Ford Towing Guide: Understanding Trailer Tow Packages, Hitches & Towing Tech
Whether you're hauling a boat to the coast, towing a camper to the mountains, or helping a friend move across town, knowing your Ford towing capacity is key. At J.C. Lewis Motor Co., we often get questions like “How much can I tow?” or “What’s the difference between Class III and Class IV hitches?” That’s why we created this all-in-one Ford towing guide—to help you understand towing packages, hitches, and the tech that makes towing safer and smarter.
If you’re shopping for a Ford truck or SUV, or just want to get the most out of your current setup, this Ford towing guide will get you road-trip-ready.
Understanding Ford Trailer Tow Packages
When shopping for a new vehicle, you’ll often see “Trailer Tow Package” or “Max Trailer Tow Package” listed among the options. So what’s the difference?
Trailer Tow Package – This includes the essentials: a hitch receiver, wiring harness, and usually a transmission oil cooler.
Max Trailer Tow Package – Adds upgraded rear axle ratios, a heavy-duty radiator, integrated trailer brake controller, and sometimes enhanced suspension. It’s built for serious haulers.
The Ford towing guide always recommends checking your owner’s manual or Ford’s towing calculator to see how these packages affect your maximum Ford towing capacity.
Hitch Classes: What You Need to Know
Not all hitches are created equal. Hitch classes are categorized by how much weight they can handle. Here’s a quick breakdown from our Ford towing guide:
Class I & II – Light-duty, great for small utility trailers and bike racks (usually under 3,500 lbs).
Class III – Common on mid-size SUVs like the Ford Explorer; suitable for boats and medium trailers (up to 6,000 lbs).
Class IV & V – Found on F-150, F-250, and larger; capable of hauling heavy loads, RVs, and large boats (up to 20,000 lbs+ with gooseneck or fifth-wheel).
Smart Towing Tech: Tow with Confidence
One of the best parts of modern towing? The tech. Ford leads the pack with towing technology that makes life on the road easier and safer:
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ – Steer your trailer in reverse with the twist of a knob—available on F-150 and Expedition.
Trailer Sway Control – Works with AdvanceTrac® to keep your trailer stable in windy or uneven conditions.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Trailer Coverage – Keeps an eye on your blind spots—even when towing.
Smart Trailer Tow Connector – Monitors trailer lights, brake connection, and alerts you if something goes wrong.
This Ford towing guide wouldn’t be complete without highlighting how these features take the stress out of towing—especially for first-timers.
How Ford Vehicles Stack Up for Towing
Curious about specific towing capabilities across the Ford lineup? Let’s answer some of the most common towing questions from J.C. Lewis Motor Co.
Towing F-150 vs F-250
When comparing the F-150 vs F-250, the main difference lies in towing power and payload capacity. The F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs when properly equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. The F-250 Super Duty, on the other hand, can tow over 22,000 lbs with a fifth-wheel setup. If you’re hauling big loads often, the F-250’s Ford towing capacity is your heavy-duty hero.
What Is the Towing Capacity of a Ford F-150?
The towing capacity of a Ford F-150 ranges from 5,000 to 14,000 lbs, depending on the engine, axle ratio, and tow package. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with the Max Trailer Tow Package offers the highest rating.
How Much Can a Ford Explorer Tow?
The Ford Explorer offers impressive towing for a three-row SUV—up to 5,600 lbs when equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and 3.0L EcoBoost engine.
How Much Can a Ford Ranger Tow?
Compact but mighty, the Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs with the Trailer Tow Package and the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
How Much Can a Ford Maverick Tow?
The Ford Maverick may be a compact pickup, but it still brings capability. With the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and available 4K Tow Package, it can tow up to 4,000 lbs.
How Much Can a Ford Bronco Tow?
Designed for adventure, the Ford Bronco can tow up to 3,500 lbs with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package—perfect for small campers or gear trailers.
Finding the Right Tow Setup
Ford towing capacity doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you’ve got the right information. Whether you're hauling a boat, a camper, or a utility trailer, J.C. Lewis Motor Co. dealerships have the trucks, SUVs, and towing expertise to help you tow with confidence. Visit us today and let our team walk you through your options, from tow packages to hitch upgrades.
Your adventure starts here—with the right vehicle, the right hitch, and the right knowledge from your go-to Ford towing guide.