How big of a camper can a Bronco tow?
The Ford Bronco can tow up to about 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which covers many small travel trailers and teardrop campers. With the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the rating is typically around 3,000 pounds, while the larger 2.7-liter EcoBoost can reach up to 3,500 pounds when paired with the Tow Package.
Tow ratings by engine and equipment
The official towing figures vary by drivetrain and optional Tow Package. The numbers below reflect Ford’s guidance for common Bronco configurations.
- 2.3L EcoBoost engine with the 10‑speed automatic: up to 3,000 pounds when equipped with the Tow Package.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine with the 10‑speed automatic: up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the Tow Package.
- Without the factory Tow Package, the tow rating is lower and depends on the specific configuration. Always verify the exact figure for your build on the window sticker or official brochure.
In practice, this means many lightweight travel trailers and teardrop campers fall within the Bronco’s towing capabilities, provided you have the appropriate equipment and configuration. Always confirm the exact numbers for your year and trim with Ford’s official specs.
Important caveats to consider
Real-world towing depends on more than the max rating. Payload capacity, tongue weight, hitch class, braking requirements, and trailer sway control all play critical roles. The Tow Package typically enhances cooling, wiring, and braking features to support higher tow loads.
What this means for campers
For campers, the key takeaway is to choose a trailer that stays within the Bronco’s practical limits and to plan around weight distribution and safety equipment. A lightweight trailer is the easiest match, while heavier campers require careful setup and adherence to braking and hitch guidelines.
- Know the trailer’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and tongue weight, and ensure the combined load stays within the Bronco’s payload and hitch limits.
- Tongue weight is typically about 10–15% of the trailer’s GVWR; for a 3,500-pound trailer, plan for roughly 350–525 pounds on the hitch.
- Use a weight-distribution hitch if recommended and ensure trailer brakes are in place where required by law.
- Confirm the exact hitch setup and Tow Package contents for your specific Bronco build, as these determine max towing capability.
Bottom line: lightweight travel trailers or teardrop campers are the most straightforward match for a Bronco, especially for new towed camping setups. Always verify year-specific specs and consult your dealer before towing.
Summary
Across model years, the Bronco’s top towing figure is 3,500 pounds with the appropriate Tow Package and the 2.7L EcoBoost engine; the 2.3L EcoBoost tops out around 3,000 pounds with the Tow Package. For campers, this generally means lightweight trailers under 3,500 pounds, with careful attention to payload, tongue weight, braking requirements, and proper hitch equipment. Always check your exact build’s specifications and follow safety guidelines when towing.
Can a Ford Bronco tow 5000 pounds?
1 While it is not capable of towing 5,000 pounds, the Bronco Sport offers big towing power for its small SUV class. Such capabilities are reserved for larger Ford SUVs like the Explorer. The larger Bronco SUV can tow up to 4,500 pounds1 to let you enjoy a powerful all-terrain spirit with great towing power.
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Why is Ford Bronco towing capacity so low?
The Ford Bronco's towing capacity is relatively low compared to some other SUVs because its design prioritizes off-road capability over towing, which is a trade-off made to directly compete with the Jeep Wrangler. Key factors include a shorter wheelbase, a suspension optimized for off-road articulation (which compromises stability), and the vehicle's overall mid-size construction, which results in a standard capacity of 3,500 lbs for most trims.
Key reasons for the lower towing capacity
- Off-road focused suspension: The Bronco's suspension is engineered for off-road performance, with increased travel and articulation. This provides a better off-road ride but makes the vehicle less stable for towing and can result in a harsher ride if the springs are made stiffer for towing.
- Short wheelbase: The shorter wheelbase contributes to a more compact and maneuverable vehicle, but this also reduces its stability when towing a heavy load.
- Competition with other off-roaders: To compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler, Ford focused on off-road features, sacrificing some of the heavy-duty utility that older Bronco models possessed.
- Mid-size SUV vs. full-size: The new Bronco is a mid-sized SUV, unlike its predecessors that were based on F-series trucks. This smaller size inherently limits its towing capacity.
- Trim and weight: Higher trim levels can have lower towing capacities due to increased weight from additional features. For example, a loaded-up Badlands trim may have a lower effective towing capacity.
How the towing capacity is determined
- Trim: Your specific trim level affects the towing capacity. For example, the standard Bronco can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while the Bronco Raptor has a maximum of 4,500 lbs.
- Engine and drivetrain: Different engine and axle ratio combinations will also affect the final capacity.
- Factory limitations: The hitch and frame are designed for the factory-specified load. Adding more weight could compromise safety and handling.
- Payload capacity: The total weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight cannot exceed the vehicle's payload capacity, which can be a limiting factor even if the towing capacity is higher.
What size camper can a Bronco pull?
With a Ford Bronco towing capacity ranging between 3,460 and 4,500 pounds2 depending on trim and powertrain, you could tow a pop-up camper, snowmobiles, or a small fishing boat. Choose the Ford Bronco Raptor for its 4,500-pound trailering2 to pull utility and cargo trailers, A-frame campers, or possibly even an RV.
