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