When truck shoppers compare full-size pickups, towing is usually the deciding factor. Contractors, ranchers, boat owners, campers, and families hauling travel trailers all want the same thing: confident power, control, and stability under load. The 2026 Ford F-150 doesn’t just meet that standard — it sets it.
At Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, MO, we work with drivers every day who need a truck that tows hard, tows smart, and tows reliably. Here’s how the 2026 F-150 stacks up against its closest rivals from Chevrolet, GMC, and RAM — with a clear advantage for Ford where it counts most.
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419 | www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.
2026 F-150 Max Towing: Built to Lead
With the right configuration, the 2026 Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds conventionally. That headline number comes from Ford’s official 2026 towing guide and is achieved with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, proper axle ratio, cab/bed setup, and Max Tow equipment.
That’s not just a marketing figure. It’s the result of a powertrain lineup designed specifically for towing performance, backed by Ford’s 10-speed automatic and refined drive modes tuned for load management.
How the F-150 Compares to the Competition
Let’s look at the max conventional tow ratings for the segment’s biggest players:
2026 Ford F-150
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Max towing: 13,500 lbs (properly equipped)
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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Max towing: about 13,300 lbs with the Max Trailering Package in specific trims/configurations
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
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Towing varies by engine and configuration; competitive, but typically aligns closely with Silverado depending on package and setup
2026 Ram 1500
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Max towing: roughly 11,400–11,600 lbs depending on engine and axle ratio
Bottom line: the 2026 F-150 isn’t just competitive — it stays at the top of the class. Silverado and Sierra can get close in a narrow equipment window, but Ford gives you more ways to reach high towing numbers across trims and engines. Ram trails behind outright in max tow, even in its strongest configurations.
Why the 2026 F-150 Tows Better in the Real World
Towing isn’t only about the biggest number. It’s about how confidently your truck handles a trailer on Missouri highways, back roads, job sites, and boat ramps. Ford’s advantage comes from the full towing system — engine torque, chassis tuning, cooling, braking, and smart trailering tech working together.
1. Torque-Rich EcoBoost Power
Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 remains the towing king because it delivers torque early and steadily, right where you need it when pulling weight uphill or merging onto I-35.
Competitors still rely heavily on larger V8s for max tow, but Ford’s twin-turbo torque curve makes towing feel effortless without requiring big RPM spikes.
2. 10-Speed Transmission Tuned for Loads
Every 2026 F-150 engine pairs with Ford’s 10-speed automatic, engineered to keep the truck in the power band under load and reduce gear hunting.
That means smoother pulls, better control on grades, and more relaxed towing in tough conditions compared to rivals that still feel less refined when loaded.
3. Best-In-Class Trailering Technology
Ford makes towing easier and safer with a suite of smart features built specifically for real-world hauling:
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Pro Trailer Backup Assist: Helps guide your trailer while backing up with far less stress.
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Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales (available): Estimates tongue weight and payload so you stay within safe limits.
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360-degree camera and trailer cameras: Improves visibility around your rig.
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Trailer reverse guidance and sway control: Helps keep everything stable at speed.
These features are part of why F-150 owners consistently report more confidence versus Silverado, Sierra, and Ram when towing frequently.
Matching the Right F-150 to Your Trailer
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we always say: max towing is impressive, but correct towing is what matters. The F-150 gives you flexibility to build the perfect towing setup:
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Light campers and utility trailers: 2.7L EcoBoost or Hybrid configurations may be ideal.
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Boats, larger campers, work trailers: 3.5L EcoBoost with Max Tow is the sweet spot.
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Daily driving plus towing: PowerBoost Hybrid offers torque and efficiency without compromise.
And because Ford publishes detailed tow charts down to axle ratio and wheelbase, you can be confident your truck is built for your load, not just rated for a marketing headline.
Why More Towing Capability Means Better Value
Even if you don’t tow at the max limit every day, higher towing capacity benefits you long term:
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You can upgrade your trailer later without upgrading your truck.
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The truck works less hard towing the same load, which improves durability.
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Better tow ratings often mean stronger resale value in truck markets.
That’s one reason the F-150 continues to be a top choice for both personal owners and fleets.
Experience the 2026 F-150 at Chuck Anderson Ford
If towing matters to you, the 2026 Ford F-150 should be at the top of your list. With a class-leading 13,500-lb max tow rating, turbocharged torque, and unmatched trailering tech, it’s the truck built to pull more, smarter, and with less stress than anything else in its class.
Come see the 2026 F-150 lineup at Chuck Anderson Ford. We’ll help you:
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Compare F-150 engines for your towing needs
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Verify tow ratings by VIN and door-jamb sticker
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Set up hitches, brake controllers, and trailer accessories
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Get the best financing or lease option for your budget
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Serving Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Lawson, Kearney, and Kansas City, MO.
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.