Official 2018 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2018 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2018 Ford towing capacities for F-150, Super Duty, Expedition, Explorer, Flex, Edge, Escape, EcoSport, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Transit, Transit Connect and more. Compare engines, maximum trailer weights, towing packages, hitch types, payload considerations and other specifications for your particular 2018 Ford.
Maximum towing capacity is configuration-specific. Engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, optional equipment, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and available payload can all change the trailer rating of a 2018 Ford. Use the complete Ford guide and vehicle-specific information before towing.
Explore the 2018 Guide
Find Your 2018 Ford Towing Information
Start with maximum available ratings, then compare engines, towing packages, payload and vehicle-specific weight limits.
Maximum Available Capability
2018 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
Ford's 2018 lineup covers a remarkably broad range of towing, from passenger vehicles and compact crossovers to heavy-duty pickups rated for trailers exceeding 30,000 pounds.
13,200 lbs.
Ford F-150
Maximum available conventional towing with the properly configured 3.5L EcoBoost.
34,000 lbs.
Ford Super Duty
Maximum available gooseneck towing for a properly equipped Super Duty pickup.
9,300 lbs.
Ford Expedition
Maximum available towing with the applicable Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
5,000 lbs.
Ford Explorer
Maximum available towing with the applicable Class III Trailer Tow Package.
2018 Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2018 Ford Tow?
These figures represent selected maximum available ratings. Individual vehicle ratings can be lower based on configuration.
| 2018 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2018 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 Conventional | Up to 13,200 lbs. | Maximum available with the properly configured 3.5L EcoBoost V6. |
| F-150 Fifth-Wheel | Up to 12,100 lbs. | Fifth-wheel ratings use separate F-150 configuration tables. |
| Super Duty Gooseneck | Up to 34,000 lbs. | Highest Super Duty pickup trailer rating shown for the 2018 model year. |
| Super Duty Fifth-Wheel | Up to 27,500 lbs. | Actual rating varies among F-250, F-350 and F-450 configurations. |
| Super Duty Conventional | Up to 21,000 lbs. | Conventional trailer capacity differs from fifth-wheel and gooseneck ratings. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,300 lbs. | Maximum applies to a qualifying 4x2 model with 3.73 axle ratio and Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. |
| Expedition MAX | Up to 9,000 lbs. | Longer-wheelbase MAX models use separate GCWR and trailer-weight ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Certain 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost configurations reach the highest rating. |
| Flex | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Requires applicable Class III Trailer Tow equipment. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Rating varies significantly by engine and towing equipment. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum applies to the 2.0L EcoBoost with Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| EcoSport | Up to 2,000 lbs. | The 2.0L Ti-VCT 4WD configuration carries the highest listed EcoSport rating. |
| Fusion | Up to 2,000 lbs. | The 2.0L EcoBoost has the highest listed Fusion trailer rating. |
| Transit Connect | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Applicable 2.5L models require the Class I Trailer Tow Package. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 configurations are rated to tow; Shelby models are not. |
| Taurus | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain 3.5L configurations are listed at 1,000 pounds; Taurus SHO is not rated. |
| Transit Cargo Van | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Actual rating varies with engine, axle ratio, wheelbase and vehicle configuration. |
| Transit Passenger Wagon | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Passenger configurations have their own maximum trailer-weight tables. |
Why the 2018 Ford Towing Guide Is Different
The 2018 model year captures Ford's lineup immediately before Ranger returned to the U.S. market. It also includes several engines and vehicle lines that disappeared from later towing guides.
No Ford Ranger Yet
Ranger does not appear in the 2018 Ford towing guide. The midsize pickup returned to Ford's North American lineup for the 2019 model year.
F-150 Power Stroke Diesel
The 2018 F-150 added the 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6, rated at up to 11,400 pounds of towing.
Super Duty Tops Out at 34,000 lbs.
The 2018 Super Duty maximum gooseneck figure is 34,000 pounds, below the 35,000-, 37,000- and 40,000-pound ratings found in later guides.
Expedition Reaches 9,300 lbs.
Ford separates Expedition and Expedition MAX in the 2018 towing tables, with maximums of 9,300 and 9,000 pounds respectively.
Flex Remains a Tow Vehicle
The three-row Ford Flex remains in the 2018 guide with maximum towing of up to 4,500 pounds.
Ford Cars Are Still Prominent
Fusion, Taurus and Mustang all receive trailer towing information, while C-MAX, Fiesta and Focus are specifically excluded from trailer towing.
2018 F-150 Capability
2018 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2018 F-150 offered six distinct engine choices, including a newly available diesel and a Raptor-specific High Output EcoBoost.
| 2018 F-150 Engine | Maximum Available Towing | Maximum Available Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 7,700 lbs. | 1,990 lbs. |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 9,000 lbs. | 2,470 lbs. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 13,200 lbs. | 3,230 lbs. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 11,600 lbs. | 3,270 lbs. |
| 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6 | 11,400 lbs. | 2,020 lbs. |
| 3.5L High Output EcoBoost V6 - Raptor | 8,000 lbs. | 1,200 lbs. |
2018 F-150 maximum: Ford lists the 3.5L EcoBoost at up to 13,200 pounds of maximum available towing. The guide also states that trailer weight should not exceed 5,000 pounds when towing with the bumper only. Maximum payload and maximum towing are separate ratings and may not occur on the same truck.
A Unique F-150 Model Year
2018 F-150 Diesel, V8 & EcoBoost Towing
Used-truck shoppers should pay close attention to engine identification because the maximum ratings differ by more than 5,000 pounds across the F-150 engine lineup.
3.5L EcoBoost
13,200 lbs.Ford's twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost provides the highest maximum trailer rating in the 2018 F-150 lineup.
5.0L V8
11,600 lbs.The 5.0L V8 carries a strong towing rating and the highest maximum payload figure in Ford's 2018 engine summary.
3.0L Power Stroke Diesel
11,400 lbs.Ford's 250-horsepower, 440-lb.-ft. diesel V6 provides a distinct towing option for shoppers researching a used 2018 F-150.
2018 Heavy-Duty Towing
2018 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
Ford separates Super Duty capability by conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer type.
Conventional Towing
21,000 lbs.Fifth-Wheel Towing
27,500 lbs.Gooseneck Towing
34,000 lbs.6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
Ford lists the 2018 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel at 450 horsepower and 935 lb.-ft. of torque.
The diesel powers the highest-capacity configurations in the 2018 Super Duty towing tables.
F-250, F-350 & F-450
Super Duty towing capacity changes with truck series, engine, cab, wheelbase, rear axle ratio, 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, single- or dual-rear-wheel configuration, GVWR and hitch type.
A headline maximum should never be applied to every Super Duty carrying the same model-year badge.
The 34,000-pound maximum applies to a specific properly equipped 2018 Super Duty gooseneck towing configuration. Fifth-wheel towing is capped lower, and conventional towing has a separate 21,000-pound maximum.
Full-Size SUV Towing
2018 Ford Expedition Towing Capacity
Expedition is one of the most capable passenger SUVs in Ford's 2018 towing guide.
2018 Ford Expedition
Up to 9,300 lbs.Ford lists a maximum loaded trailer weight of 9,300 pounds for a qualifying 4x2 Expedition with a 3.73 axle ratio and the optional Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
2018 Ford Expedition MAX
Up to 9,000 lbs.The longer-wheelbase Expedition MAX is listed separately, with maximum trailer weight reaching 9,000 pounds on qualifying configurations.
Ford specifies a weight-distributing hitch for the applicable higher-capacity Expedition towing configurations. Payload, passengers and trailer tongue weight must also remain within the vehicle's GVWR and rear GAWR.
2018 Ford SUV & Crossover Towing
Explorer, Flex, Edge, Escape & EcoSport
The 2018 Ford crossover lineup offers several distinct towing levels depending on engine and factory equipment.
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.
Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.Both applicable 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost Flex configurations can reach 4,500 pounds with the required Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Ford Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Applicable 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L V6 Edge configurations can reach the model's highest rating.
Ford Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost Escape reaches 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Ford EcoSport
Up to 2,000 lbs.The 2.0L Ti-VCT four-cylinder 4WD EcoSport carries the model's highest listed 2018 towing rating.
No Bronco or Bronco Sport Yet
Neither modern Bronco model appears in Ford's 2018 towing guide. Use a later model-year guide when researching those vehicles.
Explorer Engine Comparison
2018 Ford Explorer Tow Ratings by Engine
2.3L EcoBoost
Up to 3,000 lbs.Applicable configurations require the optional Class II Trailer Towing Package for the higher rating.
3.5L V6
Up to 5,000 lbs.Properly equipped configurations can reach 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and a weight-distributing hitch.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
Up to 5,000 lbs.Sport and Platinum configurations using the twin-turbocharged 3.5L engine can also reach 5,000 pounds.
Engine Choice Matters
2018 Escape & Edge Towing Capacity
These two crossover lines demonstrate why an engine-specific tow rating is far more useful than one generic model maximum.
2018 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.
The higher EcoBoost ratings require the applicable Class II Trailer Tow Package.
2018 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 rating is a good example of why engine displacement or performance alone should never be used to assume towing capacity.
Historical Ford Research
2018 Fusion, Mustang, Taurus & Other Older Models
Ford's historical towing guide preserves information for vehicles that are no longer part of today's new-vehicle lineup.
2018 Ford Fusion
Up to 2,000 lbs.Ford lists the 2.0L EcoBoost Fusion at up to 2,000 pounds. The 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.5L I4 and 2.7L EcoBoost Sport are listed at up to 1,000 pounds.
2018 Ford Mustang
Up to 1,000 lbs.Applicable 2.3L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 Mustangs are listed at up to 1,000 pounds with appropriate aftermarket equipment.
2018 Ford Taurus
Up to 1,000 lbs.Applicable 3.5L Taurus configurations carry a 1,000-pound maximum. Taurus SHO is not rated for trailer towing.
2018 Transit Connect
Up to 2,000 lbs.The applicable 2.5L I4 Transit Connect Van and Wagon can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the Class I Trailer Tow Package.
2018 EcoSport
Up to 2,000 lbs.Ford lists the 1.0L EcoBoost at up to 1,400 pounds and the 2.0L Ti-VCT 4WD configuration at up to 2,000 pounds.
2018 Ford Flex
Up to 4,500 lbs.The Flex remains one of the stronger historical Ford crossover towing choices when properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Important Ford Guidance
2018 Ford Vehicles Not Recommended for Trailer Towing
Ford's 2018 RV & Trailer Towing Guide specifically identifies several vehicles that are not recommended for trailer towing.
C-MAX
Ford lists both C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi as not recommended for trailer towing.
Fiesta & Focus
Ford's 2018 guide does not recommend Fiesta or Focus models for trailer towing.
Electrified Fusion
Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are not recommended for trailer towing.
Shelby Mustang
Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustang models are not rated for trailer towing.
Taurus SHO
The high-performance Taurus SHO is not rated to tow a trailer in Ford's 2018 guide.
Use the Exact Model
A vehicle family may include both tow-rated and non-tow-rated versions, making exact engine and model identification important.
Van & Commercial Applications
2018 Ford Transit Towing Capacity
Ford provides separate ratings for Transit Cargo Van, Passenger Wagon, Cutaway and Chassis Cab applications.
Transit Cargo Van
Up to 7,500 lbs.Engine, axle ratio, roof height, wheelbase and vehicle configuration all affect actual towing capability.
Transit Passenger Wagon
Up to 5,000 lbs.Passenger configurations have separate GCWR and maximum trailer-weight combinations.
Commercial Upfits
Completed vehicle weight must be considered on cutaway and chassis-cab applications because body and equipment upfits consume payload and combined-weight capacity.
Proper Trailer Loading
Tongue Weight, Payload & Trailer Balance
The trailer's total weight is only one part of determining whether a vehicle-and-trailer combination is within Ford's limits.
Conventional Tongue Weight
About 10%Ford's configuration calculations use approximately 10 percent of loaded conventional trailer weight as tongue load.
Fifth-Wheel King Pin Weight
About 15%Ford's maximum trailer calculations use approximately 15 percent of fifth-wheel trailer weight as king pin load.
Payload Still Applies
Trailer tongue or king pin weight combines with passengers, cargo, accessories and hitch equipment and cannot cause the vehicle to exceed GVWR or rear GAWR.
Understand the Numbers
Important 2018 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 tow vehicle.
GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight is the actual loaded weight of the 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 allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, passengers and cargo.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Ford's maximum allowable loaded trailer rating for a particular vehicle configuration after required equipment and weight assumptions are considered.
More Than Trailer Weight
Why Trailer Frontal Area Matters
Ford's 2018 guide also limits trailer frontal area because aerodynamic drag can significantly affect towing performance.
F-150
Up to 60 sq. ft.Ford lists up to 60 square feet for qualifying conventional F-150 applications rated at 7,701 pounds or more.
Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck
Up to 75 sq. ft.Ford lists 75 square feet for applicable F-150 fifth-wheel and Super Duty fifth-wheel/gooseneck applications.
Smaller Vehicles
Escape, Edge, Flex, Fusion, EcoSport and other vehicles have their own frontal-area limits that should be checked in the complete guide.
Find Your Actual Rating
How to Verify a 2018 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Determine Loaded Trailer Weight
Include the trailer plus cargo, water, fuel, equipment, tools and supplies.
2
Identify the Exact Ford Configuration
Confirm model, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and towing equipment.
3
Check Available Payload
Account for passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch hardware and trailer tongue or king pin weight.
4
Verify the Required Tow Package
Higher ratings may require Class II, Class III, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Trailer Tow or Max Trailer Tow equipment depending on the vehicle.
5
Check GVWR, GAWR & GCWR
Staying under maximum trailer weight does not permit exceeding the vehicle, axle or combined-weight ratings.
6
Use Ford's Detailed 2018 Tables
Compare your exact vehicle with the complete Ford towing guide, Owner's Manual and Safety Compliance Certification Label before connecting a trailer.
Motorhome Owners
Towing a 2018 Ford Behind an RV
The Ford guide also contains four-wheel-down and tow-dolly information for owners bringing a vehicle behind a motorhome.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Ford provides specific procedures for certain vehicles that may be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Eligibility depends heavily on transmission, drivetrain and powertrain.
For example, qualifying 4x4 F-150 and Super Duty configurations use transfer-case neutral procedures.
Tow-Dolly Towing
Ford separately identifies vehicles suitable for tow-dolly use. Many front-wheel-drive passenger vehicles can use a dolly, while numerous rear-wheel-drive and AWD/4WD configurations cannot.
Always follow the exact procedures in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.
Standardized Towing Tests
SAE J2807 & the 2018 Ford Towing Guide
Ford's 2018 guide uses the SAE J2807 testing standard for many Ford vehicles. SAE J2807 establishes procedures and performance requirements for determining Gross Combined Weight Ratings and Trailer Weight Ratings, providing a more consistent basis for comparing towing capability.
2018 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2018 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2018 Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,200 pounds. The highest rating is associated with an appropriately configured 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
How much can a 2018 diesel F-150 tow?
Ford lists the 2018 F-150 with the 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6 at up to 11,400 pounds of maximum available towing.
How much can a 2018 Ford Super Duty tow?
Ford lists maximum Super Duty pickup ratings of 34,000 pounds for gooseneck towing, 27,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing and 21,000 pounds for conventional towing.
How much can a 2018 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2018 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds. Expedition MAX reaches up to 9,000 pounds.
How much can a 2018 Ford Explorer tow?
Certain properly equipped 2018 Explorer configurations can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can a 2018 Ford Flex tow?
A properly equipped 2018 Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the applicable Class III Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2018 Ford Edge tow?
Certain properly equipped 2018 Edge configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The specific engine matters because not every Edge engine carries that rating.
How much can a 2018 Ford Escape tow?
The properly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 1.5L EcoBoost is listed at up to 2,000 pounds and the 2.5L at up to 1,500 pounds.
How much can a 2018 Ford EcoSport tow?
The 2018 EcoSport with the 2.0L Ti-VCT engine and 4WD is listed at up to 2,000 pounds. The 1.0L EcoBoost configuration is listed at up to 1,400 pounds.
How much can a 2018 Ford Fusion tow?
The 2018 Fusion with the 2.0L EcoBoost is listed at up to 2,000 pounds. Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are not recommended for trailer towing.
Was there a 2018 Ford Ranger towing capacity?
No. Ranger was not part of Ford's U.S. model lineup covered by the 2018 towing guide. The Ranger returned for the 2019 model year.
Does trailer tongue weight count against vehicle payload?
Yes. Trailer tongue or fifth-wheel king pin weight is supported by the tow vehicle and must be included with passengers, cargo, accessories and hitch equipment when evaluating available payload.
Researching a Used 2018 Ford for Towing?
Two 2018 Ford vehicles with the same model name can have dramatically different towing capacities depending on engine, drivetrain, axle ratio and installed tow equipment. Chuck Anderson Ford can help you understand a used Ford's configuration and compare it with newer Ford trucks and SUVs.
Ford Towing Guide Archive
Choose Another Ford Model Year
Tow ratings, engines, vehicle lines and required equipment change over time. Select the guide that matches the Ford vehicle you own or are researching.
2018 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in the 2018 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide for research purposes. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. Do not exceed the specific vehicle's GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight, payload, hitch receiver capacity or other applicable limits. Consult the complete 2018 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.