How much can a 2.3 L Bronco tow?
A 2.3 L EcoBoost Bronco can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the Ford Tow Package; without that package, the rating is typically around 3,000 pounds.
To understand how much a Ford Bronco with a 2.3-liter engine can tow, it helps to know the official figures, what equipment affects the rating, and how to tow safely. This article breaks down the typical towing numbers for the 2.3 L Bronco, explains the factors that influence those numbers, and gives practical guidance for safe trailer operation.
Tow ratings for the 2.3 L EcoBoost Bronco
Below is a concise look at the official towing figures for the 2.3 L Bronco, depending on equipment.
- With the available Tow Package: up to 3,500 pounds.
- Without the Tow Package: up to 3,000 pounds.
These figures reflect the effect of factory equipment designed for trailering, and they can vary by model year, trim level, and drivetrain configuration. Always verify the exact rating for your specific Bronco with your dealer or in the official owner's manual for your build.
Key considerations for safe towing
Before towing, it helps to understand the factors that influence how much you can safely pull and how to operate within those limits.
- Tow package: A factory Tow Package commonly increases the maximum tow rating and adds components that support trailer stability and braking.
- Vehicle weight limits: Respect the Bronco’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and GCWR (gross combined weight rating) for your specific configuration, including passengers and gear.
- Tongue weight: Aim for roughly 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight as tongue weight to maintain stable handling.
- Trailer brakes and wiring: Ensure appropriate braking, lighting, and a compatible hitch/wiring harness (often a 7-pin connector) per the manual and local laws.
- Cooling and transmission: Heavier towing can stress cooling systems and transmissions; consider using the Tow/Haul mode and verify whether additional cooling upgrades are recommended for your setup.
- Driving and braking: Plan longer stopping distances and adjust driving style for the added weight and wind resistance; practice safe maneuvering with a trailer in low-traction conditions.
Note that actual towing performance can vary with terrain, payload, tire choice, and whether you are using the two- or four-door Bronco, as well as whether you have modified the vehicle in ways that affect tow ratings. Always follow the official specifications for your exact model year and trim.
Practical towing scenarios
These examples illustrate typical trailer types and weights that commonly fall within the Bronco’s tow range when properly equipped.
- Small utility or landscape trailer (roughly 1,000–2,000 pounds): generally well within either the 3,000- or 3,500-pound rating, depending on Tow Package and payload.
- Light campers or pop-up trailers (around 2,000–3,000 pounds): feasible with the Tow Package; verify exact weights and tongue load.
- Recovery or gear trailers used for off-road outings (under 3,500 pounds): often suitable with proper towing equipment and weight distribution.
For any towing plan, confirm the exact rating for your vehicle year, trim, and equipment, and adhere to the manual’s guidance on hitching, loading, and braking.
Summary
In short, a 2.3 L Bronco can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the factory Tow Package; without it, about 3,000 pounds is typical. The precise limit depends on the model year, trim, drivetrain, and added equipment. For safe and compliant towing, consult the owner’s manual and your dealer to confirm the exact rating for your build, and follow established guidelines for trailer weight, tongue weight, braking, and handling.
How much can a Bronco 2.3 L tow?
3,500 pounds
Ford has given the Bronco powerful engines for towing. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with manual transmission can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is great for most fun activities.
What is the towing capacity of the 2.7 L V6 EcoBoost Bronco?
The towing capacity for a Ford Bronco with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine is 3,500 pounds. This is the same capacity as the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine, while the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in the Raptor model can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
This video explains the towing capacity of the Bronco 2.7L model and a real-world towing experience: 1mDBC OffroadYouTube · Aug 1, 2023
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 3,500 pounds
- 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder: 3,500 pounds
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Raptor only): 4,500 pounds
It is important to note that other factors, such as hitch weight and the addition of dealer-installed towing equipment, can impact your vehicle's performance when towing.
How much can a 2.3 L 4 cylinder tow?
5,300 pounds
The 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-Cylinder delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped.
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.
