Official 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Official Ford Towing Information
2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide
Research 2026 Ford towing capacities, payload considerations, trailer classes, hitch styles, towing packages, weight limits and towing information for Ford trucks, SUVs, vans, commercial vehicles and motorhome chassis.
Important: Maximum Ford towing capacity is not a universal rating for every vehicle wearing the same model name. Actual capability varies according to vehicle configuration, engine, axle ratio, drivetrain, trim, optional equipment, accessories, cargo and number of passengers. Always verify the ratings for the specific vehicle before towing.
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2026 Ford Towing Capacity Overview
How Much Can a 2026 Ford Tow?
The 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide covers everything from compact pickups and SUVs to heavy-duty pickups capable of towing extremely large recreational and commercial trailers.
13,500 lbs.
2026 F-150
Maximum available towing when properly equipped with the appropriate engine, configuration and towing equipment.
40,000 lbs.
2026 Super Duty
Maximum available towing with a properly equipped Super Duty and applicable gooseneck towing configuration.
9,600 lbs.
2026 Expedition
Maximum listed trailer capacity for properly equipped Expedition configurations.
7,500 lbs.
2026 Ranger
Maximum available towing for properly equipped Ranger configurations with the required Trailer Tow Package.
Model-by-Model
2026 Ford Maximum Towing Capacity at a Glance
These figures show selected maximum available ratings from the Ford guide. They should never be used as a substitute for checking the exact engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, wheelbase, payload and equipment of the vehicle being used.
| 2026 Ford Vehicle | Maximum Listed Trailer Weight | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Up to 13,500 lbs. | Maximum capability requires the proper configuration and towing equipment. Some configurations require the Tow/Haul Package and optional Max Tow Axle. |
| Super Duty Pickup | Up to 40,000 lbs. | Maximum rating applies to a properly equipped Super Duty using an applicable gooseneck configuration. |
| Ranger | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Trailer Tow Package is required for trailers over 3,500 lbs. Ranger Raptor is rated differently. |
| Ranger Raptor | Up to 5,510 lbs. | Uses the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and has its own vehicle-specific towing rating. |
| Maverick | Up to 4,000 lbs. | Requires the 4K Tow Package for ratings above 2,000 lbs. Availability varies by drivetrain and powertrain. |
| Expedition | Up to 9,600 lbs. | Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow equipment and a weight-distributing hitch may be required depending on trailer weight. |
| Expedition MAX | Up to 9,000 lbs. | Long-wheelbase Expedition MAX carries its own vehicle-specific ratings. |
| Explorer | Up to 5,000 lbs. | The guide lists a 5,000-lb. maximum for applicable gas and hybrid configurations. |
| Bronco | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Applies to properly equipped non-Raptor Bronco configurations. |
| Bronco Raptor | Up to 4,500 lbs. | Bronco Raptor includes its own towing package and rating. |
| Bronco Sport | Up to 2,700 lbs. | Maximum rating applies to properly equipped Badlands configurations. |
| Escape | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Maximum rating applies to certain 2.0L EcoBoost models equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. |
| Mustang | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Applies to listed EcoBoost and GT configurations. Mustang Dark Horse is not rated to tow a trailer. |
| Transit Cargo Van | Up to 6,900 lbs. | Rating varies considerably with engine, roof height, wheelbase, drivetrain and vehicle configuration. |
| Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab | Up to 7,500 lbs. | Available on select configurations. Vehicle body and completed vehicle weight must be considered. |
| Class A Motorhome Chassis | Up to 6,000 lbs. | The guide lists multiple GVWR and GCWR combinations depending on the completed motorhome configuration. |
| Commercial Stripped Chassis | Up to 7,700 lbs. | Maximum rating requires applicable configurations and the Parcel Delivery Package. |
F-Series Towing
2026 Ford F-150 & Super Duty Towing
F-Series represents the highest-capability towing vehicles in the 2026 Ford lineup, but there is an enormous range between individual configurations.
2026 Ford F-150 Towing
The F-150 offers six powertrain choices in the 2026 towing guide, including EcoBoost, V8, PowerBoost Hybrid and Raptor-specific engines.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 — up to 8,400 lbs.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 — up to 13,500 lbs.
- 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 — up to 12,400 lbs.
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 — up to 12,800 lbs.
- 3.5L High Output EcoBoost V6 — up to 8,200 lbs.
- 5.2L Supercharged V8 — up to 8,700 lbs.
The guide notes that horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not all be achieved simultaneously.
2026 Ford Super Duty Towing
Super Duty offers gas and Power Stroke diesel powertrains for conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing.
- 6.8L Gas V8 — up to 18,900 lbs.
- 7.3L Gas V8 — up to 22,500 lbs.
- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel — up to 38,600 lbs.
- 6.7L High Output Power Stroke Diesel — up to 40,000 lbs.
The highest ratings require specific vehicle configurations, equipment and hitch setups. Never assume every F-250, F-350 or F-450 has the same towing capacity.
Midsize & Compact Trucks
2026 Ranger & Maverick Towing Capacity
2026 Ford Ranger
Properly equipped Ranger models with the 2.3L EcoBoost or 2.7L EcoBoost engine can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Ford requires the Trailer Tow Package for trailers over 3,500 pounds.
Ranger Raptor uses the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and carries a maximum listed trailer weight of 5,510 pounds.
Ford lists a maximum frontal area of 30 square feet without the Trailer Tow Package and 55 square feet with it.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Maverick towing guide lists ratings of up to 4,000 pounds with the available 4K Tow Package. Without that capability, listed configurations generally carry a 2,000-pound maximum trailer rating.
Ford's 4K Tow Package includes towing-related equipment such as the hitch receiver, trailer electrical connections, upgraded cooling components and trailer brake controller.
Ford lists trailer frontal-area limits of 29 square feet without the 4K Tow Package and 40 square feet with it.
2026 Ford SUV Towing
Expedition, Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport & Escape
Ford SUVs cover towing needs ranging from small utility trailers to larger boats and travel trailers.
Ford Expedition
Up to 9,600 lbs.
The highest Expedition rating in the guide comes from properly equipped short-wheelbase configurations.
Expedition MAX: up to 9,000 lbs.
Ford Explorer
Up to 5,000 lbs.
The 2026 guide lists a 5,000-pound maximum trailer rating across applicable 2.3L, 3.0L, gas and hybrid configurations.
Ford Bronco
Up to 4,500 lbs.
Standard Bronco configurations are generally rated to as much as 3,500 pounds, while Bronco Raptor reaches 4,500 pounds.
Ford Bronco Sport
Up to 2,700 lbs.
Properly equipped Bronco Sport Badlands models carry the highest Bronco Sport trailer rating.
Ford Escape
Up to 3,500 lbs.
Certain 2.0L EcoBoost models with the Class II Trailer Tow Package reach the highest Escape rating.
Ford Mustang
Up to 1,000 lbs.
Certain EcoBoost and GT models have a listed 1,000-pound trailer rating. Mustang Dark Horse is not rated for trailer towing.
Commercial & RV Applications
2026 Transit, E-Series & Motorhome Towing
Ford's towing guide goes beyond pickup trucks and SUVs. It also includes detailed information for commercial vans, cutaways, chassis cabs, stripped chassis and recreational-vehicle chassis.
Transit Passenger Van
Up to 4,500 lbs.
Capability depends on engine, wheelbase, roof height and drivetrain.
Transit Cargo Van
Up to 6,900 lbs.
Available towing ratings vary among rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Transit Cutaway / Chassis Cab
Up to 7,500 lbs.
Completed vehicle weight and body configuration must be considered when calculating actual towing capability.
E-Series
Configuration Specific
E-Series uses GCWR minus actual vehicle GVW, subject to Ford's stated limits, rather than one universal towing figure.
Class A Motorhome Chassis
Up to 6,000 lbs.
Multiple GVWR and GCWR combinations are listed for Class A recreational-vehicle applications.
Commercial Stripped Chassis
Up to 7,700 lbs.
Maximum capability varies with GVWR, GCWR and the applicable Parcel Delivery Package.
Towing Basics
Ford Trailer Classes Explained
Ford divides recreational trailers into four broad weight classes in the 2026 RV & Trailer Towing Guide.
Class I
Up to 2,000 lbs.Light-duty trailers such as small folding campers and trailers for smaller boats, motorcycles or snowmobiles.
Class II
2,001-3,500 lbs.Medium-duty applications including larger folding campers and smaller single-axle travel trailers.
Class III
3,501-5,000 lbs.Heavy-duty applications such as larger single-axle and dual-axle travel trailers.
Class IV
Over 5,000 lbs.Extra-heavy-duty applications including large travel trailers and fifth-wheel recreational trailers.
Connecting the Trailer
Common Hitch Styles in the 2026 Ford Towing Guide
Weight-Carrying Hitch
Commonly used with smaller and medium-sized trailers. The hitch and ball must be appropriately rated for the trailer and load.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Uses spring bars or equalizing equipment to distribute tongue weight across the tow vehicle and trailer wheels. Ford requires or recommends this setup for certain heavier applications.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Mounted in the pickup bed so a portion of the trailer weight is carried over the tow vehicle. Fifth-wheel hitches are commonly used with large RV trailers.
Gooseneck Hitch
Mounted in the truck bed and commonly used for heavier commercial, agricultural and recreational towing applications.
Understand the Ratings
Towing Capacity Is Only One Part of the Equation
Before choosing a trailer or tow vehicle, understand how the vehicle's weight ratings work together.
Base Curb Weight
Vehicle weight including a full tank of fuel and standard equipment, but excluding passengers, cargo and optional equipment.
Payload
The combined maximum allowable weight of passengers and cargo the vehicle is designed to carry.
GVW — Gross Vehicle Weight
The actual weight of the vehicle after passengers, cargo and other weight have been added.
GVWR — Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
The maximum allowable loaded vehicle weight. GVW must never exceed GVWR.
GAWR — Gross Axle Weight Rating
The maximum allowable load carried by an individual front or rear axle.
GCW — Gross Combination Weight
The actual weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle plus the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR — Gross Combination Weight Rating
The maximum allowable combined weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer.
Tongue / King Pin Weight
The portion of trailer weight pressing down on the tow vehicle through the conventional hitch, fifth-wheel or gooseneck connection.
2026 Ford Tongue & King Pin Weight Guidance
Trailers Up to 2,000 lbs.
Ford states tongue load should not exceed 200 pounds.
Conventional Trailers Over 2,000 lbs.
The guide generally uses tongue weight equal to approximately 10% of loaded trailer weight.
Fifth-Wheel Trailers
The guide generally uses king pin weight equal to approximately 15% of loaded trailer weight.
Before You Hitch Up
2026 Ford Towing Checklist
1
Know the Trailer's Loaded Weight
Include cargo, fluids, equipment and everything that will actually be inside or attached to the trailer.
2
Identify the Exact Tow Vehicle
Confirm model, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase, GVWR, payload and applicable towing equipment.
3
Calculate Passenger & Cargo Weight
People, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue or pin weight consume available payload.
4
Confirm Hitch & Brake Equipment
Make sure the hitch, ball, wiring, safety chains and trailer braking system are appropriate for the trailer being used.
5
Check the Vehicle Labels & Owner's Manual
Verify GVWR, GAWR, tire pressures and other vehicle-specific information before towing.
6
Weigh the Combination
Ford recommends weighing the fully loaded tow vehicle and trailer to make sure critical weight limits are not exceeded.
On the Road
Basic Trailer-Towing Practices
Before Leaving
- Practice turning, stopping and backing before entering traffic.
- Check trailer lights and electrical connections.
- Confirm hitch and safety-chain connections.
- Know the clearance needed for the trailer roof.
- Check tires and recommended cold inflation pressures.
While Towing
- Allow considerably more stopping distance.
- Swing wider when turning to clear curbs and obstacles.
- Allow extra room when passing.
- Use Tow/Haul mode when applicable.
- Use additional caution in hills and mountainous terrain.
Consistent Towing Measurement
SAE J2807 Towing Standard
Ford states that it applies the SAE J2807 testing standard to its vehicles. SAE J2807 defines procedures and requirements used to determine Gross Combined Weight Ratings and calculate trailer weight ratings, helping provide a consistent basis for comparing similar tow vehicles.
2026 Ford Towing FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2026 Ford F-150?
The 2026 Ford towing guide lists a maximum available towing capacity of 13,500 pounds for a properly equipped F-150. The actual rating depends on engine, cab, drivetrain, axle ratio, wheelbase, payload, options and towing equipment.
What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2026 Ford Super Duty?
Ford lists maximum available towing of 40,000 pounds for a properly equipped Super Duty using the applicable High Output Power Stroke diesel and gooseneck towing configuration.
How much can a 2026 Ford Ranger tow?
Properly equipped Ranger configurations can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Ford requires the Trailer Tow Package for trailers weighing more than 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 2026 Ford Maverick tow?
Properly equipped 2026 Maverick configurations can tow up to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Tow Package. Other configurations have lower ratings.
How much can a 2026 Ford Expedition tow?
The highest maximum trailer weight listed for the 2026 Expedition is 9,600 pounds. Expedition MAX configurations are listed at up to 9,000 pounds.
How much can a 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
The 2026 Ford towing guide lists maximum loaded trailer weights of up to 5,000 pounds for applicable Explorer configurations.
Does payload reduce how much I can tow?
Payload is a critical part of the towing calculation. Passengers, cargo, options, accessories and trailer tongue or king pin weight all contribute to vehicle weight and can limit the trailer weight that a specific vehicle can safely handle.
Where can I find the full 2026 Ford towing guide?
Use the PDF link near the top of this page to view the complete 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, including detailed configuration tables, axle ratios, GCWR figures, towing packages and hitch information.
Need Help Choosing the Right Ford for Your Trailer?
Tell the team at Chuck Anderson Ford what you plan to tow. Bring us the trailer's loaded weight, tongue or king pin weight and information about how you intend to use your vehicle, and we can help you compare Ford trucks and SUVs with the engines, drivetrains and towing equipment that fit your needs.
Ford Towing Guide Archive
Looking for Another Model Year?
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2026 Ford Towing Disclaimer: Information on this page is summarized from the 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide and is provided for research purposes. Maximum towing capacities are for properly equipped vehicles and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. Do not exceed GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight, hitch receiver ratings or other limits applicable to the specific vehicle. Before towing, consult the complete 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, the vehicle Owner's Manual, the Safety Compliance Certification Label and other information applicable to the specific vehicle and trailer. Chuck Anderson Ford is located at 1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.