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What is the weight limit on the Ford Maverick hitch?

The hitch on a Ford Maverick is rated to handle up to 400 pounds of tongue weight and up to 4,000 pounds of gross trailer weight when properly equipped. The exact figures depend on the powertrain and installed towing equipment, so always verify your vehicle’s numbers in the owner’s manual or the official Ford towing guide for your exact build.


Official towing specifications by configuration


These figures summarize the main towing limits commonly cited by Ford, noting that actual numbers can vary by engine, drivetrain, and equipment. The most capable setup uses the 2.0L EcoBoost gasoline engine with a two-inch hitch receiver.



  • Gasoline 2.0L EcoBoost (typically with 2WD/AWD): Gross trailer weight (GTW) up to 4,000 pounds; tongue weight (TW) up to 400 pounds.

  • Hybrid powertrain: GTW up to about 2,000 pounds; tongue weight and other limits are lower and vary by trim and configuration.

  • Hitch and receiver: Factory-installed hitch is a 2-inch receiver designed to support the higher GTW and TW figures when properly equipped.

  • Notes: Always confirm exact numbers for your specific vehicle year/trim via the door sticker and Ford’s official towing specification documentation.


In summary, the top-end towing figures for the Maverick reach 4,000 pounds GTW and 400 pounds TW with the EcoBoost powertrain, while hybrids have noticeably reduced limits. Always verify for your exact vehicle before towing.


Tongue weight explained


Tongue weight is the downward load the trailer exerting on the hitch. It is typically about 10% of the trailer’s total weight, but Ford sets a hard maximum of 400 pounds for the Maverick when correctly equipped. Exceeding this limit can affect handling, braking, and stability.


Powertrain impact on capacity


The Maverick’s towing capacity is powertrain–dependent. The 2.0L EcoBoost setup enables the higher 4,000-pound GTW and 400-pound TW, while the Hybrid variant carries lower towing limits. Always check your specific configuration to determine the exact limits for towing and tongue weight.


Practical guidelines for safe towing with a Maverick


These guidelines help ensure you stay within the hitch’s weight limits and maintain safe handling on the road.



  • Plan trailers within the configured GTW and TW for your powertrain; never exceed the lowest rated value for your setup.

  • Use a weight-distributing hitch if near the upper end of the limits and ensure all equipment (hitch, wiring, and brakes) is rated for the trailer.

  • Distribute load toward the trailer’s front to maintain proper tongue weight and avoid excessive rear suspension load.


Following these guidelines reduces towing risk and helps preserve braking, steering, and overall stability when towing with a Maverick.


Summary


The Ford Maverick’s hitch weight limit centers on a 400-pound maximum tongue weight and up to 4,000 pounds of gross trailer weight when equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the factory 2-inch hitch. The Hybrid variant lowers those limits substantially. Always verify the exact numbers for your vehicle from the door sticker and Ford’s official towing documentation, and stay within those limits for safe towing.

Is 20% tongue weight too much?


A good rule of thumb for an acceptable tongue weight for a trailer is to keep the weight between 9 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight (GTW). For example, if you tow a 5000-pound trailer, the tongue weight should be approximately 600 pounds.



How much weight can a Ford Maverick hitch carry?


The Maverick towing capacity ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. To reach either of these numbers, you will need to get the optional Ford Maverick tow hitch installed. This feature is optional on the Maverick XL and XLT but does come standard on the Lariat model.



What is the tongue weight rating of the Ford Maverick?


The Ford Maverick's tongue weight capacity is 400 lbs for a properly equipped truck with the 4K Tow Package. This is generally considered to be 10% of the 4,000 lb maximum towing capacity, which is a common guideline for safe towing, though some recommend aiming for a higher percentage if the vehicle can handle it. The maximum tongue weight for the base 2,000 lb towing capacity is 200 lbs. 
Tongue weight and towing capacity

  • 4K Tow Package: The maximum tongue weight is 400 lbs, corresponding to the 4,000 lb maximum towing capacity. 
  • Base towing capacity: The maximum tongue weight is 200 lbs, corresponding to the 2,000 lb maximum towing capacity. 
  • Safety guideline: A common rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be 10% of the total trailer weight. For a 4,000 lb trailer, this is 400 lbs. 

Important considerations
  • Proper equipment: The 4,000 lb towing capacity and 400 lb tongue weight are only achievable with the 4K Tow Package, which includes an upgraded cooling system and a trailer brake controller. 
  • Vehicle-specific limits: Always check the vehicle's owner's manual and the weight-carrying capacity chart to confirm your specific truck's limits, as cargo, configuration, and passengers can affect the rating. 
  • Towing safety: Never exceed the tongue weight limit to avoid damaging the suspension or losing control. Always maintain the recommended tongue weight, which is generally between 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight for stability. 



What is the towing capacity of the Ford Maverick tow package?


The Ford Maverick's towing capacity with the 4K Tow Package is up to 4,000 pounds, but this is only available on models with the 2.0L EcoBoost gasoline engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). Models without the package, or with the hybrid engine, have a standard towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The 4K Tow Package includes a variety of upgrades to enable higher towing, such as an upgraded radiator, transmission cooler, trailer hitch receiver, and integrated trailer brake controller.
 
This video explains the 4K Tow package and towing capacity of the Ford Maverick: 1mAutoRBXYouTube · Jul 18, 2023
4K Tow Package (4,000 lbs) 

  • Engine and Drivetrain: Requires the 2.0L EcoBoost engine with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). 
  • Includes:
    • Trailer hitch receiver 
    • Seven-pin trailer wiring plug 
    • Integrated trailer brake controller 
    • Upgraded radiator and transmission oil cooler 
    • Upgraded cooling fan 
    • 3.81:1 axle gears 

Standard Towing Capacity (2,000 lbs) 
  • Engine and Drivetrain: Available on all trims, including models with the 2.5L hybrid engine (FWD only) and models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine without the 4K Tow Package.
  • Best for: Light-duty tasks and smaller trailers like a small utility trailer or a pair of kayaks. 


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.