Official 2012 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2012 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2012 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Expedition, Explorer, Flex, Edge, Escape, E-Series, Mustang, Taurus and other Ford vehicles. Compare maximum trailer weights, engine choices, axle ratios, towing packages, hitch requirements, payload considerations and other vehicle-specific limits.
Use the rating for the exact vehicle configuration. Ford's maximum ratings apply only to properly equipped vehicles. Engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase, options, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and trailer tongue or king pin weight can all reduce the amount an individual 2012 Ford can safely tow.
Explore the 2012 Guide
2012 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Start with the maximum available ratings below, then use Ford's complete towing selector to match the exact engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, GCWR and towing equipment to your vehicle.
Maximum Available Capability
2012 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
Ford's 2012 lineup spans passenger vehicles, crossovers, full-size SUVs, commercial vans, pickups, chassis cabs and dedicated motorhome chassis.
11,300 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available towing with qualifying 3.5L EcoBoost or 6.2L V8 configurations.
24,500 lbs.
Super Duty Pickup
Maximum available fifth-wheel towing with the properly configured F-450.
10,000 lbs.
Ford E-Series
Maximum trailer rating for qualifying E-Series Van and Wagon configurations.
9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum available with the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2012 Ford Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2012 Ford Tow?
These figures are selected maximum available ratings. The towing capacity of an individual vehicle can be substantially lower.
| 2012 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2012 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 11,300 lbs. | Highest ratings require specific engine, axle ratio and towing-package combinations. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Conventional | Up to 17,500 lbs. | Maximum shown for qualifying 6.7L Power Stroke diesel configurations. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,500 lbs. | The properly configured F-450 carries the highest pickup fifth-wheel rating. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Ford assumes second-unit body weight when publishing Chassis Cab ratings. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 26,600 lbs. | Certain High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package configurations reach the highest rating. |
| E-Series Van / Wagon | Up to 10,000 lbs. | Maximum available with qualifying E-350 Super Duty 6.8L V10 configurations. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,200 lbs. | Requires the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for the highest rating. |
| Expedition EL | Up to 8,900 lbs. | Extended-length Expedition uses separate GCWR and trailer ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Highest rating applies to the 3.5L V6 with Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. |
| Flex | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Requires the available Class III Trailer Tow Package. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | The 3.5L V6 provides the highest listed Edge trailer rating. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | The 3.0L V6 carries the highest rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain Mustangs are rated to tow; Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 are not. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain 3.5L V6 configurations are rated; Taurus SHO is not. |
| Fusion | Not Recommended | Ford specifically lists the 2012 Fusion as not recommended for trailer towing. |
| Transit Connect | Not Recommended | Ford does not recommend the 2012 Transit Connect for trailer towing. |
What Makes the 2012 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2012 guide captures Ford before several major changes to its truck, crossover and commercial-vehicle lineup. That makes it especially useful when researching older used Ford vehicles today.
Previous-Generation Escape
The 2012 Escape still uses the 2.5L I4, 2.5L Hybrid and 3.0L V6 powertrains rather than the EcoBoost-focused lineup introduced later.
Fusion Is Not Tow-Rated
Ford specifically lists the 2012 Fusion as not recommended for trailer towing. The redesigned 2013 Fusion later receives actual trailer ratings.
Transit Connect Is Not Tow-Rated
Ford also lists Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing in the 2012 guide.
E-Series Is Ford's Full-Size Van
E-Series remains Ford's primary full-size van platform, with properly configured models capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds.
F-150 EcoBoost Is Already a Tow Leader
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 produces 365 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque and reaches the truck's 11,300-pound maximum.
500-Mile Tow Break-In
Ford instructs owners not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has accumulated at least 500 miles.
2012 F-150 Towing
2012 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2012 F-150 offered four main engines, with configuration-specific maximum trailer ratings ranging from roughly 6,100 to 11,300 pounds.
| 2012 F-150 Engine | Power | Maximum Available Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 4V DOHC V6 | 302 hp / 278 lb.-ft. | Up to 6,100 lbs. |
| 5.0L 4V DOHC V8 | 360 hp / 380 lb.-ft. | Up to 10,000 lbs. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 365 hp / 420 lb.-ft. | Up to 11,300 lbs. |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 | 411 hp / 434 lb.-ft. | Up to 11,300 lbs. |
2012 F-150 towing note: Ford states that trailer weight should not exceed 5,000 pounds when towing with the bumper only. Higher-capacity configurations may require the Heavy-Duty Payload Package, Trailer Tow Package or Max Trailer Tow Package.
2012 F-150 Research
EcoBoost, V8, Payload & Trailer Equipment
The engine is only one part of determining the actual towing capacity of a 2012 F-150.
3.5L EcoBoost
11,300 lbs.Ford's 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 can reach the truck's maximum trailer rating in qualifying configurations.
6.2L V8
11,300 lbs.The 411-horsepower 6.2L V8 also reaches 11,300 pounds in qualifying configurations, while Raptor ratings are lower.
Maximum Payload
3,120 lbs.Ford lists maximum available F-150 payload at 3,120 pounds. Maximum payload and maximum towing do not necessarily occur on the same truck.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Available factory equipment integrates compatible trailer braking with the F-150's braking system.
Trailer Tow Mirrors
Ford offered available trailer tow mirrors for increased visibility around wider trailers.
Neutral Tow on 4WD
Ford states that all 2012 F-150 4WD models include neutral-tow functionality, subject to the procedures in the Owner's Guide.
2012 Heavy-Duty Towing
2012 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
Ford separates F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickup capability from the heavier F-350, F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab configurations.
Pickup Conventional
17,500 lbs.Pickup Fifth-Wheel
24,500 lbs.Chassis Cab Conventional
16,000 lbs.Chassis Cab Fifth-Wheel
26,600 lbs.6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
800 lb.-ft.Ford lists the 2012 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel at 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque.
The diesel powers the highest-capacity Super Duty pickup combinations in Ford's 2012 selector.
Maximum Pickup Payload
7,110 lbs.Ford lists maximum payload of 7,110 pounds for a properly configured F-350 dual-rear-wheel Regular Cab 4x2.
Maximum payload and maximum trailer capacity are separate vehicle configurations.
Super Duty ratings are highly configuration-specific. Cab, drivetrain, axle ratio, single- or dual-rear-wheel configuration, GVWR, engine and hitch type can all significantly change the rating.
Heavy-Trailer Control
2012 Super Duty Towing Features
Ford's 2012 guide highlights several systems intended to improve control when towing large trailers.
Trailer Sway Control
Ford's stability systems monitor vehicle motion and can selectively apply braking or reduce engine power when trailer sway is detected.
Tow/Haul Mode
The transmission's Tow/Haul programming helps manage shifting under heavy towing conditions.
Integrated Exhaust Brake
On 6.7L Power Stroke models, Ford describes integrated exhaust-braking assistance while operating in Tow/Haul Mode.
Trailer Brake Controller
Ford's integrated controller uses braking input, vehicle speed and ABS logic to balance truck and compatible trailer brakes.
Hill Start Assist
Standard Hill Start Assist briefly maintains brake pressure to help reduce rollback on a grade.
High-Capacity Tow Package
Certain Chassis Cab fifth-wheel ratings require Ford's High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package.
2012 Full-Size Van Towing
2012 Ford E-Series Towing Capacity
E-Series remains an important part of Ford's RV and trailer lineup, including passenger wagons, cargo vans, cutaways, stripped chassis and camper conversions.
4.6L V8 E-Series
Up to 6,500 lbs.Certain E-150 and E-250 configurations using the 4.6L V8 reach 6,500 pounds.
5.4L V8 E-Series
Up to 7,500 lbs.Properly configured Van and Wagon applications with the 5.4L V8 reach 7,500 pounds.
6.8L V10 E-Series
Up to 10,000 lbs.Qualifying E-350 Super Duty Van and Wagon configurations reach Ford's 10,000-pound maximum.
E-350 Cutaway
18,500-lb. GCWRFord lists applicable 6.8L V10 E-350 Cutaway configurations with an 18,500-pound GCWR.
E-450 Cutaway
22,000-lb. GCWRApplicable 6.8L V10 E-450 Cutaway and Stripped Chassis models reach 22,000 pounds GCWR.
Class B Van Campers
Ford's guide also discusses E-Series as a base for Class B recreational-vehicle conversions.
Full-Size SUV Towing
2012 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing Capacity
Ford's 2012 Expedition uses the 5.4L SOHC V8 and carries different maximums based on wheelbase, drivetrain, axle ratio and towing equipment.
Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.Properly equipped Expedition configurations can reach 9,200 pounds with the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Expedition EL
Up to 8,900 lbs.Extended-length Expedition EL configurations reach as high as 8,900 pounds depending on drivetrain and axle ratio.
Ford specifies a weight-distributing hitch for maximum-loaded-trailer ratings in the higher-capacity Expedition configurations.
2012 SUV & Crossover Towing
Explorer, Flex, Edge & Escape Towing Capacity
Several of Ford's 2012 crossovers have dramatically different ratings depending on engine and towing equipment.
Ford Explorer
Up to 5,000 lbs.The 3.5L V6 reaches 5,000 pounds with the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch.
Explorer 2.0L EcoBoost
Up to 2,000 lbs.Ford lists the front-wheel-drive 2.0L EcoBoost Explorer at a lower 2,000-pound maximum.
Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.Both the 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost Flex reach 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Ford lists the 3.5L V6 Edge at up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Edge 2.0L EcoBoost
1,500 lbs.The front-wheel-drive 2.0L EcoBoost Edge carries a 1,500-pound maximum trailer rating.
Edge Sport 3.7L V6
2,000 lbs.Ford lists the 3.7L V6 Edge Sport with 22-inch wheels at a 2,000-pound maximum.
A Very Different Escape Lineup
2012 Ford Escape Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2012 Escape predates the redesigned 2013 model and uses a completely different powertrain lineup.
2.5L Hybrid
1,000 lbs.Ford's selector shows a 1,000-pound trailer figure, but notes that Escape does not offer factory- or dealer-installed towing equipment for this application.
2.5L I4
1,500 lbs.The gasoline 2.5L Escape is listed at up to 1,500 pounds. Ford notes that towing equipment is available only as a dealer accessory.
3.0L V6
3,500 lbs.The 3.0L V6 provides the highest 2012 Escape towing capacity with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Historical Ford Passenger Cars
2012 Mustang, Taurus & Non-Tow-Rated Ford Cars
The 2012 Ford guide is especially useful because it clearly identifies both tow-rated and non-tow-rated cars.
2012 Ford Mustang
Up to 1,000 lbs.Certain Mustang configurations with at least the 3.7L V6 are listed at up to 1,000 pounds.
2012 Ford Taurus
Up to 1,000 lbs.Certain 3.5L V6 Taurus configurations can tow up to 1,000 pounds. Taurus SHO is not rated.
2012 Ford Fusion
Not RecommendedFord specifically includes Fusion among the vehicles not recommended for trailer towing in the 2012 guide.
Important Ford Guidance
2012 Ford Vehicles Not Recommended for Trailer Towing
Ford's 2012 RV & Trailer Towing Guide explicitly identifies several vehicles that should not be used to tow a trailer.
Fiesta
Ford does not recommend the 2012 Fiesta for trailer towing.
Focus
The 2012 Focus is also listed as not recommended for trailer towing.
Fusion
Ford does not recommend any 2012 Fusion configuration for trailer towing in this guide.
Mustang Boss 302
Although certain Mustangs can tow 1,000 pounds, Boss 302 is specifically excluded.
Shelby GT500
The 2012 Shelby GT500 is not recommended for trailer towing.
Transit Connect
Ford specifically lists the 2012 Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing.
Weight Is Not the Only Restriction
2012 Ford Trailer Frontal Area Limits
Ford also publishes trailer frontal-area guidance because aerodynamic resistance affects towing performance.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.Applicable Trailer Tow, Max Trailer Tow or Heavy-Duty Payload-equipped trucks receive the higher frontal-area allowance.
Super Duty
60 sq. ft.Ford lists 60 square feet for applicable F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 applications.
E-Series
60 sq. ft.E-Series applications also carry a 60-square-foot frontal-area consideration.
Expedition
Up to 60 sq. ft.The Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package increases Expedition's frontal-area allowance.
Explorer
Up to 40 sq. ft.Explorer reaches 40 square feet with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Flex
Up to 35 sq. ft.Ford lists 25 square feet without the Class III package and 35 square feet with it.
Trailer Weight Categories
2012 Ford Trailer Classes
Ford groups trailers by weight and the type of towing equipment normally required.
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light-duty applications including smaller campers, boats and utility 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 trailers and heavy-duty recreational applications.
Trailer Loading Matters
Tongue Weight, King Pin Weight & Payload
Ford's maximum trailer tables assume specific hitch-load percentages that must be accommodated by the tow vehicle.
Conventional Tongue Weight
10-15%Ford's maximum trailer calculations assume conventional tongue load of approximately 10 to 15 percent.
Fifth-Wheel King Pin Weight
15-25%Fifth-wheel calculations assume approximately 15 to 25 percent of loaded trailer weight at the king pin.
Driver Assumption
150 lbs.Ford's selector states that maximum trailer ratings assume a 150-pound driver and no cargo.
Passengers Reduce Capacity
Additional passengers must be deducted from the published maximum trailer-weight calculation.
Cargo Reduces Capacity
Vehicle cargo and optional equipment also consume available vehicle and combination weight capacity.
Check GVWR & Rear GAWR
Tongue or king pin weight plus passengers and cargo cannot cause the vehicle to exceed GVWR or rear GAWR.
Understand Ford's Towing Tables
Important 2012 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 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.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight carried 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 vehicle, trailer, passengers and cargo.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Ford's maximum allowable loaded trailer rating for a specific engine, axle ratio and vehicle configuration.
Find the Real Rating
How to Verify a 2012 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include cargo, water, fuel, equipment and supplies rather than relying only on empty weight.
2
Identify the Exact Ford Configuration
Confirm engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and body style.
3
Confirm the Towing Package
Higher ratings may require Trailer Tow, Max Trailer Tow, Heavy-Duty Payload or other model-specific towing equipment.
4
Calculate Available Payload
Account for passengers, cargo, optional equipment, hitch hardware and tongue or king pin weight.
5
Verify All Weight Ratings
Check GVWR, rear GAWR, GCWR, hitch capacity and Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight.
6
Use Ford's Complete 2012 Guide
Match your exact configuration to Ford's detailed towing selector and review the vehicle Owner's Guide.
Before You Tow
2012 Ford Trailer Safety & Break-In Guidance
Ford's guide includes preparation and operating advice in addition to maximum towing figures.
Wait 500 Miles
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 to confirm all critical weight limits are respected.
Trailer Brakes
Over 1,500 lbs.Ford recommends a separate functional brake system for trailers weighing more than 1,500 pounds when loaded.
Load for the Terrain
Ford cautions that performance can be significantly affected in hilly terrain when a minimum acceptable powertrain combination is selected.
Check the Owner's Guide
Break-in procedures, maintenance schedules and vehicle-specific limitations should be checked before travel.
Stay Under Every Limit
If loaded vehicle or trailer weight exceeds a critical rating, Ford advises removing cargo until all weights are within specification.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2012 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's 2012 guide contains dedicated four-wheel-down information for owners who tow a second vehicle behind a motorhome.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Ford provides a model-by-model table identifying vehicles and powertrains that may be recreationally towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Individual vehicles have different speed, transmission and preparation requirements.
Configuration Matters
Ford's four-wheel-down table distinguishes among manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, front-wheel drive, AWD and four-wheel-drive applications.
Follow the specific procedures in the vehicle Owner's Guide before recreational towing.
Beyond Pickups & SUVs
2012 Ford Motorhome & Commercial Chassis
Ford's complete towing guide also includes Class A motorhome chassis, commercial stripped chassis, E-Series Cutaway and medium-duty truck information.
16,000-lb. Motorhome Chassis
7,000-lb. TrailerFord lists a 23,000-pound GCWR and 7,000-pound maximum trailer weight.
19,500-lb. Motorhome Chassis
6,500-lb. TrailerThis configuration is listed with a 26,000-pound GCWR.
22,000-lb. Motorhome Chassis
4,000-lb. TrailerFord lists a 26,000-pound GCWR and 4,000-pound maximum trailer weight.
F-650 Gas
33,000-lb. GCWRFord lists gasoline-powered F-650 configurations with GCWR reaching 33,000 pounds.
E-450 Cutaway
22,000-lb. GCWRThe 6.8L V10 E-450 Cutaway reaches a 22,000-pound Gross Combination Weight Rating.
Commercial Upfits
Body equipment and upfit weight must be included when determining the actual towing capacity of an incomplete vehicle.
2012 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2012 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2012 Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds. Qualifying 3.5L EcoBoost and 6.2L V8 configurations reach the highest rating.
How much can a 2012 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost tow?
Certain properly equipped 2012 F-150 configurations with the 3.5L EcoBoost can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
How much can a 2012 F-150 with the 5.0L V8 tow?
Ford's detailed towing selector lists properly equipped 2012 F-150 5.0L V8 configurations at up to 10,000 pounds.
How much can a 2012 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists 2012 Super Duty pickups at up to 17,500 pounds for conventional towing and 24,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing.
How much can a 2012 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2012 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Expedition EL reaches up to 8,900 pounds.
How much can a 2012 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2012 Explorer with the 3.5L V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can a 2012 Ford Escape tow?
The 2012 Escape with the 3.0L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. The 2.5L gasoline engine reaches 1,500 pounds.
How much can a 2012 Ford Flex tow?
A properly equipped 2012 Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2012 Ford Edge tow?
The properly equipped 2012 Edge with the 3.5L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 2012 Ford E-Series tow?
Certain properly equipped 2012 E-Series Van and Wagon configurations with the 6.8L V10 can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Can a 2012 Ford Fusion tow a trailer?
Ford's 2012 RV & Trailer Towing Guide lists Fusion among the vehicles not recommended for trailer towing.
Can a 2012 Ford Transit Connect tow a trailer?
Ford specifically lists the 2012 Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing.
How long should I drive a 2012 Ford before towing?
Ford's 2012 towing guide says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Researching a Used 2012 Ford for Towing?
Engine, axle ratio, drivetrain and factory towing equipment can make thousands of pounds of difference in a 2012 Ford's trailer capacity. Chuck Anderson Ford can help you understand a used F-150, Super Duty, Expedition, Explorer 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 equipment change over time. Select the guide that matches the vehicle you own or are researching.
2012 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2012 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 2012 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, vehicle Owner's Guide and Safety Compliance Certification Label before towing. Chuck Anderson Ford is located at 1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.