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How to Safely Tow with Your Ford Vehicle

Posted on February 13, 2025

Towing 101: How to Safely Tow with Your Ford Vehicle

 
Towing with your Ford truck or SUV can be straightforward with the right knowledge. Whether you're hauling a boat, camper, or trailer, understanding best practices ensures a safe and smooth experience. Ford vehicles are equipped with advanced towing features to help you manage heavy loads with confidence. Proper preparation and awareness of towing mechanics can prevent accidents and prolong the lifespan of your vehicle.
 

Understanding Your Ford's Towing Capacity

 
Before you hitch a trailer, it's crucial to know your vehicle's towing capacity. Exceeding this limit can cause handling issues, increased wear on your truck, and even safety risks.
 
To find your towing capacity, check the owner’s manual or Ford’s towing guide. Look at the sticker inside the driver’s side door for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). You can also visit Ford’s website for model-specific towing ratings. Overloading can not only damage your vehicle’s suspension but also reduce braking efficiency and increase the risk of tire blowouts. If you are unsure about the weight of your load, consider using a public weigh station to verify.
 

 

Light-Duty Towing

 
For those who need to tow smaller loads, such as lightweight trailers, small boats, or utility trailers, Ford offers a variety of options. The Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger are excellent choices for light-duty towing. The 2025 Ford Maverick, for example, has a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it ideal for weekend getaways, small landscaping jobs, and lightweight recreational vehicles. The Ford Ranger, with its more powerful engine options, offers up to 7,500 pounds of towing capacity, allowing you to haul slightly heavier loads while maintaining great fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
 

 

Medium-Duty Towing

 
When you need more power for towing larger boats, campers, or equipment, the Ford F-150 and Ford Expedition are strong contenders. The 2025 Ford F-150, with the right configuration, delivers an impressive maximum towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds. This makes it perfect for hauling RVs, larger boats, and heavy equipment. Additionally, the Ford Expedition, with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, can tow up to 9,300 pounds, making it a great option for families who need a powerful SUV with substantial towing capabilities.
 

 

Heavy-Duty Towing

 
For those with serious towing needs, such as construction equipment, livestock trailers, or large fifth-wheel campers, Ford’s Super Duty lineup is the ultimate choice. The 2025 Ford Super Duty series is engineered for the heaviest of loads, with certain configurations capable of towing up to 37,000 pounds when equipped with a gooseneck hitch. This level of capability makes it an essential tool for professional haulers, farmers, and those who require top-tier performance and durability. With a range of engine options, including the high-output 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel, Ford’s Super Duty trucks provide unmatched towing strength and reliability.
 

 

Essential Towing Equipment

 
Using the right towing equipment prevents accidents and ensures a smooth haul. You will need a trailer hitch that matches your trailer’s weight. A ball mount and hitch ball should be the correct size to ensure a secure connection. Safety chains are required by law and act as a backup connection. If your trailer has electric brakes, a brake controller is necessary to improve stopping power. A trailer wiring harness connects your vehicle’s lights to your trailer, ensuring brake lights and turn signals work. Tow mirrors are useful for maintaining visibility when towing wider trailers. Ford trucks and SUVs come with factory-installed towing packages that include many of these essentials, making it easier to get started.
 
Additionally, consider using a weight distribution hitch if you are towing a heavy load. This helps distribute the weight more evenly across your vehicle’s axles, improving stability and control. For enhanced security, invest in an anti-sway hitch, which helps minimize side-to-side movement of the trailer when driving in windy conditions or on uneven roads.
 

How to Hitch a Trailer Properly

 
Securing your trailer correctly is key to a safe journey. First, align your vehicle using a backup camera, such as Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, to line up the hitch and ball. Lower the coupler onto the hitch ball and lock it in place. Attach safety chains, crossing them under the hitch for added security. Plug in the trailer wiring and test the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. If your trailer has electric brakes, adjust them using a brake controller to set the proper braking force. Ensure cargo is evenly distributed and secured before setting off. Checking that the coupler is locked tightly and using a hitch pin to prevent it from loosening are additional safety measures to consider.
 

Safe Driving Tips for Towing

 
Once your trailer is hitched, driving adjustments are necessary to ensure safety. Drive slower because higher speeds increase braking distance and reduce control. Allow more stopping distance, as heavy loads take longer to stop. Make wider turns since trailers cut corners sharper than your vehicle. Avoid sudden maneuvers, as abrupt lane changes or sharp braking can cause trailer sway. Use Tow Mode, as many Ford vehicles have a Tow/Haul mode that optimizes gear shifting for better performance. If trailer sway occurs, reduce speed gradually and avoid overcorrecting.
 
When traveling long distances, take breaks frequently to inspect your trailer connections and tire pressure. Staying aware of weather conditions is also crucial—strong crosswinds or rain can significantly affect trailer handling. If possible, plan your route in advance to avoid steep inclines, sharp turns, or heavy traffic areas that could complicate towing.
 

Advanced Towing Features in Ford Vehicles

 
Ford offers innovative technology to make towing easier and safer. Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps guide the trailer in reverse with a simple knob turn. Trailer Sway Control automatically applies brakes to reduce trailer sway. The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller provides smooth braking for trailers with electric brakes. Smart Hitch assists in properly distributing trailer weight. Ford BlueCruise, while not designed for towing, can reduce fatigue on long trips when not towing. These features help drivers tow with confidence, reducing stress and improving safety.
 
Another helpful feature is Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Trailer Coverage, which alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, extending the alert range to cover your trailer. The 360-degree camera system also provides a complete view of your surroundings, making hitching and navigating tight spaces easier.
 

Towing Maintenance Checklist

 
Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle and trailer stay in top condition. Before each trip, check tire pressure, as low pressure can cause instability. Inspect the brakes on both the vehicle and trailer to ensure proper function. Verify that all lights and signals are working before departure. Check the hitch and safety chains to confirm they are secure. Make sure the load is distributed properly to prevent swaying. Inspect engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels to keep the vehicle running smoothly. Ford’s service centers offer professional inspections to keep your vehicle towing-ready. Schedule routine maintenance to ensure reliability.
 
After towing, perform a post-trip inspection to ensure there is no damage to your hitch, tires, or brakes. Cleaning and lubricating moving parts, such as the hitch coupler and trailer ball, will help maintain longevity and prevent rust. If towing frequently, check your suspension system and axles for signs of wear.
 

Hit the Road with Confidence

 
Towing doesn’t have to be intimidating. With Ford’s powerful trucks, smart towing features, and the right knowledge, you can haul safely and efficiently. Always follow weight limits, use proper equipment, and take advantage of Ford’s towing technologies for a stress-free experience. With the proper setup and attention to detail, towing can be a smooth and hassle-free process.
 
For expert service and towing accessories, visit Parkway Ford today!