Let’s be real here. When you buy any of the new Ford trucks, you want it to be powerful, versatile, and just all-around tough. That’s what makes Ford’s lineup of trucks the most popular pickups in the United States. With the Ranger, F-150, and Super Duty models to choose from, there is a truck for everyone. In this article, we will explore all of the aspects of towing with a Ford truck. We will even cover towing your RV with your Ford truck as well. So, if you want to see just how tough these beasts are, stay tuned!
2020 Ford Ranger
The new Ford Ranger is the smallest pickup in the Ford family. However, that does not mean that it doesn’t pack a punch. It was once offered in a regular cab body style, but that configuration has been discontinued. Most people these days want a truck that can seat at least four people. Luckily for them, the new mid-size Ford Ranger can carry up to five people in the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. Bed length options are the short 5-foot bed or the longer 6-foot bed.
Rumbling under the hood is a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that uses a 10-speed automatic transmission to generate 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23 MPG combined (21 city/26 highway), and it can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. For reference, the average RV weighs about 5,200 pounds dry. In this case, dry weight refers to the camper without any liquids added to the weight. Once you add water and gear to the RV, you can expect it to weigh around 1,500 pounds more, which puts the total weight at 6,700 pounds. That means the 2020 Ford Ranger can easily tow an RV with an average of 500 pounds to spare. You may also add the Trailer/Tow Package, which includes a hitch and a 4/7-pin connector. This enhances the truck’s ability to tow heavier loads.
2020 Ford F-150
As America’s favorite pickup truck, the F-150 is available in a trio of cab configurations and bed lengths. Still offered as a regular cab that seats two people, you can also get it as a SuperCab and SuperCrew model. The bed lengths vary from 5.5-ft to 6.5-ft to 8-ft. In other words, you can find the perfect version of the F-150 to suit your needs.
Now, let’s look under the hood and see what options we have. The first available powertrain is a 3.3-liter V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It pushes out 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and it can haul up to 7,700 pounds. That’s 500 pounds more than the Ford Ranger. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that you can absolutely tow an RV with the standard powertrain.
Next, the 2.7-liter V6 motor uses a 10-speed automatic transmission to generate 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. With so much more torque involved, this powertrain can tow up to 9,000 pounds, making it even better for towing an RV.
The third engine option is a 5.0-liter V8 paired with the same 10-speed automatic transmission. Producing 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain can handle a load of up to 11,500 pounds. If you have one of those giant RVs that can accommodate a large family, this is a great option for you. You can tow the RV with ease and never have to worry about going overweight.
The fourth choice is a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 that produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It can handle 13,200 pounds without breaking a sweat.
The fifth powertrain option is centered around a diesel motor. This 3.0-liter PowerStroke V6 pumps out 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, and it can haul up to 11,500 pounds.
Finally, the robust H.O. 3.5L Ecoboost V6 generates a staggering 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. However, it can only handle about 11,100 pounds of towing weight. While that may seem like a significant drop, keep in mind that it is still plenty of power to haul an RV.
Towing Features for the 2020 Ford F-150
Did you think we were done with the F-150? No way! This truck didn’t become America’s favorite just simply for having a solid engine lineup. The new 2020 Ford F-150 also has several available towing features. Some may be included in specific trim levels, and others may be added via a package.
First is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. This high-tech feature helps to synchronize the RV (or trailer) with the F-150 while the truck is in reverse. You don’t have to be afraid of the tow load going crazy or getting jigsawed. You will be able to easily and quickly back up into your RV parking spot for your next camping adventure.
Second is the dynamic hitch assist, which allows you to easily maneuver the hitch to hook up with the RV receiver. There is also a trailer brake controller that helps to keep the RV lights and the truck lights in sync with one another. Lastly, the Blindspot Information System comes with trailer coverage. This provides you with eyes on the side of your RV, and it will alert you when another vehicle is in the RV’s blindspot.
2020 Ford Super Duty
Finally, the most powerful model amongst the Ford trucks is the new Super Duty series. In the Super Duty series, you can find the F-250, F-350, and F-450 models. These trucks are available in regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, and you can also choose between a 6.8-foot bed or an 8.2-foot bed.
With three powertrains to choose from, you can pick the one that is best suited to your needs. First is the 6.2-liter V8 motor coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Producing 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain can haul up to a maximum of 16,700 pounds when properly equipped. As the standard powertrain for the Super Duty lineup, that’s pretty impressive.
The second choice is a 7.3-liter V8 engine mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Pumping out 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, this robust engine can manage up to 21,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Lastly, the turbocharged 6.7-liter V8 diesel motor makes 472 hp and a whopping 1,050 lb-ft of torque. It can manage a tow weight up to 35,750 pounds with a fifth-wheel/gooseneck and depending on which model you choose.
Towing Features for the 2020 Ford Super Duty
Available for all trims on the Super Duty models is a fifth-wheel/gooseneck Prep Package that allows you to tow much larger RVs. Also available are the following features:
- Smart Trailer Tow Connector
- Trailer Sway Control
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Tow/Haul Mode
- Trailer Reverse Guidance
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist
All of these advanced trailering features can help make towing your RV with your Ford truck so much easier. You can hook up quickly, drive safely to your destination, and get situated in your designated parking spot without any problems. Now you know why Ford trucks are America’s favorite pickups!
