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Best Ford Trucks for Towing, From Maverick to Super Duty

· 9 min read
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Four Ford Trucks That Pull Their Weight in Kentucky

Every truck in Ford's lineup can tow something. The question is how much, and what it'll cost you in fuel, parking space, and monthly payments to get there. A Maverick with the right package hauls a pair of jet skis to Lake Cumberland without complaint, while an F-450 drags a 40,000-pound gooseneck like it's an empty flatbed. Picking between them starts with an honest look at what you actually hook to your hitch.

  • The 2026 Maverick tows up to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Tow Package, and that package is available on the hybrid AWD model.
  • An F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated for 13,500 pounds, which Ford calls the highest gas tow rating in its class.
  • A 2026 F-450 with the High-Output Power Stroke diesel and the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package reaches Ford's 40,000-pound ceiling.

Maverick Handles the Light Stuff

Best-Ford-Trucks-for-Towing-From-Maverick-to-Super-Duty-Maverick

The Maverick is the truck for people who want a truck bed and a car payment. XL, XLT, and Lariat trims come standard with a 2.5L hybrid rated at 191 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city with front-wheel drive. An available 2.0L EcoBoost steps up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Out of the box, every Maverick tows 2,000 pounds. Add the 4K Tow Package to an AWD XL, XLT, or Lariat, and it doubles to 4,000 pounds, with a Class III receiver, trailer brake controller, and an upgraded cooling fan included. Lobo and Tremor stay at 2,000 pounds, so plan on lighter loads with the street truck or the off-road one. Payload tops out at 1,500 pounds.

Ranger Steps Up to 7,500 Pounds

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Real trailers enter the conversation here. A 2.3L EcoBoost with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft is standard, and XLT and Lariat 4x4 models can add a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. Both engines reach the same 7,500-pound maximum, but only with the Trailer Tow Package. Ford is clear that the package isn't optional if you plan to tow.

Payload peaks at 1,767 pounds on a 2.3L 4x2 truck. The Ranger Raptor is the fun one with its 405-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost, but Ford rates it for 5,510 pounds. For a 20-foot travel trailer or a bass boat, the regular Ranger does the job and still fits in the garage.

F-150 Covers the Widest Range

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No other Ford gives you this many ways to tow. The base 2.7L EcoBoost V6 handles 8,400 pounds. A 5.0L V8 with 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft climbs to 12,800 pounds. Then the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, with 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft, tops the lineup at 13,500 pounds on a SuperCrew 4x4 with the 6.5-foot box, Tow/Haul Package, and Max Tow axle upgrade.

The 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid is the wild card. Ford lists it at 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, with an 11,600-pound tow rating, plus Pro Power Onboard with up to 7.2 kW of power at the bed outlets. That's a generator you don't have to load. Max payload is 2,440 pounds with the 3.5L EcoBoost, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist comes standard from Lariat up.

Super Duty for the Serious Haulers

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The 2026 Super Duty covers the F-250, F-350, and F-450 with four engines. Gas buyers can choose between a 6.8L V8 with 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft, and a 7.3L V8 with 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft. On the diesel side, the 6.7L Power Stroke turns out 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft, and the High-Output version hits 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft.

Max conventional towing is 30,000 pounds on an F-450 dual-rear-wheel diesel. Switch to a gooseneck hitch, and the F-450 with the High-Output diesel and 40K Gooseneck Tow Package reaches 40,000 pounds. Even an F-250 can reach 22,000 pounds conventionally with that diesel and the High-Capacity Axle Upgrade Package. One heads-up for shoppers. Ford's site already shows the 2027 Super Duty with only the 7.3L gas V8 and the High-Output diesel, so confirm the model year before comparing numbers.

2026 Ford Towing Specs by Model and Engine

Engine Horsepower / Torque Max Towing Max Payload What It Takes
2026 Ford Maverick
2.5L Hybrid 191 hp combined 4,000 lbs 1,500 lbs AWD plus 4K Tow Package on XL, XLT, or Lariat. 2,000 lbs standard.
2.0L EcoBoost 250 hp / 280 lb-ft 4,000 lbs 1,500 lbs AWD plus 4K Tow Package. Lobo and Tremor are rated at 2,000 lbs.
2026 Ford Ranger
2.3L EcoBoost 270 hp / 310 lb-ft 7,500 lbs 1,767 lbs Trailer Tow Package required. Payload figure is 4x2.
2.7L EcoBoost V6 315 hp / 400 lb-ft 7,500 lbs 1,513 lbs 4x4 only, on XLT and Lariat. Trailer Tow Package required.
3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Raptor) 405 hp / 430 lb-ft 5,510 lbs 1,373 lbs Trailer Tow Package is standard on Raptor.
2026 Ford F-150
2.7L EcoBoost V6 325 hp / 400 lb-ft 8,400 lbs 1,775 lbs Standard engine on XL, STX, and XLT.
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 400 hp / 410 lb-ft 12,800 lbs 2,235 lbs Max rating needs the Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow axle.
3.5L EcoBoost V6 400 hp / 500 lb-ft 13,500 lbs 2,440 lbs Max tow needs a SuperCrew 4x4, 6.5-ft box, Tow/Haul Package, and Max Tow axle. Payload figure is a Regular Cab 4x2 with the 8-ft box.
3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6 430 hp / 570 lb-ft 11,600 lbs 1,740 lbs SuperCrew only. Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow axle for the max rating.
3.5L High-Output EcoBoost (Raptor) 450 hp / 510 lb-ft 8,200 lbs 1,410 lbs Raptor only, 4x4 standard.
2026 Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450)
6.8L Gas V8 405 hp / 445 lb-ft 18,900 lbs 8,000 lbs Gooseneck rating. Needs the Heavy-Duty Payload Package.
7.3L Gas V8 430 hp / 485 lb-ft 22,500 lbs 7,635 lbs Gooseneck rating.
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft 38,600 lbs 6,952 lbs Gooseneck rating. Max conventional across Super Duty is 30,000 lbs.
6.7L High-Output Power Stroke Diesel 500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft 40,000 lbs 6,935 lbs F-450 with the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package.

All figures come from ford.com and Ford's official 2026 towing guides and apply to properly equipped trucks. Towing and payload change with cab, bed length, drivetrain, axle ratio, options, and passengers. Check the door jamb label on any specific truck before you hitch up.

Matching the Truck to the Trailer

Start with the loaded weight of what you tow, not the brochure's empty weight. Then remember that tongue weight counts against payload. Ford's towing guides call for about 10 percent of trailer weight on the hitch for a conventional trailer and 15 percent for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. Add passengers and gear, and a truck rated for your trailer on paper can still run out of payload in real life.

With that math done, the best trucks for towing sort themselves out. Under 4,000 pounds, the Maverick fits and sips fuel. Up to 7,500 pounds, the Ranger does it without the full-size footprint. Anything up to 13,500 pounds points to the F-150, which offers the most engine options and the smartest trailer tech. Past that, you're shopping Super Duty, and the gas 7.3L covers a lot of ground before you need a diesel. Leave a cushion of 10 to 15 percent, and the hills between Richmond and Lexington won't feel like a chore.

Why Tow With a Truck From Gates Ford Lincoln

From the Maverick to the Super Duty, we can get you into any truck in this article right here in Richmond, and our sales team will help you compare a 4K Tow Package Maverick against a Max Tow F-150 on the same afternoon. Bring your trailer's weight and tongue load, and we'll walk the towing guide with you, down to the axle ratio. Our Value Your Trade tool and online pre-approval let you sort out the numbers before you make the drive. Once you own it, our Ford-trained technicians handle the maintenance that keeps a tow rig honest, and Ford Mobile Service can do the routine work in your driveway. Our family has been selling vehicles since 1915, and we'd like to help you find the truck that pulls your weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 2026 Ford truck tows the most?

The 2026 F-450 Super Duty with the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke diesel and the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package is rated for 40,000 pounds of gooseneck towing. Maximum conventional towing across the Super Duty line is 30,000 pounds on an F-450 dual-rear-wheel diesel.

Can the 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid tow 4,000 pounds?

Yes. Ford rates the 2.5L hybrid at 4,000 pounds when it's equipped with AWD and the 4K Tow Package on XL, XLT, or Lariat models. Without the package, the Maverick tows 2,000 pounds.

Does the 2026 Ford Ranger need a package to tow?

Yes. Ford says the Trailer Tow Package is required if you plan to tow with a Ranger. With it, the XL, XLT, and Lariat reach 7,500 pounds with either the 2.3L or 2.7L EcoBoost. The Ranger Raptor is rated for 5,510 pounds.

Which 2026 F-150 engine is best for towing?

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 has the highest rating at 13,500 pounds with the Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow axle on a SuperCrew 4x4. The 5.0L V8 reaches 12,800 pounds, and the PowerBoost hybrid tows 11,600 pounds while adding Pro Power Onboard.

Do I need a diesel Super Duty to tow a gooseneck?

Not always. The 7.3L gas V8 is rated for up to 22,500 pounds of gooseneck towing on a properly equipped 2026 Super Duty. The diesel engines take over above that, with the standard Power Stroke at 38,600 pounds and the High-Output version at 40,000 pounds.

Bring Us Your Trailer Weight

Tell us what you pull, loaded, and we'll work backward through axle ratio, hitch type, and payload to the truck that handles it with margin to spare.

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Sep 16, 2026 in New Ford Trucks

Super Duty Towing Guide: F-250 vs. F-350 Real Numbers

Let Your Trailer Pick Your Next Super Duty Hitch a heavy camper to the wrong truck and you'll feel it on the first long grade. Ford reworked the engine menu for the 2027 Super Duty, so the old rules of thumb about the F-250 and F-350 need a fresh look. We went straight to Ford's own towing guide to pull the ratings that count. The 2027 F-250 and F-350 both come standard with a 7.3L gas V8, and a 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke diesel is available on every trim. A properly equipped F-250 tops out at 23,000 pounds with a gooseneck, while a dual-rear-wheel F-350 reaches 38,000 pounds. Payload often runs out before tow ratings do, so check the door-jamb label before you hitch up. See What the Numbers Feel Like Ford's overview covers the powertrains and the towing hardware these ratings depend on. Then come put a tape measure on the hitch yourself. Shop Super Duty inventory What's New Under the Hood for 2027 Ford cut the Super Duty pickup down to two engines for 2027. The 7.3L gas V8 is now standard on every F-250 and F-350, with 420 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke diesel, and you get 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft. Both team up with a 10-speed automatic that includes a Tow/Haul mode. Looking at a leftover 2026 on the lot? That year also offered a 6.8L gas V8 and a standard-output diesel, so its ratings differ a bit from the 2027 numbers below. What F250 Towing Capacity Looks Like for 2027 Most people searching for F250 towing capacity want one number. Ford gives several, since hitch style, axle ratio, cab, and bed length all play a part. With the 7.3L and a 4.30 axle, the F-250 can pull 18,200 pounds on a conventional ball hitch and up to 19,500 pounds with a gooseneck. Pick the diesel and add the High-Capacity Axle Upgrade Package, and those ratings climb as high as 22,000 pounds conventional and 23,000 pounds gooseneck. Ford's guide calls for that package on F-250 conventional towing over 18,200 pounds. Payload peaks at 4,175 pounds with the gas engine. Diesel models top out at 3,918 pounds, since that engine adds weight. Where the F-350 Pulls Ahead On 4x2 models, the single-rear-wheel F-350 carries a max rear axle rating of 7,230 pounds, compared to 6,340 pounds on the F-250. With the diesel, a 3.55 axle, and all-terrain tires, it can reach 25,000 pounds conventional and 27,600 pounds gooseneck. Gas versions top out at 19,500 and 22,400 pounds. Step up to the dual-rear-wheel F-350 and things get serious. Its rear axle is rated up to 10,300 pounds. Pair it with the diesel and a 4.10 axle, and you can get up to 28,000 pounds conventional, 35,000 pounds fifth-wheel, and 38,000 pounds gooseneck. A gas dually with the Heavy-Duty Payload Package carries up to 7,900 pounds of payload. Payload Is the Number People Forget Walk through any Kentucky campground on a summer weekend and you'll spot fifth-wheel campers that dwarf the trucks pulling them. Those rigs put a lot of weight on the bed. Ford says tongue weight should run about 10 percent of trailer weight on a ball hitch and 15 percent for fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups. Do the math on a 20,000-pound fifth-wheel, and roughly 3,000 pounds presses down before anyone climbs in. On a diesel F-250, that eats most of the truck's best payload rating. Add a family of four and a full cooler, and you're close to the limit. A dually gives you plenty of breathing room. Trim level matters too. Ford doesn't publish separate tow ratings by trim, and heavier trims and options can lower what a truck can pull. The F-250's 23,000-pound gooseneck rating comes from a Regular Cab 4x2, while King Ranch and Platinum F-250s are 4x4 Crew Cab trucks. That setup tops out at 21,500 pounds with the diesel and axle package. Your truck's label beats any brochure. Picking the Right Truck for Your Trailer If your bumper-pull trailer weighs under 18,000 pounds, a gas F-250 with the 4.30 axle handles it. Big fifth-wheels and loaded goosenecks in the 20,000-pound range are a better match for a diesel F-350, which beats every F-250 on top tow rating, payload, and rear axle rating. Past 27,600 pounds, you're shopping for a diesel F-350 dually. Hitching tech is worth a look, too. King Ranch and Platinum make Pro Trailer Hitch Assist standard, and it steers, speeds up, and brakes for you while you hold a button to line up a conventional trailer. Lariat comes with PowerScope trailer tow mirrors and a 360-Degree Camera. Off-road fans should know the Tremor Off-Road Package caps conventional towing at 18,200 pounds. 2027 F-250 vs. F-350 Towing and Trim Comparison 2027 F-250 vs. F-350 Real Tow Ratings by Engine (lbs.) Model Engine Max Conventional Max 5th-Wheel Max Gooseneck Max Payload F-250 SRW 7.3L Gas V8 18,200 19,500 19,500 4,175 F-250 SRW 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel 22,000 22,100 23,000 3,918 F-350 SRW 7.3L Gas V8 19,500 22,200 22,400 4,857 F-350 SRW 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel 25,000 27,400 27,600 4,843 F-350 DRW 7.3L Gas V8 22,000 22,400 22,500 7,900 F-350 DRW 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel 28,000 35,000 38,000 6,935 Top ratings require proper equipment. F-250 diesel tow figures require the High-Capacity Axle Upgrade Package. Top F-350 SRW diesel figures use the 3.55 axle and 18-inch or 20-inch all-terrain tires. Top F-350 DRW diesel figures use the 4.10 axle. Gas tow figures use the 4.30 axle. The 7,900-lb payload requires the F-350 Gas Heavy-Duty Payload Package. SRW = single rear wheel. DRW = dual rear wheel. Source: Ford 2027 Super Duty Pickup Towing Guide and ford.com. 2027 F-250 and F-350 Trim Level Comparison Trim Standard Engine Available Engine 4x2 / 4x4 Towing and Tech Highlights XL 7.3L Gas V8 (420 hp, 445 lb-ft) 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft) 4x2, available 4x4 10-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode, Hill Start Assist, available trailer brake controller, Tremor Off-Road Package available with STX Appearance Package, XL Driver Assist Package, and 160-inch wheelbase XLT 7.3L Gas V8 (420 hp, 445 lb-ft) 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft) 4x2, available 4x4 Trailer brake controller, rear view camera, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, Ford Pro Telematics, available Tremor Off-Road Package Lariat 7.3L Gas V8 (420 hp, 445 lb-ft) 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft) 4x2, available 4x4 PowerScope trailer tow mirrors, 360-Degree Camera, trailer reverse guidance, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage, trailer brake controller, rear parking sensors, available Lariat package with Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist King Ranch 7.3L Gas V8 (420 hp, 445 lb-ft) 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft) 4x4 only Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, trailer reverse guidance, 360-Degree Camera, trailer brake controller, head-up display, power tailgate with retractable step Platinum 7.3L Gas V8 (420 hp, 445 lb-ft) 6.7L H.O. Power Stroke Diesel (500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft) 4x4 only Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, 360-Degree Camera, trailer brake controller, head-up display, power tailgate with retractable step, LED projector headlamps Engine availability and 4x2/4x4 configurations apply to both F-250 and F-350 models. F-250 King Ranch and Platinum models are Crew Cab only. Ford does not publish separate tow ratings by trim, and heavier trims and options can reduce a truck's towing capability. Source: ford.com 2027 Super Duty model and trim pages. Find Your Super Duty at Gates Ford Lincoln We keep a wide selection of Ford Super Duty trucks in Richmond, and we'd love to help shoppers from Lexington, Nicholasville, and the rest of central Kentucky match the right F-250 or F-350 to the trailer they own. Bring your camper or trailer weight, and our team will walk through axle ratios, hitch types, and payload with you before you sign anything. Once you're rolling, our factory-trained technicians use genuine Ford parts, and Ford Mobile Service can handle routine maintenance right at your home. You can also check your trade with our Value Your Trade tool and get pre-approved online. The Gates Auto Family has been in the car business for over a century, and we're ready to get you hitched up the right way. Super Duty Towing FAQs What is the max F-250 towing capacity for 2027? A properly equipped 2027 F-250 can tow up to 23,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch and 22,000 pounds with a conventional hitch. Both ratings require the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke diesel and the High-Capacity Axle Upgrade Package. How much more can an F-350 tow than an F-250? The single-rear-wheel F-350 tops out at 27,600 pounds with a gooseneck, which is 4,600 pounds higher than the F-250. A dual-rear-wheel F-350 with the diesel reaches 38,000 pounds with a gooseneck. Is the 7.3L gas V8 standard on the 2027 F-250 and F-350? Yes. Ford made the 7.3L gas V8 standard on every 2027 F-250 and F-350 trim, and the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke diesel is available on all of them. Does trim level affect Super Duty towing capacity? Ford doesn't publish separate tow ratings by trim, but heavier trims and added options can lower what a truck can pull. Check the door-jamb label and Ford's towing guide for your exact build. How does the Tremor Off-Road Package affect towing? F-250 and F-350 trucks with the Tremor Off-Road Package are limited to 18,200 pounds on a conventional hitch. Bring Us Your Trailer Weight Tell us what you pull, loaded, and we'll work backward through axle ratio, hitch type, and payload to the truck that handles it with margin to spare. Shop F-250 Shop F-350 SRW Shop F-350 DRW

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