When it comes to getting the job done, few trucks match the legendary towing prowess of the Ford F-150. Whether you're hauling a boat to the lake, towing a travel trailer for weekend adventures, or moving equipment for work, understanding your F-150's towing capacity is essential. The good news? The 2025 Ford F-150 can tow up to an impressive 13,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it one of the most capable light-duty trucks on the market.

But here's the thing – not every F-150 can tow the same amount. Your truck's towing capacity depends on several factors, including which engine you choose, your cab and bed configuration, and whether you've added the right towing packages. Let's break down everything you need to know to maximize your F-150's hauling potential.

The 2025 Ford F-150's maximum conventional towing capacity is 13,500 pounds. To achieve this top rating, you'll need a specific setup: a SuperCrew cab with a 6.5-foot bed, 4x4 drivetrain, the powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, and the Tow/Haul Package.

For those who need to carry heavy loads in the truck bed, the F-150 offers a maximum payload capacity of 2,440 pounds. To hit this max payload, you'll want a Regular Cab 4x2 with an 8-foot bed equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Keep in mind that your specific truck's capacity will vary based on your exact configuration, the weight of passengers and cargo, and any aftermarket accessories you've added. Always check the Safety Compliance Certification Label on your driver's side door jamb for your truck's specific ratings.

Your engine choice is the single biggest factor affecting your F-150's towing capacity. Here's what each powerplant offers:

2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft) This efficient turbocharged V6 can tow up to 8,400 pounds when properly equipped. It's perfect for daily drivers who occasionally tow lighter loads like small boats or utility trailers.

5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft) The traditional V8 option delivers up to 11,600 pounds of towing capacity. If you prefer classic V8 power and need serious towing muscle, this proven engine won't disappoint.

3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft) This is the towing champion of the lineup, achieving the F-150's maximum 13,500-pound capacity. It's the go-to choice for those who regularly tow heavy travel trailers or large boats.

3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft combined) The hybrid powertrain can tow up to 11,200 pounds while delivering better fuel economy. As a bonus, it offers up to 704 miles of driving range per tank and doubles as a mobile generator.

3.5L EcoBoost High-Output V6 - Raptor (450 hp, 510 lb-ft) The Raptor's performance-tuned engine delivers 450 horsepower and can tow up to 8,200 pounds, balancing off-road capability with respectable towing.

5.2L Supercharged V8 - Raptor R (720 hp, 640 lb-ft) This beast of an engine produces 720 horsepower and offers towing capacity around 8,700 pounds. It's built for adrenaline, not necessarily max towing.

Understanding the factors that influence towing capacity helps you configure the perfect truck for your needs.

Cab and Bed Configuration The F-150 offers three cab styles: Regular Cab (seating up to 3), SuperCab (seating up to 6), and SuperCrew (seating up to 6 with more interior space). Generally, lighter configurations with longer beds achieve higher towing numbers. For example, Regular Cab and SuperCab models can accommodate 6.5-foot or 8-foot beds, while SuperCrew models are limited to 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds.

Drivetrain: 2WD vs 4WD While 4WD provides better traction for challenging conditions, it adds weight to your truck. This means 2WD configurations typically have slightly higher towing capacities due to their lighter curb weight.

Axle Ratio The Tow/Haul Package includes either a 3.55 or 3.73 electronic-locking rear axle, which provides better gear ratios for pulling heavy loads. The higher the number, the more torque multiplication you get for towing – though you may sacrifice some highway fuel economy.

Packages and Equipment For configurations towing over 11,600 pounds, you'll need the Tow/Haul Package along with the Max Tow Axle to reach maximum capacity. Without these packages, your towing capability will be reduced.

The 2025 F-150 comes well-equipped for towing right from the factory, but adding the right packages makes a world of difference.

Every 2025 F-150 comes standard with a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, seven-wire harness, and four-/seven-pin connector. This foundation supports towing loads up to 10,000 pounds before you even add optional packages.

Covering more essentials, the Tow/Haul Package package includes an integrated trailer brake controller and an electronic-locking rear axle (either 3.55 or 3.73 ratio). It's required to achieve maximum towing capacity with certain engine and configuration combinations.

Available towing aids are exclusive Ford features. Pro Trailer Backup Assist lets you control trailer reversing with just the turn of a knob – the system handles the steering. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist helps with maneuvering your truck into position when hitching up. 

A Smart Trailer Tow Connector monitors your trailer's lights and alerts you on the driver information screen if any bulbs are out. Blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage warns you of vehicles in your blind spots even when towing. The available 360-degree camera provides multiple views to help with hitching and maneuvering in tight spaces.

Let's get practical. Here's what you can actually haul with your F-150:

Travel Trailers and RVs: Most travel trailers in the 20-30 foot range weigh between 3,000-7,000 pounds loaded. The F-150 handles these with ease. Larger fifth-wheel trailers are possible with the right setup.

Boats: A 20-24 foot boat with a trailer typically weighs 3,500-5,500 pounds. Even larger boats up to 28 feet (around 8,000-10,000 pounds with trailer) are manageable with the 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8.

Horse Trailers: A two-horse bumper-pull trailer weighs around 3,000-4,500 pounds loaded, well within the F-150's capability. Larger multi-horse trailers may push higher in the range but are still doable.

Enclosed Cargo Trailers: Standard enclosed trailers (16-20 feet) loaded with equipment or household goods typically fall in the 4,000-8,000 pound range.

Recreational Toys: ATVs, UTVs, and jet skis on trailers are light work for any F-150, usually weighing under 3,000 pounds total.

Remember, always check your specific truck's door jamb label for exact capacity, and account for passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of your trailer.

Towing safely is just as important as towing capability. Follow these essential guidelines:

Follow the 10-15% tongue weight rule: Your trailer's tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. This ensures proper weight distribution and stable handling.

Never exceed your rated capacity: Maximum towing capabilities are calculated with a 150-lb driver and passenger, and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers. Your actual capacity decreases with each person and item you add.

Use proper equipment: Ensure your hitch, ball mount, and safety chains are rated for your trailer's weight. Consider a weight distribution hitch for heavier loads to maintain level ride height.

Check your brakes: Many states require trailer brakes for loads over a certain weight. The F-150's integrated trailer brake controller provides smooth, synchronized braking. When it’s factory installed, you have the reassurance that it is covered under your limited warranty.

Maintain your truck: Towing puts extra stress on the truck engine, transmission, and brakes. Follow Ford's maintenance schedule, especially if you tow frequently or in challenging conditions.

The Ford F-150 offers unmatched versatility in the light-duty truck segment, with towing configurations to match virtually any need. Whether you're towing occasionally or making it a regular part of your routine, there's an F-150 setup that's perfect for you. The key is choosing the right combination of engine, cab, bed, and packages to match your specific hauling requirements.