Official 2008 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2008 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2008 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Expedition, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Edge, Escape, E-Series, Taurus X, Mustang, Taurus and more. Compare maximum trailer weights, engines, axle ratios, towing packages, hitch requirements and configuration-specific limits for your 2008 Ford.
Maximum towing capacity varies by vehicle configuration. Engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio, wheelbase, cab, factory equipment, passengers, cargo and trailer hitch load can all reduce the actual towing capacity of an individual 2008 Ford. Use Ford's detailed towing tables for the exact vehicle.
Explore the 2008 Guide
2008 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Start with the maximum ratings below, then open the complete Ford guide to verify your exact engine, transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain, GCWR and towing equipment.
Maximum Available Capability
2008 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
Ford's 2008 lineup ranges from compact Ranger pickups and light-duty passenger vehicles to full-size vans, F-150 and heavy-duty Super Duty trucks.
11,000 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available towing with a qualifying 5.4L V8 configuration.
24,500 lbs.
Ford Super Duty
Maximum available fifth-wheel towing for the properly configured F-450.
9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum available with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
6,000 lbs.
Ford Ranger
Maximum available with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission.
2008 Ford Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2008 Ford Tow?
These are selected maximum available ratings. Actual towing capacity may be lower depending on vehicle configuration and equipment.
| 2008 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2008 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 11,000 lbs. | Maximum available with a qualifying 5.4L V8, Heavy-Duty Payload Package and proper configuration. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Ford lists the F-450 at the highest conventional trailer rating. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,500 lbs. | Requires a qualifying F-450 and High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab | Up to 24,500 lbs. | Maximum fifth-wheel capability varies with chassis, axle ratio, engine and wheelbase. |
| E-Series Van / Wagon | Up to 10,000 lbs. | Properly equipped V10 or diesel E-350 configurations reach the maximum. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,200 lbs. | Maximum requires the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. |
| Expedition EL | Up to 9,000 lbs. | The extended-length model uses separate GCWR and trailer ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 7,310 lbs. | The 4.6L V8 4x2 carries the highest Explorer rating in Ford's selector. |
| Explorer Sport Trac | Up to 7,160 lbs. | Highest rating applies to the 4.6L V8 4x2. |
| Ranger | Up to 6,000 lbs. | Maximum available with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Trailers over 2,000 pounds require the Class II Trailer Tow/Prep Package. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum applies to the 3.0L V6. |
| Taurus X | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Ford lists Taurus X as a Class I towing application. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists a minimum 4.0L V6 for its published Class I rating. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists the 3.5L V6 as the minimum engine for towing. |
| Focus | Not Recommended | Ford specifically states Focus is not recommended for trailer towing. |
| Fusion | Not Recommended | Ford specifically states Fusion is not recommended for trailer towing. |
What Makes the 2008 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2008 guide captures Ford before several major powertrain and vehicle changes. F-150 still uses its older engine lineup, Ranger and Sport Trac remain active, and the all-new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel arrives in Super Duty.
11,000-lb. F-150 Maximum
Ford lists the 2008 F-150 at up to 11,000 pounds, slightly below the 11,300-pound maximum introduced with the redesigned 2009 truck.
Pre-EcoBoost F-150
The F-150 engine lineup consists of the 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8 and 5.4L V8.
New 6.4L Power Stroke
Ford identifies the 6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel as all-new for 2008.
Explorer Over 7,000 lbs.
The body-on-frame V8 Explorer reaches up to 7,310 pounds in Ford's selector.
Ranger Reaches 6,000 lbs.
A properly configured 4.0L V6 Ranger can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Escape Hybrid Has Special Limits
Ford's selector shows a 1,000-pound figure, but also states that conventional trailer hitches are not compatible with Escape Hybrid components.
2008 F-150 Towing
2008 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2008 F-150 uses three primary engine families, with maximum loaded trailer ratings ranging from 5,700 to 11,000 pounds.
| 2008 F-150 Engine | Power | Maximum Available Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2L V6 | 202 hp / 260 lb.-ft. | Up to 5,700 lbs. |
| 4.6L Triton V8 | 248 hp / 294 lb.-ft. | Up to 7,200 lbs. |
| 5.4L Triton V8 | 300 hp / 365 lb.-ft. | Up to 11,000 lbs. |
2008 F-150 towing note: Ford requires the Trailer Tow Package or Heavy-Duty Payload Package for trailers over 5,000 pounds. The 11,000-pound maximum is limited to specific 5.4L V8 configurations.
2008 F-150 Equipment
Features Supporting Towing & Hauling
Ford highlights several chassis and towing features on the 2008 F-150.
Fully Boxed Frame
Ford describes the F-150 as using a fully boxed frame with welded through-rail crossmembers.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
The truck uses four-wheel vented disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS.
Reverse Camera
Ford lists an optional Reverse Camera System as a new feature for the 2008 F-150.
Heavy-Duty Payload Package
Option Code 627 increases GVWR to 8,200 pounds and includes upgraded chassis and cooling equipment.
Trailer Tow Package
Higher trailer weights require specific towing equipment rather than relying on the base truck alone.
Fifth-Wheel Towing
Ford provides separate fifth-wheel tables, with king pin weight required to remain within payload, GVWR and rear GAWR limits.
All-New Diesel for 2008
2008 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
The 2008 F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty lineup includes gasoline V8 and V10 engines plus the newly introduced 6.4L Power Stroke diesel.
Pickup Conventional
16,000 lbs.Pickup Fifth-Wheel
24,500 lbs.Chassis Cab Conventional
16,000 lbs.Chassis Cab Fifth-Wheel
24,500 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.The 6.8L V10 produces 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
650 lb.-ft.The all-new-for-2008 diesel produces 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 24,500-pound figure is configuration-specific. Ford requires the proper F-450 configuration and High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package for its highest Gross Combined Weight Rating applications.
2008 Heavy-Trailer Technology
Super Duty TowCommand & Tow/Haul Features
Ford's 2008 guide highlights several systems designed specifically for controlling heavy trailers.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Ford's TowCommand system proportions compatible trailer braking to vehicle braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
The TorqShift automatic transmission adjusts shift operation and uses engine braking on descents.
PowerScope Tow Mirrors
New PowerScope trailer tow mirrors can telescope, fold and adjust electrically for improved visibility.
Compact Pickup Towing
2008 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
The 2008 Ranger offers three engines and separate towing ratings for automatic and manual transmissions.
4.0L V6 Automatic
Up to 6,000 lbs.The 207-horsepower 4.0L SOHC V6 provides Ranger's highest towing rating.
3.0L V6 Automatic
Up to 2,600 lbs.Certain 4x2 configurations reach 2,600 pounds with the 3.0L V6.
2.3L I4 Automatic
Up to 2,240 lbs.Certain Regular Cab 4x2 models reach 2,240 pounds with the four-cylinder engine.
Ford warns that state electric-trailer-brake laws may limit usable Ranger towing capacity because the Ranger's electrical system does not include the connector required to activate electric trailer brakes.
High-Capacity Explorer Era
2008 Ford Explorer & Sport Trac Towing Capacity
The body-on-frame Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac could both exceed 7,000 pounds of towing with the 4.6L V8.
2008 Ford Explorer
Up to 7,310 lbs.Ford lists a 4x2 Explorer with the 4.6L V8 at up to 7,310 pounds with the appropriate Class III/IV towing equipment.
Ford notes a 500-pound deduction when equipped with Auxiliary Climate Control.
2008 Explorer Sport Trac
Up to 7,160 lbs.The 4.6L V8 4x2 Sport Trac reaches 7,160 pounds, while the 4.0L V6 reaches up to 5,260 pounds.
Explorer and Sport Trac trailers over 3,500 pounds require the Class III/IV Trailer Tow Prep Package.
Full-Size SUV Towing
2008 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing
Expedition uses Ford's 5.4L V8 and reaches its highest trailer ratings with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2008 Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.The properly equipped 4x2 Expedition reaches Ford's 9,200-pound maximum.
2008 Ford Expedition EL
Up to 9,000 lbs.Properly equipped Expedition EL configurations reach up to 9,000 pounds.
Ford requires the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for Expedition trailers over 6,000 pounds.
2008 SUV & Crossover Towing
Edge, Escape & Taurus X Tow Ratings
Ford's 2008 lineup contains several historical crossover configurations with model-specific towing limits.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Ford lists Edge at up to 3,500 pounds. Trailers over 2,000 pounds require the Class II Trailer Tow/Prep Package.
Ford Escape 3.0L V6
3,500 lbs.The 3.0L V6 provides Escape's highest listed 2008 trailer rating.
Ford Escape 2.3L I4
1,500 lbs.Both automatic and manual 2.3L gasoline Escape configurations are listed at up to 1,500 pounds.
Escape Hybrid
Special RestrictionsFord's selector shows a 1,000-pound figure but states that no factory- or dealer-installed towing equipment is offered and conventional trailer hitches are not compatible with Hybrid components.
Ford Taurus X
2,000 lbs.Ford lists Taurus X at a 2,000-pound maximum gross trailer weight with a 200-pound tongue-load limit.
Why Exact Model Year Matters
Ford changed engines, platforms and towing packages frequently during this period, so later ratings should never be applied to a 2008 vehicle.
Full-Size Van & RV Towing
2008 Ford E-Series Towing Capacity
E-Series remains one of Ford's primary towing and recreational-vehicle platforms in the 2008 guide.
4.6L V8
Up to 6,500 lbs.Properly configured E-Series vans reach up to 6,500 pounds with the 4.6L V8.
5.4L V8
Up to 7,500 lbs.Certain E-Series Van configurations reach 7,500 pounds with the 5.4L V8.
6.8L V10
Up to 10,000 lbs.Qualifying E-350 Super Duty configurations reach 10,000 pounds with the V10.
6.0L Turbo Diesel
Up to 10,000 lbs.Certain diesel E-Series Van configurations also reach Ford's 10,000-pound maximum.
E-350 Cutaway
Up to 20,000-lb. GCWRDiesel E-350 Cutaway configurations can carry a 20,000-pound GCWR.
E-450 Cutaway
20,000-lb. GCWRApplicable V10 and diesel E-450 Cutaway configurations are listed at 20,000 pounds GCWR.
Historical Passenger-Car Towing
2008 Mustang, Taurus, Focus & Fusion
Ford's historical guide clearly distinguishes between passenger cars that carry a light-duty towing rating and vehicles that Ford does not recommend for towing.
2008 Ford Mustang
1,000 lbs.Ford lists a 1,000-pound maximum gross trailer weight and a 100-pound tongue-load limit with a minimum 4.0L V6.
2008 Ford Taurus
1,000 lbs.Ford lists Taurus at 1,000 pounds with a 100-pound tongue-load limit and minimum 3.5L V6.
2008 Ford Focus
Not RecommendedFord specifically states that Focus is not recommended for trailer towing.
2008 Ford Fusion
Not RecommendedFord specifically states that Fusion is not recommended for trailer towing.
Trailer Shape Matters
2008 Ford Trailer Frontal Area Considerations
Ford publishes frontal-area limits because aerodynamic drag can reduce towing performance even when trailer weight remains within the published limit.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.The higher allowance applies with the appropriate Trailer Tow or Heavy-Duty Payload Package.
Super Duty
60 sq. ft.Ford lists 60 square feet for applicable F-250 through F-550 applications.
E-Series
60 sq. ft.Ford lists 60 square feet for E-Series applications.
Explorer / Sport Trac
40 sq. ft.Ford lists a 40-square-foot consideration for both Explorer and Sport Trac.
Ranger V6
50 sq. ft.Ford lists 50 square feet for Ranger with the 3.0L or 4.0L V6.
Edge
25 sq. ft.Ford lists a 25-square-foot frontal-area consideration for Edge.
Understand the Published Maximum
How Ford Calculates Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Ford's selector makes several assumptions that are important when translating a published maximum into a real-world towing limit.
Driver Only
150 lbs.Ford's maximum trailer calculations assume a 150-pound driver and no cargo.
Conventional Tongue Weight
10-15%Ford assumes approximately 10 to 15 percent of loaded trailer weight on the hitch.
Fifth-Wheel King Pin Weight
15-25%Fifth-wheel calculations assume approximately 15 to 25 percent of loaded trailer weight at the king pin.
Passengers Reduce Capacity
Additional passenger weight must be deducted from the published maximum trailer calculation.
Cargo & Options Reduce Capacity
Cargo, accessories, options and hitch equipment also reduce the amount available for trailer weight.
Check GVWR & Rear GAWR
Trailer hitch load cannot cause the tow vehicle or rear axle to exceed its certified ratings.
Understand Ford's Towing Tables
Important 2008 Ford Towing Terms
Base Curb Weight
The weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids before passengers, cargo and options are added.
Payload
The weight of passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and other loads carried by the tow vehicle.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable loaded weight of the vehicle.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable load that can be supported 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
The maximum trailer weight Ford publishes for a particular vehicle, engine, axle ratio and configuration.
Tongue Weight
The portion of a conventional trailer's loaded weight carried by the tow vehicle at the hitch.
King Pin Weight
The portion of fifth-wheel trailer weight transferred to the pickup through the hitch.
Find the Correct Rating
How to Use the 2008 Ford Towing Guide
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include cargo, fluids, equipment and supplies, not simply the trailer's empty weight.
2
Identify the Exact Ford
Confirm model, engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab and wheelbase.
3
Verify Required Equipment
Higher ratings may require Trailer Tow, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Class II, Class III/IV or High-Capacity Trailer Tow equipment.
4
Account for Passengers & Cargo
Additional weight carried by the vehicle reduces the available combination weight for towing.
5
Verify GVWR, GAWR & GCWR
Never allow a maximum trailer rating to override the vehicle, axle or combined-weight ratings.
6
Review the Complete 2008 Ford Guide
Match your exact configuration to Ford's detailed towing selector and consult the Owner Guide.
Before You Tow
2008 Ford Trailer Safety & Break-In Guidance
Ford's guide includes several important operating recommendations in addition to maximum trailer ratings.
Drive 500 Miles First
500 MilesFord says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Weigh the Combination
Ford recommends weighing the fully loaded vehicle, passengers and trailer before travel.
Trailer Brakes
Over 1,500 lbs.Many states require brakes above certain trailer weights, and Ford recommends a separate functional brake system on any towed vehicle.
Use Safety Chains
Ford instructs owners to always use safety chains and cross them beneath the trailer tongue.
Consider Terrain
Ford warns that minimum powertrain combinations may provide compromised performance in hilly terrain.
Check the Owner Guide
Review break-in, maintenance and model-specific towing procedures before beginning a trip.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2008 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's 2008 towing guide includes four-wheel-down recreational towing information and identifies a Neutral Tow Kit for certain vehicles.
Neutral Tow Kit
Ford's accessory guide identifies a Neutral Tow Kit that allows certain 4x4 automatic-transmission vehicles to be towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels down.
Ford lists Ranger, Explorer and Sport Trac as applications for the kit.
AWD Vehicles Excluded
Ford states that the Neutral Tow Kit is not available for AWD vehicles.
Always follow the exact Owner Guide procedure for the specific transmission and drivetrain.
2008 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2008 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2008 Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,000 pounds. The maximum applies to qualifying 5.4L V8 configurations.
How much can a 2008 F-150 with the 5.4L V8 tow?
Certain properly configured 2008 F-150 models with the 5.4L V8 can tow up to 11,000 pounds.
How much can a 2008 F-150 with the 4.6L V8 tow?
Ford's detailed selector lists properly configured 4.6L V8 models at up to approximately 7,200 pounds.
How much can a 2008 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists properly equipped 2008 Super Duty configurations at up to 16,000 pounds of conventional towing and up to 24,500 pounds of fifth-wheel towing.
How much can a 2008 Ford Ranger tow?
A properly configured 2008 Ranger with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
How much can a 2008 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2008 Ford Explorer with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,310 pounds in a qualifying 4x2 configuration.
How much can a 2008 Explorer Sport Trac tow?
A properly equipped 2008 Explorer Sport Trac with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,160 pounds.
How much can a 2008 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2008 Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Expedition EL reaches up to 9,000 pounds.
How much can a 2008 Ford Escape tow?
A properly equipped 2008 Escape with the 3.0L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The gasoline 2.3L four-cylinder is listed at up to 1,500 pounds.
Can a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid tow a trailer?
Ford's table shows a 1,000-pound figure for Escape Hybrid, but Ford also states that no factory- or dealer-installed towing equipment is offered and conventional trailer hitches are not compatible with the Hybrid components.
How much can a 2008 Ford Edge tow?
A properly equipped 2008 Ford Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the appropriate Class II Trailer Tow/Prep Package.
How much can a 2008 Ford E-Series tow?
Certain properly equipped 2008 E-Series Van and Wagon configurations can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Can a 2008 Ford Fusion tow a trailer?
Ford's 2008 RV & Trailer Towing Guide states that Fusion is not recommended for towing.
How long should I drive a 2008 Ford before towing?
Ford's 2008 guide says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Researching a Used 2008 Ford for Towing?
Engine, transmission, axle ratio and towing equipment can make thousands of pounds of difference in a 2008 Ford's towing capacity. 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, vehicle lines and towing equipment change over time. Select the guide matching the Ford you own or are researching.
2008 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2008 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for research purposes. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles and vary according to vehicle configuration, accessories, options, passengers, cargo and hitch loading. Do not exceed the specific vehicle's GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight, payload, hitch receiver rating or any other applicable limit. Consult the complete 2008 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, vehicle Owner Guide and Safety Compliance Certification Label before towing. Chuck Anderson Ford is located at 1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.