If you're shopping for a truck in central Minnesota, towing capability isn't a nice-to-have — it's the whole point. Whether you're hauling a walleye boat down to Lake Minnewaska, pulling a livestock trailer through McLeod County, or dragging a fifth wheel camper up north for the long weekend, the right F-150 setup makes all the difference. The 2026 Ford F-150 offers up to 13,500 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped — but that number only tells part of the story. The engine you choose, the package you add, and the axle upgrade you select all determine what your specific truck can actually pull.

This guide breaks down exactly how F-150 towing works — which engines tow what, what the Tow/Haul Package actually does, when you need the Max Tow Axle upgrade, and how to match the right setup to your real-world towing needs here in central Minnesota.

How Much Can the 2026 Ford F-150 Tow?

The 2026 F-150 is rated to tow up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped with the right engine, Tow/Haul Package, and Max Tow Axle upgrade. That figure represents the top of the lineup — not every F-150 configuration reaches it, and your specific truck's rating will depend on engine choice, drivetrain, cab style, and options selected.

The table below shows the maximum available tow ratings by engine. All figures require proper equipment as noted — towing capacity varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.

Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content, and number of passengers. See your window sticker and doorjamb label for the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle. Always properly secure cargo.

Which F-150 Engine Has the Highest Tow Rating?

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 tops the gas lineup with up to 13,500 lbs of towing capacity when paired with the Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow Axle upgrade. It also produces 382 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque — making it the strongest all-around towing engine in the F-150 gas lineup.

That said, the right engine depends on what you're actually towing, not just which number is biggest. Here's the practical breakdown:

• 2.7L EcoBoost (325 hp / 400 lb-ft): Worth it if your towing is occasional and under 8,000 lbs — pontoon boats, small utility trailers, snowmobiles. Skip it if you're pulling heavy equipment or a loaded camper regularly.
• 3.5L EcoBoost (382 hp / 500 lb-ft): The workhorse choice for serious towing. Worth it for anyone pulling a fifth wheel, loaded livestock trailer, or heavy equipment trailer. This is the engine most central MN buyers with real towing needs should be considering.
• 5.0L V8 (400 hp / 410 lb-ft): Tows up to 12,800 lbs — slightly less than the 3.5L EcoBoost at max capacity, but preferred by buyers who want the traditional V8 feel and strong low-end pull. A legitimate choice for heavy-duty towing use.
• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid (420 hp / 570 lb-ft): The highest torque in the lineup at 570 lb-ft — but max tow rating is 11,600 lbs due to hybrid system weight. Best for buyers who also need onboard power (Pro Power Onboard 2.4 KW included) alongside serious towing. Covered in more detail below.

Note: The 2.7L EcoBoost is not compatible with the Tow/Haul Package — confirm this with your dealer when building your order if towing is a primary use case.

What Is the Tow/Haul Package and What Does It Include?

The Tow/Haul Package (option code 53T) is required to reach the maximum tow ratings on the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 engines. It is not just a mode — it is a package of physical hardware and electronic upgrades that meaningfully change what your truck can do.

The Tow/Haul Package includes:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded rear axle ratio (3.55 electronic-locking with 3.5L EcoBoost; 3.73 electronic-locking with 5.0L V8 and PowerBoost Hybrid)
• Electronic locking rear differential
• Tow/Haul transmission mode (reduces gear hunting on hills, improves engine braking on descents)
• Trailer Sway Control
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector

The Tow/Haul Package is available on XL, STX (200A only), XLT, Lariat, and Tremor (401A/402B). It is standard equipment on King Ranch® and Platinum®.

Most common mistake: Buyers assume the Tow/Haul mode (the button on the dash) is the same as ordering the Tow/Haul Package. The mode comes standard on equipped trucks — but the physical hardware of the package (trailer brake controller, locking axle, axle ratio upgrade) must be ordered at purchase. You cannot add it after the fact.

Confirm package inclusion on your window sticker or ask your Jay Malone Ford sales team to walk through what's on a specific unit before you buy.

What Is the Max Tow Axle and Do I Need It?

The Max Tow Axle is an additional optional upgrade beyond the Tow/Haul Package. It is required to reach the highest published tow ratings on the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8. Without it, your tow rating will be lower — even with the Tow/Haul Package installed.

Two Max Tow Axle options are available depending on engine:

• 3.55 Max Tow Electronic-Locking Rear Axle (XL5) — for 3.5L EcoBoost applications
• 3.73 Max Tow Electronic-Locking Rear Axle (XL7) — for 5.0L V8 and select 3.5L EcoBoost applications

Note: The Max Tow Axle is not available with 17" or 18" painted aluminum wheels, or 22" wheels — confirm your wheel selection is compatible when building your order.

Worth it if: You are regularly pulling trailers above 10,000 lbs — fifth wheels, heavy equipment, large horse or livestock trailers. At that weight, you want every lb of rated capacity confirmed.

Skip it if: Your heaviest trailer is a standard boat or utility trailer under 8,000 lbs. The Tow/Haul Package alone puts you well within a comfortable margin for most common Minnesota towing needs.

How Does the PowerBoost Hybrid Compare to Gas Engines for Towing?

The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 produces the highest torque output in the F-150 lineup — 570 lb-ft — which translates to confident, linear pulling power from a near-stop. Its maximum tow rating of 11,600 lbs (when properly equipped with Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow Axle) is lower than the 3.5L EcoBoost gas engine's 13,500 lbs, primarily due to the added weight of the hybrid battery system.

The PowerBoost makes the most sense for buyers who tow regularly and need onboard power at the destination. It includes Pro Power Onboard 2.4 KW as standard — enough to run power tools, charge equipment, or keep lights running at a campsite or jobsite without a generator.

One important note for Minnesota buyers: the PowerBoost is 4x4 only — which is an advantage for our winters but worth knowing if you were considering a 4x2 configuration. Cold-weather hybrid battery performance is a common question; while real-world results vary, Ford engineers the PowerBoost for year-round use including cold-climate starts. If this is a concern, it is worth discussing with your salesperson before ordering.

The hybrid engine guide is explored in more detail — including how each powertrain performs in Minnesota conditions — in our 2026 F-150 Engine Guide.

What Trailers Can the F-150 Handle in Minnesota?

Central Minnesota puts a specific set of demands on a truck. Here is how F-150 towing maps to the most common trailer types our customers pull:

Trailer weights shown are general ranges for planning purposes. Always verify the actual loaded weight of your specific trailer before selecting a tow vehicle. Do not exceed trailer weight of 5,000 lbs when towing without a weight-distribution system.

One important reminder from the Ford towing guidelines: trailer tongue load should be 10% of the total loaded trailer weight. Make sure your truck's payload capacity — reduced by option weight, passengers, and cargo — can accommodate the tongue load. This is where buyers sometimes run into surprises. Your specific truck's payload is listed on the doorjamb label — check it before you hitch up. Payload capacity, bed configurations, and work-focused packages are covered in full in our 2026 F-150 work truck guide.

How to Choose the Right F-150 Towing Setup

Choosing the right F-150 for towing comes down to four decisions in this order:

1. Know your loaded trailer weight. Weigh your trailer fully loaded — not just the manufacturer's dry weight. This is the number that matters. Add 10% for tongue load and confirm your selected truck's payload covers it.
2. Choose your engine based on that weight. Under 8,000 lbs loaded? The 2.7L EcoBoost handles it. 8,000–12,800 lbs? The 5.0L V8 or 3.5L EcoBoost. Above 12,800 lbs up to 13,500 lbs? The 3.5L EcoBoost with full Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow Axle.
3. Add the Tow/Haul Package if you tow regularly or heavily. If you're pulling more than 8,000 lbs or towing on hills and highways regularly, the Tow/Haul Package is not optional — it's the right call. It includes the trailer brake controller, locking axle, and transmission tuning you need.
4. Decide on the Max Tow Axle based on your margin. If you're at 10,000 lbs or above and want to tow at or near the truck's maximum, add the Max Tow Axle. If you're consistently under 10,000 lbs, the base Tow/Haul Package gives you plenty of headroom.
5. Verify on the window sticker. Every F-150's actual tow and payload rating is specific to that vehicle's exact configuration. Always confirm your specific truck's sticker before finalizing your purchase — and ask your Jay Malone Ford team to walk you through it.

Towing decisions make the most sense when viewed alongside the full trim and engine picture. For a complete overview of how all of these choices fit together, the 2026 F-150 overview at Jay Malone Ford is a good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford F-150?

The 2026 F-150 is rated to tow up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, Tow/Haul Package (53T), and Max Tow Axle upgrade. Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, cab configuration, and options selected. Your specific vehicle's rating is listed on the doorjamb label.

Can the 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 tow a boat?

Yes — the 2.7L EcoBoost is rated to tow up to 8,400 lbs when properly equipped, which is more than sufficient for most pontoon boats, fishing boats, and smaller recreational trailers common in central Minnesota. It is not compatible with the Tow/Haul Package, so if your towing needs are above 8,000 lbs or you want the integrated trailer brake controller, you'll want to step up to the 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8.

Do I need the Tow/Haul Package to tow with the F-150?

You are not required to have the Tow/Haul Package to tow — every F-150 comes with a Class IV trailer hitch receiver and 7/4-pin connector as standard. However, if you plan to regularly tow loads above 8,000 lbs, the Tow/Haul Package is strongly recommended and required to reach the maximum published tow ratings on the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 engines. It also adds the integrated trailer brake controller, which Ford recommends for trailers with electric brakes.

What is the F-150's 5th wheel and gooseneck towing capacity?

The 2026 F-150 is available for 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing. Specific ratings vary by engine, axle ratio, and cab configuration — consult the F-150 towing guide or speak with your Jay Malone Ford team for configuration-specific figures. Note that vehicles with a 5.5' box will accept a 5th-wheel hitch but most 5th-wheel trailer designs are not compatible with that box length. Raptor models are not recommended for 5th-wheel towing.

Is the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid good for towing in Minnesota winters?

The PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 produces 420 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque — the highest torque figure in the F-150 lineup — and is rated to tow up to 11,600 lbs when properly equipped. It is 4x4 only, which is a genuine advantage for Minnesota winter driving. Cold-weather hybrid performance is a valid question worth discussing with your salesperson, particularly for buyers who park outdoors in extreme temperatures.

What tow-assist technology does the 2026 F-150 offer?

On XLT 302A/303A and above, the F-150 includes Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist as part of Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0. Trailer Sway Control is standard across the lineup. The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is included with the Tow/Haul Package and standard on Raptor. A 360-degree camera (included on XLT 302A/303A and above) also makes hitching and maneuvering significantly easier.

My Take on F-150 Towing

I've had a lot of conversations with customers in Hutchinson and across McLeod County who come in with a tow rating in mind but haven't thought through the full picture — the tongue load, the payload, the package requirements. The published 13,500 lb number is real, but it's the ceiling of a specific configuration, not a baseline you can assume on any F-150 off the lot.

What I tell people: start with what you're actually pulling, fully loaded. Then work backwards to the engine and package. If you're pulling a fifth wheel or a heavy gooseneck consistently, the 3.5L EcoBoost with the Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow Axle is the configuration to build toward. If you're pulling a boat a few weekends a year, the 2.7L EcoBoost gets the job done at a lower price point.

If you want to talk through your specific setup — what you tow, how often, and what configuration makes the most sense — come see us at Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson. We've been helping central Minnesota truck buyers get this right since 2005, and we're happy to walk through the numbers with you.