Official 2021 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
2021 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2021 Ford towing capacities for F-150, F-150 PowerBoost, Super Duty, Ranger, Bronco, Expedition, Explorer, Edge, Escape, Bronco Sport, Transit and more. Compare maximum trailer weights, engines, towing packages, hitch requirements, payload limits and other information for 2021 Ford trucks, SUVs and commercial vehicles.
Do not use the model's maximum rating as the rating for every vehicle. Ford towing capability changes with engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, cab, wheelbase, trim, optional equipment, payload, passengers, cargo and towing equipment. Verify the specific vehicle and trailer combination before towing.
Explore the 2021 Guide
Research 2021 Ford Towing by Vehicle
Use this page for a quick comparison, then open the complete Ford document for configuration-specific axle ratios, GCWRs, wheelbases, hitch capacities and trailer weight tables.
Maximum Available Capability
2021 Ford Towing Capacity Highlights
The 2021 Ford towing guide spans everything from compact crossovers and midsize trucks to heavy-duty pickups capable of towing more than 18 tons.
14,000 lbs.
F-150
Maximum available conventional towing with the proper 3.5L EcoBoost configuration.
37,000 lbs.
Super Duty
Maximum available gooseneck trailer weight for a properly configured Super Duty pickup.
9,300 lbs.
Expedition
Maximum available trailer rating with the appropriate Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
7,500 lbs.
Ranger
Maximum available towing with the 2.3L EcoBoost and Trailer Tow Package.
2021 Model Comparison
How Much Can a 2021 Ford Tow?
The table below summarizes selected maximum trailer weights from Ford's 2021 guide. Actual ratings depend on the individual vehicle configuration.
| 2021 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Towing | Important 2021 Detail |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 14,000 lbs. | Maximum available with the 3.5L EcoBoost and applicable Max Trailer Tow Package. |
| F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid | Up to 12,700 lbs. | The new-for-2021 full-hybrid F-150 combines electrification with significant trailer capability. |
| F-150 Power Stroke Diesel | Up to 12,100 lbs. | The 3.0L Power Stroke diesel was still offered in the 2021 F-150 lineup. |
| Super Duty Pickup | Up to 37,000 lbs. | Maximum applies to gooseneck towing. Conventional and fifth-wheel maximums are different. |
| Ranger | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Requires the available Trailer Tow Package for the maximum rating. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,300 lbs. | Maximum available with the applicable Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. |
| Expedition MAX | Up to 9,000 lbs. | The longer-wheelbase MAX has separate trailer and GCWR ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 5,600 lbs. | Certain 3.0L EcoBoost configurations provide the highest Explorer towing rating. |
| Explorer Hybrid | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Properly equipped hybrid configurations have their own GCWR and trailer limits. |
| Bronco | Up to 3,500 lbs. | The returning Bronco appears in Ford's towing guide with both 2.3L and 2.7L EcoBoost configurations. |
| Edge | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Applicable AWD models can reach the maximum with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum applies to a properly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost configuration. |
| Escape Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid | Up to 1,500 lbs. | Hybrid models carry a lower maximum trailer rating. |
| Bronco Sport | Up to 2,200 lbs. | The 2.0L EcoBoost Badlands and First Edition provide the model's highest listed rating. |
| EcoSport | Up to 2,000 lbs. | The 2.0L Ti-VCT 4WD configuration carries the highest EcoSport trailer rating. |
| Transit Connect | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Compact commercial-van towing information remains part of this historical guide. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Certain Mustang configurations are rated to tow; Mach 1 and Shelby GT500 are not recommended for trailer towing. |
| Transit Passenger Van | Up to 4,600 lbs. | Actual rating varies with engine, drivetrain, wheelbase and roof height. |
| Transit Crew Van | Up to 6,500 lbs. | Crew Van configurations receive their own trailer weight ratings. |
| Transit Cargo Van | Up to 6,900 lbs. | Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions use different towing tables. |
| Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Completed vehicle weight and upfit configuration affect actual capability. |
Why the 2021 Ford Towing Guide Is Different
The 2021 model year sits at an important point in Ford's product history. Several major vehicles and powertrains were either new, returning or still available before later lineup changes.
All-New F-150
Ford redesigned the F-150 for 2021 and increased maximum available conventional towing to 14,000 pounds.
PowerBoost Hybrid Debuts
The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 arrived for 2021 with up to 12,700 pounds of available towing capability.
F-150 Diesel Was Still Available
The 3.0L Power Stroke diesel F-150 appears in the 2021 guide with towing capability reaching 12,100 pounds.
Bronco Returns
The 2021 guide includes the returning Bronco with maximum trailer ratings of up to 3,500 pounds.
No Maverick Yet
Maverick does not appear in the 2021 guide because Ford's compact pickup joined the lineup for the following model year.
No F-150 Lightning Yet
This guide predates the production F-150 Lightning, making 2021 one of the last F-150 towing guides centered entirely on gas, hybrid and diesel powertrains.
All-New 2021 F-150
2021 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine
Six available powertrains gave the redesigned F-150 one of the broadest engine lineups in Ford's towing guide.
| 2021 F-150 Engine | Maximum Available Towing | Maximum Available Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 8,200 lbs. | 1,985 lbs. |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 10,100 lbs. | 2,480 lbs. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 14,000 lbs. | 3,250 lbs. |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 12,700 lbs. | 2,120 lbs. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 13,000 lbs. | 3,325 lbs. |
| 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6 | 12,100 lbs. | 1,840 lbs. |
About the 14,000-pound F-150 rating: Ford lists it for specific 3.5L EcoBoost configurations equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. Maximum towing and maximum payload are separate ratings and should not be assumed to occur simultaneously on the same vehicle.
New for 2021
2021 F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Towing
The 2021 model year introduced Ford's PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, combining electric assistance with substantial pickup-truck towing capability.
Maximum Available Towing
12,700 lbs.Ford lists the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 at up to 12,700 pounds of available maximum towing when properly configured.
430 Horsepower & 570 lb.-ft.
The 2021 PowerBoost combined a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with hybrid assistance. Ford listed 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. of torque.
Payload, cab configuration, drivetrain and towing equipment still determine the rating of the specific truck.
2021 Heavy-Duty Towing
2021 Ford Super Duty Towing Capacity
F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickups provide separate conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing ratings.
Conventional Towing
24,200 lbs.Fifth-Wheel Towing
32,500 lbs.Gooseneck Towing
37,000 lbs.2021 Super Duty Engine Choices
- 6.2L Gas V8
- 7.3L Gas V8
- 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8
Why Configuration Matters
F-250, F-350 and F-450 ratings vary according to cab, wheelbase, drivetrain, single- or dual-rear-wheel design, engine, axle ratio, GVWR, payload and hitch type.
The 37,000-pound maximum is a gooseneck rating for a specific properly equipped Super Duty configuration. It should not be applied to every 2021 Super Duty pickup.
Two Different Kinds of Adventure
2021 Ranger & Bronco Towing Capacity
2021 Ford Ranger
Up to 7,500 lbs.The 2021 Ranger uses the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Standard configurations are listed at lower trailer weights, while trucks equipped with the applicable Trailer Tow Package 53R can reach 7,500 pounds.
Ford states that trailer weight should not exceed 3,500 pounds when towing with the bumper only.
2021 Ford Bronco
Up to 3,500 lbs.The newly returned Bronco appears in Ford's towing guide with both 2.3L EcoBoost and 2.7L EcoBoost V6 powertrains.
Properly equipped two-door and four-door configurations are generally listed at up to 3,500 pounds, although some specific combinations carry slightly lower ratings.
Bronco Raptor was not yet part of the 2021 model-year guide.
2021 Ford SUV Towing
Expedition, Explorer, Edge, Escape & Bronco Sport
Ford's 2021 SUV towing lineup spans ratings from lighter recreational trailers to more than 9,000 pounds with Expedition.
Expedition
Up to 9,300 lbs.Properly equipped short-wheelbase Expedition configurations provide the highest SUV rating in the 2021 Ford guide.
Expedition MAX
Up to 9,000 lbs.The longer-wheelbase MAX has separate GCWR and trailer-weight combinations.
Explorer
Up to 5,600 lbs.Certain properly equipped 3.0L EcoBoost Explorer models reach the maximum listed rating.
Explorer Hybrid
Up to 5,000 lbs.Applicable hybrid configurations use their own GCWR and trailer-weight limits.
Edge
Up to 3,500 lbs.Applicable AWD 2.0L EcoBoost models reach the higher rating with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. Edge ST also carries a 3,500-pound maximum.
Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.Properly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost Escape configurations provide the model's highest towing capacity.
Escape Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid
Up to 1,500 lbs.Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Escape configurations have a lower maximum trailer rating.
Bronco Sport
Up to 2,200 lbs.The 2.0L EcoBoost Badlands and First Edition can reach 2,200 pounds with the applicable towing equipment.
EcoSport
Up to 2,000 lbs.Ford lists the 2.0L Ti-VCT 4WD EcoSport at up to 2,000 pounds using appropriate aftermarket equipment.
Historical Towing Research
Why a 2021-Specific Guide Still Matters
Several vehicles and powertrains in the 2021 guide are no longer part of today's new Ford lineup, but thousands remain on the road and in the used-vehicle market.
3.0L Diesel F-150
12,100 lbs.Buyers researching an older diesel F-150 need the correct model-year towing guide rather than today's F-150 specifications.
Ford Edge
3,500 lbs.The historical archive preserves towing information for Edge owners even though the model is no longer part of Ford's current U.S. new-vehicle lineup.
Ford EcoSport
2,000 lbs.The 2021 guide includes EcoSport towing information that is increasingly useful for used-vehicle research.
Van & Commercial Towing
2021 Ford Transit & Commercial Vehicle Towing
Ford's RV & Trailer Towing Guide also includes vans, cutaways, chassis cabs and commercial chassis applications.
Transit Passenger Van
Up to 4,600 lbs.Passenger Van capability varies according to engine, drivetrain, roof height and wheelbase.
Transit Crew Van
Up to 6,500 lbs.Crew Van configurations receive separate maximum loaded trailer weight ratings.
Transit Cargo Van
Up to 6,900 lbs.Ford provides separate rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive towing combinations.
Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab
Up to 7,500 lbs.Completed vehicle weight and body upfit must be considered when determining actual trailer capability.
Transit Connect
Up to 2,000 lbs.The compact Transit Connect Van and Wagon remain part of Ford's 2021 towing information.
Commercial Stripped Chassis
Up to 7,700 lbs.Certain 19,500- and 22,000-lb. GVWR configurations with the applicable Parcel Delivery Package can support up to a 7,700-pound trailer.
RV Chassis Information
2021 Ford Class A Motorhome Chassis
Ford's towing guide includes information not normally found on basic truck-shopping pages, including dedicated RV chassis.
Maximum Trailer Weight
Up to 7,000 lbs.Ford lists a 7,000-pound maximum trailer weight on the applicable 16,000-lb. GVWR Class A Motorhome Chassis.
2021 Motorhome Chassis Specifications
- 7.3L OHV gas V8
- 350 horsepower
- 468 lb.-ft. of torque
- GVWR choices up to 26,000 lbs.
- GCWR choices up to 30,000 lbs.
- Multiple wheelbase configurations
Trailer Categories
Understanding Trailer Classes
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light utility trailers, small boats and compact folding camping trailers.
Class II
2,001-3,500 lbs.Larger folding campers and smaller recreational trailers.
Class III
3,501-5,000 lbs.Larger single-axle and dual-axle trailers requiring additional tow-vehicle capability.
Class IV
Over 5,000 lbs.Larger travel trailers and heavier recreational towing applications.
Proper Trailer Connection
2021 Ford Hitch Types
Weight-Carrying Hitch
Used for many lighter conventional trailers. The receiver, ball mount and hitch ball must all be rated appropriately for the trailer.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Transfers part of the trailer tongue load toward the front axle of the tow vehicle and the trailer axles. It is required for certain higher-weight applications.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Mounted in the pickup bed with trailer king pin weight positioned over the truck. Common with large recreational trailers.
Gooseneck Hitch
A bed-mounted towing system frequently used for heavy equipment, livestock, agricultural and commercial trailers.
Understand More Than Max Towing
Important 2021 Ford Towing Weight Terms
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.
GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum permitted load on an individual axle.
GCW
Gross Combination Weight is the actual weight of the loaded tow vehicle plus loaded trailer.
GCWR
Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer.
Tongue Weight
The portion of conventional trailer weight transferred downward to the vehicle's hitch.
King Pin Weight
The portion of a fifth-wheel trailer's loaded weight supported by the pickup through the hitch.
Find Your Actual Rating
How to Verify a 2021 Ford Towing Capacity
1
Know the Trailer's Loaded Weight
Include cargo, water, fuel, equipment and supplies rather than relying only on advertised dry weight.
2
Identify the Exact Ford Configuration
Engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and option content can all change the rating.
3
Calculate Available Payload
Passengers, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue or king pin weight all use available payload.
4
Verify Required Towing Equipment
Many of Ford's higher ratings require a specific tow package, axle ratio or hitch configuration.
5
Check GVWR, GAWR & GCWR
Staying below maximum trailer weight does not override the vehicle, axle or combined weight limits.
6
Use the Complete Ford Guide
Confirm the vehicle against Ford's detailed towing tables, Owner's Manual and Safety Compliance Certification Label.
RV Owners
Towing a 2021 Ford Behind a Motorhome
Ford's 2021 guide also contains separate sections for four-wheel-down towing and tow-dolly towing.
Four-Wheel-Down Towing
The guide provides model-specific information for Ford vehicles that may be capable of being towed with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome.
Tow-Dolly Towing
Separate Ford guidance identifies applicable vehicles and drivetrains that may be compatible with tow-dolly use. Always follow the vehicle Owner's Manual procedures.
Important 2021 Note
Vehicles Ford Does Not Recommend for Trailer Towing
The 2021 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide specifically identifies certain vehicles as not recommended for trailer towing.
Mustang Mach-E
Ford's 2021 towing guide does not recommend the Mustang Mach-E for trailer towing.
Shelby GT500 Mustang
The high-performance Shelby GT500 is not recommended for trailer towing.
Mustang Mach 1
Ford also identifies the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 as not recommended for trailer towing.
Standardized Tow Testing
SAE J2807 & Ford Towing Ratings
Ford's 2021 guide references the SAE J2807 towing standard. The standard establishes procedures and minimum performance requirements used in determining Gross Combined Weight Ratings and Trailer Weight Ratings, helping make comparisons among similar tow vehicles more consistent.
2021 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2021 Ford F-150?
A properly equipped 2021 Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds with the appropriate 3.5L EcoBoost configuration and Max Trailer Tow Package.
How much can a 2021 F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid tow?
The 2021 F-150 PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 is listed at up to 12,700 pounds of maximum available towing when properly equipped.
How much can a 2021 diesel F-150 tow?
Ford lists the 3.0L Power Stroke diesel F-150 at up to 12,100 pounds of maximum available towing.
How much can a 2021 Ford Super Duty tow?
The 2021 Ford towing guide lists Super Duty pickup maximums of up to 37,000 pounds for gooseneck towing, 32,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing and 24,200 pounds for conventional towing.
How much can a 2021 Ford Ranger tow?
A properly equipped 2021 Ranger with the 2.3L EcoBoost and available Trailer Tow Package can tow up to 7,500 pounds.
How much can a 2021 Ford Bronco tow?
Properly equipped 2021 Bronco configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 2021 Ford Expedition tow?
A properly equipped 2021 Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds. Expedition MAX is listed at up to 9,000 pounds.
How much can a 2021 Ford Explorer tow?
Certain properly equipped 2021 Explorer configurations can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
How much can a 2021 Ford Edge tow?
Properly equipped 2021 Ford Edge AWD configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 2021 Bronco Sport tow?
The 2021 Ford towing guide lists Bronco Sport at up to 2,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Was there a 2021 F-150 Lightning towing rating?
No. The production F-150 Lightning had not yet joined Ford's model-year lineup covered by the 2021 towing guide.
Does trailer tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. Trailer tongue weight or fifth-wheel king pin weight is carried by the tow vehicle and must be considered with passengers, cargo and accessories when checking payload.
Researching a Used 2021 Ford for Towing?
Two vehicles with the same Ford badge can have very different towing capacities. If you're comparing a used 2021 F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Bronco or SUV with a newer Ford, Chuck Anderson Ford can help you understand engines, towing packages, drivetrains, payload and trailer requirements.
Ford Towing Guide Archive
Choose Another Ford Model Year
Towing capacities, engines and required equipment change from year to year. Select the model year that matches the Ford vehicle you own or are researching.
2021 Ford Towing Disclaimer: This page summarizes information contained in Ford's 2021 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 rating or other applicable limits. Consult the complete 2021 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.