The Ford F150
’s towing capacity ranges from 5,000 to 11,200 pounds, depending on the trim level you select. Not only is the difference in towing capacities between the lowest and highest trim levels enormous, but the price difference is too. With a starting cost of $31,700 for the lowest trim, the Ford F150 is an affordable option for anyone seeking a solid truck with powerful towing capacity. While the lowest trim can already tow up to 5,000 pounds, each subsequent trim can take on incrementally more weight. Of course, if you’re only looking to haul smaller loads, you’ll probably be content with the base model.
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How much can a Ford F150 tow?
Base towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Maximum towing capacity: 11,200 pounds
Engines: 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6, 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8, 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6
The Ford F150 is first and foremost a work truck. While the sleek design and comfortable interior scream leisure, the Ford F150 is built to transport equipment that other cars can’t handle. When you keep it maintained, the F150 can last for up to 300,000 miles.
That said, the Ford F150 comes in seven different trims, each with unique towing capacities. While the base model is only rated for 500,000 pounds, the F150 Lariat can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Of course, even the Lariat will cost an extra $18,000.
If you want the Limited trim, which has a max towing capacity of 11,200 pounds, it’ll cost an additional $46,000 from the price of the base model.
Trailer hitches for the Ford F150
You can fit trailer hitches to your F150 by using any reliable trailer hitch kit you can find. However, every hitch won’t be compatible with every car. Make sure to check with your manufacturer for a list of safe hitches.
That said, here are a few quality hitches to install on your F150:
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How to calculate the towing capacity you need
Understanding exactly how much you can tow isn’t as complicated as it seems. All you need to do is add the weight of your load to the weight of your towing equipment.
For example, if you want to tow three 800-pound kayaks in a 300-pound metal trailer, simply add the weight together to get 2,700 pounds. Keep in mind that forgetting to include the weight of your towing equipment is an easy way to exceed your towing capacity.
Towing equipment can be heavy, so forgetting to include it in your calculations could cause some serious issues.
How to increase towing capacity
While you can’t do too much to increase your truck’s towing capacity after you’ve bought it, you can opt for in-store upgrades that can raise your towing capacity. For example, you could always choose a four-wheel-drive or a higher-level engine to make sure your truck has a little extra pulling power.
If you’ve already bought your car and aren’t looking to make major mechanical changes, try using these tips to optimize the towing capacity you have:
Use a weight-distribution hitch to limit imbalances caused by your load
Get better brake pads and rotors to improve your stopping abilities when you’re carrying extra weight
While these tips won’t increase your towing capacity, they can help ensure your towing experience is safer and more controlled than it would otherwise be. Remember that your car drives differently when it’s pulling a heavy load, so it’s always worthwhile to take extra safety steps before you start towing.
How to find affordable car insurance
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