Your Guide to Ford Towing Specs, Tech, and Top Picks

Whether you're hauling a camper, a boat, or heavy-duty equipment, this Ford towing guide from J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler is your one-stop resource for understanding how Ford’s lineup supports your toughest jobs. From the legendary Ford F-Series to midsize options like the Ranger, and even towing-capable SUVs like the Expedition and Explorer, Ford provides a wide range of options to match your towing needs.

In this Ford towing guide, we’ll break down key specs, towing capacities, engine options, and expert tips to help you haul with confidence. Let’s find the best Ford for your towing demands—without sacrificing daily driveability.

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The image shows an off-road vehicle on a trailer in a mountainous terrain setting.

Know Before You Tow: Towing Terms Explained 💡

Before choosing the best Ford for towing, it’s important to understand a few key towing terms:

  • Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can pull.

  • Payload: The total weight of what your truck or SUV can carry inside.

  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum operating weight of your vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and hitch weight.

  • Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch.

Knowing these figures will help you use the convenient online Ford towing calculator accurately and avoid exceeding your vehicle’s limits.

The Truck Lineup: Built Ford Tough

When it comes to serious towing capability, Ford trucks have long been the go-to choice for drivers who demand strength, reliability, and cutting-edge tech. From light-duty pickups to heavy-duty haulers, let’s find the best Ford truck for towing.

Ford F-150

Everyday Workhorse with Muscle

As America’s best-selling truck for decades, the F-150 is the best Ford for towing for many buyers. With a range of trims and advanced towing technologies, it offers towing capacities ranging from 5,000 to 14,000 lbs, depending on engine and configuration. It's ideal for boat owners, contractors, and weekend warriors who want flexibility and power.

  • Towing Features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, Trailer Sway Control, Smart Hitch

  • Engines: Choose from the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6, 5.0L V8, or the 3.5L PowerBoost™ Hybrid

  • Best for: Light to heavy-duty towing, daily driving, recreational use

Ford F-250 & F-350 Super Duty

Heavy-Duty Towing Machines

Need next-level power? The Ford Super Duty® lineup is the undisputed heavyweight in this Ford towing guide. With max towing up to 23,000 lbs (with the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke® diesel), the F-250 and F-350 are perfect for hauling RVs, livestock trailers, or large work equipment.

  • Engines: 6.8L V8 gas, 7.3L V8, or the 6.7L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel

  • Towing Features: Available 360-degree camera system, Trailer Brake Controller, Tow/Haul mode

  • Best ford engine for towing: The 6.7L High-Output Diesel offers jaw-dropping torque for the toughest jobs

Midsize & Full-Size SUV Towing Power

Need the towing strength of a truck but prefer the spacious, family-friendly versatility of an SUV? Ford SUVs offer surprisingly strong towing capacity. In this part of our Ford towing guide, we explore two SUV options that combine power, practicality, and comfort.

Ford Expedition

Full-Size SUV, Full-Time Hauler

With available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition tows up to 9,300 lbs, making it one of the strongest SUVs in its class. This is a top contender if you're looking for the best Ford for towing in an SUV body with three-row flexibility.

  • Engine: High-output 3.5L EcoBoost® V6

  • Features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver

  • Best for: Families with boats, campers, or trailers to tow

Ford Explorer

Versatile & Capable

The 2025 Ford Explorer for sale offers towing up to 5,600 lbs when properly equipped, especially in the ST trim with the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6. It's ideal for small boats, utility trailers, or lightweight campers. Use the Ford towing calculator to determine the right configuration for your towing needs!

  • Engine Options: 2.3L EcoBoost® I‑4 or 3.0L EcoBoost® V6

  • Tech: Intelligent 4WD, Terrain Management System™, Trailer Sway Control

  • Utility: Fold-flat third row, generous cargo space, strong powertrain options

Ford Ranger & Maverick: Compact Yet Capable

We’re featuring these smaller trucks in our Ford towing guide for their strong pull, fuel efficiency, and smart features for lighter loads. Whether you're looking for the best Ford for towing a utility trailer or want a daily driver that can handle the occasional haul, these two get the job done.

Ford Ranger

This midsize truck offers a max tow rating of 7,500 lbs when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. It’s perfect for light trailers, small campers, and everyday utility.

  • Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost® I‑4

  • Strength: Compact size with serious pulling power

Ford Maverick

Ford’s compact hybrid truck can tow up to 4,000 lbs with the EcoBoost® engine and tow package. It's an efficient, urban-friendly option with solid versatility.

  • Engine Options: 2.5L hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost® gas engine

  • Best for: Utility trailers, light-duty hauling, and those new to towing

Towing Tech That Makes It Easy

Towing doesn't have to be intimidating—especially when you’ve got smart tech on your side. With intuitive controls, integrated guidance systems, and real-time feedback, these tools take the stress out of trailering.

Here’s our Ford towing guide breakdown of the advanced technologies available across many Ford trucks and SUVs:

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If backing up a trailer has ever made your palms sweat, Ford has your solution. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ allows you to steer your trailer with a dashboard-mounted knob—turn the knob left or right, and your trailer follows. The system takes over the steering, helping you back up with precision while avoiding overcorrection.

  • Ideal for reversing into tight spots, campgrounds, or driveways

  • Takes the guesswork out of trailer steering

  • Available on F-150, Super Duty®, and select SUVs

Even novice drivers can look like pros, making this feature a standout in the best Ford for towing toolkit.

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Choosing the Best Ford for Your Towing Needs

When comparing the best Ford for towing, consider:

  • What you’re towing: Size, weight, and frequency matter

  • How far you’re going: Longer trips demand more engine and comfort

  • Who’s going with you: Passengers and cargo affect payload and towing dynamics

Need personalized help? Use the Ford towing calculator to match your needs with specific vehicles, or visit J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler for a custom towing consultation with our team.

Ready to Tow with Confidence?

From compact pickups to full-size powerhouses, Ford builds vehicles that don’t just tow—they lead the way. With the help of our Ford towing guide, you're equipped to choose the right model, engine, and tech features that fit your exact needs.

Still wondering which is the best Ford for towing your camper, boat, or trailer? Let the experts at J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler help. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through towing packages, and find your perfect fit.

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FAQs: Tow Smarter, Safer, and Stronger

Whether you're new to towing or a seasoned pro, questions come with the territory, and we’re here to help. This section of our Ford towing guide tackles the most common questions drivers ask about finding the best Ford for towing your setup, packages, features, and more.

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