Official 2016 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2016 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2016 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Expedition, Explorer, Flex, Edge, Escape, Transit, Transit Connect, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus and more. Compare maximum trailer weights, engine choices, towing packages, hitch requirements, payload limits and other important specifications for your 2016 Ford.
Use the rating for the exact vehicle configuration. Maximum Ford towing capacities apply only to properly equipped vehicles. Engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, optional equipment, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and available payload can all reduce the trailer weight an individual vehicle can tow.
Explore the 2016 Guide
2016 Ford Towing Information by Vehicle
Start with maximum available ratings, then use the complete Ford guide to match the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, GCWR, tow package and hitch setup to your specific vehicle.
Maximum Available Capability
2016 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
The 2016 Ford lineup ranges from passenger vehicles capable of pulling lighter trailers to Super Duty pickups designed for fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers exceeding 30,000 pounds.
12,200 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum conventional towing with the properly configured 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
31,200 lbs.
Ford Super Duty
Maximum available gooseneck towing for a properly equipped Super Duty pickup.
9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum available towing with the required Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
7,500 lbs.
Ford Transit
Maximum trailer rating for qualifying Transit Van, Cutaway and Chassis Cab configurations.
Model-by-Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2016 Ford Tow?
These are selected maximum available ratings from Ford's 2016 towing guide. Actual vehicle ratings can be lower.
| 2016 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2016 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 Conventional | Up to 12,200 lbs. | Highest rating comes from a properly configured 3.5L EcoBoost F-150. |
| F-150 Fifth-Wheel | Up to 12,100 lbs. | Fifth-wheel towing uses separate configuration tables from conventional towing. |
| Super Duty Gooseneck | Up to 31,200 lbs. | Highest 2016 Super Duty pickup trailer rating. |
| Super Duty Fifth-Wheel | Up to 26,500 lbs. | Capacity varies significantly among F-250, F-350 and F-450 configurations. |
| Super Duty Conventional | Up to 19,000 lbs. | Conventional towing carries a separate maximum from fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab Fifth-Wheel | Up to 26,600 lbs. | Chassis Cab applications use their own ratings and completed-vehicle weight considerations. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab Conventional | Up to 16,000 lbs. | Applies to qualifying F-350, F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab configurations. |
| Expedition / Expedition EL | Up to 9,200 lbs. | Higher ratings require the available Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. |
| Explorer | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Properly equipped 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost configurations reach the highest rating. |
| Flex | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Requires the applicable Class III Trailer Tow Package. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Engine choice and Class II Trailer Tow equipment affect the actual rating. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum applies to the 2.0L EcoBoost with Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Transit Connect | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Requires the applicable Class I Trailer Tow Package. |
| Fusion | Up to 2,000 lbs. | The 2.0L EcoBoost carries the highest Fusion rating. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain EcoBoost, V6 and V8 models are rated to tow with appropriate aftermarket equipment. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain configurations are rated to tow; Taurus SHO is not. |
| Transit Van | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Engine, axle ratio, roof height and wheelbase all affect capacity. |
| Transit Wagon | Up to 5,100 lbs. | Passenger-oriented Transit configurations have their own trailer ratings. |
What Makes the 2016 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2016 guide captures Ford just before major changes to both Super Duty and F-150. It also contains towing information for several cars, crossovers and commercial vehicles that disappeared from later Ford lineups.
Pre-Redesign Super Duty
The 2016 Super Duty reaches 31,200 pounds of maximum gooseneck towing. The redesigned 2017 truck would raise Ford's heavy-duty capability further.
Four Main F-150 Engines
Ford's 2016 F-150 performance summary covers the 3.5L V6, 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist Arrives
The 2016 guide highlights the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist system for F-150.
No F-150 Diesel Yet
The later 3.0L Power Stroke diesel F-150 does not appear in the 2016 engine lineup.
No U.S. Ranger Yet
Ranger had not yet returned to Ford's U.S. truck lineup, so there is no 2016 Ranger towing section.
Expedition EL Is Still the Name
Ford's extended-length Expedition was still called Expedition EL rather than the later Expedition MAX.
2016 F-150 Towing
2016 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
Ford lists four primary engines in its 2016 F-150 towing and payload performance summary.
| 2016 F-150 Engine | Maximum Available Towing | Maximum Available Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | 7,600 lbs. | 1,910 lbs. |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 8,500 lbs. | 2,210 lbs. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 12,200 lbs. | 3,240 lbs. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 11,100 lbs. | 3,270 lbs. |
2016 F-150 maximum towing: Ford lists the 3.5L EcoBoost at up to 12,200 pounds. Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes the required equipment and specific weight assumptions; additional passengers, cargo, options and hitch weight reduce available capacity.
A Major 2016 F-150 Feature
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Ford's 2016 towing guide prominently highlights the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist system on F-150.
Helping Drivers Back a Trailer
Instead of steering the truck conventionally while backing, the available system allows the driver to use a control knob to indicate the direction the trailer should travel while the truck manages steering input.
Other F-150 Towing Features
- Trailer Sway Control
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller availability
- Tow/Haul mode
- Smart Trailer Tow Connector on applicable equipment
- Trailer Tow and Max Trailer Tow packages
2016 Heavy-Duty Towing
2016 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
Before the major 2017 redesign, the 2016 F-250, F-350 and F-450 already offered substantial conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck capability.
Conventional Towing
19,000 lbs.Fifth-Wheel Towing
26,500 lbs.Gooseneck Towing
31,200 lbs.6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
860 lb.-ft.Ford lists the 2016 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel at 440 horsepower and 860 lb.-ft. of torque.
The engine powers the highest-capacity Super Duty pickup configurations in the guide.
Maximum Payload
Up to 7,050 lbs.Ford lists maximum Super Duty pickup payload of 7,050 pounds on a qualifying F-350 dual-rear-wheel Regular Cab 4x2.
Maximum payload and maximum towing should not be assumed to occur on the same truck.
The 31,200-pound maximum is a gooseneck rating for a specific properly equipped Super Duty configuration. A 2016 F-250, F-350 or F-450 can carry a much lower trailer rating depending on cab, drivetrain, rear axle, wheelbase, GVWR and hitch type.
Commercial Heavy-Duty Towing
2016 Super Duty Chassis Cab Ratings
Ford provides separate towing information for F-350, F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab vehicles.
Fifth-Wheel Towing
Up to 26,600 lbs.Properly configured Chassis Cab applications can reach 26,600 pounds of maximum fifth-wheel trailer weight.
Conventional Towing
Up to 16,000 lbs.Ford lists a separate maximum conventional trailer rating of up to 16,000 pounds for applicable Chassis Cab configurations.
Full-Size Ford SUV Towing
2016 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing Capacity
Expedition offers the highest conventional trailer rating among Ford passenger SUVs in the 2016 guide.
Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.Properly equipped Expedition configurations with the 3.5L EcoBoost and optional Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package can reach 9,200 pounds.
Ford Expedition EL
Up to 9,200 lbs.The extended-length Expedition EL can also reach 9,200 pounds in qualifying configurations, depending on drivetrain, axle ratio and GCWR.
Ford lists a factory receiver capacity of up to 9,200 pounds with a weight-distributing hitch on Expedition and Expedition EL. The weight-carrying receiver rating is lower.
2016 Ford SUV & Crossover Towing
Explorer, Flex, Edge & Escape Tow Ratings
Engine selection and factory trailer-tow equipment make a substantial difference across Ford's 2016 crossover lineup.
Ford Explorer
Up to 5,000 lbs.Properly equipped 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost Explorer configurations can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch.
Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.Properly equipped 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost Flex models can reach 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L V6 can reach 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Ford Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost provides Escape's highest 2016 rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Transit Connect
Up to 2,000 lbs.Both applicable 1.6L EcoBoost and 2.5L Transit Connect configurations can reach 2,000 pounds with the Class I Trailer Tow Package.
No EcoSport or Bronco
Neither EcoSport nor the modern Bronco appears in Ford's 2016 U.S. towing guide. Those models belong to later archive years.
Explorer Engine Comparison
2016 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Up to 3,000 lbs.The higher rating requires the applicable Class II Trailer Towing Package.
3.5L V6
Up to 5,000 lbs.Applicable configurations reach 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
Up to 5,000 lbs.The turbocharged AWD Explorer can also reach the model's 5,000-pound maximum when properly equipped.
Engine Choice Changes the Rating
2016 Escape & Edge Towing Capacity
These vehicles demonstrate why a single advertised maximum should never be applied to every version of a Ford model.
2016 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.
The 2.0L EcoBoost's highest rating requires the applicable Class II Trailer Tow Package.
2016 Ford Edge
- 2.0L EcoBoost: up to 3,500 lbs.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: up to 2,000 lbs.
- 3.5L V6: up to 3,500 lbs.
Ford notes that the 2.7L EcoBoost Edge does not offer factory- or dealer-installed towing equipment for that application.
Historical Ford Towing Information
2016 Fusion, Mustang & Taurus Towing
One reason this archive is valuable is that Ford's older guides contain towing information for passenger cars that no longer appear in today's new-vehicle lineup.
2016 Ford Fusion
Up to 2,000 lbs.Ford lists the 2.0L EcoBoost Fusion at up to 2,000 pounds. The 1.5L EcoBoost and 2.5L four-cylinder are listed at up to 1,000 pounds.
2016 Ford Mustang
Up to 1,000 lbs.Applicable 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 configurations are listed at up to 1,000 pounds with appropriate aftermarket equipment.
2016 Ford Taurus
Up to 1,000 lbs.Certain Taurus configurations are listed at up to 1,000 pounds. Taurus SHO is not rated to tow a trailer.
Important Ford Guidance
2016 Ford Vehicles Not Recommended for Trailer Towing
Ford specifically identifies several 2016 vehicles that are not recommended for trailer towing.
C-MAX Hybrid & Energi
Ford does not recommend either C-MAX electrified model for trailer towing.
Fiesta & Focus
Fiesta and Focus are not recommended for trailer towing in the 2016 Ford guide.
Fusion Hybrid & Energi
Electrified Fusion configurations are not rated to tow a trailer.
Shelby GT350 / GT350R
Ford does not rate these high-performance Mustang models for trailer towing.
Taurus SHO
Taurus SHO is specifically excluded from Ford's trailer-towing ratings.
Check the Exact Powertrain
Some model families include both tow-rated and non-tow-rated versions, so the vehicle name alone is not enough.
Van & Commercial Towing
2016 Ford Transit Towing Capacity
Ford publishes extensive configuration tables for Transit Van, Wagon, Cutaway and Chassis Cab applications.
Transit Van
Up to 7,500 lbs.Select Transit Van configurations using the 3.2L Power Stroke diesel reach 7,500 pounds.
Transit Wagon
Up to 5,100 lbs.Passenger configurations use separate trailer ratings based on engine, axle ratio and body configuration.
Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab
Up to 7,500 lbs.Ford's table assumes second-unit body weight, so completed vehicle weight must be considered.
3.7L V6
Up to 6,800 lbs.Certain Cutaway and Chassis Cab configurations using the 3.7L V6 reach 6,800 pounds.
3.2L Power Stroke Diesel
Up to 7,500 lbs.The five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel provides the highest listed Transit ratings in several 2016 commercial configurations.
Trailer Frontal Area
55 sq. ft.Ford lists a 55-square-foot frontal-area limit for Transit applications in the 2016 guide.
Beyond Light-Duty Trucks
2016 F-650, F-750 & Motorhome Chassis Information
Ford's complete RV & Trailer Towing Guide also covers medium-duty trucks, commercial stripped chassis, E-Series and motorhome applications.
F-650 / F-750 Diesel
Up to 50,000-lb. GCWRFord lists diesel F-650 and F-750 configurations with Gross Combination Weight Ratings reaching 50,000 pounds.
F-650 / F-750 Gas
Up to 37,000-lb. GCWRApplicable gasoline-powered medium-duty configurations are listed with GCWRs reaching 37,000 pounds.
Class A Motorhome Chassis
Up to 7,000-lb. TrailerCertain 16,000-pound-GVWR Class A Motorhome Chassis configurations support a maximum trailer weight of 7,000 pounds.
Commercial Stripped Chassis
Up to 7,700 lbs.Certain configurations with the optional Parcel Delivery Package reach a maximum trailer weight of 7,700 pounds.
E-Series Cutaway
Up to 22,000-lb. GCWRFord lists E-450 Cutaway configurations with the 6.8L V10 at GCWRs reaching 22,000 pounds.
Completed Vehicle Weight Matters
Commercial chassis and cutaway ratings must account for the body, equipment and upfit installed after the incomplete vehicle leaves Ford.
A Useful Historical Detail
SAE J2807 & 2016 Ford Tow Ratings
Ford's 2016 guide explains that SAE J2807 establishes procedures and minimum performance conditions for determining Gross Combined Weight Ratings and Trailer Weight Ratings.
Ford's SAE J2807 Rollout
Ford notes that its use of the standard had expanded gradually. Fusion and Escape began with the 2013 model year; Transit Connect and Flex followed for 2014; and Mustang, Transit, F-150, F-450 Super Duty Pickup and Edge were included beginning with 2015.
This is an important distinction from the following 2017 towing guide, when Ford's redesigned Super Duty lineup moved further into the SAE J2807 era.
Trailer Weight Categories
2016 Ford Trailer Classes
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light-duty trailers including small boats, motorcycles and folding camping trailers.
Class II
2,001-3,500 lbs.Medium-duty applications such as larger folding campers and smaller travel trailers.
Class III
3,501-5,000 lbs.Heavy-duty dual-axle or larger single-axle recreational trailers.
Class IV
Over 5,000 lbs.Larger travel and fifth-wheel trailers requiring appropriately equipped tow vehicles and hitch systems.
Know the Numbers Before You Tow
Important 2016 Ford Towing Terms
Base Curb Weight
Vehicle weight with standard equipment and a full tank of fuel before passengers, cargo and optional equipment are added.
Payload
The amount of passenger and cargo weight the vehicle is designed to carry within its limits.
GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight is the actual loaded weight of the tow vehicle.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum permitted loaded weight of the vehicle.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight supported by an individual axle.
GCW
Gross Combination Weight is the actual weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer combined.
GCWR
Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and trailer.
Tongue / King Pin Weight
The portion of trailer weight transferred to the tow vehicle through the conventional or fifth-wheel hitch.
Find the Real Rating
How to Verify a 2016 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include cargo, fluids, equipment, tools and supplies, not just the trailer's advertised empty weight.
2
Identify the Exact Vehicle
Confirm engine, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase, axle ratio and installed towing equipment.
3
Account for Passengers & Payload
Passengers, cargo, options, hitch hardware and trailer tongue or king pin weight all affect capacity.
4
Verify the Required Tow Package
Ford requires specific Trailer Tow, Max Trailer Tow, Class I, Class II, Class III or Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow equipment for many higher ratings.
5
Check GVWR, GAWR & GCWR
The vehicle, individual axles and complete vehicle-and-trailer combination must remain within every applicable weight rating.
6
Consult Ford's Complete 2016 Guide
Use Ford's detailed towing selector along with the vehicle Owner's Manual and Safety Compliance Certification Label before towing.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2016 Ford Behind an RV
The 2016 guide also includes dedicated four-wheel-down and tow-dolly information for owners bringing another vehicle behind a motorhome.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Ford provides vehicle-specific instructions for certain models that may be towed with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome.
Eligibility and procedures depend on drivetrain, transmission and powertrain.
Tow-Dolly Towing
Ford also publishes a model-by-model tow-dolly chart. Front-wheel-drive versions of several passenger vehicles may be compatible while many AWD, 4WD and rear-wheel-drive configurations are not.
Always follow the specific vehicle Owner's Manual.
2016 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2016 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2016 Ford F-150 can tow up to 12,200 pounds. Ford lists the highest maximum with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
How much can a 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 tow?
Ford lists the 2016 F-150 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 at up to 11,100 pounds of maximum available towing.
How much can a 2016 Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost tow?
The 2016 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 is listed at up to 8,500 pounds of maximum available towing.
How much can a 2016 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists maximum 2016 Super Duty pickup ratings of 31,200 pounds for gooseneck towing, 26,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing and 19,000 pounds for conventional towing.
How much can a 2016 Ford Expedition tow?
Properly equipped 2016 Expedition and Expedition EL configurations can tow up to 9,200 pounds.
How much can a 2016 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2016 Explorer with the applicable 3.5L engine and Class III Trailer Tow Package can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can a 2016 Ford Flex tow?
A properly equipped 2016 Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2016 Ford Escape tow?
The properly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 1.6L EcoBoost reaches 2,000 pounds and the 2.5L engine reaches 1,500 pounds.
How much can a 2016 Ford Edge tow?
Certain properly equipped 2016 Edge configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Ratings vary significantly by engine.
How much can a 2016 Ford Fusion tow?
Ford lists the 2.0L EcoBoost Fusion at up to 2,000 pounds. Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are not rated to tow a trailer.
How much can a 2016 Ford Transit tow?
Certain 2016 Transit Van, Cutaway and Chassis Cab configurations can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Transit Wagon reaches up to 5,100 pounds.
Was there a 2016 Ford Ranger towing capacity?
Ranger was not part of Ford's U.S. model lineup covered by the 2016 RV & Trailer Towing Guide. The truck returned to Ford's U.S. lineup for the 2019 model year.
Does trailer tongue weight reduce vehicle payload?
Yes. Trailer tongue weight or fifth-wheel king pin weight is supported by the tow vehicle and must be considered with passengers, cargo, options and hitch equipment.
Researching a Used 2016 Ford for Towing?
A 2016 Ford's exact engine, drivetrain, axle ratio and factory 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, Expedition or other Ford and compare it with newer towing options.
Ford Towing Guide Archive
Choose Another Ford Model Year
Tow ratings, engines, model lines and required equipment change over time. Select the guide that matches the Ford vehicle you own or are researching.
2016 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2016 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 2016 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.