Official 2017 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2017 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2017 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, engines, tow packages, hitch requirements, payload considerations and vehicle-specific towing limits for your 2017 Ford.
Maximum towing capacity applies only to properly equipped vehicles. Actual capability varies with engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, options, payload, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and trailer configuration. Always verify the exact vehicle using Ford's detailed towing tables before connecting a trailer.
Explore the 2017 Guide
Find the 2017 Ford Towing Information You Need
Compare maximum ratings first, then research the specific engine, tow package, axle ratio, GCWR, payload and hitch requirements for your vehicle.
Maximum Available Capability
2017 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
Ford's 2017 lineup ranges from passenger cars capable of pulling small trailers to newly redesigned Super Duty pickups engineered for heavy fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications.
12,200 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available conventional towing with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
32,500 lbs.
Ford Super Duty
Maximum available gooseneck towing for a properly configured Super Duty pickup.
9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum shown in Ford's detailed 2017 Expedition configuration table.
7,500 lbs.
Ford Transit
Maximum available for qualifying Transit Van, Cutaway and Chassis Cab configurations.
At-a-Glance Comparison
How Much Can a 2017 Ford Tow?
These are selected maximum available ratings. An individual Ford may have a substantially lower limit depending on its exact configuration.
| 2017 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2017 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 Conventional | Up to 12,200 lbs. | Maximum available with the properly configured second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6. |
| F-150 Fifth-Wheel | Up to 12,100 lbs. | Fifth-wheel ratings use separate configuration tables from conventional towing. |
| F-150 Raptor | Up to 8,000 lbs. | Uses the High Output 3.5L EcoBoost and has its own towing limits. |
| Super Duty Gooseneck | Up to 32,500 lbs. | Highest pickup trailer rating listed in the 2017 guide. |
| Super Duty Fifth-Wheel | Up to 27,500 lbs. | F-250, F-350 and F-450 configurations use different ratings. |
| Super Duty Conventional | Up to 21,000 lbs. | Conventional towing carries a separate maximum from fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing. |
| Super Duty Chassis Cab Fifth-Wheel | Up to 31,800 lbs. | F-350, F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab models have their own heavy-duty towing tables. |
| Expedition / Expedition EL | Up to 9,200 lbs. | Higher ratings require the 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. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum applies to the 2.0L EcoBoost with Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Applicable 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L V6 configurations reach the highest rating. |
| Transit Connect | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Requires the 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 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 configurations are rated to tow. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain Taurus configurations are rated to tow; Taurus SHO is not. |
| Transit Van | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Engine, axle ratio, roof height and wheelbase affect maximum trailer weight. |
| Transit Wagon | Up to 5,100 lbs. | Passenger-oriented configurations have separate ratings from Transit Van models. |
| Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Completed vehicle body weight must be considered when determining actual towing capability. |
What Makes the 2017 Ford Towing Guide Different?
The 2017 guide captures Ford before Ranger, EcoSport, Bronco, Maverick and F-150 Lightning entered the later towing-guide lineup. At the same time, it documents major changes to both F-150 and Super Duty.
All-New Super Duty
The redesigned 2017 Super Duty introduced a frame made with 95% high-strength steel and a high-strength aluminum-alloy body while increasing heavy-trailer capability.
Second-Generation 3.5L EcoBoost
F-150's updated 3.5L EcoBoost produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and provides the truck's highest maximum towing rating.
10-Speed Automatic Arrives
Ford paired the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission for 2017.
No F-150 Diesel Yet
The 3.0L Power Stroke diesel does not appear in the 2017 F-150 engine lineup, making this guide different from the following model year.
Expedition EL, Not MAX
The 2017 guide still uses the Expedition EL name for the extended-length model rather than the later Expedition MAX designation.
Ford Cars Still Matter
Fusion, Taurus and Mustang all receive towing information, while several other Ford passenger cars are specifically identified as not recommended for trailer towing.
2017 F-150 Capability
2017 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
Engine choice makes a major difference in the 2017 F-150, with maximum ratings ranging from 7,600 to 12,200 pounds.
| 2017 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. | 3,220 lbs. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 11,000 lbs. | 3,270 lbs. |
| 3.5L High Output EcoBoost V6 | 8,000 lbs. | 1,200 lbs. |
2017 F-150 maximum towing: Ford lists up to 12,200 pounds with the properly equipped 3.5L EcoBoost V6. The guide states that trailer weight should not exceed 5,000 pounds when towing with the rear bumper only. Payload, passengers and trailer tongue weight must also remain within the truck's GVWR and rear GAWR.
2017 F-150 Towing Technology
Technology Designed Around the Trailer
The 2017 F-150 guide highlights several systems intended to make connecting, maneuvering and monitoring a trailer easier.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Allows the driver to steer the trailer using a dedicated control while the truck manages steering inputs.
BLIS with Trailer Tow Monitoring
The available Blind Spot Information System can account for the trailer and alert the driver to vehicles in the trailer's blind-spot area.
Dynamic Hitch Assist
Uses the rear camera and a dynamic centerline to help position the truck's hitch beneath the trailer coupler.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Coordinates compatible electric trailer brakes with braking input from the tow vehicle.
Tow/Haul Mode
Adjusts transmission behavior to reduce unwanted gear hunting and improve control while towing or hauling.
Trailer Sway Control
Works with the vehicle's stability-control system to help detect and respond to trailer sway.
All-New 2017 Super Duty
2017 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
Ford separates F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickup towing by conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer configuration.
Conventional Towing
21,000 lbs.Fifth-Wheel Towing
27,500 lbs.Gooseneck Towing
32,500 lbs.6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
925 lb.-ft. of TorqueFord lists the second-generation 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel at 440 horsepower and 925 lb.-ft. of torque.
The diesel powers the highest-capacity pickup combinations in the 2017 Super Duty towing tables.
6.2L Gas V8
The 6.2L gas V8 provides an alternative for Super Duty buyers who need substantial towing capability without choosing the diesel.
Actual capacity still depends on truck series, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase, rear-wheel configuration, axle ratio, GVWR and hitch type.
The 32,500-pound figure is a maximum gooseneck rating for a particular properly configured 2017 Super Duty. Do not apply that rating to every F-250, F-350 or F-450.
New Heavy-Duty Tow Technology
2017 Super Duty Trailer Assistance
Trailer Reverse Guidance
Ford's available system uses multiple cameras and steering guidance graphics to assist the driver while backing and maneuvering a trailer.
Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System
Available cameras provide multiple exterior views, including a 360-degree perspective to help with low-speed maneuvering and trailer positioning.
Smart Trailer Tow Connector
Provides information related to trailer connection, lighting and trailer battery status through the truck's information display.
2017 Full-Size SUV Towing
2017 Ford Expedition & Expedition EL Towing Capacity
Ford's detailed 2017 selector separates short-wheelbase Expedition and extended-length Expedition EL configurations.
Ford Expedition
Up to 9,200 lbs.Properly equipped 4x2 and 4x4 configurations can reach 9,200 pounds with the applicable Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Expedition EL
Up to 9,200 lbs.The extended-length Expedition EL also reaches as high as 9,200 pounds in Ford's detailed configuration table, depending on axle ratio and drivetrain.
Higher-capacity Expedition towing requires a weight-distributing hitch. Trailer tongue weight, passengers and cargo must remain within the vehicle's payload, GVWR and rear GAWR limits.
2017 Ford SUV & Crossover Towing
Explorer, Flex, Edge & Escape Tow Ratings
Engine selection and factory towing equipment make a major difference among Ford's 2017 crossovers and SUVs.
Ford Explorer
Up to 5,000 lbs.Properly equipped 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost Explorer configurations can reach 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch.
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 Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Applicable 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L V6 configurations can reach 3,500 pounds with Class II Trailer Tow equipment.
Ford Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost provides Escape's highest 2017 towing rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Transit Connect
Up to 2,000 lbs.The 2.5L four-cylinder Transit Connect Van and Wagon can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the Class I Trailer Tow Package.
No EcoSport in This Guide
EcoSport does not appear in the 2017 Ford towing guide, making the model mix notably different from later archive years.
Explorer Engine Comparison
2017 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Engine
2.3L EcoBoost
Up to 3,000 lbs.The higher 2.3L EcoBoost rating requires the optional Class II Trailer Tow 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 twin-turbocharged Explorer configuration is also rated up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Engine-Specific Ratings
2017 Escape & Edge Towing Capacity
These models are a good example of why the engine should always be identified before assuming towing capacity.
2017 Ford Escape
- 2.5L I4: up to 1,500 lbs.
- 1.5L EcoBoost: up to 2,000 lbs.
- 2.0L EcoBoost: up to 3,500 lbs.
Ford requires the Class II Trailer Tow Package for the 2.0L EcoBoost's 3,500-pound rating.
2017 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.
The 2.7L EcoBoost is a useful reminder that higher engine performance does not automatically mean a higher trailer rating.
Historical Ford Towing Information
2017 Fusion, Mustang, Taurus & Transit Connect
Historical Ford guides preserve towing specifications for vehicles that no longer appear in today's new-vehicle lineup.
2017 Ford Fusion
Up to 2,000 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost Fusion carries the highest listed trailer rating at 2,000 pounds.
The 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.7L EcoBoost Fusion Sport are listed at up to 1,000 pounds.
2017 Ford Mustang
Up to 1,000 lbs.Applicable 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 Mustangs are listed at up to 1,000 pounds using appropriate aftermarket towing equipment.
2017 Ford Taurus
Up to 1,000 lbs.Certain 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L V6 Taurus configurations are rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Taurus SHO is not rated for trailer towing.
2017 Transit Connect
Up to 2,000 lbs.Properly equipped Transit Connect Van and Wagon configurations can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the Class I Trailer Tow Package.
Important Ford Guidance
2017 Ford Vehicles Not Recommended for Trailer Towing
Ford's 2017 RV & Trailer Towing Guide specifically identifies several Ford vehicles that should not be used to tow a trailer.
C-MAX Hybrid & Energi
Ford does not recommend either C-MAX electrified powertrain for trailer towing.
Fiesta & Focus
Fiesta and Focus models are not recommended for trailer towing in Ford's 2017 guide.
Fusion Hybrid & Energi
Electrified Fusion models are not rated to tow a trailer.
Shelby GT350 / GT350R
Ford does not rate these high-performance Mustang variants for trailer towing.
Taurus SHO
Taurus SHO is specifically excluded from Ford's 2017 trailer-towing ratings.
Check the Exact Powertrain
Some Ford model families include both tow-rated and non-tow-rated powertrains, so the model name alone is not enough.
Commercial & Van Towing
2017 Ford Transit Towing Capacity
Ford publishes separate trailer ratings for Transit Van, Passenger Wagon, Cutaway and Chassis Cab configurations.
Transit Van
Up to 7,500 lbs.Maximum capability varies with the 3.7L V6, 3.5L EcoBoost or 3.2L Power Stroke diesel, axle ratio, wheelbase and roof configuration.
Transit Wagon
Up to 5,100 lbs.Passenger Wagon configurations carry their own maximum loaded trailer weight ratings.
Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab
Up to 7,500 lbs.Ford's table assumes a second-unit body weight, making completed vehicle weight particularly important for commercial applications.
Heavy Commercial & RV Applications
2017 Ford Motorhome & Commercial Chassis Towing
Ford's 2017 towing guide extends well beyond pickups and SUVs, covering motorhome chassis, stripped chassis and medium-duty trucks.
Class A Motorhome Chassis
Up to 7,000 lbs.Certain 16,000-pound GVWR configurations are listed with a 7,000-pound maximum trailer weight.
Commercial Stripped Chassis
Up to 7,700 lbs.Applicable configurations with the Parcel Delivery Package can reach a 7,700-pound maximum trailer rating.
F-650 / F-750
Up to 50,000-lb. GCWRDiesel F-650 and F-750 configurations are listed with Gross Combination Weight Ratings reaching 50,000 pounds.
Weight Is Not the Only Limit
2017 Trailer Frontal Area Considerations
Ford also publishes trailer frontal-area limits because aerodynamic drag can have a major effect on towing performance.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.Applicable conventional F-150 combinations rated at 7,701 pounds or more are listed with up to 60 square feet of trailer frontal area.
Expedition
Up to 60 sq. ft.Expedition's frontal-area limit increases from the base vehicle area to as much as 60 square feet with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Explorer
Up to 40 sq. ft.Ford lists up to 40 square feet with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Flex
Up to 40 sq. ft.Flex reaches its higher frontal-area allowance with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Edge & Escape
Up to 30 sq. ft.Applicable Class II towing packages increase the recommended trailer frontal area.
Transit
55 sq. ft.Ford lists 55 square feet for Transit applications covered by the 2017 guide.
A Notable 2017 Change
SAE J2807 & the 2017 Ford Towing Guide
Ford states that SAE J2807 establishes procedures and performance requirements for determining Gross Combined Weight Ratings and Trailer Weight Ratings. Ford specifically identifies 2017 as the starting model year for Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab application of the standard.
That makes 2017 particularly significant in Ford's historical towing archive: F-150 had already adopted SAE J2807, while the redesigned Super Duty joined Ford's list of vehicles evaluated under the standard for this model year.
Understand the Numbers
Important 2017 Ford Towing Weight Terms
Base Curb Weight
Vehicle weight with a full tank of fuel and standard equipment, excluding passengers, cargo and optional equipment.
Payload
The allowable 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 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 permitted combined weight of tow vehicle, trailer, passengers and cargo.
Tongue / King Pin Weight
The portion of the loaded trailer's weight transferred to the tow vehicle through the hitch.
Find the Actual Rating
How to Verify a 2017 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include cargo, water, fuel, tools, equipment and supplies, not just the trailer's advertised empty weight.
2
Identify the Exact Ford Configuration
Determine engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, trim and installed towing equipment.
3
Check Available Payload
Passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch hardware and trailer tongue or king pin weight all consume payload.
4
Verify Required Tow Equipment
Maximum ratings may require Class I, Class II, Class III, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Trailer Tow or Max Trailer Tow equipment.
5
Check GVWR, GAWR & GCWR
Staying below maximum trailer weight does not permit the vehicle, an axle or the complete combination to exceed its other ratings.
6
Open Ford's Complete 2017 Guide
Compare your exact configuration with Ford's detailed selector tables and the vehicle Owner's Manual before connecting a trailer.
For Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2017 Ford Behind an RV
Ford's guide also includes separate information for four-wheel-down towing and tow-dolly towing.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Ford provides specific guidance for certain vehicles that may be towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.
Eligibility depends on vehicle, drivetrain and powertrain, so owners should follow the exact procedures in the Owner's Manual.
Tow-Dolly Towing
The guide includes a model-by-model chart identifying front-wheel-drive vehicles that may be suitable for a tow dolly and AWD, 4WD or rear-wheel-drive vehicles where dolly towing is not approved.
2017 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2017 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2017 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 2017 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 tow?
Ford lists the 2017 F-150 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 at up to 11,000 pounds of maximum available towing.
How much can a 2017 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists maximum 2017 Super Duty pickup ratings of 32,500 pounds for gooseneck towing, 27,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing and 21,000 pounds for conventional towing.
How much can a 2017 Ford Expedition tow?
Ford's detailed 2017 Expedition towing selector lists properly equipped Expedition and Expedition EL configurations at up to 9,200 pounds.
How much can a 2017 Ford Explorer tow?
A properly equipped 2017 Explorer with the applicable 3.5L engine and Class III Trailer Tow Package can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can a 2017 Ford Flex tow?
A properly equipped 2017 Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2017 Ford Escape tow?
The properly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 1.5L EcoBoost reaches 2,000 pounds and the 2.5L engine reaches 1,500 pounds.
How much can a 2017 Ford Edge tow?
Properly equipped 2017 Edge configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The exact engine and towing equipment affect the rating.
How much can a 2017 Ford Fusion tow?
The 2.0L EcoBoost Fusion is listed at up to 2,000 pounds. Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are not recommended for trailer towing.
How much can a 2017 Ford Transit Connect tow?
A properly equipped 2017 Transit Connect can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the Class I Trailer Tow Package.
Was there a 2017 Ford Ranger towing capacity?
Ranger does not appear in Ford's U.S. 2017 RV & Trailer Towing Guide. Use the appropriate later model-year guide when researching a newer Ranger.
Does trailer tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. Trailer tongue or fifth-wheel king pin weight is supported by the tow vehicle and must be considered with passengers, cargo, accessories and hitch equipment.
Researching a Used 2017 Ford for Towing?
A 2017 Ford's engine, axle ratio and installed tow equipment can make thousands of pounds of difference in its trailer rating. Chuck Anderson Ford can help you understand the configuration of a used F-150, Super Duty, Expedition or other Ford and compare it with today's newer towing options.
Ford Towing Guide Archive
Choose Another Ford Model Year
Ford engines, vehicle lines, tow packages and maximum trailer ratings change over time. Select the model year that matches the vehicle you own or are researching.
2017 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2017 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for research purposes. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles and vary according to cargo, vehicle configuration, options, accessories 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 2017 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.