What Ford truck has the highest towing capacity?
The Ford truck with the highest towing capacity is the F-450 Super Duty, capable of up to about 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.
The question centers on Ford’s heavy-duty lineup—the F-Series Super Duty family—rather than the lighter F-150 or the electric F-150 Lightning. Towing capacity depends on hitch type (gooseneck vs. fifth-wheel vs. conventional), engine, transmission, axle ratio, and cab/bed configuration. In Ford’s current lineup, the F-450 Super Duty holds the top end of the scale when properly equipped, with the maximum around 37,000 pounds under the right hitch configuration; other models in the Super Duty line offer substantial towing capability as well, but their published top numbers are generally lower and highly configuration-dependent.
The numbers behind the claim
Ford publishes multiple towing figures for its heavy-duty trucks, with the highest numbers typically associated with gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing. The following overview reflects the broad hierarchy, noting that exact figures vary by drivetrain, engine choice, bed/cab configuration, and hitch setup.
- F-450 Super Duty — highest capacity, up to about 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck/5th-wheel hitch and the appropriate configuration.
- F-350 Super Duty — strong towing performance as well, with maximums that are generally lower than the F-450 and highly dependent on options like hitch type and engine.
- F-250 Super Duty — capable of heavy towing, but its published maximums are typically below those of the F-350 and F-450 and vary by configuration.
In sum, the F-450 sits at the apex of Ford’s pickup-based towing capability, provided the truck is built and equipped for gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing. Real-world results depend on the exact build, and buyers should verify the precise numbers for their intended configuration with Ford’s official specifications.
Other factors that influence towing performance
Beyond the headline towing rating, several elements determine actual performance when pulling heavy loads with a Ford Super Duty. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when evaluating a truck for high-tow applications.
- Engine choice and torque delivery — the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel and the availability of capable gasoline options influence tow performance and drivability.
- Gooseneck vs. fifth-wheel hitch — maximum ratings shown by Ford often assume a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup; conventional trailer towing numbers are typically lower.
- Axle ratio and drivetrain — 4x4 vs. 4x2 configurations and different axle gears affect both max tow and handling.
- Suspension and towing aids — features such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, trailer sway control, and integrated trailer brake controls improve towing stability and precision.
- Payload, GCWR, and overall vehicle weight — the combination of payload capacity and gross combined weight rating determines how much you can tow safely with cargo and passengers on board.
These factors help translate published maxima into real-world towing capability for specific jobs and trailers.
Summary
When you need Ford’s peak towing power from a pickup-based truck, the F-450 Super Duty is the clear leader, with a maximum around 37,000 pounds when configured with the proper gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch. The F-350 and F-250 remain formidable options for heavy towing, but their upper limits are lower and more configuration-dependent. Always verify the exact figures for your build and consult Ford’s official specifications for the model year you’re considering.
Is a V6 or V8 better for towing?
- Towing and hauling: V8s generally offer higher peak torque and towing capacity; choose a V8 if you anticipate frequent heavy towing (trailers, boats, work payloads near the truck's max ratings).
Which 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.
What is the strongest Ford truck for towing?
Explore More About The Ford Truck Tow Ratings
- Ford Maverick: Compact and Capable.
- Ford Ranger: Midsize and Mighty Fun.
- Ford F-150: The Full-Size Icon.
- Ford F-250: The Heavy-Duty Counterpart.
- Ford F-350: More Hauling Capability Awaits.
- Ford F-450: The Strongest Tow Rig in the Lineup.
What truck can tow 40,000 lbs?
The Ford F-450 Super Duty is the only truck that can tow 40,000 lbs, but only when properly equipped with the high-output 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine, a two-wheel-drive, dual-rear-wheel (DRW) setup, and a gooseneck trailer hitch. Other heavy-duty trucks have high but lower towing capacities, such as the Ford F-350, Ram 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500HD.
Ford F-450 Super Duty
- Towing Capacity: Up to 40,000 lbs with a gooseneck hitch.
- Required Equipment:
- High-Output 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 engine.
- Two-wheel-drive, dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configuration.
- Max Tow Package.
- Note: This is a heavy-duty, work-focused truck designed for extreme hauling, not a luxury pickup.
Other heavy-duty trucks
- Ford F-350 Super Duty: Can tow up to 38,000 lbs.
- Ram 3500: Can tow up to 36,610 lbs (or 37,090 lbs, depending on the configuration).
- GMC Sierra 3500HD: Can tow up to 36,000 lbs.
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD: Can tow up to 36,000 lbs.
