How do I use the Ford Towing Calculator to find the towing capacity of my truck?
The Ford online Towing* Calculator provides a quick way to calculate the maximum loaded trailer weight and maximum tongue weight for your vehicle.
Notes:
- Only 2020 model year and newer F-Series pickup trucks capable of towing can use the Ford Towing Calculator at this time. Check back at a later date to see if additional vehicles have been added. Use our general towing capacity article for all other vehicles.
- If you are looking to purchase a vehicle, you can use its window sticker to obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Using the Towing Calculator
To use this tool:
- Go to the Ford Towing Calculator page and either:
- Choose Sign in to My Ford.
- Log in to your Ford account.
- Choose your vehicle.
- Enter your VIN.
- Choose Sign in to My Ford.
Select Continue.
Note: If your vehicle is a 2020 or newer model-year F-Series pickup truck, and you receive a message stating the towing calculator is not available for your vehicle, refresh your browser. If this does not resolve the issue, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.
- Scroll down to see the general ratings for your vehicle, and select Conventional, Gooseneck, or 5th Wheel to view data based on different hitch types.
- Select Configure.
- Enter the estimated weights:
- Occupant(s): All the occupants of the vehicle
- Cargo: Items carried by the vehicle
- Accessories: Additional vehicle add-ons and trailer connection hardware
- Select Calculate and the Towing Calculator will provide Max Tongue Load and Max Trailer Weight based on the information you entered.
- If your vehicle is capable of towing what you require, you will see a message at the top of the page advising, “Weight is within your vehicle’s ratings."
If your vehicle is incapable of towing what you require, you will see a message at the top of the page advising, “Weight exceeds your vehicle’s ratings. Reduce added weight.”
Note: Choose Edit Values to update the information you entered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Select a question from the drop-down options below to learn more.
What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?
GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle. This includes all options, equipment, passengers, and cargo. It appears on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This label is located on the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the door-latch post, next to the driver's seating position.
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the GVWR.
For more information, see the How do I find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating? article.
What is Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)?
GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer, including all cargo and passengers, that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at the GVWR, not at the GCWR. See the towing professional at your Ford Dealer if you are looking to tow weights higher than your vehicle's GVWR.
The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) must never exceed the GCWR.
What is Tongue Load?
Tongue Load is a critical measurement that must be made before towing. It refers to the amount of the trailer’s weight that presses down on the trailer hitch.
- Too much tongue load or king pin weight can cause suspension/drivetrain damage and can press the vehicle down in the back, causing the front wheels to lift to the point where traction, steering response, and breaking can be severely decreased.
- Too little tongue load or king pin weight can reduce rear-wheel traction and cause instability, which may result in tail wagging or jackknifing.
What is payload?
Payload is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that your vehicle is carrying.
The maximum payload for your vehicle, as produced from the manufacturer, appears on the Tire and Loading Information Label. The label is either on the B-pillar or the edge of the driver's door. Vehicles exported outside the United States and Canada may not have a Tire and Loading Information Label. Look for “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg OR XXX lb” for maximum payload.
The payload listed on the Tire and Loading Information label is the maximum payload for your vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If you install any additional equipment on your vehicle, you must determine the new payload. Subtract the weight of the equipment from the payload listed on the Tire and Loading Information Label. When towing, trailer tongue weight or king pin weight is also part of payload.
For more information, see the What is the payload capacity of my vehicle? article.
What is Curb Weight?
Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard and optional equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or aftermarket equipment.
For more information, see the How do I determine my vehicle's Curb Weight? article.
What is added weight?
Added weight is the total weight of all people, cargo, or accessories added to a vehicle after the initial sale. This includes the weight of all occupants including the driver, pets, cargo, luggage, tools, child seats, emergency equipment, aftermarket accessories (e.g., tool boxes, brush guards, and tonneau covers), trailer towing components (e.g., ball mounts, weight distribution hitch components, Fifth-Wheel hitch, etc.).
What is cargo weight?
Cargo weight is all weight added to the Curb Weight, including cargo, luggage, and aftermarket equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of the cargo weight.
What is Max Loaded Trailer Weight?
Max Loaded Trailer Weight is the highest possible weight of a fully-loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a trailer tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or 15% (fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer). Inaccurate input values will lead to incorrect results.
What happens if vehicle ratings are exceeded?
Keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating by overloading your vehicle or trailer hitch can adversely affect the performance and handling of your vehicle, cause vehicle damage, and can result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury, or death.
Additional Information
What is my vehicle's towing capacity?
*Before towing, review your Owner's Manual and the RV & Trailer Towing Guide for information specific to your vehicle. You can also consult your Ford Dealer about additional equipment needs.