Whether you're pulling a fishing boat to the lake, a travel trailer for a weekend getaway, equipment for the jobsite or a large fifth-wheel camper, choosing the right tow vehicle starts with more than simply looking at one maximum towing number.

The 2026 Ford lineup offers towing solutions ranging from compact pickups capable of pulling smaller campers and utility trailers to Super Duty trucks engineered for trailers weighing tens of thousands of pounds.

At Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, our team can help you match the truck or SUV, engine, axle ratio, drivetrain and towing equipment to what you actually plan to tow.

2026 Ford Model	Maximum Trailer Weight*
Super Duty	Up to 40,000 lbs
F-150	Up to 13,500 lbs
Expedition	Up to 9,600 lbs
Ranger	Up to 7,500 lbs
Explorer	Up to 5,000 lbs
Bronco Raptor	Up to 4,500 lbs
Maverick	Up to 4,000 lbs
Escape	Up to 3,500 lbs
Bronco Sport	Up to 2,700 lbs
Mustang	Up to 1,000lbs

 
* When properly equipped. Maximum towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. Always verify the rating of the specific vehicle before towing.

The 2026 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped.

That's serious capability for a full-size SUV with the passenger and cargo space many families want.

Depending on configuration, the guide lists maximum trailer ratings reaching:

• Expedition: up to 9,600 lbs.
• Expedition MAX: up to 9,000 lbs.

For trailer ratings above 7,000 pounds, Ford specifies a weight-distributing hitch for the applicable Expedition configurations.

If you need three-row SUV practicality while pulling a substantial camper or boat, Expedition deserves a close look.

A towing-capacity number alone doesn't tell the entire story.

Before choosing a truck or SUV, it's important to understand several towing terms.

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including:

• The vehicle itself
• Passengers
• Cargo
• Optional equipment
• Trailer tongue or king-pin load applied to the vehicle

Your actual vehicle weight should never exceed its GVWR.

GCWR: Gross Combination Weight Rating

GCWR is the maximum allowable combined weight of:

Tow vehicle + passengers + cargo + loaded trailer

Your vehicle and trailer combination should never exceed the listed GCWR.

Payload

Payload is the maximum amount of passenger and cargo weight the vehicle is designed to carry.

An important detail that is sometimes overlooked: trailer tongue weight counts against vehicle payload.

For example, a trailer may technically fall below a truck's maximum towing capacity but still create a payload problem after passengers, cargo and tongue weight are added.

Tongue Weight

Tongue weight is the portion of a conventional trailer's weight pressing downward on the hitch.

Ford's guide generally specifies 10% of loaded trailer weight for conventional trailers over 2,000 pounds.

A 7,000-pound loaded trailer would therefore create approximately:

7,000 × 10% = 700 pounds of tongue weight

That 700 pounds needs to be accounted for when evaluating payload, GVWR and rear axle capacity.

Fifth-Wheel King-Pin Weight

For fifth-wheel trailers, Ford's guide generally uses 15% of loaded trailer weight for king-pin weight.

A 14,000-pound fifth-wheel could therefore create approximately:

14,000 × 15% = 2,100 pounds of king-pin weight

That is one reason payload capacity is particularly important when shopping for a truck to tow a fifth-wheel camper.

What Are the Different Trailer Classes?

Understanding trailer classes can make it easier to determine what level of tow vehicle you need.

Class I: Light Duty

Up to 2,000 pounds

Common examples include:

• Small folding campers
• Motorcycle trailers
• Small boat trailers
• Snowmobile trailers

Class II: Medium Duty

2,001-3,500 pounds

Common examples include larger folding campers and smaller travel trailers.

Class III: Heavy Duty

3,501-5,000 pounds

This category can include larger single-axle and dual-axle travel trailers.

Class IV: Extra Heavy Duty

Over 5,000 pounds

This includes many large travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and heavier recreational applications.

At this level, vehicle configuration, hitch type, payload and trailer equipment become increasingly important.

Weight-Carrying vs. Weight-Distributing Hitches

Two trucks with identical engines do not necessarily have identical towing capability if their hitch setups differ.

Weight-Carrying Hitch

A conventional weight-carrying hitch is commonly used with smaller and medium-size trailers.

The trailer's tongue load is carried at the rear hitch connection.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch uses spring bars to redistribute some of the trailer tongue load among the tow vehicle and trailer axles.

This type of system may be required for heavier applications.

For example, Ford states that an F-150 should not exceed 5,000 pounds of trailer weight without a weight-distribution system in applicable configurations.

Fifth-Wheel Hitch

A fifth-wheel hitch mounts in the pickup bed and places more trailer weight over the truck.

This design is commonly used for larger RVs.

Gooseneck Hitch

A gooseneck hitch also connects in the pickup bed and is frequently used for:

• Horse trailers
• Agricultural trailers
• Equipment trailers
• Heavy commercial applications

For large fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications, Super Duty provides Ford's highest towing capability.

How Do I Choose the Right Ford for My Trailer?

Start with the fully loaded trailer weight, not the empty or "dry" weight listed on the trailer brochure.

Your trailer may gain considerable weight after adding:

• Water
• Propane
• Batteries
• Food
• Camping equipment
• Tools
• ATVs
• Luggage
• Supplies
• Accessories

Then consider your passengers and the cargo you'll carry inside the tow vehicle.

A practical starting point looks like this:

Trailer under 2,000 pounds

Consider:

Maverick, Bronco Sport, Escape, Explorer, Ranger or F-150

Trailer around 3,000-4,000 pounds

Consider:

Maverick with 4K Tow Package, Ranger, Bronco, Explorer or F-150

Trailer around 5,000-7,500 pounds

Consider:

Ranger, F-150 or Expedition

Trailer around 8,000-10,000 pounds

Consider:

F-150, Expedition or Super Duty, depending on exact configuration, payload and trailer type.

Trailer above 10,000 pounds

An appropriately configured F-150 or Super Duty becomes the primary consideration.

For larger fifth-wheel, gooseneck and heavy equipment trailers, Super Duty should be strongly considered.

Don't Shop for a Tow Vehicle Using Maximum Towing Capacity Alone

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a tow vehicle is asking only:

"How much can it tow?"

A better set of questions is:

1. What will the trailer weigh when fully loaded?
2. What is its expected tongue or king-pin weight?
3. How many passengers will normally be in the vehicle?
4. How much cargo will be carried in the truck or SUV?
5. Will you tow primarily on flat highways or through hills?
6. Do you need a conventional, fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch?
7. Does the specific vehicle have the required tow package?
8. What are the vehicle's GVWR, GAWR and payload limits?
9. What is the GCWR of the exact engine and axle combination?

That's where buying the right configuration matters just as much as buying the right model.

Ford Towing Safety Tips

Before heading out with a trailer:

• Verify the vehicle and trailer are within all applicable weight ratings.
• Check tire pressures on the tow vehicle and trailer.
• Confirm the hitch and coupler are properly connected.
• Cross safety chains beneath the trailer tongue where applicable.
• Test trailer lights and electrical connections.
• Confirm the trailer braking system is functioning.
• Secure all cargo to prevent weight from shifting.
• Allow considerably more stopping distance.
• Practice backing and turning before entering heavy traffic.
• Recheck hitch connections and trailer wheel lug nuts after approximately the first 50 miles of travel.

Ford also recommends a separate functional braking system for towed vehicles and trailers over 1,500 pounds when loaded, while applicable state requirements must also be followed.

Do I Need Trailer Brakes?

Trailer brake requirements can vary by state and trailer weight.

Ford recommends a separate functional braking system for trailers weighing more than 1,500 pounds when loaded.

Depending on vehicle and configuration, available towing technology may include features such as:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Trailer Sway Control
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist
• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist
• Trailer Reverse Guidance
• Trailer tire-pressure monitoring
• Trailer-mounted cameras
• Tow/Haul Mode

Available equipment differs by model, trim and towing package.

Can I Flat Tow a 2026 Ford Behind an RV?

Some 2026 Ford vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground when properly configured and when Ford's specified procedures are followed.

Examples listed by Ford include certain configurations of:

• Ford Bronco
• Ford Expedition 4x4
• Ford Ranger 4x4
• Ford F-150 4x4
• Ford Super Duty 4x4
• Ford Maverick Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid

Flat-towing eligibility varies by drivetrain, transmission, transfer case and other equipment.

Never assume a Ford can be flat towed based only on model name. Consult the Owner's Manual for the exact vehicle before towing it behind a motorhome.

Find the Right Ford Tow Vehicle at Chuck Anderson Ford

Maximum towing numbers are useful, but the specific configuration of the vehicle is what ultimately matters.

If you're shopping for a Ford truck or SUV to tow a camper, boat, horse trailer, equipment trailer or recreational vehicle, bring us the trailer information.

The team at Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, MO can help you compare:

• Ford F-150 configurations
• F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks
• Ford Ranger
• Ford Maverick
• Ford Expedition
• Ford Explorer
• Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport
• Ford Escape
• Available tow packages
• Engine choices
• Axle ratios
• Payload ratings
• Hitch equipment

Already Know What You're Towing?

Shop New Ford Trucks →

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View Ford F-150 Inventory →

View Ford Super Duty Inventory →

Contact Chuck Anderson Ford →

Or tell our team the approximate loaded weight of your trailer and what you plan to carry in the vehicle. We'll help you identify Ford configurations that fit your towing needs.

2026 Ford Towing Capacity FAQs

What 2026 Ford has the highest towing capacity?

The 2026 Ford Super Duty offers the highest maximum towing capability in the Ford lineup, reaching up to 40,000 pounds when properly equipped with the 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel engine and required towing equipment.

How much can a 2026 Ford F-150 tow?

A properly equipped 2026 F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds. Actual capacity varies by engine, cab, drivetrain, axle ratio, wheelbase, options, payload and towing equipment.

How much can a 2026 Ford Ranger tow?

The 2026 Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Ranger Raptor has a maximum listed trailer weight of 5,510 pounds.

How much can a 2026 Ford Maverick tow?

A properly equipped 2026 Maverick with the 4K Tow Package can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Other configurations are generally rated at up to 2,000 pounds.

How much can a 2026 Ford Expedition tow?

A properly equipped 2026 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds. Expedition MAX configurations are rated as high as 9,000 pounds.

How much can a 2026 Ford Explorer tow?

The 2026 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

How much can a Ford Bronco tow?

Most properly configured 2026 Bronco models are rated for up to 3,500 pounds, while Bronco Raptor can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

What Ford should I buy to tow a camper?

The answer depends on the camper's fully loaded weight, tongue or king-pin weight, hitch type and your vehicle payload needs. Smaller campers may work with Maverick, Ranger or Explorer. Larger travel trailers may require F-150, Expedition or Super Duty. Large fifth-wheel campers frequently make Super Duty the better choice.

Does trailer tongue weight count against payload?

Yes. Trailer tongue weight or fifth-wheel king-pin weight contributes to the load carried by the tow vehicle and must be considered along with passengers, cargo and optional equipment.

What is the difference between GVWR and GCWR?

GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the loaded tow vehicle. GCWR is the maximum allowable combined weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer.

Should I use the trailer's dry weight when choosing a tow vehicle?

You should plan around the trailer's expected loaded weight, including cargo, fluids and equipment. Ford specifically advises buyers to estimate trailer weight including additional cargo and fluids before selecting a tow vehicle.

Important Towing Disclaimer

Towing capacities shown are maximum available ratings for certain properly equipped configurations and are not the rating of every vehicle of that model. Maximum towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. Always consult the vehicle's Owner's Manual, Safety Compliance Certification Label and applicable Ford towing information for the specific vehicle and trailer combination before towing.