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What Ford truck can tow 8000 lbs?

The Ford F-150, when properly equipped with the right engine and tow package, can tow 8,000 pounds; the heavier F-Series Super Duty models (F-250 and F-350) can tow well beyond that depending on configuration.


Overview: Tow capacity and model options


To reach 8,000 pounds, you need to pair the right powertrain with a Tow package, and you must consider payload, hitch setup, and trailer brakes. Among Ford's lineup, the light-duty F-150 is the most flexible option for day-to-day towing up to and beyond 8,000 pounds, while the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty are designed for heavier tasks.


Ford trucks that can tow at least 8,000 pounds


The following Ford pickups and heavy-duty trucks are commonly capable of towing 8,000 pounds or more when configured correctly.



  • Ford F-150 — available with engines such as the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid, and the 5.0L V8, especially with the Max Tow package. These configurations can achieve or exceed 8,000 pounds of towing capacity.

  • Ford F-250 Super Duty — a step up in capability, with multiple engines and the available tow/haul packages that push towing well beyond 8,000 pounds when properly equipped.

  • Ford F-350 Super Duty — the heaviest-duty option in the lineup, designed to handle substantial trailers and loads with appropriate equipment, easily surpassing 8,000 pounds.


Note: The Ford Ranger does not typically reach 8,000 pounds of towing capacity; it maxes out below that threshold in most configurations.


Details by model


Ford F-150: how to maximize 8,000-pound towing capability


Choose a configuration with one of the higher-torque powertrains, add the Tow/Haul package or Max Tow option, select appropriate axle ratio, and ensure you have the necessary equipment like a heavier-duty hitch, trailer brakes, and possibly an integrated trailer brake controller. Always verify the exact rating for your specific build.


Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty: beyond 8,000 pounds


For heavy towing tasks, these trucks offer stronger frames, engines, and axle configurations. The official rating varies by engine choice (gas vs. diesel), wheelbase, and whether you select dual rear wheels or other options. Check the factory tow rating for your exact configuration.


Important towing considerations


Beyond engine choice, towing 8,000 pounds safely requires correct hitch setup, weight balance, trailer brakes, and adherence to GVWR and GCWR guidelines. Vehicle payload must be accounted for, and drivers should plan for braking distance, turning radius, and weather or road conditions.


Summary


For an 8,000-pound towing target with a Ford, the practical route is the F-150 in a configuration with a strong tow capability and the appropriate tow package, or any of the F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250 or F-350) with the right engine and equipment. Always confirm the exact rating for your exact vehicle build to ensure safe and compliant towing.

Can a Ford F-150 tow 8000 lbs?


Small Campers (1,361-2,268 kg / 3,000-5,000 lbs): Any F-150 configuration can handle these. Medium Campers (2,268-3,629 kg / 5,000-8,000 lbs): Most F-150 configurations can manage these comfortably. Large Campers (3,629-4,536 kg / 8,000-10,000 lbs): Higher-end F-150 configurations are required.



Can a Ford Ranger really tow 7500 lbs?


The first thing to be said about the Ranger towing capacity is that even the base engine is powerful enough to achieve the best possible towing capacity of 7,500 pounds from the chassis.



What Ford F-150 has the highest towing capacity?


The F-150 with the best towing capacity is the 2023 model equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and the Max Trailer Tow Package, which can tow up to 14,000 pounds. For the 2024 and 2025 model years, the maximum towing capacity is 13,500 pounds, achieved with the same 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine but with a SuperCrew cab, 6.5-foot box, 4x4 drivetrain, and the available Tow/Haul Package.
 
2023 model year

  • Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 14,000 pounds 

2024 and 2025 model years 
  • Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 13,500 pounds
  • Required Configuration: SuperCrew cab, 6.5-foot box, 4x4 drivetrain, and the available Tow/Haul Package 

Other engine options for recent model years
  • 5.0L V8: Offers a high towing capacity, around 12,900 to 13,000 pounds, depending on the model year.
  • 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid: Can tow up to 11,200 to 12,700 pounds. 



How much can a Ford f450 tow?


The Ford F-450's towing capacity varies by configuration, but the maximum is up to 40,000 pounds for a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer and up to 30,000 pounds for a conventional trailer, when equipped with the high-output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel V8 engine. Models with other engine or cab configurations will have lower capacities. 
This video shows a Ford F-450 towing a 40,000 lb trailer and discusses its payload capacity: 59sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Jun 22, 2023
Key towing capacities

Trailer Type Engine Maximum Capacity
Conventional 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 30,000 lbs
Conventional 6.7L high-output Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 30,000 lbs
Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 Up to 38,600 lbs
Gooseneck/Fifth-Wheel 6.7L high-output Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 Up to 40,000 lbs
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Additional considerations
  • Chassis Cab models: The chassis cab configurations have a lower conventional towing capacity of up to 17,500 pounds and a gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity of up to 26,200 pounds. 
  • Gas engines: Models with gas engines have a lower towing capacity compared to diesel versions. 
  • Configuration matters: The specific towing capacity depends on the cab (Regular or Crew), drivetrain (2WD or 4x4), and other options like axle ratio and the Max Tow package. 

You can watch this video to see a Ford F-450 towing a 30,000 lb trailer on the Ike Gauntlet highway: 58sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Jun 24, 2023


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.