2023 Ford Trucks: Let's Talk about Towing Capacity
2023 Ford Trucks: Let's Talk about Towing Capacity
Posted on May 23, 2023
Towing capacity is an essential factor to consider when you’re looking for your next truck. Whether you’re using the vehicle for personal or business use, the ability to haul a trailer or, in emergencies, another vehicle is always handy. In this article, we compare Ford’s trucks and their towing capacity and explain their importance.
Why Towing Capacity Matters on a Truck
Towing capacity is easily defined as the maximum weight that can be pulled behind the vehicle while towing. However, there are two forms that this maximum weight takes form in. Braked towing capacity refers to towing with a trailer that has brakes, while unbraked towing capacity is for towing trailers that have no brakes which connect with yours.
Why You Need to Adhere to Maximum Towing Capacity
Going over the recommended capacity places the risk of damage on your vehicle. Specifically, your engine, tires, frame and transmission can be damaged from towing too heavy a weight for your truck. Additionally, the capacity relates to safety, especially when there are no brakes on the trailer or vehicle you’re towing, as it will impact your driving.
The Relationship of Torque, Horsepower, and Towing Capacity
Horsepower and torque are two popular specs people look at when purchasing a vehicle. Horsepower relates to your acceleration and ability to drive faster. Torque is the low-end power source that helps you move again after stopping.
As a trailer or car being towed behind, you may not have its own brakes, and its additional weight, higher torque and horsepower will make towing easier. This reason is also why towing over capacity may damage your engine.
Comparison Between Ford Trucks
This section shows a table with all of the available 2023 trucks from Ford and compares their engine, towing capacity, performance, and starting price. The table is a great tool to use when looking for a quick way to compare the trucks before booking a test drive.
| Truck | Starting Price | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower / Torque |
| Maverick | $31,100 | 907 Kg | 2L Ecoboost engine | 250 hp / 277 lb-ft |
| Transit Connect | $36,070 | 2,404 Kg | 2.0L GDI engine | 162 hp / 164 lb-ft |
| Ranger | $38,480 | 3,400 Kg | 2.3L EcoBoost engine | 270 hp / 310 lb-ft |
| F-150 | $46,055 | 4,264 Kg | 3.3L V6 Engine | 290 hp / 265 lb-ft |
| Transit | $49,930 | 2,268 Kg | 3.5L V6 Engine | 275 hp / 262 lb-ft |
| Super Duty | $58,479 | 6,532 Kg | 6.8LV8 Engine | 405 hp / 445 lb-ft |
| F-150 Lightning | $79,000 | 2,268 - 3,493 Kg | Dual electric motors | 337-433 hp / 1,050 lb-ft |
Towing the Line
Towing capacity is an essential factor to consider. Depending on what you tow behind you, ignoring the capacity can wear out your truck’s engine and body and can be a safety hazard while driving. While it has a relation with other aspects of the truck, such as horsepower and torque, the towing capacity isn’t entirely dependent on those numbers.