Official 2009 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2009 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2009 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Expedition, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Edge, Escape, E-Series, Mustang, Taurus and more. Compare maximum trailer weights, engine choices, axle ratios, towing packages, hitch requirements and configuration-specific towing limits.
Do not use a model-level maximum as the rating for every vehicle. The actual towing capacity of a 2009 Ford depends on engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, factory equipment, passengers, cargo and hitch loading. Use Ford's detailed towing selector for the exact vehicle configuration.
Explore the 2009 Guide
2009 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Start with the maximum ratings below, then use the complete Ford guide to verify the exact engine, transmission, axle ratio, GCWR, drivetrain and required towing equipment.
Maximum Available Capability
2009 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
Ford's 2009 towing lineup ranges from compact Ranger pickups and passenger cars to full-size SUVs, commercial vans and heavy-duty pickups capable of towing more than 20,000 pounds.
11,300 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available conventional trailer rating with a qualifying 5.4L V8 configuration.
24,600 lbs.
Ford Super Duty
Maximum available fifth-wheel towing with a properly equipped F-450.
9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum available with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
6,000 lbs.
Ford Ranger
Maximum listed rating for the properly configured 4.0L V6 Ranger.
2009 Ford Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2009 Ford Tow?
These are selected maximum available trailer ratings. An individual vehicle may carry a substantially lower rating depending on its exact configuration.
| 2009 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2009 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 11,300 lbs. | Highest ratings are available with qualifying 5.4L V8, axle-ratio and towing-package combinations. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Maximum applies to a properly configured F-450 pickup. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,600 lbs. | Qualifying F-450 diesel configurations reach the highest rating. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Ford's Chassis Cab tables assume second-unit body weight when calculating trailer capacity. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,600 lbs. | Available only on specific high-GCWR configurations. |
| E-Series Van / Wagon | Up to 10,000 lbs. | Qualifying E-350 Super Duty configurations reach the maximum. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,200 lbs. | Requires the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for the highest rating. |
| Expedition EL | Up to 8,900 lbs. | Extended-length versions use separate GCWR and trailer ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 7,285 lbs. | Maximum applies to a 4x2 4.6L V8 with Class III/IV towing equipment. |
| Explorer Sport Trac | Up to 7,160 lbs. | Maximum available with the 4.6L V8. |
| Ranger | Up to 6,000 lbs. | Maximum available with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission. |
| Flex | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Standard capability is 2,000 pounds; optional Class III equipment raises the maximum. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Requires the appropriate Class II Trailer Tow Package above 2,000 pounds. |
| Escape 3.0L V6 | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Requires the Class II Trailer Towing Package. |
| Escape 2.5L I4 | Up to 1,500 lbs. | Towing equipment is available as a dealer accessory. |
| Taurus X | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Ford lists Taurus X as a light-duty Class I towing application. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists the 4.0L V6 as the minimum engine for the published Class I rating. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists the 3.5L V6 as the minimum engine for the published rating. |
| Focus | Not Recommended | Ford specifically states that Focus is not recommended for trailer towing. |
| Fusion | Not Recommended | Ford specifically states that Fusion is not recommended for trailer towing. |
| Escape Hybrid | Not Recommended | Ford specifically excludes Escape Hybrid from trailer towing. |
What Makes the 2009 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2009 guide captures an important transition in Ford's lineup. F-150 was newly redesigned, Flex was brand new, Ranger and Sport Trac were still active, and Ford's full-size vans were still centered around E-Series.
New 2009 F-150
Ford highlights a new fully boxed frame, new towing technology and an 11,300-pound maximum trailer rating.
F-150 Before EcoBoost
The truck's towing lineup centers on 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines. The later 3.5L EcoBoost does not appear in the 2009 guide.
All-New Ford Flex
The 2009 Flex was new to Ford's crossover lineup, with 2,000 pounds of standard towing capability and up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Explorer Can Tow 7,285 lbs.
The body-on-frame 4.6L V8 Explorer carries dramatically higher towing capability than many later Explorer generations.
Sport Trac Still Matters
Explorer Sport Trac receives its own detailed towing ratings and reaches 7,160 pounds.
Ranger Reaches 6,000 lbs.
Ford's compact Ranger can reach 6,000 pounds with a qualifying 4.0L V6 configuration.
New 2009 F-150
2009 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
The redesigned 2009 F-150 uses multiple versions of Ford's 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines, with substantially different trailer ratings depending on axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and drivetrain.
| 2009 F-150 Engine | Power | Maximum Available Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 2-Valve V8 | 248 hp / 294 lb.-ft. | Up to 6,000 lbs. |
| 4.6L 3-Valve V8 | 292 hp / 320 lb.-ft. | Up to 9,500 lbs. |
| 5.4L 3-Valve V8 - Gasoline | 310 hp / 365 lb.-ft. | Up to 11,300 lbs. |
| 5.4L 3-Valve V8 - E85 | 320 hp / 390 lb.-ft. | Configuration Specific |
2009 F-150 towing note: Ford requires the Trailer Tow Package or Heavy-Duty Payload Package with Max Trailer Tow equipment for trailers over 5,000 pounds. The 11,300-pound maximum applies only to specific 5.4L V8 configurations.
New Towing Technology for 2009
Features Ford Highlighted on the Redesigned F-150
The 2009 guide emphasizes several towing and handling features that were important additions to the redesigned truck.
Trailer Sway Control
Ford highlights Trailer Sway Control as standard equipment on the new 2009 F-150.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
An available factory controller works with compatible electrically actuated trailer brakes.
Tow/Haul Mode
Ford highlights Tow/Haul mode for helping manage transmission operation while pulling a trailer.
Rearview Camera
The available rearview camera can make trailer positioning and hitch alignment easier.
Fully Boxed Frame
The redesigned F-150 uses a fully boxed frame with hydroformed high-strength-steel sections.
Three Cab Styles
Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations all appear in Ford's detailed towing tables.
2009 Heavy-Duty Ford Towing
2009 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
Ford's 2009 Super Duty lineup includes the F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickups plus F-350, F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab models.
Pickup Conventional
16,000 lbs.Pickup Fifth-Wheel
24,600 lbs.Chassis Cab Conventional
16,000 lbs.Chassis Cab Fifth-Wheel
24,600 lbs.5.4L Triton V8
300 hpFord lists the 5.4L gasoline V8 at 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.8L Triton V10
457 lb.-ft.Ford lists the 6.8L V10 at 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
650 lb.-ft.Ford lists the 6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel at 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 24,600-pound rating is not a universal Super Duty rating. It requires a qualifying F-450 configuration with the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel and Ford's required high-capacity towing equipment.
Compact Pickup Capability
2009 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
Ranger remains an important part of Ford's U.S. towing lineup in 2009, with different ratings for four-cylinder, V6, manual, automatic, 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
4.0L V6 Automatic
Up to 6,000 lbs.A qualifying 4x2 Ranger SuperCab with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission reaches Ford's 6,000-pound maximum.
2.3L I4 Automatic
Up to 2,240 lbs.Certain Regular Cab 4x2 configurations using the 2.3L four-cylinder reach 2,240 pounds.
Manual Transmission
Lower RatingsManual-transmission Ranger configurations carry substantially lower maximum trailer ratings than comparable automatic configurations.
Ford's detailed Ranger table varies towing capacity by engine, transmission, cab, drivetrain and axle ratio. A 4.0L V6 Ranger should not automatically be assumed to carry the 6,000-pound maximum.
A High-Capacity Explorer Era
2009 Ford Explorer & Sport Trac Towing Capacity
The body-on-frame Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac were capable of towing more than 7,000 pounds with the available 4.6L V8.
2009 Ford Explorer
Up to 7,285 lbs.A 4x2 Explorer with the 4.6L V8, 3.55 axle ratio and Class III/IV towing equipment reaches 7,285 pounds.
The 4.0L V6 reaches up to 5,375 pounds depending on drivetrain.
2009 Explorer Sport Trac
Up to 7,160 lbs.A 4x2 Sport Trac with the 4.6L V8 reaches 7,160 pounds in Ford's selector.
The 4.0L V6 reaches up to 5,250 pounds in qualifying 4x2 configurations.
Ford requires the Class III/IV Trailer Tow Prep Package for Explorer and Sport Trac trailers above 3,500 pounds. The maximum also varies by drivetrain and engine.
Full-Size SUV Towing
2009 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing Capacity
Expedition provides the highest towing capability among Ford's 2009 passenger SUVs when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2009 Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.A properly equipped 4x2 Expedition with the 5.4L V8 and 3.73 axle ratio reaches 9,200 pounds.
2009 Ford Expedition EL
Up to 8,900 lbs.The extended-length Expedition EL reaches 8,900 pounds in its highest-capacity configuration.
Ford requires the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for Expedition trailers over 6,000 pounds. Drivetrain and axle ratio affect the final rating.
2009 Ford Crossover Towing
Flex, Edge, Escape & Taurus X Tow Ratings
The 2009 crossover lineup contains several vehicles that no longer exist in today's Ford lineup, making the model-year-specific towing guide especially useful.
Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.The all-new 2009 Flex has 2,000 pounds of standard towing capability and can reach 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Ford lists the 3.5L V6 Edge at up to 3,500 pounds with the appropriate Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Escape 3.0L V6
3,500 lbs.The 240-horsepower 3.0L V6 reaches 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Towing Package.
Ford Escape 2.5L I4
1,500 lbs.Ford lists both manual and automatic 2.5L gasoline Escape configurations at 1,500 pounds.
Escape Hybrid
Not RecommendedFord specifically states that the 2009 Escape Hybrid is not recommended for trailer towing.
Ford Taurus X
2,000 lbs.Ford lists Taurus X with a 2,000-pound maximum gross trailer rating and 200-pound maximum tongue load.
New for the 2009 Lineup
2009 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
Flex was all-new for 2009, making this guide the beginning of Ford's published towing history for the three-row crossover.
Standard Towing
2,000 lbs.Ford lists a 2,000-pound standard maximum gross trailer weight for the 2009 Flex.
With Class III Tow Package
4,500 lbs.The optional towing setup raises Flex capability to 4,500 pounds, with a 450-pound maximum tongue-load figure.
Full-Size Van & RV Towing
2009 Ford E-Series Towing Capacity
Ford's 2009 guide includes extensive towing information for E-Series vans, passenger wagons, cutaways and stripped chassis.
4.6L V8
Up to 6,500 lbs.Certain E-150 and E-250 configurations reach 6,500 pounds with the 4.6L V8.
5.4L V8
Up to 7,400 lbs.Properly configured E-Series vans using the 5.4L V8 can reach 7,400 pounds.
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 Van configurations also reach Ford's 10,000-pound trailer maximum.
E-350 Cutaway
Up to 20,000-lb. GCWRFord lists diesel E-350 Cutaway configurations with 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.
Historical Ford Passenger-Car Towing
2009 Mustang, Taurus, Focus & Fusion
Ford's historical guide makes an important distinction between cars that receive a light-duty towing rating and vehicles Ford does not recommend for trailer towing.
2009 Ford Mustang
1,000 lbs.Ford lists Mustang as a Class I towing vehicle with a 1,000-pound maximum gross trailer weight and 100-pound tongue-load limit.
2009 Ford Taurus
1,000 lbs.Ford also lists Taurus at 1,000 pounds of maximum gross trailer weight with a 100-pound tongue-load limit.
2009 Ford Focus
Not RecommendedFord specifically states that Focus is not recommended for trailer towing.
2009 Ford Fusion
Not RecommendedFord also specifically states that Fusion is not recommended for trailer towing.
Trailer Shape Matters
2009 Ford Trailer Frontal Area Considerations
A trailer can be within the vehicle's weight limit and still present too much aerodynamic drag. Ford therefore publishes frontal-area considerations in addition to weight ratings.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.The larger allowance applies with the appropriate Trailer Tow or Heavy-Duty Payload equipment.
Super Duty
60 sq. ft.Ford lists a 60-square-foot consideration for applicable F-250 through F-550 applications.
E-Series
60 sq. ft.E-Series applications carry a 60-square-foot trailer frontal-area consideration.
Explorer / Sport Trac
40 sq. ft.Ford lists 40 square feet for Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac applications.
Ranger 4.0L V6
32 sq. ft.Ford lists a 32-square-foot frontal-area consideration for the 4.0L V6 Ranger.
Flex
25 sq. ft.Ford lists a 25-square-foot trailer frontal-area consideration for the 2009 Flex.
Trailer Weight Categories
2009 Ford Trailer Classes
Ford groups trailers into four general weight classes to help owners match the trailer with appropriate vehicles and towing equipment.
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light-duty trailers such as small boats, motorcycles and folding camping trailers.
Class II
2,001-3,500 lbs.Medium-duty recreational and utility trailer applications.
Class III
3,501-5,000 lbs.Larger conventional trailers requiring appropriately rated towing equipment.
Class IV
Over 5,000 lbs.Larger travel, work and recreational trailer applications.
Understand the Numbers
Important 2009 Ford Towing Terms
Maximum trailer weight is only one of several ratings that should be checked before towing.
Base Curb Weight
Vehicle weight with standard equipment and fluids before passengers, cargo and optional equipment are added.
Payload
The available capacity for passengers, cargo, hitch hardware 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 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
Ford's maximum loaded trailer figure for a particular engine, axle ratio, drivetrain and vehicle configuration.
Tongue Load
The portion of a conventional trailer's weight carried by the tow vehicle at the hitch.
King Pin Weight
The portion of fifth-wheel trailer weight transferred into the pickup bed through the hitch.
Find Your Actual Towing Capacity
How to Use the 2009 Ford Towing Guide
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include the trailer plus cargo, equipment, fluids and supplies rather than relying on empty trailer weight.
2
Identify the Exact Ford
Confirm model, engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab and wheelbase.
3
Verify Required Towing Equipment
Many higher ratings require Trailer Tow, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Class II, Class III/IV or High-Capacity Trailer Tow equipment.
4
Account for Passengers & Cargo
Ford's maximum-loaded-trailer calculations use specific assumptions. Additional passengers, cargo, options and hitch hardware reduce capacity.
5
Check GVWR, GAWR & GCWR
Maximum trailer weight cannot override the vehicle, axle or combination-weight ratings.
6
Review Ford's Complete 2009 Guide
Match the exact configuration to Ford's detailed selector and review the vehicle Owner Guide before connecting a trailer.
Before You Tow
2009 Ford Trailer Preparation & Safety
Ford's guide includes operating recommendations in addition to towing-capacity tables.
Drive 500 Miles First
500 MilesFord instructs owners 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 to confirm critical weight limits are not exceeded.
Account for Hitch Load
Trailer tongue or king pin weight must fit within the vehicle's payload, rear GAWR and GVWR.
Use the Correct Wiring
Trailer lighting and electric braking equipment require the appropriate vehicle wiring and connectors.
Check State Brake Laws
Trailer-brake requirements vary by jurisdiction and can affect how a particular trailer may be used.
Check the Owner Guide
Review break-in, severe-duty maintenance and model-specific towing procedures before travel.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2009 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's 2009 RV & Trailer Towing Guide contains a dedicated four-wheel-down towing chart for vehicles being recreationally towed behind a motorhome.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Ford's chart distinguishes among models, transmissions and drivetrains. Some vehicles can be towed four wheels down as built.
Others require a dealer-installed Neutral Tow Kit or specific transfer-case procedures.
Do Not Assume Every Configuration Qualifies
Ford's table separately identifies automatic, manual, front-wheel-drive, AWD and 4x4 configurations.
Always follow the exact recreational-towing instructions in the vehicle's Owner Guide.
2009 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2009 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2009 Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds. The highest ratings are found with qualifying 5.4L V8 configurations.
How much can a 2009 F-150 with the 5.4L V8 tow?
Certain properly configured 2009 Ford F-150 models with the 5.4L V8 can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
How much can a 2009 F-150 with the 4.6L V8 tow?
The 2009 F-150's 4.6L 2-valve V8 can reach approximately 6,000 pounds, while the 4.6L 3-valve V8 reaches as high as approximately 9,500 pounds depending on configuration.
Did the 2009 Ford F-150 have EcoBoost?
No. Ford's 2009 towing guide lists 4.6L and 5.4L V8 powertrains for the F-150. The later 3.5L EcoBoost is not part of the 2009 lineup.
How much can a 2009 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists the properly equipped 2009 F-450 at up to 16,000 pounds of conventional towing and up to 24,600 pounds of fifth-wheel towing.
How much can a 2009 Ford Ranger tow?
A properly configured 2009 Ranger with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
How much can a 2009 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2009 Ford Explorer with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,285 pounds in a qualifying 4x2 configuration.
How much can a 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac tow?
A properly equipped 2009 Explorer Sport Trac with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,160 pounds.
How much can a 2009 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2009 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Expedition EL reaches up to 8,900 pounds.
How much can a 2009 Ford Flex tow?
Ford lists 2,000 pounds of standard towing capability for the 2009 Flex and up to 4,500 pounds with the appropriate towing package.
How much can a 2009 Ford Escape tow?
The properly equipped 2009 Escape with the 3.0L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 2.5L gasoline engine is listed at up to 1,500 pounds.
Can a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid tow a trailer?
Ford's 2009 RV & Trailer Towing Guide specifically states that Escape Hybrid is not recommended for trailer towing.
How much can a 2009 Ford E-Series tow?
Certain properly equipped 2009 E-Series Van and Wagon configurations can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Can a 2009 Ford Fusion tow a trailer?
Ford specifically states that the 2009 Fusion is not recommended for trailer towing.
How long should I drive a 2009 Ford before towing?
Ford's 2009 towing guide says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Researching a Used 2009 Ford for Towing?
The engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio and towing equipment on a 2009 Ford can change its trailer capacity by thousands of pounds. 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 engines, vehicle lines, towing packages and maximum trailer ratings change over time. Select the guide matching the vehicle you own or are researching.
2009 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2009 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for research purposes. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles and vary according to vehicle configuration, 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 2009 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.