How Much Can a Ford F-150 Tow? 2026 F-150 Towing Capacity by Engine and Configuration

How much can a Ford F-150 tow? When properly equipped, the 2026 Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds. That maximum comes from the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in an XLT SuperCrew 4×4 with the 6.5-foot box, the available Tow/Haul Package, and the available Max Tow axle upgrade. The 5.0L V8 is rated up to 12,800 pounds, the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid up to 11,600 pounds, and the standard 2.7L EcoBoost V6 up to 8,400 pounds. Payload tops out at 2,440 pounds. The exact rating for any truck depends on its engine, cab, bed length, axle ratio, and towing package. For drivers across Kansas City, Raytown, and Lee’s Summit, that means there is an F-150 configuration for nearly every boat, camper, and equipment trailer, and the team at Greenway Ford of Kansas City can match the right truck to the load.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford F-150?

When properly equipped, the 2026 Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds. That rating requires the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, an XLT SuperCrew 4×4 with the 6.5-foot box, the available Tow/Haul Package, and the available Max Tow axle upgrade.

2. Which F-150 engine tows the most?

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 carries the highest rating at up to 13,500 pounds. The 5.0L V8 follows at up to 12,800 pounds, and the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid is rated up to 11,600 pounds.

3. How much can the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid tow?

Ford advertises up to 11,600 pounds of towing for the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid when properly equipped. It also offers available Pro Power Onboard, which can run tools, campsite gear, or a home backup setup from the truck.

4. What is the payload capacity of the 2026 F-150?

The 2026 F-150 offers up to 2,440 pounds of payload when properly equipped. Payload includes passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight, and maximum towing and maximum payload are not achieved in the same configuration.

5. How do I find the exact towing capacity of my F-150?

Check the tire and loading label on the driver’s door jamb and the owner’s manual, or bring the truck’s VIN to Greenway Ford of Kansas City. The team can look up the exact configuration and explain the towing and payload ratings that apply.

6. When should I step up to a Ford Super Duty?

If you regularly tow near the F-150’s maximum rating of 13,500 pounds, or plan to pull a large fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer, a Ford Super Duty is usually the better fit. The F-150 is ideal for drivers who tow often but want light-duty comfort every day.

Quick Reference Guide: 2026 F-150 Towing by Engine

The table below summarizes each available engine and its maximum ratings when properly equipped. Ratings vary by configuration, so confirm the exact capacity for a specific truck before you tow.

Matching the Engine to the Job

Choosing an engine is the most important towing decision. The 2.7L EcoBoost is a strong fit for utility trailers, personal watercraft, and smaller fishing boats, and it delivers impressive torque for everyday driving. The 5.0L V8 appeals to drivers who want classic V8 sound and steady, linear power with mid-size campers and car haulers. The 3.5L EcoBoost is the towing champion, built for large travel trailers and heavy equipment. The 3.5L PowerBoost pairs strong towing with hybrid efficiency and onboard power, which makes it a favorite for contractors and campers.

Around Kansas City, that range covers almost every towing need: boats headed to Lake Jacomo, Longview Lake, or Truman Lake, campers bound for the Lake of the Ozarks, and equipment trailers moving between job sites along I-470, I-435, and I-70.

Understanding Towing, Payload, and Tongue Weight

Towing capacity is only part of the picture. Payload is the total weight a truck can carry in the cab and bed, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight. A conventional trailer typically places about 10 to 15 percent of its weight on the hitch, so a 7,000-pound camper can add 700 to 1,050 pounds to payload. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the loaded truck and loaded trailer together.

Every F-150 lists its tire and loading information on the driver’s door jamb. Comparing that label with the weight of your trailer, passengers, and gear is the most reliable way to confirm a setup stays within its ratings.

Towing Technology That Makes It Easier

The F-150 offers some of the most helpful towing technology available in a pickup. The features below are available packages or options rather than standard equipment on every F-150, and availability varies by trim and configuration:

• Tow/Haul Package: An available package, upgraded from standard equipment, that adds an integrated trailer brake controller and an electronic-locking rear axle; the available Max Tow axle upgrade is required for the highest ratings.
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist: An available feature that lets the driver steer a trailer in reverse by turning a simple control knob.
• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist: An available feature that can control steering, acceleration, and braking to line the hitch up with a conventional trailer.
• 360-Degree Camera and Trailer Monitoring: Available camera views and trailer tire-pressure monitoring support confident hitching and travel.
• Pro Power Onboard: Available onboard generators from 400 watts up to 7.2 kilowatts on PowerBoost models power tools and campsite gear.

Towing Through Kansas City Seasons

Kansas City weather asks a lot of a tow vehicle. Summer heat puts extra load on transmission and engine cooling, and winter brings ice and treated roads. Before towing season, it is smart to have brakes, tires, transmission fluid, and the cooling system inspected, and to check trailer lights and wiring. Ford recommends more frequent service for vehicles that tow regularly, and the Greenway Ford of Kansas City service team can set up a schedule that fits how you use your truck.

Find the Right F-150 Towing Setup at Greenway Ford of Kansas City

The 2026 Ford F-150 proves that a half-ton pickup can deliver class-leading towing without giving up everyday comfort. With six available engines, multiple cab and bed combinations, and an impressive lineup of available towing technology, there is an F-150 built for nearly every trailer in the Kansas City area.

At Greenway Ford of Kansas City, knowledgeable product specialists can walk through towing ratings, explain the equipment each setup requires, and help drivers find an F-150 that fits both their trailer and their daily routine.

Drivers in Kansas City, Raytown, Lee’s Summit, Independence, and Blue Springs are encouraged to stop by Greenway Ford of Kansas City on State Route 350 in Raytown to see the F-150 lineup in person and schedule a test drive.