Official 2006 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2006 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2006 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Expedition, Explorer, Escape, Freestar, E-Series, Freestyle and Ford passenger cars. Compare maximum trailer weights, engines, axle ratios, towing packages, hitch requirements and configuration-specific towing limits.
Maximum towing capacity is configuration-specific. Engine, transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase, factory equipment, passengers, cargo and hitch load can all reduce the amount an individual 2006 Ford can tow. Always verify the exact vehicle in Ford's detailed towing selector.
Explore the 2006 Guide
2006 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Start with the maximum available ratings below, then open Ford's complete guide to verify the exact engine, transmission, axle ratio, GCWR and required towing equipment.
Maximum Available Capability
2006 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
Ford's 2006 towing lineup spans passenger cars, compact pickups, SUVs, full-size vans, light-duty pickups and heavy-duty commercial trucks.
9,900 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available conventional towing with a qualifying 5.4L V8 configuration.
19,200 lbs.
Super Duty Pickup
Maximum fifth-wheel towing with the optional TowBoss Package.
24,900 lbs.
Super Duty Chassis Cab
Maximum fifth-wheel capability for qualifying commercial configurations.
7,300 lbs.
Ford Explorer
Maximum available with the 4.6L V8 and Class III/IV towing equipment.
2006 Ford Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2006 Ford Tow?
These are selected maximum available ratings. Individual vehicles may be rated lower depending on their specific configuration.
| 2006 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2006 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 9,900 lbs. | Highest detailed rating applies to a properly configured 5.4L V8 truck. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Conventional | Up to 15,000 lbs. | Applies to qualifying F-250 and F-350 configurations. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 19,200 lbs. | Highest rating requires Ford's optional TowBoss Package. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Completed body weight must be included when calculating capacity. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,900 lbs. | Certain F-550 diesel configurations reach the guide's highest trailer rating. |
| E-Series Van / Wagon | Up to 10,000 lbs. | Certain 6.8L V10 and 6.0L diesel E-350 configurations reach the maximum. |
| Expedition | Up to 8,900 lbs. | Requires the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package for the highest rating. |
| Explorer | Up to 7,300 lbs. | New 4.6L three-valve V8 provides the highest 2006 Explorer rating. |
| Ranger | Up to 6,000 lbs. | Maximum available with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Highest rating applies to the 3.0L V6. |
| Freestar Wagon | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Requires the Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Freestyle | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Ford lists a light-duty Class I rating. |
| Crown Victoria | Up to 1,500 lbs. | Ford specifies a maximum GCWR of 6,600 lbs. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,250 lbs. | Special speed guidance applies under high heat and sustained grades. |
| Focus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists a Class I light-duty rating. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists the 4.0L V6 as the minimum engine for towing. |
| Five Hundred | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists a Class I towing application. |
| Fusion | Not Recommended | Ford specifically states that the 2006 Fusion is not recommended for towing. |
What Makes the 2006 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2006 archive captures an era before EcoBoost, aluminum-body F-150s and Ford's modern crossover-heavy lineup. It also contains several unusual historical models and commercial applications.
9,900-lb. F-150 Maximum
Ford promotes a maximum conventional F-150 trailer rating of 9,900 pounds for 2006.
Three F-150 Engines
The lineup consists of the 4.2L V6, 4.6L Triton V8 and 5.4L three-valve Triton V8.
Redesigned Explorer
Ford calls the 2006 Explorer its most capable Explorer yet, with towing up to 7,300 pounds.
6.0L Power Stroke Era
Super Duty still uses Ford's 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel, producing 570 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford LCF Appears
The guide includes Ford's Low Cab Forward commercial truck with GCWR figures as high as 26,000 pounds.
2007 Sport Trac Appears in the Guide
Ford later updated the archived 2006 guide with an early 2007 Explorer Sport Trac table. It should not be mistaken for a 2006 model.
2006 F-150 Towing
2006 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2006 F-150 uses three primary engines. Maximum towing changes substantially with engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, wheelbase and cab configuration.
| 2006 F-150 Engine | Power | Maximum Available Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2L V6 | 202 hp / 260 lb.-ft. | Up to 5,700 lbs. |
| 4.6L Triton V8 | 231 hp / 293 lb.-ft. | Up to 7,200 lbs. |
| 5.4L 3-Valve Triton V8 | 300 hp / 365 lb.-ft. | Up to 9,900 lbs. |
2006 F-150 towing note: Ford requires the Trailer Tow Package or Heavy Duty Payload Package for trailers over 5,000 pounds. Certain trucks with optional 18- or 20-inch wheels require a 500-pound reduction in GCWR and maximum trailer weight.
2006 F-150 Tow Equipment
Configuration Details That Affect Towing
Heavy Duty Payload Package
8,200-lb. GVWRFord's Heavy Duty Payload Package increases F-150 GVWR to 8,200 pounds and includes upgraded heavy-duty components.
Trailer Tow Package
Ford requires the appropriate package for F-150 trailers weighing more than 5,000 pounds.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
9,900 lbs.Ford's factory receiver table lists the F-150 at up to 9,900 pounds when using the appropriate weight-distributing hitch setup.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
5,000 lbs.Ford lists a 5,000-pound maximum trailer load and 500-pound tongue load for its F-Series weight-carrying hitch arrangement.
Fifth-Wheel Towing
Ford publishes separate F-150 fifth-wheel ratings, also reaching up to 9,900 pounds on qualifying configurations.
Short-Box Compatibility
Ford notes that certain 5.5-foot-box SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations may physically accept a hitch, but contemporary fifth-wheel trailer designs were not considered compatible.
2006 Heavy-Duty Towing
2006 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
Ford's 2006 guide separates F-250/F-350 pickups from the heavier F-350/F-450/F-550 Chassis Cab lineup.
Pickup Conventional
15,000 lbs.Pickup Fifth-Wheel
19,200 lbs.Chassis Cab Conventional
16,000 lbs.Chassis Cab Fifth-Wheel
24,900 lbs.5.4L Triton V8
300 hpFord lists the gasoline 5.4L V8 at 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.8L Triton V10
457 lb.-ft.Ford lists the V10 at 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
570 lb.-ft.Ford's 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel provides 570 lb.-ft. of torque.
Keep pickup and Chassis Cab ratings separate. Ford lists F-250/F-350 pickups at up to 19,200 pounds fifth-wheel, while the 24,900-pound figure belongs to the heavier Super Duty Chassis Cab selector.
TowBoss & TowCommand
2006 Super Duty Trailer Equipment
TowBoss Package
Ford requires the optional TowBoss Package for the 26,000-pound GCWR F-350 configuration used for the highest pickup fifth-wheel rating.
TowCommand System
Ford offered an integrated trailer brake controller designed to coordinate compatible electric trailer braking with the truck.
TorqShift Tow/Haul
Ford's TorqShift five-speed automatic includes Tow/Haul mode to improve transmission control under heavy loads.
High Capacity Trailer Tow Package
Certain high-GCWR F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab configurations require Ford's High Capacity Trailer Tow Package.
Chassis Cab Body Allowance
1,000 lbs.Ford's published Chassis Cab trailer tables assume 1,000 pounds of second-unit body weight.
Factory Hitch Limits
The hitch receiver itself may carry a lower rating than some of Ford's fifth-wheel or chassis-based towing calculations.
Compact Pickup Towing
2006 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
The 2006 Ranger lineup includes 2.3L I4, 3.0L V6 and 4.0L V6 engines with separate manual- and automatic-transmission ratings.
4.0L V6 Automatic
Up to 6,000 lbs.The 207-horsepower 4.0L SOHC V6 provides Ranger's highest maximum trailer rating.
3.0L V6 Automatic
Up to 2,620 lbs.Certain 4x2 Regular Cab configurations reach approximately 2,620 pounds.
2.3L I4 Automatic
Up to 2,260 lbs.The four-cylinder Ranger can reach approximately 2,260 pounds in a qualifying Regular Cab 4x2 configuration.
Ford warns that state electric-trailer-brake requirements can affect usable Ranger capacity because the Ranger's electrical system does not include the connector required to activate electric trailer brakes.
Redesigned for 2006
2006 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
Ford describes the redesigned 2006 Explorer as its most capable Explorer to that point, with a new 4.6L three-valve V8 and six-speed automatic transmission.
4.6L V8 Explorer
Up to 7,300 lbs.A qualifying 4x2 Explorer with the 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 reaches 7,300 pounds with the Class III/IV Trailer Tow Prep Package.
Ford requires a 500-pound deduction on applicable vehicles equipped with Auxiliary Climate Control.
4.0L V6 Explorer
Up to 5,390 lbs.Certain 4x2 4.0L V6 configurations reach approximately 5,390 pounds, while equivalent 4x4 configurations are rated slightly lower.
Ford requires the Class III/IV Trailer Tow Prep Package for Explorer trailers weighing more than 3,500 pounds.
2006 Ford SUV Towing
Expedition & Escape Towing Capacity
Ford Expedition
Up to 8,900 lbs.A properly equipped 4x2 Expedition with the 5.4L V8 reaches 8,900 pounds with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Expedition 4x4
Up to 8,600 lbs.Ford's 4x4 Expedition selector reaches 8,600 pounds with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Escape 3.0L V6
3,500 lbs.Ford lists the 200-horsepower 3.0L V6 Escape at up to 3,500 pounds.
Escape 2.3L I4
1,500 lbs.Ford lists both automatic and manual gasoline 2.3L Escape configurations at up to 1,500 pounds.
Escape Hybrid
1,000-lb. Table Figure*Ford's table displays a 1,000-pound figure, but states that no factory- or dealer-installed towing equipment is offered for this application.
Freestar Wagon
Up to 3,500 lbs.The Freestar reaches 3,500 pounds with Ford's Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Historical Archive Note
Why Does the 2006 Guide Mention a 2007 Sport Trac?
Ford's archived document received later revisions. One of those revisions adds information for the upcoming 2007 Explorer Sport Trac.
2007 Explorer Sport Trac
Up to 6,800 lbs.The table embedded in the archived 2006 guide lists a 4.6L V8 4x2 2007 Sport Trac at up to 6,800 pounds.
Not a 2006 Rating
That Sport Trac table is explicitly labeled 2007 Sport Trac by Ford. It should not be interpreted or indexed as a 2006 Explorer Sport Trac towing capacity.
Full-Size Van & RV Towing
2006 Ford E-Series Towing Capacity
E-Series remains an important part of Ford's recreational and commercial towing lineup in 2006.
4.6L V8
Up to 6,600 lbs.Certain E-Series configurations reach approximately 6,600 pounds with the 4.6L V8.
5.4L V8
Up to 7,500 lbs.Properly configured E-Series Van and Wagon models reach 7,500 pounds with the 5.4L V8.
6.8L V10
Up to 10,000 lbs.Qualifying E-350 Super Duty Van and Wagon configurations reach 10,000 pounds.
6.0L Turbo Diesel
Up to 10,000 lbs.Certain diesel E-350 configurations also reach Ford's 10,000-pound conventional trailer maximum.
E-350 Cutaway
Up to 20,000-lb. GCWRFord lists the diesel E-350 Cutaway at a GCWR reaching 20,000 pounds.
E-450 Cutaway
20,000-lb. GCWRApplicable V10 and diesel E-450 Cutaway configurations carry a 20,000-pound GCWR.
Commercial Ford Towing
2006 Ford LCF & Motorhome Chassis
Ford's guide extends well beyond pickups and SUVs into medium-duty and recreational-vehicle chassis.
Ford LCF
Up to 26,000-lb. GCWRFord's Low Cab Forward uses a calculation based on actual vehicle weight and a listed maximum GCWR of up to 26,000 pounds.
15,700-lb. Motorhome Chassis
10,300-lb. TrailerFord lists a 26,000-pound GCWR and 10,300-pound maximum trailer weight.
18,000-lb. Motorhome Chassis
8,000-lb. TrailerFord lists a 26,000-pound GCWR and 8,000-pound maximum trailer weight.
20,500-lb. Motorhome Chassis
5,500-lb. TrailerFord lists a 26,000-pound GCWR and 5,500-pound maximum trailer weight.
22,000-lb. Motorhome Chassis
4,000-lb. TrailerFord lists a 26,000-pound GCWR and 4,000-pound maximum trailer weight.
F-650 / F-750
Ford states that actual GCWR and maximum trailer weight depend on configuration and customer performance requirements.
Historical Ford Car Towing
2006 Focus, Mustang, Taurus & Crown Victoria
Ford's 2006 guide includes light-duty towing information for several passenger cars that have since left the U.S. Ford lineup.
Ford Focus
1,000 lbs.Ford lists Focus as a Class I towing application with a 100-pound tongue-load limit.
Ford Mustang
1,000 lbs.Ford lists a 1,000-pound maximum with the 4.0L V6 as the minimum engine.
Ford Five Hundred
1,000 lbs.Ford lists a light-duty Class I trailer-towing rating.
Ford Taurus
1,250 lbs.Ford lists a 1,250-pound maximum and provides additional high-temperature and long-grade operating guidance.
Crown Victoria
1,500 lbs.Ford lists a 1,500-pound maximum and specifies a 6,600-pound maximum GCWR.
Ford Fusion
Not RecommendedFord explicitly states that the 2006 Fusion is not recommended for towing.
Understand the Published Maximum
Tongue Weight, King Pin Weight & Payload
Ford's maximum trailer figures assume specific loading conditions that must be adjusted for passengers, cargo and equipment.
Driver Assumption
150 lbs.Ford's maximum trailer tables assume a 150-pound driver and no cargo.
Conventional Tongue Weight
10-15%Ford assumes approximately 10 to 15 percent of loaded trailer weight at the tongue.
Fifth-Wheel King Pin Weight
15-25%Fifth-wheel applications generally require approximately 15 to 25 percent of loaded trailer weight at the king pin.
Passengers Reduce Capacity
Passenger weight must be deducted when converting Ford's published maximum into a real-world towing limit.
Cargo & Options Matter
Vehicle cargo, accessories and optional equipment consume available vehicle and combination weight capacity.
Check GVWR & Rear GAWR
Tongue or king pin weight cannot cause either the vehicle or rear axle to exceed its certified rating.
Understand Ford's Towing Tables
Important 2006 Ford Towing Terms
Base Curb Weight
Vehicle weight with standard equipment and fluids before passengers, cargo and optional equipment.
Payload
The weight of passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and other loads carried by the vehicle.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable loaded weight of the tow vehicle.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight carried by an individual axle.
GCWR
Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Ford's highest permitted fully loaded trailer weight for a particular engine, axle ratio and vehicle configuration.
Find Your Actual Rating
How to Verify a 2006 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include trailer cargo, equipment, fluids and supplies rather than relying only on empty trailer weight.
2
Identify the Exact Ford Configuration
Confirm engine, transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase and body style.
3
Verify Required Towing Equipment
Higher ratings may require Trailer Tow, Heavy Duty Trailer Tow, TowBoss, Class II or Class III/IV equipment.
4
Calculate Available Payload
Include passengers, cargo, options, hitch hardware and trailer tongue or king pin weight.
5
Check Every Weight Rating
Verify GVWR, rear GAWR, GCWR, hitch rating and Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight.
6
Open the Complete 2006 Ford Guide
Match your exact vehicle to Ford's towing selector and review the vehicle Owner Guide before connecting a trailer.
Before You Tow
2006 Ford Trailer Safety & Break-In Guidance
Drive 500 Miles First
500 MilesFord says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Weigh the Loaded Combination
Ford recommends weighing the fully loaded vehicle, passengers and trailer before travel.
Trailer Brakes
Over 1,500 lbs.Ford recommends separate functional braking systems for trailers weighing more than 1,500 pounds when loaded.
Consider Hilly Terrain
Ford cautions that towing performance can be severely compromised in hilly terrain with a minimum powertrain combination.
Use Safety Chains
Conventional trailers should use properly attached safety chains with enough slack for turning.
Never Exceed GCWR
The actual combined weight of the loaded vehicle and trailer must remain below the published GCWR.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2006 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's archived guide includes recreational four-wheel-down towing information and Neutral Tow Kit availability.
Neutral Tow Kit
Ford lists a dealer-installed Neutral Tow Kit allowing certain non-AWD 4x4 automatic-transmission Ranger and Explorer models to be towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.
Follow the Exact Owner Guide
Drivetrain, transmission and configuration determine whether a Ford may be recreationally towed and what preparation procedure is required.
2006 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2006 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2006 Ford F-150 can tow up to 9,900 pounds. The highest rating applies to qualifying 5.4L V8 configurations.
How much can a 2006 F-150 with the 5.4L V8 tow?
Certain properly configured 2006 Ford F-150 models with the 5.4L three-valve V8 can tow up to 9,900 pounds.
How much can a 2006 F-150 with the 4.6L V8 tow?
Ford's detailed selector lists properly configured 4.6L V8 F-150 models at up to approximately 7,200 pounds.
How much can a 2006 F-150 with the 4.2L V6 tow?
Certain 2006 F-150 Regular Cab configurations with the 4.2L V6 can tow up to approximately 5,700 pounds.
How much can a 2006 Ford Super Duty pickup tow?
Ford lists F-250 and F-350 pickups at up to 15,000 pounds for conventional towing and up to 19,200 pounds for fifth-wheel towing.
How much can a 2006 Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab tow?
Ford lists properly equipped Super Duty Chassis Cab configurations at up to 16,000 pounds conventional and up to 24,900 pounds fifth-wheel.
How much can a 2006 Ford Ranger tow?
A properly configured 2006 Ranger with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
How much can a 2006 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2006 Explorer with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,300 pounds in a qualifying 4x2 configuration.
How much can a 2006 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2006 Ford Expedition can tow up to 8,900 pounds in a qualifying 4x2 configuration.
How much can a 2006 Ford Escape tow?
The 2006 Escape with the 3.0L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The gasoline 2.3L I4 is listed at up to 1,500 pounds.
How much can a 2006 Ford Freestar tow?
A properly equipped 2006 Ford Freestar Wagon can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2006 Ford E-Series tow?
Certain properly configured 2006 E-Series Van and Wagon models can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Can a 2006 Ford Fusion tow a trailer?
Ford's 2006 RV & Trailer Towing Guide specifically states that Fusion is not recommended for towing.
Why does the 2006 Ford towing guide mention a 2007 Sport Trac?
Ford's archived 2006 towing guide received later revisions and includes a table explicitly labeled 2007 Sport Trac. That table should not be treated as a 2006 Sport Trac rating.
How long should I drive a 2006 Ford before towing?
Ford's 2006 guide says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Researching a Used 2006 Ford for Towing?
Engine, transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain and towing equipment can make thousands of pounds of difference in the actual towing capacity of a 2006 Ford. Chuck Anderson Ford can help you understand a used F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition or other Ford and compare it with newer Ford towing options.
Ford Towing Guide Archive
Choose Another Ford Model Year
Ford towing capacities, engines, model lines and required towing equipment change over time. Select the guide matching the Ford you own or are researching.
2006 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the archived 2006 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for research purposes. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles and vary according to configuration, accessories, options, passengers, cargo and hitch loading. Ford's archived PDF received later revisions and contains information for the upcoming 2007 Explorer Sport Trac; that information is identified separately on this page. Do not exceed the vehicle's GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight, payload, hitch receiver rating or any other applicable limit. Consult the complete Ford towing guide and vehicle Owner Guide before towing. Chuck Anderson Ford is located at 1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.