Ford F-150 vs. Super Duty: Which truck do I need for towing?

Compare the Ford F-150 vs. Super Duty in towing capability

Figuring out which truck you need for towing can seem daunting. Towing capacities can change based on powertrain, trim level, packages, and other features. At Sherwood Ford in Sherwood Park, AB, we try to keep it simple for you. That’s why we’re bringing you this quick comparison of the Ford F-150 vs. Super Duty trucks, to help you figure out which truck you need for towing.

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Max towing capacity Ford F-150 vs. Super Duty

Which Ford F-Series truck can tow the most?

When it comes to towing, the Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks are both optimal choices. They’re both equipped with towing features and technologies that make it easier to tow. Where they differ is in maximum towing capacity. Higher F-Series trucks like the Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 offer higher towing capacities than the F-150. Here’s a quick look:

The max available towing on the 2026 F-150 is 13,500 pounds.
The max available towing on the 2025 Super Duty is 40,000 pounds for gooseneck towing, 35,000 pounds for 5th wheel towing, and 30,000 pounds for conventional towing.

How much towing capacity do I need?

Compare the towing weight of common equipment

Check out this chart to see which F-Series truck you’ll need for towing.

Equipment to tow	The average weight	F-Series truck for you
Jet Ski Trailer	Up to 3,000 pounds	F-150, any powertrain
Motorcycle Trailer	Up to 3,500 pounds	F-150, any powertrain
Pop Up Camper	Up to 4,000 pounds	F-150, any powertrain
Fishing Boat Trailer	Up to 6,000 pounds	F-150, any powertrain
Small Utility Trailer	Up to 7,000 pounds	F-150, any powertrain
Large Utility Trailer	Up to 10,000 pounds	F-150, Hybrid powertrain and up
Car Trailer	Up to 15,000 pounds	Super Duty, conventional towing
5th Wheel Camper	Up to 20,000 pounds	Super Duty, conventional towing
Large Livestock Trailer	Up to 24,000 pounds	Super Duty, conventional towing
Large Flatbed Trailer	Up to 26,000 pounds	Super Duty, conventional towing
Dump Trailer	Up to 30,000 pounds	Super Duty, conventional towing
Large Boat Trailer	Up to 34,400 pounds	Super Duty, 5th wheel towing
Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer	Up to 36,000 pounds	Super Duty, gooseneck towing

For most recreational towing, the F-150 will provide plenty of towing capacity. However, if you own a large trailer, boat trailer, livestock, or commercial vehicle equipment, you’ll want to choose a Ford Super Duty truck for towing.

Learn more about the Ford Super Duty

Learn more about the Ford F-150

Ford trucks towing frequently asked questions

What towing technologies does Ford offer?

Common towing technologies on Ford trucks include Smart Hitch, Ford Trailer Sway Control, Trailer Reverse Guidance, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Blind Spot Information Systems with Trailer Coverage.

Do all Ford F-150 trucks get the maximum towing capacity?

No, the maximum towing capacity refers to properly equipped models. The maximum capacity changes based on the engine chosen and available package options.

Which F-150 engine can tow the most?

The 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine can tow a best-in-class 13,500 pounds. The next best engine is the 5 L Ti-VCT V8 engine, which can tow up to 12,800 pounds.

How much can the hybrid Ford F-150 tow?

The 2026 Ford F-150 Hybrid with a 3.5 L PowerBoost Full Hybrid engine can tow up to 11,600 pounds. That makes it the third-highest powertrain option available for 2026.

Which Ford F-150 trim level can tow the most?

The 2026 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4×4 with a 6.5-foot box, equipped with the Tow/Haul Package and the Max Tow Axle upgrade, gets the maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds.