Official 2013 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2013 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2013 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Expedition, Explorer, Flex, Edge, Escape, E-Series, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus and more. Compare maximum trailer weights, engines, axle ratios, towing packages, hitch requirements, payload considerations and other vehicle-specific limits before towing.
Maximum towing capacity applies only to properly equipped vehicles. Engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, factory options, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and trailer tongue or king pin weight can all affect the actual towing capability of a 2013 Ford. Always confirm the exact configuration in Ford's detailed tables.
Explore the 2013 Guide
2013 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Use the overview for fast comparisons, then open Ford's complete guide to match your engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, GCWR, wheelbase and towing equipment.
Maximum Available Capability
2013 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
The 2013 Ford lineup spans light-duty passenger-car towing, full-size SUVs, commercial vans and heavy-duty pickups and chassis cabs.
11,300 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available towing for qualifying 3.5L EcoBoost and 6.2L V8 configurations.
24,700 lbs.
Super Duty Pickup
Maximum available fifth-wheel towing for a properly configured Super Duty pickup.
10,000 lbs.
Ford E-Series
Maximum loaded trailer weight for qualifying E-Series Van and Wagon configurations.
9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum available with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2013 Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2013 Ford Tow?
These are selected maximum available ratings from the 2013 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide. Individual vehicle ratings may be lower.
| 2013 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2013 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 11,300 lbs. | Maximum available on qualifying 3.5L EcoBoost and 6.2L V8 configurations. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Conventional | Up to 18,500 lbs. | Maximum available conventional trailer rating for the proper Super Duty configuration. |
| Super Duty Pickup - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 24,700 lbs. | F-250, F-350 and F-450 ratings vary substantially by configuration. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Completed body and upfit weight must be considered. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab - Fifth-Wheel | Up to 26,600 lbs. | Highest primary trailer rating in the 2013 Ford towing overview. |
| E-Series Van / Wagon | Up to 10,000 lbs. | The 6.8L V10 provides the highest Van/Wagon ratings in the selector. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,200 lbs. | Requires the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for the maximum. |
| Expedition EL | Up to 8,900 lbs. | Extended-length configurations use separate GCWR and trailer ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Higher ratings require the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch. |
| Flex | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Requires the Class III Trailer Tow Package. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | The 2.0L EcoBoost carries the highest rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | The 3.5L V6 carries the highest 2013 Edge trailer rating. |
| Fusion | Up to 2,000 lbs. | The 2.0L EcoBoost carries the highest rating and is calculated using SAE J2807. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain configurations are rated to tow, while GT Premium, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 are not. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain 3.5L V6 configurations are rated; Taurus SHO is not. |
| Transit Connect | Not Recommended | Ford specifically lists the 2013 Transit Connect among vehicles not recommended for trailer towing. |
What Makes the 2013 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2013 model year sits at an important transition point. Ford was beginning to introduce SAE J2807-based tow ratings while still offering an older mix of trucks, vans, SUVs and passenger cars.
Early SAE J2807 Adoption
Ford specifically marks the 2013 Escape, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ towing calculations as using the new SAE J2807 method.
Transit Connect Is Not Tow-Rated
Ford specifically lists the 2013 Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing, unlike the 2014 model-year guide.
E-Series Is Still the Full-Size Van
E-Series Van and Wagon remain major towing vehicles, with properly configured models reaching 10,000 pounds.
Pre-Aluminum F-150
The 2013 F-150 predates the all-new aluminum-body generation introduced for 2015.
6.2L V8 F-150
Ford still offers the 6.2L V8 alongside the 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8 and 3.7L V6.
500-Mile Tow Break-In
Ford's 2013 guide instructs owners not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
2013 F-150 Capability
2013 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
Ford offered four primary F-150 engines for 2013, with maximum available trailer ratings ranging from 6,700 to 11,300 pounds.
| 2013 F-150 Engine | Power | Maximum Available Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 4V DOHC V6 | 302 hp / 278 lb.-ft. | Up to 6,700 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. |
2013 F-150 maximum towing: Ford lists maximum available towing of 11,300 pounds. For trailers over 5,000 pounds, Ford specifies the appropriate Trailer Tow Package or Max Trailer Tow Package. Trailer weight, passengers, cargo and hitch load must still remain within the truck's other ratings.
2013 F-150 Research
EcoBoost, V8 & Payload Considerations
The model's headline maximum is only part of choosing the correct F-150 configuration for a trailer.
3.5L EcoBoost
Up to 11,300 lbs.Ford's twin-turbocharged V6 provides 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque and reaches the highest F-150 trailer rating.
6.2L V8
Up to 11,300 lbs.The 411-horsepower 6.2L V8 can also reach 11,300 pounds in qualifying F-150 configurations. Raptor configurations carry lower ratings.
Maximum Payload
Up to 3,120 lbs.Ford lists F-150 payload capacity reaching 3,120 pounds. Maximum payload and maximum trailer ratings should not be assumed to occur on the same truck.
2013 Heavy-Duty Towing
2013 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
The 2013 Ford guide separates Super Duty pickup towing from the heavier commercial Chassis Cab applications.
Pickup Conventional
18,500 lbs.Pickup Fifth-Wheel
24,700 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 2013 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 shown in the guide.
Maximum Pickup Payload
Up to 7,260 lbs.Ford lists Super Duty pickup payload capacity reaching 7,260 pounds on the proper configuration.
Payload, trailer weight and hitch loading all need to be checked independently.
Do not apply the maximum to every Super Duty. F-250, F-350 and F-450 trailer ratings vary with engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, single- or dual-rear-wheel configuration, GVWR and hitch type.
Commercial Super Duty
2013 F-350, F-450 & F-550 Chassis Cab Towing
Chassis Cab tow ratings require additional attention because body and equipment upfits contribute directly to completed vehicle weight.
Fifth-Wheel Towing
Up to 26,600 lbs.Certain diesel Chassis Cab configurations with the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package reach 26,600 pounds of maximum fifth-wheel trailer weight.
Conventional Towing
Up to 16,000 lbs.Ford lists conventional Chassis Cab trailer ratings reaching 16,000 pounds on applicable configurations.
2013 Full-Size Van Towing
2013 Ford E-Series Towing Capacity
Before Transit replaced the traditional full-size Ford van in later U.S. model years, E-Series Van and Wagon remained a major part of Ford's towing lineup.
4.6L V8
Up to 6,500 lbs.Certain E-Series Van configurations with the 4.6L V8 reach approximately 6,500 pounds.
5.4L V8
Up to 7,500 lbs.Properly configured E-Series Van and Wagon models using the 5.4L V8 reach approximately 7,500 pounds.
6.8L V10
Up to 10,000 lbs.Qualifying E-350 Super Duty Van and Wagon configurations reach the guide's 10,000-pound maximum.
E-350 Cutaway
Up to 18,500-lb. GCWRFord lists an 18,500-pound GCWR for applicable 6.8L V10 E-350 Cutaway configurations.
E-450 Cutaway
Up to 22,000-lb. GCWRApplicable E-450 Cutaway and Stripped Chassis configurations reach a 22,000-pound GCWR.
Trailer Tow Package
Ford specifies the appropriate Class II/III/IV Trailer Tow Package for E-Series Van and Wagon trailers weighing more than 5,000 pounds.
Full-Size SUV Towing
2013 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing Capacity
Expedition uses the 5.4L SOHC V8 and offers significantly different ratings based on drivetrain, axle ratio and the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2013 Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.Properly equipped short-wheelbase Expedition configurations reach 9,200 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2013 Ford Expedition EL
Up to 8,900 lbs.The extended-length Expedition EL uses separate GCWR and maximum trailer-weight combinations and reaches up to 8,900 pounds.
Ford's factory receiver table lists Expedition at up to 9,200 pounds with an appropriate weight-distributing hitch. Trailer tongue weight must also remain within payload, GVWR and rear GAWR limits.
2013 Ford SUV & Crossover Towing
Explorer, Flex, Escape & Edge Tow Ratings
Engine selection and trailer-towing equipment make a major difference across Ford's 2013 SUV lineup.
Ford Explorer
Up to 5,000 lbs.Properly equipped 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost configurations can reach 5,000 pounds with the required towing equipment.
Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.Both 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost Flex configurations can reach 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost provides Escape's highest rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 3.5L V6 FWD or AWD Edge reaches the model's highest listed trailer rating.
Edge 2.0L EcoBoost
Up to 1,500 lbs.Ford lists the front-wheel-drive 2.0L EcoBoost Edge at a lower 1,500-pound trailer rating.
Transit Connect
Not RecommendedFord does not recommend the 2013 Transit Connect for trailer towing. Use the correct later guide for later-model Transit Connect towing information.
Engine-Specific Towing
2013 Explorer & Escape Towing Capacity
The detailed Ford tables show why model-level maximums should always be paired with engine information.
2013 Ford Explorer
- 2.0L EcoBoost: up to 2,000 lbs.
- 3.5L V6: up to 5,000 lbs.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6: up to 5,000 lbs.
The 5,000-pound ratings require the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and a weight-distributing hitch.
2013 Ford Escape
- 2.5L I4: up to 1,500 lbs.
- 1.6L EcoBoost: up to 2,000 lbs.
- 2.0L EcoBoost: up to 3,500 lbs.
Ford specifically marks the 2013 Escape towing calculations as using the new SAE J2807 method.
Historical Ford Passenger-Car Towing
2013 Fusion, Mustang & Taurus Towing
The historical guide preserves towing information for passenger cars that are no longer part of Ford's current U.S. new-vehicle lineup.
2013 Ford Fusion
Up to 2,000 lbs.Ford lists the 2.0L EcoBoost Fusion at up to 2,000 pounds using appropriate aftermarket towing equipment. Ford marks Fusion as calculated with the SAE J2807 method.
2013 Ford Mustang
Up to 1,000 lbs.Certain Mustang configurations are listed at up to 1,000 pounds. Ford specifically excludes GT Premium, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 from towing.
2013 Ford Taurus
Up to 1,000 lbs.Applicable 3.5L V6 Taurus configurations are listed at up to 1,000 pounds. Taurus SHO is not rated for trailer towing.
Important 2013 Ford Guidance
2013 Ford Vehicles Not Recommended for Trailer Towing
Ford's 2013 towing guide specifically identifies several vehicles and powertrains that should not be used for trailer towing.
C-MAX Hybrid & Energi
Ford does not recommend the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid or C-MAX Energi for trailer towing.
Fiesta & Focus
Fiesta and Focus are included among the vehicles not recommended for trailer towing.
Fusion Hybrid & Energi
Ford does not rate the electrified Fusion configurations for trailer towing.
Mustang Performance Models
Mustang GT Premium, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 are specifically listed as not rated to tow.
Taurus SHO
The 3.5L EcoBoost Taurus SHO is not rated for trailer towing.
Transit Connect
Unlike the following model year, Ford specifically lists the 2013 Transit Connect as not recommended for trailer towing.
A Key 2013 Towing Milestone
SAE J2807 & the 2013 Ford Towing Guide
SAE J2807 established standardized procedures and minimum performance criteria for determining trailer weight ratings and Gross Combined Weight Ratings.
2013 Ford Escape
Ford specifically identifies Escape as calculated using the new SAE J2807 method in the 2013 towing guide.
2013 Ford Fusion
Ford also identifies the redesigned Fusion as calculated using SAE J2807.
A Transition Year
Ford had not yet applied the standard across every vehicle line. Later towing guides document its expansion to additional Ford vehicles.
This makes 2013 historically important in Ford towing research: it is one of the early model years where Ford explicitly identifies specific vehicle lines as using the newer standardized towing methodology.
Trailer Weight Categories
2013 Ford Trailer Classes
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light-duty trailers including smaller folding campers, boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Class II
2,001-3,500 lbs.Larger folding camping trailers and smaller single-axle recreational trailers.
Class III
3,501-5,000 lbs.Larger single-axle and dual-axle recreational trailers.
Class IV
Over 5,000 lbs.Larger travel and fifth-wheel trailers requiring appropriately equipped tow vehicles and hitch systems.
Weight Is Only Part of Towing
2013 Trailer Frontal Area Limits
Ford also publishes frontal-area recommendations because aerodynamic resistance can affect towing performance.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.Ford lists up to 60 square feet with the applicable Trailer Tow, Max Trailer Tow or Heavy-Duty Payload equipment.
Expedition
Up to 60 sq. ft.Expedition reaches the higher frontal-area allowance with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
E-Series
60 sq. ft.Ford lists a 60-square-foot frontal-area consideration for E-Series applications.
Explorer
Up to 40 sq. ft.Explorer reaches up to 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.
Escape
Up to 30 sq. ft.The 2.0L EcoBoost Escape carries the larger frontal-area recommendation.
Proper Trailer Loading
Tongue Weight, King Pin Weight & Trailer Balance
Correct load distribution helps maintain stability while keeping the tow vehicle within payload and axle limits.
Trailers Up to 2,000 lbs.
Max 200 lbs.Ford states tongue load should not exceed 200 pounds for trailers weighing up to 2,000 pounds.
Conventional Trailers
10-15%Ford calls for tongue weight of approximately 10 to 15 percent of loaded conventional trailer weight.
Fifth-Wheel Trailers
15-25%Fifth-wheel king pin weight should generally be approximately 15 to 25 percent of loaded trailer weight.
Trailer Cargo
60 / 40Ford recommends approximately 60 percent of allowable cargo weight in the front half of the trailer and 40 percent in the rear.
Payload Matters
Tongue or king pin weight combines with passengers, cargo, options and hitch equipment when checking the tow vehicle's payload.
Check Rear GAWR
Trailer hitch load must not cause the vehicle to exceed its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating.
Understand the Numbers
Important 2013 Ford Towing Weight 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 and cargo carried by the 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 trailer.
GCWR
Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum permitted combined weight of the tow vehicle and loaded trailer.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
The maximum loaded trailer rating Ford publishes for a particular configuration after applying its equipment and weight assumptions.
Find the Actual Rating
How to Verify a 2013 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include trailer cargo, water, fuel, equipment, tools and supplies rather than relying only on empty trailer weight.
2
Identify the Exact Vehicle
Confirm engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and installed towing equipment.
3
Calculate Available Payload
Account for passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch hardware and trailer tongue or king pin weight.
4
Confirm Required Tow Equipment
Ford may require Class II, Class III, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Trailer Tow, Max Trailer Tow or other equipment.
5
Check Every Weight Rating
Verify GVWR, rear GAWR, GCWR, payload, hitch capacity and Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight.
6
Use Ford's Complete 2013 Guide
Match your exact configuration to Ford's towing selector and review the vehicle Owner's Manual before connecting a trailer.
2013-Specific Ford Guidance
Before You Tow a Trailer
Ford's 2013 guide provides operating guidance in addition to maximum trailer-weight 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 make sure critical weight limits are not exceeded.
Trailer Brakes
Over 1,500 lbs.Ford recommends a separate functional braking system for loaded trailers weighing more than 1,500 pounds.
Use Safety Chains
Safety chains should be properly connected between the trailer and tow vehicle for conventional towing.
Practice Before Traveling
Drivers should become familiar with turning, stopping and backing before towing in traffic.
Allow More Stopping Distance
A loaded trailer changes acceleration, braking and overall vehicle handling.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2013 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's guide also includes information for four-wheel-down towing behind a motorhome.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Ford provides model- and powertrain-specific guidance for vehicles that may be towed with all four wheels on the ground.
The 2013 guide identifies qualifying Explorer, Edge, F-150 and Super Duty applications among the vehicles with four-wheel-down provisions.
Follow the Owner's Manual
Neutral-tow procedures, drivetrain restrictions, speed limitations and other requirements can differ significantly from one Ford configuration to another.
Never assume that one version of a model can be recreationally towed simply because another version can.
2013 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2013 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2013 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 2013 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost tow?
Certain properly configured 2013 Ford F-150 models with the 3.5L EcoBoost can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
How much can a 2013 F-150 with the 5.0L V8 tow?
Properly equipped 2013 F-150 configurations with the 5.0L V8 can tow up to approximately 10,000 pounds.
How much can a 2013 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists Super Duty pickups at up to 18,500 pounds for conventional towing and 24,700 pounds for fifth-wheel towing. Chassis Cab fifth-wheel ratings reach up to 26,600 pounds.
How much can a 2013 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2013 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Expedition EL reaches up to 8,900 pounds.
How much can a 2013 Ford Explorer tow?
Properly equipped 2013 Ford Explorer configurations with the 3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can a 2013 Ford Escape tow?
The 2.0L EcoBoost Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The 1.6L EcoBoost reaches up to 2,000 pounds and the 2.5L engine up to 1,500 pounds.
How much can a 2013 Ford Flex tow?
A properly equipped 2013 Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2013 Ford Edge tow?
The properly equipped 2013 Ford Edge with the 3.5L V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 2013 Ford E-Series tow?
Certain properly equipped 2013 E-Series Van and Wagon configurations with the 6.8L V10 can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Can a 2013 Ford Transit Connect tow a trailer?
Ford's 2013 RV & Trailer Towing Guide lists Transit Connect among the vehicles not recommended for trailer towing.
How long should I drive a 2013 Ford before towing?
Ford's 2013 guide says not to tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles.
Does trailer tongue weight reduce available payload?
Yes. Trailer tongue or fifth-wheel king pin weight is supported by the tow vehicle and must be combined with passengers, cargo, options and hitch equipment when evaluating available payload.
Researching a Used 2013 Ford for Towing?
A 2013 Ford's engine, drivetrain, axle ratio and factory towing equipment can make thousands of pounds of difference in its trailer capacity. Chuck Anderson Ford can help you understand the configuration of 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
Engines, vehicle lines, towing packages and maximum trailer ratings change over time. Select the guide matching the Ford vehicle you own or are researching.
2013 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2013 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 other applicable limits. Consult the complete 2013 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, vehicle Owner's Manual and Safety Compliance Certification Label before towing. Chuck Anderson Ford is located at 1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.