The towing capacity of the Lincoln Navigator ranges between 6,200 and 8,700 pounds depending on its trim level, drivetrain, and whether you equip it with a tow package.

If you’re in the market for a large luxury SUV, don’t be fooled by its size. Rather than assume your SUV can haul a lot, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its towing capacity. A properly equipped Navigator can tow up to a miraculous 8,700 pounds—but other factors must be taken into account, including vehicle configurations, optional equipment, and performance packages.

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comparison app happens to be a seasoned expert on vehicle qualifications and is here to present all there is to know about the Lincoln Navigator’s towing potential. We’ll discuss what the Navigator’s maximum towing capacity is, how to calculate it, how to maximize what you already have, and even how you can save big on your

Lincoln Navigator car insurance costs

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How much can a Lincoln Navigator tow?

Base towing capacity: 6,200 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 8,700 pounds

Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (450 hp)

The Lincoln Navigator has topped multiple lists for the best large luxury SUVs, and it’s easy to see why: it offers impressive road presence with ample cargo room, a suite of luxury passenger functions and features, and even has one of the highest towing capacities in its class.

Only one engine is available on the Navigator, but that doesn’t mean the entire line-up shares the same towing capacity. The base Navigator with a standard 4x2 drivetrain can handle up to 6,200 pounds. Upgrade to the

L trim

and the towing capacity goes up to 6,600 pounds. Add on the trailering package to the base model 4x2 and you can haul up to 8,700 pounds!

Trailer hitches for the Lincoln Navigator

When shopping for a new Lincoln Navigator, you will likely come across a couple of towing features. You can simply equip your Navigator with a factory-installed trailer hitch or upgrade to the available trailer towing package.

Whether you choose the standard trailer hitch receiver or upgrade to the trailer towing package, you’re responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball, mount, and other equipment to ensure you can safely tow your load up to its rated capacity. But unlike the standard factory-installed trailer hitch, the towing package comes with a wire harness and pin connectors.

Take a look at the Navigator’s monstrous maximum towing capacity with a properly installed Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package:

Trim	Drivetrain	Towing capacity
Navigator	4x2	8,700 lbs.
Navigator	4x4	8,300 lbs.
Navigator L	4x2	8,400 lbs.
Navigator L	4x4	8,100 lbs.

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

It’s tough to imagine what you can haul with a towing capacity of four tons. While 8,700 is a large number, it’s important not to overestimate its capabilities and to only plan to haul loads within your vehicle’s stated towing capacity.

If you have modest towing requirements, you can easily get away with the base Navigator without a towing package. With either the 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, your maximum towing capacity is 6,200 pounds. Here are a few trailers and their accompanying loads that you can comfortably tow on this configuration:

Small watercraft (such as a kayak or canoe): 600 to 800 lbs.

Motorcycle: 800 to 3,000 lbs.

Pop-up camper: 2,800 to 4,300 lbs.

Small car and dolly: 3,000 to 5,000 lbs.

In addition to tow capacity, it’s also essential to understand your hitch’s physical limits. Hitches are divided into five classes. Navigators comfortably fall into class 4, which can pull up to 10,000 pounds and withstand a tongue weight of 1,200 pounds.

The Navigator’s

gross combination weight rating (GCWR)

is also essential to keep in mind while loading. This number is essentially the maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer that the vehicle can handle without causing damage. Be sure to factor in any passengers and cargo as part of your towing calculation.

Here’s the Navigator’s GCWR at each of its configurations:

GCWR	Configuration
12,700 lbs.	Navigator
13,000 lbs.	Navigator L
15,300 lbs.	Navigator + towing package
15,500 lbs.	Navigator L + towing package

How to increase towing capacity

One of the best ways to increase your Navigator’s towing capacity is by choosing the right configuration. When equipped with the trailer towing package, the 4x2 offers a higher towing capacity. Opting for the L trim will also boost your vehicle’s towing prowess.

Other than taking advantage of available upgrades, there are other methods for enhancing the amount your Navigator can tow.

Upgrading to a heavy-duty radiator (available as a towing package option)

Accommodating heavier loads with upgraded brake pads and rotors

Installing a weight-distributing hitch to maximize your vehicle’s efficiency

Equipping heartier axles with a better axle ratio

Add a high-flow intake and engine computer unit (ECU programmer)

While it can be great to make enhancements to your Navigator, certain changes can actually cost you towing capacity. Changing to larger wheels can stress your vehicle’s engine and reduce its towing efficiency. And while you may think lowering your truck improves handling and performance, it can be extremely unsafe and lower your towing ability if not correctly executed.

If you’re seeking additional towing capacity beyond 8,700 pounds, this will be difficult to achieve with an SUV. In this scenario, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a pickup truck. The

Ford F-150

is a generous step up and is capable of towing up to 14,000 pounds. And at a towing capacity of a whopping 19,680 pounds, the

Ram 2500

does laps around even the best-equipped Navigator.

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest SUVs to insure

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FAQs

Is Lincoln Navigator good for towing?

Yes, the Lincoln Navigator is great for towing. When equipped with the towing package, the entire Navigator line-up can tow over 8,000 pounds! Without the package, the standard 4x2 Navigator can still haul an impressive 6,200 pounds.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Lincoln Navigator?

Yes, you can put a trailer hitch on a Navigator either on your own or with the help of a mechanic.

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