How to Determine Maximum Towing Capacity of Ford F150

Question:

I am getting conflicting towing information. We have a ford f-150 5L v-8 crew cab short box 5.5 ft. 3.55 rear axle. The owners manual gives it a 7700 lb. towing capacity. The dealer is trying to tell us the towing capacity is 9700 lbs. The RV dealership were we are looking to buy either a 5th wheel or towable trailer, says we can tow 20 more weight if its a 5th wheel over a towable. Who is right, what is the towing limit of our truck?

asked by: Greg M

Expert Reply:

I'd be more likely to believe the owner's manual over the RV dealer, but I have a way you can definitively determine how heavy of a trailer you can tow.

Look in the door jamb of the driver's side front door for the manufacturer ID tag. You should see the acronym 'GCWR' or Gross Combined Weight Rating. This weight represents the maximum combined weight of the trailer and the truck. Load your truck up as you would if you were traveling with all the gear and passengers. Drive onto a truck scale to get your GVW (curb weight plus weight of liquids, passengers and cargo). Subtract the GVW from the GCWR, and the remainder represents the maximum amount your trailer can weigh.

expert reply by: Mike L