What size trailer can a Ford Flex pull?
The Ford Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped with the factory towing package; without the tow package, typical limits range from about 2,000 to 3,500 pounds depending on year and engine.
Understanding what those numbers mean helps owners decide what trailers are safe to tow, how to outfit the vehicle, and how to verify the rating for a specific model year. The Ford Flex, produced from 2009 through 2019, sits in the midrange among family SUVs for towing capacity. This article lays out the official figures, how to check yours, and practical guidelines for safe towing.
Official capacity and common configurations
These figures reflect typical maximum towing capacities for the Ford Flex when equipped with the factory tow package and the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, as well as how the rating changes if the package isn’t installed.
- 4,500 pounds maximum when the vehicle is equipped with Ford’s factory Trailer Tow Package and the 3.5L V6 engine.
- Without the factory tow package, the towing limit generally falls in the roughly 2,000–3,500 pounds range, depending on the model year, engine choice, and any other factory or aftermarket equipment.
- Always verify the exact rating for your specific vehicle by checking the door jamb GVWR/GCWR sticker and the owner’s manual; the published towing limit is vehicle-specific.
In practice, these ratings guide what size trailers you can safely pull. Owners planning to tow should consider the trailer’s dry weight, its loaded weight, and the tongue weight to ensure they stay within the vehicle’s limits.
How to verify your Ford Flex’s exact rating
To confirm the towing capacity for your exact vehicle, follow these steps.
- Locate the Vehicle Certification Label on the driver’s door or door jamb to read GVWR, curb weight, and GCWR.
- Consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s official towing guide for your model year to confirm the rated maximum with and without the tow package.
- Determine your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its actual loaded weight, then calculate tongue weight (approximately 10–15% of trailer weight) and gross combined weight rating (GCWR).
- Ensure you have the appropriate hitch, wiring, brakes (for heavier trailers), and a trailer brake control if required by state law or the trailer’s weight.
After completing these steps, you can be confident your towing setup remains within the vehicle’s safe limits and complies with local regulations.
Key considerations when towing with a Ford Flex
Engine, cooling, and transmission load
The Flex’s 3.5L V6 is capable, but towing heavy trailers can increase engine and transmission heat. Use proper cooling, avoid sustained high-speed towing on steep grades, and monitor temperature gauges. If your Flex has the tow package, it’s designed to handle higher loads more reliably.
Payload and weight distribution
Payload capacity—comprising passengers, cargo, and aftermarket equipment—reduces the available tow capacity. Distribute trailer weight with a proper tongue weight and ensure not to exceed the vehicle’s GVWR or GCWR.
Brakes, hitch, and wiring
Heavier trailers typically require electric or hydraulic trailer brakes and a compatible braking controller. Use a Class III hitch rated for the trailer’s weight, and ensure the wiring harness is correct for signals, brake lights, and turn signals.
Summary
The Ford Flex can pull a wide range of trailers, with 4,500 pounds as the upper limit when the factory tow package is installed and the vehicle has the standard 3.5L V6. If the tow package isn’t installed, expect a lower range, generally between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds. Always verify your exact rating on the door jamb label and in the owner's manual, and plan around payload, tongue weight, and GCWR to tow safely.
What is the towing capacity of a 2008 Ford Flex?
Towing capacity was 4,500 lb (2,040 kg). The all-wheel drive system was capable of transferring up to 100% of torque to the front or rear axle as needed.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Ford Flex?
So adding a trailer hitch to your Flex. It's going to be an excellent idea because it's going to make your vehicle that much more versatile. Now we can obviously use a trailer hitch for towing.
Can a Ford Flex tow a trailer?
(1) Requires Class III Trailer Tow Package. (2) Requires weight-distributing hitch on FWD models.
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What is the towing capacity of a 2015 Ford Flex?
The 2015 Ford Flex towing capacity is up to 4,500 lbs when properly equipped, most notably with the EcoBoost engine or specific trim levels like the SEL and Limited. The base SE trim has a lower capacity of 2,000 lbs.
You can watch this video to learn how to install a trailer hitch on a Ford Flex: 1metrailerYouTube · Dec 12, 2019
- 4,500 lbs: This is the maximum towing capacity for most 2015 Ford Flex models, including those with the optional EcoBoost engine and the SEL and Limited trims.
- 2,000 lbs: This is the towing capacity for the base SE trim with the standard 3.5L V6 engine.
- Check your specific model: Always confirm the towing capacity for your specific vehicle configuration, as it can vary based on the engine and trim level.
