The Complete Guide to Ford's Towing Capabilities

Shop Inventory Get Financing Contact Us

Built to Tow: Your Gallatin Ford Towing Capability Guide

Whether you’re pulling a boat to Old Hickory Lake or hauling equipment through the hills of Middle Tennessee, towing power matters. At Gallatin Ford in Gallatin, TN, we know our customers demand capability from their Ford trucks and SUVs. The experts at our dealership have created this guide to Ford’s towing capabilities, breaking down the details that matter most – maximum towing capacity, payload, tow packages, and tech – across Ford’s most popular vehicles. From the nimble Ford Maverick to the legendary Ford Super Duty, this is your go-to towing capacity guide for the Ford lineup.

We’ll walk you through:

  • Max Towing and Payload by Model
  • Available Tow Packages and Features
  • Important Towing Terms (GCWR, GVWR, etc.)
  • Smart Trailer Tech Like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™
  • Choosing the Right Ford Model Based on Your Needs

Ford Towing Terms: Know what You’re Working With

Before comparing towing capacities across Ford trucks and SUVs, let’s clear up the key terms:

  • Towing capacity: The maximum weight a vehicle can tow safely.
  • Payload: The total weight your vehicle can carry inside, including people and cargo.
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Measures the maximum total weight of the vehicle with passengers and payload.
  • GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Measures the maximum weight of the loaded vehicle plus a loaded trailer.
  • Max trailer tow package: Ford’s upgraded towing kit for certain models.
  • Conventional towing: Towing with a rear-mounted hitch (not fifth-wheel or gooseneck).

Compact Yet Capable: Ford Maverick & Ford Ranger

Ford Maverick

This compact pickup truck punches above its weight. With its available towing package and hybrid powertrain or turbocharged EcoBoost® engine, the Ford Maverick offers surprising capability for a city-sized truck.

  • Max towing capacity: 4,000 pounds (EcoBoost + 4K Tow Package)
  • Payload capacity: Up to 1,500 pounds
  • Available: Hybrid and Gas Engines
  • Perfect for: Small Trailers, Jet Skis, Lightweight Campers

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger blends midsize dimensions with full-size truck performance. Equipped with a turbocharged engine and available towing upgrades, it’s a go-to for outdoor lovers in Gallatin.

  • Max towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
  • Payload: Up to 1,905 pounds
  • Standard: Class IV Hitch and Trailer Sway Control Available
  • Ideal for: Bass Boats, Small RVs, Utility Trailers

SUV Strength: Ford Explorer, Expedition, Bronco Line

Ford Explorer

A favorite among families who tow, the Ford Explorer offers both V6 and hybrid powertrains with plenty of muscle.

  • Max towing capacity: 5,600 pounds
  • Payload: Up to 1,560 pounds
  • Available: Trailer Tow Package
  • Great for: Pop-Up Campers, Small Boats, ATVs

Ford Expedition

Need full-size power? The Ford Expedition delivers serious towing capabilities, especially with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.

  • Max towing capacity: 9,300 pounds
  • Payload: Up to 1,750 pounds
  • Available: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, and Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
  • Built for: Campers, Horse Trailers, Large Boats

Ford Bronco & Bronco Sport

The rugged Bronco brings off-road spirit with a healthy dose of utility. It’s ready for weekend adventures or overlanding with small trailers.

  • Ford Bronco max towing: 3,500 pounds
  • Ford Bronco Sport max towing: 2,200 pounds (with Class II Trailer Tow Package)
  • Available: Trailer Sway Control and Cargo Management Systems
  • Best for: Kayaks, Dirt Bikes, Teardrop Campers

Ford Trucks: Serious Muscle with Super Duty Performance

Ford F-150

America’s best-selling pickup truck handles weekday jobs and weekend hauls with ease. Its range of engines and max trailer tow packages make it one of the most flexible trucks around.

  • Max towing capacity: Up to 14,000 pounds (3.5L EcoBoost®)
  • Payload: Up to 3,325 pounds
  • Optional: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Smart Trailer Tow Connector
  • Tow-friendly tech: Onboard Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, 360° Camera

Ford Super Duty® (F-250, F-350, F-450)

When it’s time for heavy-duty hauling, Super Duty trucks are the tool for the job. With multiple gas and Power Stroke® diesel engine options, you can customize for towing max loads confidently.

  • F-250: Up to 22,000 pounds Towing, 4,268 pounds Payload
  • F-350: Up to 24,200 pounds Towing, 7,850 pounds Payload
  • F-450: Up to 40,000 pounds Towing, 6,210 pounds Payload
  • Available: Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, and Trailer Coverage Alerts
  • Designed for: Construction Trailers, Large RVs, Fifth-Wheel Setups, Toy Haulers

Crossover and SUV Utility: Escape, Edge, and More

Ford Escape

Don’t overlook this compact SUV when it comes to weekend towing.

  • Max towing: 3,500 pounds (2.0L EcoBoost® engine with Class II Trailer Tow Package)
  • Ideal for: Small Utility Trailers, Jet Skis

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge bridges comfort and utility.

  • Max towing: 3,500 pounds
  • Available: Class II Trailer Tow Package
  • Smooth Transmission and Confident Drive for Light-Duty Hauling

Technology that Makes Towing Smarter

Ford’s advanced towing tech helps drivers tow with confidence. Some available systems across the Ford lineup include:

  • Pro Trailer Backup Assist™: This controls trailer direction with a simple knob.
  • Smart Trailer Tow Connector: It monitors trailer connectivity and alerts.
  • Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: This synchronizes braking between trailer and vehicle.
  • Trailer Sway Control: This automatically applies the brakes to help maintain control.
  • Hitches & Connectors: Ford offers Class II and Class III hitches, depending on your setup.

If you’re unsure which Ford truck or SUV best fits your towing needs, use Ford’s Towing Calculator to find a match based on cargo, trailer weight, and your planned terrain.

Match Your Tow Load with the Right Ford Model

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right Ford vehicle based on your towing needs:

  • Up to 2,000 pounds: Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, Maverick Hybrid
  • Up to 3,500 pounds: Ford Edge, Explorer, Bronco
  • Up to 5,000 pounds: Ranger, Explorer V6, Escape 2.0-liter EcoBoost
  • Up to 7,500 pounds: Ford Ranger, F-150 (base engines)
  • Over 10,000 pounds: F-150 with Max Tow, Super Duty F-250/F-350
  • Over 14,000 pounds: Super Duty F-450, with Max Trailer Tow Package

Visit Gallatin Ford for Expert Towing Help

Need help choosing the right Ford model for your trailer, camper, or work equipment? Our team at Gallatin Ford in Gallatin, TN, is here to help you navigate the full Ford lineup and find the right powertrain, tow package, and features to match your goals.

Let’s get you towing confidently – schedule your visit to Gallatin Ford today.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.