If you’ve got a 2021 F150 then you need to know its towing capacity before pulling or hauling anything with it.
Towing heavy trailers weighing greater than the max 2021 F150 towing capacity may damage your truck engine and it’s equally important for towing safety. Now, what is the 2021 Ford F150 Towing Capacity?
The 2021 F150 Towing Capacity (Maximum) ranges between 5,000 – 14,000 lbs. (2,268 – 6,350 kg) depending on different configurations, engine types, GCWR, cab styles, axle ratio codes, drivetrains, and the tow package installed.
The following table will show you the 2021 Ford F150 towing capacity, payload capacity, power, and torque by each engine type.
| Engine | Max Towing Capacity | Max Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 8,200 lbs. | 1,985 lbs. |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 10,100 lbs. | 2,480 lbs. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 14,000 lbs. | 3,250 lbs. |
| 3.5L Full Hybrid V6 | 12,700 lbs. | 2,120 lbs. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 13,000 lbs. | 3,325 lbs. |
| 3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 | 12,100 lbs. | 1,840 lbs. |
Towing and payload capacities, shown in the above table, are the maximum capacities that can be achieved if your truck has one of these engine types. Some other factors must be considered while calculating the actual towing capacity of your specific 2021 F-150 configuration.
Ford says that for all 2021 F150 trim levels and configurations, the trailer weight must not exceed 5,000 lbs when towing with or by bumper only.
For trailer weights exceeding 5,000 lbs., your truck must be equipped with either Trailer Towing Package or Max Trailer Towing Package and a proper weight distribution hitch.
Here I’ve collected all the 2021 Ford F150 towing and payload capacity information from the official 2021 Ford F150 Pickup Brochure and 2021 Ford F150 Towing Guide after deep research.
Trim Levels
There are 7 different Trim Levels in this 2021 Ford model, as listed below:
- XL
- STX
- XLT
- Lariat Sport
- King Ranch
- Platinum
- Limited (off-road-oriented)
For all 2021 F150 trim levels and configurations, Ford says that the trailer weight must not exceed 5,000 lbs when towing with bumper only. For trailers over 5,000 lbs., your truck must be equipped with a Trailer Towing Package, Max Trailer Towing Package, or heavy-duty payload package.
Cab Styles and Bed Lengths
There are 3 Cab Styles in the 2021 Ford F150: Regular Cab, SuperCab (Extended), and SuperCrew (Crew Cab) as listed in the below table.
| Cab Style | Passenger Capacity | Truck Bed Lengths | Seat Rows | Doors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab | 3 | 6.5 ft. and 8 ft. | 1 | 2 |
| SuperCab | 6 | 6.5 ft. and 8 ft. | 2 | 4 |
| SuperCrew | 6 | 5.5 ft., 6.5 ft., and 8 ft. | 2 | 4 |
Different cab styles and bed lengths will result in different Payload Capacities and GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) resulting in changes in Towing capabilities.
2021 F150 Towing Capacity by Engine Type
The 2021 F150 lineup has 6 powerful automatic transmission engine options. These torque-rich powertrains provide an impressive towing and payload capacity regardless of your chosen configuration.
You can find your truck specifications and engine type by using the VIN decoder or simply by checking the Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label (Door Jamb Label).
| Engine | Power (HP @ rpm) | Torque @ rpm | Max Towing Capacity | Max Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 290 @ 6,500 | 265 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 | 8,200 lbs. | 1,985 lbs. |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 325 @ 5,000 | 400 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 | 10,100 lbs. | 2,480 lbs. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 400 @ 6,000 | 500 lb.-ft. @ 3,100 | 14,000 lbs. | 3,250 lbs. |
| 3.5L Full Hybrid V6 | 430 @ 6,000 | 570 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 | 12,700 lbs. | 2,120 lbs. |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 400 @ 6,000 | 410 lb.-ft. @ 4,250 | 13,000 lbs. | 3,325 lbs. |
| 3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 | 450 @ 3,250 | 440 lb.-ft. @ 1,750 | 12,100 lbs. | 1,840 lbs. |
Let’s look into the towing capacities of these 6 engine options.
3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the 2021 F150 with 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 automatic transmission engine ranges between 5,000 – 8,200 lbs. when properly equipped with Tow Packages or Max Tow Packages.
The 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine is a reliable option, delivering 290 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 265 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,985 lbs., this engine is ideal for those who want a balance of power and efficiency.
Conventional Trailer Towing Chart
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Towing Chart
The trailer weight must not exceed 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg) with only the Class IV hitch (53B), without the Trailer Tow Package (53A). Greater towing without this package installed will affect your truck’s towing performance or probably damage it.
2.7L EcoBoost V6 Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the 2021 F150 with 2.7L EcoBoost V6 automatic transmission engine ranges between 7,600 – 10,100 lbs. when properly equipped with Tow Packages or Max Tow Packages.
The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine is a powerful choice, delivering 325 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 RPM. With a maximum towing capacity of 10,100 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 2,480 lbs., this engine is perfect for those who need to tow and carry heavy loads.
Conventional Trailer Towing Chart
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Towing Chart
The trailer weight must not exceed 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg) with only the Class IV hitch (53B), without the Trailer Tow Package (53A).
3.5L EcoBoost V6 Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the 2021 F150 with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 automatic transmission engine ranges between 10,300 – 14,000 lbs. when properly equipped with Tow Packages.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine is the top-of-the-line option, delivering 400 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 500 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,100 RPM. With a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 3,250 lbs., this engine is ideal for those who demand the most power and capability from their truck.
This engine is the most powerful and has a max of 14,000 lbs towing capacity and requires a max trailer tow package installed.
Conventional Trailer Towing Chart
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Towing Chart
The trailer weight must not exceed 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with only the Class IV hitch (53B), without the Trailer Tow Package (53A).
As you can see, that max towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. can be achieved on SuperCab 8ft. 4×2 drivetrain and SuperCrew 4×2 configurations with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and truck will require a Max Trailer Tow Package (53C) with a Class IV hitch installed.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine provides the max Towing Capacity of 14,000 lbs among the other 2021 F-150 engine options.
3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the 2021 F150 SuperCrew with a 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 automatic transmission engine ranges between 9,100 – 12,700 lbs. when properly equipped with Tow Packages.
The 3.5L Full Hybrid V6 engine is an environmentally friendly choice, delivering 430 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 570 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 RPM. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,700 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 2,120 lbs., this engine is ideal for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while still getting the job done.
Conventional Trailer Towing Chart
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Towing Chart
The trailer weight must not exceed 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with only the Class IV hitch (53B), without the Trailer Tow Package (53A).
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the 2021 F150 with a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 automatic transmission engine ranges between 8,200 – 13,000 lbs. when properly equipped with Tow Packages.
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine is a powerful choice, delivering 400 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 410 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 RPM. With a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 3,325 lbs., this engine is perfect for those who want a balance of power and efficiency.
Conventional Trailer Towing Chart
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Towing Chart
3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the 2021 F150 with 3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 automatic transmission engine ranges between 8,200 – 12,100 lbs when properly equipped with Tow Packages.
The 3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 engine delivers a power of 450 @ 3,250 rpm and a torque of 440 lb.-ft. @ 1,750 rpm and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,840 lbs.
Finally, the 3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 engine delivers 450 horsepower at 3,250 RPM and 440 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,750 RPM. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,100 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,840 lbs., this engine is ideal for those who need to tow and carry heavy loads.
Conventional Trailer Towing Chart
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Towing Chart
More Information from charts
Axle Ratio Codes
You can find the Axle Ratio of your 2021 F150 tuck by checking through Safety Compliance Certification Label (Door Jamb Label) or VIN decoder. This is a 2-digit code written with the word AXLE.
If you don’t find it, then use this table and chart to find the corresponding axle ratio code of the truck.
| Engine | Axle Ratio Codes |
|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 3.55 – 3.73 |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 3.15 – 3.55 – 3.73 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 3.31 – 3.55 – 3.73 |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 3.55 – 3.73 |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 3.15 – 3.31 – 3.73 |
| 3.5L Turbo Diesel V6 | 3.31 – 3.55 |
Rear Step Bumper vs. Hitch Receiver
The 2021 F150 Pickup rear step bumper can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs weight-carrying Trailers with a maximum tongue load of 500 lbs. You must not exceed this limit when towing with a bumper only.
To tow greater loads, your truck will require a particular hitch receiver (Class III or Class IV) and weight-distributing hitches. View chart.
Tow Packages
We can’t tow greater weights with bumper only. We need to install tow packages when the trailer weight exceeds 5,000 lbs. The 2 Tow Packages are given below that can be installed to tow greater weights:
Trailer Towing Packages (17T, 53A, 53B)
This trailer tow package has all the necessary components to pull your cargo/trailer. These packages include the following features:
Option Code 17T (Technology Package)
- Smart Trailer Tow Connector
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Trailer Reverse Guidance
- 360-Degree Camera
- Tailgate LED
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Option Code 53B
- 7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector
- 2″ Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver rated at 11,600 lbs.
- Smart Trailer Tow Connector
Option Code 53A
- 7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector
- 2″ Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver rated at 11,600 lbs.
- Smart Trailer Tow Connector
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Tailgate LED
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist (Not on XL 100A)
Max Trailer Tow Package (53C)
This package enables your truck to tow the max trailer weight of 14,000 lbs. Further features of this package are:
- 7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector
- 2″ reinforced Class IV Hitch Receiver rated at 14,000 lbs.
- Smart Trailer Tow Connector
- Upgraded Rear Axle
- Upgraded Rear Bumper
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist
- 36-Gallon Fuel Tank
Max Trailer Tow Package (53C) requires a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 engine.
Though the packages mentioned above come with many features, you need to get the proper hitch ball, ball mounting, weight-distributing equipment, and other required equipment to tow both the trailer weight and the payload.
Frontal Area Considerations
The frontal area can also affect the towing capacity of the 2021 F150 truck.
Frontal Area Consideration/Limitation refers to the total area from the front of the vehicle and the trailer exposed to air resistance while moving. The area is measured in square feet. For the 2021 F150 Frontal Area Limitations/Considerations are given in this chart.
Max Cargo Weight with Slide-in Camper Chart
You can add a slide-in camper to your 2021 F150 Truck only if it has 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or 5.0 V8 engine equipped with a Heavy-Duty Payload Package. You should consider the information given in the below chart if you want to add a slide-in camper to your truck.
2021 Ford F150 Slide-in Camper Max Cargo Weight Chart
Useful Resources
2021 Ford F150 Towing Guide PDF
2021 Ford RV and Trailer Towing Guide PDF
Conclusion
The maximum towing capacity of the 2021 Ford F-150 ranges from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the information and presents it in an easily understandable format through the use of charts, tables, and other helpful resources. It is also designed to serve as a comprehensive 2021 F-150 towing capacity guide.
However, it is essential to always consult with your local dealer and determine the towing capacity based on the truck configuration before selecting any necessary towing equipment.
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