Official 2010 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2010 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2010 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, payload considerations and configuration-specific limits for your 2010 Ford.
Maximum towing capacity is configuration-specific. Engine, transmission, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase, factory equipment, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and trailer tongue or king pin weight can all change the actual towing capacity of a 2010 Ford. Always verify your exact vehicle in Ford's detailed towing selector.
Explore the 2010 Guide
2010 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Start with the maximum available ratings below, then use the complete Ford guide to match the exact engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, GCWR, wheelbase and towing equipment.
Maximum Available Capability
2010 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
The 2010 Ford lineup includes compact pickups, body-on-frame SUVs, full-size vans, half-ton pickups and heavy-duty trucks capable of handling a very wide range of trailers.
11,300 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available conventional towing with the properly configured 5.4L V8.
24,600 lbs.
Ford Super Duty
Maximum fifth-wheel towing for the properly configured Super Duty.
7,160 lbs.
Explorer Sport Trac
Maximum available with the 4.6L V8 and proper towing equipment.
5,940 lbs.
Ford Ranger
Maximum available with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission.
2010 Ford Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2010 Ford Tow?
These figures represent selected maximum available ratings. Individual vehicles may carry substantially lower ratings depending on configuration.
| 2010 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2010 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 11,300 lbs. | The 5.4L V8 provides the highest rating in Ford's detailed 2010 F-150 selector. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Maximum receiver capacity for the properly configured F-450. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,600 lbs. | Maximum applies to a properly configured 6.4L Power Stroke F-450. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Completed vehicle weight and body upfit must be included. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,600 lbs. | Certain high-GCWR diesel configurations reach the maximum. |
| E-Series Van / Wagon | Up to 10,000 lbs. | Properly configured E-350 Super Duty models reach the highest Van/Wagon rating. |
| 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 Sport Trac | Up to 7,160 lbs. | Maximum available with the 4.6L V8. |
| Explorer | Up to 7,115 lbs. | The 4.6L V8 provides the highest Explorer towing capacity. |
| Ranger | Up to 5,940 lbs. | Maximum available with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission. |
| Flex | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Requires the Class III Trailer Tow Package. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Certain 22-inch-wheel configurations are limited to 2,000 pounds. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum applies to the 3.0L V6 with Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists a 4.0L V6 minimum engine for the Class I rating. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Ford lists a 3.5L V6 minimum engine. |
| Fusion | Not Recommended | Ford specifically lists Fusion as not recommended for trailer towing. |
| Transit Connect | Not Recommended | Ford specifically lists Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing. |
What Makes the 2010 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2010 guide captures Ford immediately before major changes to F-150, Super Duty and Explorer. It also includes Ranger, Explorer Sport Trac and full-size E-Series models that make this year especially valuable for historical towing research.
F-150 Before EcoBoost
The 2010 F-150 towing lineup is centered on the 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines. The 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 does not appear in this guide.
6.4L Power Stroke Super Duty
Ford's 2010 Super Duty uses the 6.4L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel rather than the 6.7L diesel introduced for the following model year.
Explorer Tows More Than 7,000 lbs.
The body-on-frame 2010 Explorer with the 4.6L V8 reaches as high as 7,115 pounds when properly equipped.
Explorer Sport Trac
Ford's pickup-SUV crossover appears prominently in the guide and reaches 7,160 pounds with the 4.6L V8.
Ranger Still Offers Serious Tow Capacity
The 4.0L V6 Ranger reaches 5,940 pounds despite its much smaller size than F-150.
Mercury Models Still Appear
Ford's complete 2010 towing guide still includes Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer alongside their Ford counterparts.
2010 F-150 Towing
2010 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
Ford's 2010 F-150 engine lineup predates EcoBoost. Maximum trailer capacity varies significantly among the available V8 engines and axle ratios.
| 2010 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 | 310 hp / 365 lb.-ft. on gasoline | Up to 11,300 lbs. |
| 5.4L 3-Valve V8 on E85 | 320 hp / 390 lb.-ft. | Configuration Dependent |
2010 F-150 maximum towing: Ford lists up to 11,300 pounds for properly equipped 5.4L V8 configurations. Trailers over 5,000 pounds require the appropriate Trailer Tow Package or Heavy-Duty Payload Package with Max Trailer Tow equipment.
2010 F-150 Tow Equipment
Trailer Features Available Before Modern Tow Technology
Although 2010 predates newer systems such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Ford already offered several useful trailer-focused features on F-150.
Trailer Sway Control
Ford lists Trailer Sway Control as standard on the 2010 F-150 to help detect and respond to trailer sway.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Available factory equipment helps coordinate compatible electric trailer brakes with braking input from the truck.
Trailer Tow Mirrors
Available towing mirrors provide increased rearward visibility around wider recreational and work trailers.
Rearview Camera
Ford highlights the available rearview camera as an aid when maneuvering and positioning the truck.
Maximum Payload
3,030 lbs.Ford lists maximum available F-150 payload at 3,030 pounds on a qualifying configuration.
Fifth-Wheel Considerations
Ford provides separate fifth-wheel guidance and stresses that king pin weight must remain within payload, rear GAWR and GVWR limits.
2010 Heavy-Duty Ford Towing
2010 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
The 2010 F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickup lineup uses 5.4L V8, 6.8L V10 and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel powertrains depending on configuration.
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 SOHC V8
300 hpFord lists the gasoline 5.4L V8 at 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.8L SOHC V10
457 lb.-ft.The available 6.8L V10 produces 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque.
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
Up to 650 lb.-ft.Ford lists F-350 versions at 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, with separate output figures for F-450 applications.
The 24,600-pound maximum is configuration-specific. Ford's detailed fifth-wheel selector reaches this figure on qualifying F-450 diesel configurations with the required high-capacity towing equipment.
Compact Pickup Towing
2010 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
Ford's 2010 Ranger selector separates the 2.3L four-cylinder and 4.0L V6 as well as manual, automatic, 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
4.0L V6 Automatic
Up to 5,940 lbs.The 207-horsepower, 238-lb.-ft. 4.0L V6 provides Ranger's highest 2010 maximum loaded trailer rating.
2.3L I4 Automatic
Up to 2,200 lbs.Certain Regular Cab 4x2 automatic configurations reach 2,200 pounds.
Manual Ranger
Lower RatingsManual-transmission configurations carry lower maximum trailer ratings, making transmission identification especially important.
Ford notes that state trailer-brake requirements can further restrict usable Ranger towing capacity because the vehicle's electrical system does not include the wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.
A Major 2010 Archive Difference
2010 Explorer & Explorer Sport Trac Towing
These two models are particularly important in the 2010 towing archive because both could exceed 7,000 pounds when equipped with the 4.6L V8.
2010 Ford Explorer
Up to 7,115 lbs.The 4.6L V8 Explorer can reach 7,115 pounds on qualifying configurations with the Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package.
The 4.0L V6 carries lower ratings, topping out around 5,375 pounds depending on drivetrain.
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Up to 7,160 lbs.The 4.6L V8 Sport Trac reaches 7,160 pounds in Ford's detailed towing selector.
The 4.0L V6 reaches up to approximately 5,250 pounds depending on configuration.
Explorer and Sport Trac trailers above 3,500 pounds require the appropriate Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package. Ford also lists factory weight-distributing receiver capacities of up to 7,115 pounds for Explorer and 7,160 pounds for Sport Trac.
Full-Size SUV Capability
2010 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing Capacity
Expedition uses Ford's 5.4L V8 and offers significantly higher towing capacity with the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.Properly equipped Expedition configurations can tow up to 9,200 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Expedition EL
Up to 8,900 lbs.The extended-length Expedition EL reaches as high as 8,900 pounds depending on drivetrain and axle ratio.
Ford requires the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for Expedition trailers over 6,000 pounds. The receiver is rated as high as 9,200 pounds with the appropriate weight-distributing setup.
2010 Ford Crossover Towing
Flex, Edge & Escape Towing Capacity
Engine, wheel and factory towing-package selections make a substantial difference across these 2010 models.
Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.Properly equipped Flex configurations reach 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Edge reaches 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. Certain vehicles with 22-inch wheels are limited to 2,000 pounds.
Ford Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 3.0L V6 provides Escape's highest towing rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Escape 2.5L I4
Up to 1,500 lbs.Ford lists the gasoline four-cylinder Escape at 1,500 pounds with appropriate dealer accessory equipment.
Escape Hybrid
Special RestrictionsFord's selector shows a 1,000-pound figure but states that the Hybrid does not offer factory- or dealer-installed towing equipment and conventional trailer hitches are not compatible with the hybrid components.
Transit Connect
Not RecommendedFord specifically lists the 2010 Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing.
Full-Size Van & RV Towing
2010 Ford E-Series Towing Capacity
E-Series remains a major towing and recreational-vehicle platform in Ford's 2010 guide, including vans, wagons, cutaways and stripped chassis.
4.6L V8
Up to 6,500 lbs.Certain E-Series Van configurations reach 6,500 pounds with the 4.6L V8.
5.4L V8
Up to 7,400 lbs.Ford lists properly equipped E-150 configurations at up to 7,400 pounds.
6.8L V10
Up to 10,000 lbs.Certain E-350 Super Duty Van and Wagon configurations reach the 10,000-pound maximum.
E-350 Cutaway
Up to 20,000-lb. GCWRFord lists selected diesel E-350 Cutaway configurations at a 20,000-pound GCWR.
E-450 Cutaway
Up to 20,000-lb. GCWRCertain 6.8L V10 and 6.0L diesel E-450 configurations carry a 20,000-pound GCWR.
Class B Van Campers
Ford's guide includes dedicated E-Series information for recreational van conversions and Class B campers.
Historical Ford Car Towing
2010 Mustang, Taurus & Non-Tow-Rated Ford Cars
Ford's historical towing guide clearly distinguishes light-duty tow-rated cars from vehicles Ford does not recommend for pulling a trailer.
2010 Ford Mustang
1,000 lbs.Ford lists a 1,000-pound Class I maximum with a minimum 4.0L V6 engine.
2010 Ford Taurus
1,000 lbs.Ford lists a 1,000-pound Class I maximum with a minimum 3.5L V6 engine.
2010 Ford Fusion
Not RecommendedFord specifically lists the 2010 Fusion among vehicles not recommended for trailer towing.
Important Ford Guidance
2010 Vehicles Ford Does Not Recommend for Trailer Towing
Ford's 2010 RV & Trailer Towing Guide explicitly identifies several vehicles that are not recommended for pulling trailers.
Ford Focus
Ford does not recommend the 2010 Focus for trailer towing.
Ford Fusion
Ford specifically includes Fusion in the non-tow-recommended group.
Transit Connect
The 2010 Transit Connect does not receive a trailer-towing rating from Ford.
Mercury Milan
Milan is also listed as not recommended for trailer towing.
Lincoln MKZ
Ford's complete guide includes MKZ in its list of vehicles not recommended for trailer towing.
Check the Exact Model Year
A towing recommendation can change from one model year or powertrain to another, so later ratings should not be applied to a 2010 vehicle.
Trailer Shape Matters Too
2010 Ford Trailer Frontal Area Limits
Trailer weight is not the only consideration. Ford also specifies frontal-area limits because aerodynamic drag affects towing performance.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.Properly equipped trucks with the applicable towing or Heavy-Duty Payload Package receive the higher frontal-area allowance.
Super Duty
60 sq. ft.Ford lists 60 square feet for applicable F-250 through F-550 applications.
E-Series
60 sq. ft.E-Series also carries a 60-square-foot trailer frontal-area consideration.
Explorer / Sport Trac
Up to 60 sq. ft.The Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package increases the recommended frontal-area allowance.
Ranger
Up to 50 sq. ft.Ford lists up to 50 square feet for 4.0L V6 Ranger applications.
Flex
Up to 35 sq. ft.Flex increases from 25 to 35 square feet with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Trailer Weight Categories
2010 Ford Trailer Classes
Ford groups trailers by weight to help match the vehicle, hitch and towing equipment to the load.
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light-duty trailers including small utility, boat and camping applications.
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 trailers requiring a properly equipped tow vehicle.
Trailer Loading
Tongue Weight, King Pin Weight & Payload
Ford's maximum trailer tables assume specific hitch-load percentages that must also fit within vehicle payload and axle ratings.
Trailers Up to 2,000 lbs.
Max 200 lbs.Ford specifies tongue load not exceeding 200 pounds for trailers up to 2,000 pounds.
Conventional Trailers
10-15%Conventional trailer tongue weight should generally equal 10 to 15 percent of loaded trailer weight.
Fifth-Wheel Trailers
15-25%Fifth-wheel king pin weight should generally equal 15 to 25 percent of loaded trailer weight.
150-lb. Driver Assumption
Ford's Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight calculations assume a driver weighing 150 pounds and no cargo.
Passengers Reduce Capacity
Additional passenger weight must be accounted for when evaluating the real-world trailer limit.
Stay Below GVWR & Rear GAWR
Hitch weight, passengers and cargo cannot cause the vehicle or rear axle to exceed its ratings.
Understand Ford's Towing Tables
Important 2010 Ford Towing Terms
Base Curb Weight
Vehicle weight with standard equipment and fluids before passengers, cargo and optional equipment are added.
Payload
The allowable combined weight of passengers, cargo and other loads carried by the tow vehicle.
GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight is the actual loaded weight of the tow vehicle.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable loaded weight of the vehicle itself.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable load supported by an individual axle.
GCW
Gross Combination Weight is the actual combined weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer.
GCWR
Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
The highest loaded trailer weight Ford lists for a particular engine, axle ratio and vehicle configuration.
Find Your Actual Rating
How to Verify a 2010 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include the trailer, cargo, fluids, tools, equipment and supplies.
2
Identify the Exact Vehicle
Confirm model, engine, transmission, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and body configuration.
3
Verify the Tow Package
Higher ratings may require Trailer Tow, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Class III/IV or other specific Ford equipment.
4
Calculate Available Payload
Include passengers, cargo, optional equipment, hitch hardware and trailer tongue or king pin weight.
5
Check Every Weight Rating
Verify GVWR, rear GAWR, GCWR, hitch capacity and Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight.
6
Use Ford's Complete 2010 Guide
Match the exact vehicle to Ford's towing selector and review the Owner Guide before connecting a trailer.
Before You Tow
2010 Ford Trailer Safety & Break-In Guidance
Ford's 2010 guide includes operating recommendations in addition to towing-capacity tables.
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 brakes for trailers weighing more than 1,500 pounds when loaded.
Check the Hitch Rating
A receiver, ball mount or hitch component can carry a lower capacity than the vehicle itself.
Account for Terrain
Grades, elevation and difficult operating conditions can affect towing performance.
Never Exceed GCWR
The actual combined weight of tow vehicle and trailer must remain below the published GCWR.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2010 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's 2010 guide includes detailed four-wheel-down information for vehicles being recreationally towed behind a motorhome.
Four-Wheel-Down Availability
Ford publishes a model-by-model table that distinguishes between manual and automatic transmissions and different drivetrains.
Some 2010 Ford vehicles require specific neutral-tow procedures or additional equipment.
Use the Exact Owner Guide Procedure
Recreational towing requirements can include transmission position, transfer-case selection, ignition position, maximum speed or periodic engine operation.
Never assume that every version of the same model is approved for four-wheel-down towing.
2010 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2010 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2010 Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds. Ford's detailed selector shows the highest ratings with qualifying 5.4L V8 configurations.
How much can a 2010 F-150 with the 5.4L V8 tow?
Certain properly configured 2010 Ford F-150 models with the 5.4L V8 can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
Did the 2010 F-150 have the 3.5L EcoBoost?
No. Ford's 2010 towing guide lists 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines for the F-150. The 3.5L EcoBoost appears in the following model year's F-150 lineup.
How much can a 2010 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists properly equipped 2010 Super Duty models at up to 16,000 pounds for conventional towing and up to 24,600 pounds for fifth-wheel towing.
How much can a 2010 Ford Ranger tow?
A properly equipped 2010 Ford Ranger with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission can tow up to 5,940 pounds.
How much can a 2010 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2010 Ford Explorer with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,115 pounds.
How much can a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac tow?
A properly equipped 2010 Explorer Sport Trac with the 4.6L V8 can tow up to 7,160 pounds.
How much can a 2010 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2010 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Expedition EL reaches up to 8,900 pounds.
How much can a 2010 Ford Escape tow?
The 2010 Ford Escape with the 3.0L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2010 Ford Flex tow?
A properly equipped 2010 Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2010 Ford E-Series tow?
Certain properly configured 2010 E-Series Van and Wagon models can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Can a 2010 Ford Fusion tow a trailer?
Ford's 2010 RV & Trailer Towing Guide lists Fusion among the vehicles not recommended for trailer towing.
Can a 2010 Ford Transit Connect tow a trailer?
Ford specifically lists the 2010 Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing.
How long should I drive a 2010 Ford before towing?
Ford's 2010 towing guide says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Researching a Used 2010 Ford for Towing?
A 2010 Ford's engine, transmission, axle ratio and towing equipment can make thousands of pounds of difference in trailer 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 engines, vehicles, trailer packages and maximum towing capacities change over time. Select the guide matching the Ford you own or are researching.
2010 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2010 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for research purposes. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles and vary according to cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, options and number of passengers. 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 2010 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.