0L V8, per configuration.

• Check specs. Review your setup in the manual, costing $0, to match needs.

4. Include the Max Trailer Tow Package

The Max Trailer Tow Package boosts capacity with a Class IV hitch, trailer brake controller, and enhanced axle ratio. It’s essential for maximum towing.

This package enhances capability. Here’s how it supports towing.

• Increases capacity. Enables 13,500 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost, costing $1,000-$2,000.

• Adds sway control. Stabilizes trailers, included in package, improving safety.

• Includes wiring. 7-pin/4-pin connector powers trailer lights, costing $0-$50.

• Verify equipment. Confirm package via dealer, taking 2-3 minutes, for max towing.

5. Consider Drivetrain Impact

Drivetrain (4×2 or 4×4) influences towing capacity, with 4×2 models often towing slightly more due to lower weight. This affects trailer choices.

Drivetrain choice matters. Here’s how it impacts towing.

• 4×2 maximizes towing. Regular Cab 4×2 tows up to 13,500 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost.

• 4×4 slightly lower. SuperCrew 4×4 tows 13,500 lbs with proper equipment.

• Balance traction. 4×4 adds stability but reduces capacity by 200-300 lbs.

• Confirm setup. Check drivetrain in the manual, costing $0, to ensure compatibility.

6. Account for Payload and GVWR

Payload (up to 2,440 lbs) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) limit towing capacity. Cargo in the bed reduces how much you can tow safely.

Payload affects towing. Here’s how to manage it.

• Subtract payload. 1,000 lbs of cargo lowers towing by 1,000 lbs, per GCWR.

• Check GVWR. Typically 6,000-7,000 lbs; don’t exceed to avoid $500-$2,000 damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($5-$20) to stay within limits, ensuring safety.

• Distribute weight. Balance cargo evenly to maintain stability, costing $0 to adjust.

7. Evaluate Trailer Types

The F-150 tows various trailers, from jet skis to large campers, depending on configuration. Matching trailers to capacity ensures safe towing.

Trailer choice is critical. Here’s what an F-150 can tow.

• Jet skis (1,000-3,000 lbs). Easily towed by any F-150, ideal for 2.7L EcoBoost.

• Campers (5,000-10,000 lbs). Handled by 5.0L V8 or 3.5L EcoBoost models.

• Boats (up to 13,000 lbs). Suited for 3.5L EcoBoost with Max Tow Package.

• Car haulers. Up to 13,500 lbs with proper setup, per specs.

8. Leverage Towing Features

F-150’s towing features, like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and trailer-sway control, enhance safety and ease. These are standard or available on most trims.

Features improve towing. Here’s how they help.

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Steers trailer via knob, easing reversing, costing $0 on equipped trims.

• Trailer-sway control. Brakes automatically to stabilize wobble, included in tow package.

• Smart tow connector. Alerts to trailer light issues, standard on all trims.

• Check features. Confirm availability via Ford’s site, taking 2-3 minutes.

9. Comply with Legal Requirements

Towing regulations vary by state, covering trailer weight, brakes, and licenses. Compliance avoids fines and ensures safe towing with your F-150.

Following laws protects you. Here’s how to stay compliant.

• Verify weight limits. Keep loads under 13,500 lbs to meet state rules, avoiding $100-$500 fines.

• Check brake laws. Trailers over 3,000 lbs may need brakes, per DOT regulations.

• Ensure light functionality. Working lights prevent $50-$200 fines, checked in 1-2 minutes.

• Carry registration. Ensure trailer registration is current, avoiding $50-$200 penalties.

10. Maintain the Truck for Towing

Regular maintenance ensures the F-150 tows at maximum capacity. Neglecting upkeep can reduce performance or cause damage during towing.

Maintenance supports reliability. Here’s how to prepare the truck.

• Check cooling system. Ensure radiator and coolant are ready, costing $50-$150, to avoid overheating.

• Inspect brakes. Replace worn pads ($100-$300) to handle trailer weight safely.

• Monitor transmission fluid. Top off ($10-$30) to prevent $500-$2,000 repairs.

• Test performance. Drive briefly to confirm operation, costing $0, taking 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

The 2025 Ford F-150 tows up to 13,500 pounds with these ten insights, from engine choice to maintenance. Tow safely within limits for work or adventure. For professional towing needs, our fast and trusted towing service in Dallas offers 24/7 support, ensuring your F-150 and load are handled with care!