Ford Towing
Ford Towing
You need to move big stuff, and Lamb Ford is here to help. Learn how to find a Ford with just the right towing capacity. Explore the equipment you’ll need. And even make sense of GVWRs, GCVWRs, and GAWRs.
Three things to consider when thinking about towing.
Engine.
Horsepower and torque work together to deliver high-end and low-end power, respectively.* Torque will help to get your vehicle moving from a standstill when towing. Meanwhile, horsepower will help with acceleration at high speeds, such as when passing on a highway.
*Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
Transmission.
Towing can cause strain on your transmission as it works harder than normal to handle the extra weight and resistance. You can help manage this by maintaining the correct transmission fluid level and scheduling regular fluid changes.
Braked vs. Unbraked.
Braked towing capacity is the maximum your vehicle can tow when the trailer has its own brakes. This capacity is higher than your vehicle’s unbraked towing capacity – when the trailer lacks its own brakes. A vehicle can tow heavier loads under control when the trailer can brake independently.
Still have questions? Take a look at some of our FAQs.
What is the payload capacity and towing capacity, and how do I calculate both?
Payload capacity refers to the combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry. Towing capacity refers to the highest possible weight of a fully loaded trailer the vehicle can safely tow.
Towing Capacity: To calculate the towing capacity of a vehicle, you need to refer to the specifications provided by Ford. The towing capacity is listed on the Ford Towing Calculator (Calculated based on VIN#) or listed in Ford RV Towing Guide. The RV Towing Guide does not consider added accessories, premium trim series packages, aftermarket equipment, passenger, and payload.
Payload Capacity: To calculate the payload capacity of a vehicle, you typically subtract the base curb weight from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The result is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo that the vehicle can safely carry. Payload Capacity = GVWR – Curb Weight.
What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and is it the same as towing capacity?
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It represents the maximum weight that a vehicle is designed to safely carry, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and accessories. Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow behind it. This weight includes the trailer being towed and any cargo loaded onto the trailer.
While both GVWR and towing capacity relate to a vehicle’s ability to carry weight, they are not the same. GVWR is about the total weight the vehicle itself can handle while towing capacity is about the weight the vehicle can pull behind it.
What is Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) and how do I calculate it?
GCWR stands for Gross Combined Weight Rating. It represents the maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
To calculate the GCWR, refer to the specifications shown on the Ford Towing Calculator (Calculated based on VIN#) or listed in Ford RV Towing Guide. Once you have the GCWR, you can determine the maximum weight your combination of tow vehicle and trailer can safely operate at, ensuring that you do not exceed this limit to maintain safe towing conditions.
To calculate your vehicle’s GCWR and maximum payload rating, locate these key specifications:
- Maximum payload rating can be calculated from the GVWR located on the doorjamb in kilograms and pounds subtracted the vehicle base curb weight.
- Look for the Ford Towing Calculator (Calculated based on VIN#) or listed in Ford RV Towing Guide in kilograms and pounds.
What is tongue weight and how do I calculate it?
Tongue weight refers to the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. It’s an important factor in towing safety as it affects the stability and handling of the tow vehicle and trailer combination.
To calculate tongue weight:
- If the vehicle is equipped with Onboard Scales, you can measure the Trailer Tongue Load. For those vehicles that are not equipped with onboard scales, we recommend visiting a weight station or public scale at a truck stop.
- Determine the percentage of tongue weight: Generally, tongue weight should be about 10-15% of the trailer’s total loaded weight. However, this percentage can vary depending on factors like trailer design, load distribution, and towing conditions. (Do not exceed max tongue weight of vehicle and hitch listed in Ford Owner Manual).
- Measure the trailer’s loaded weight: Fully load the trailer as it would be for towing, including all cargo, gear, and fluids. Use a vehicle scale or specialized trailer tongue weight scale to accurately measure the trailer’s total weight.
- Measure the tongue weight: If the tongue load is greater than max rating re-adjust trailer load to get tongue load with in rating and within 10-15% (Conventional) 15-25% (5th Wheel & Gooseneck) of trailer weight.
What does curb weight mean and how do I calculate it?
Curb weight refers to the weight of a vehicle including all standard equipment, fluids (such as fuel and oil), and a full tank of fuel, but excluding any passengers or cargo. It represents the weight of the vehicle in its factory condition, ready for operation on the road.
The curb weight of a vehicle should be measured on a scale.
What is Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and how do I calculate it?
GAWR stands for Gross Axle Weight Rating. It is the maximum weight that each axle on a vehicle is designed to support. The front axle rating is the Front GAWR and rear is the Rear GAWR.
The Front GAWR and Rear GAWR is listed on a label inside the driver side door jamb or in the vehicle’s owner manual.
Once you have the GAWR for each axle, you can determine the maximum weight that can be placed on each axle without exceeding its capacity. This helps ensure safe handling and performance of the vehicle, preventing overloading that could lead to mechanical failures or accidents.
When loading cargo or passengers onto a vehicle, it’s important to distribute the weight evenly between the axles and ensure that the total weight does not exceed the GAWR for any individual axle.