Determining towing capacity
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Determining towing capacity
Hi guys, and happy new year everyone.
I'm looking at buying a used F150, 09-14, or maybe even newer. Problem I'm running into, is that sellers have no idea what the towing capacity of their trucks are. So can please someone help me figure out how to look it up online?
I've been a GM guy, and looking to get into Ford trucks, so please bare with me. Do the F150s have a sticker in the glove box to tell you about the build specs, like GM's RPO codes? Some sellers have sent me a picture of the door sticker, and I used the VIN decoder on here, but it doesn't tell me for certain what the axle ratio is, or if it has a tow package or not.
If this has been covered before, please point me to the right spot, my searching didn't bring up what I was looking for.
Thank you
I'm looking at buying a used F150, 09-14, or maybe even newer. Problem I'm running into, is that sellers have no idea what the towing capacity of their trucks are. So can please someone help me figure out how to look it up online?
I've been a GM guy, and looking to get into Ford trucks, so please bare with me. Do the F150s have a sticker in the glove box to tell you about the build specs, like GM's RPO codes? Some sellers have sent me a picture of the door sticker, and I used the VIN decoder on here, but it doesn't tell me for certain what the axle ratio is, or if it has a tow package or not.
If this has been covered before, please point me to the right spot, my searching didn't bring up what I was looking for.
Thank you
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
If you have the door pillar decal you have all the info you need. On that decal there is an axle code which will decode to the gear ratio. Combine that with the engine/trans combo and then find the online towing guide for the correct year and you will have it's tow rating. If the particular truck you are interested in still has its owners manual you will find towing info in there too.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
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From: Calgary Canada
The GM RPO codes make it easier, with Ford you have to do a little more sleuthing. What you really want to do is get a copy of the window sticker, which shows gvwr and axle ratios, along with any trailering equipment. The Ford fleet towing guide is also an excellent source of information about tow ratings once you have the window sticker.
I've bought a few used trucks in my day, and those GM RPO codes are amazing. Wish Ford could be so helpful.
I've bought a few used trucks in my day, and those GM RPO codes are amazing. Wish Ford could be so helpful.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 398
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Put the VIN in the FordETIS website. You will get a build sheet showing axle ratio, engine, etc etc
You can then use that info against towing guide for 20XX model year F150.
My Max Tow 3.5 was listing by dealer as having 7000 tow rating...slightly less than the actual 11,200 tow rating.....
You can then use that info against towing guide for 20XX model year F150.
My Max Tow 3.5 was listing by dealer as having 7000 tow rating...slightly less than the actual 11,200 tow rating.....
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Freshman User
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If you have the door pillar decal you have all the info you need. On that decal there is an axle code which will decode to the gear ratio. Combine that with the engine/trans combo and then find the online towing guide for the correct year and you will have it's tow rating. If the particular truck you are interested in still has its owners manual you will find towing info in there too.
The GM RPO codes make it easier, with Ford you have to do a little more sleuthing. What you really want to do is get a copy of the window sticker, which shows gvwr and axle ratios, along with any trailering equipment. The Ford fleet towing guide is also an excellent source of information about tow ratings once you have the window sticker.
I've bought a few used trucks in my day, and those GM RPO codes are amazing. Wish Ford could be so helpful.
I've bought a few used trucks in my day, and those GM RPO codes are amazing. Wish Ford could be so helpful.
And yes, the GM RPO codes are excellent.
Put the VIN in the FordETIS website. You will get a build sheet showing axle ratio, engine, etc etc
You can then use that info against towing guide for 20XX model year F150.
My Max Tow 3.5 was listing by dealer as having 7000 tow rating...slightly less than the actual 11,200 tow rating.....
You can then use that info against towing guide for 20XX model year F150.
My Max Tow 3.5 was listing by dealer as having 7000 tow rating...slightly less than the actual 11,200 tow rating.....
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 398
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
You should be able to click that and open and see all the build codes right down to color, spare tire size, wheel size etc. I used it many times when shopping.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Clinton TN.
You need to register and it gives you everything on ETIS.
Also look up the year you are looking at Sales Brochure, all the towing figures are in it for that year.
Also look up the year you are looking at Sales Brochure, all the towing figures are in it for that year.
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Great. Thanks a bunch. And I'm off the races. This helps a lot
Did I mention I'm a long time GM guy, and making the switch? I think an F150 would look nice in the driveway and do well pulling my trailer. Now I just gotta decide what year.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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The GM RPO codes make it easier, with Ford you have to do a little more sleuthing. What you really want to do is get a copy of the window sticker, which shows gvwr and axle ratios, along with any trailering equipment. The Ford fleet towing guide is also an excellent source of information about tow ratings once you have the window sticker.
I've bought a few used trucks in my day, and those GM RPO codes are amazing. Wish Ford could be so helpful.
I've bought a few used trucks in my day, and those GM RPO codes are amazing. Wish Ford could be so helpful.
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You mean in what I'm considering based on the VINs?
I haven't totally decided what year, or specific package to look for. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 5.0, and I'm thinking of treating myself and spending more to get a newer truck with the newer headlight design.
However, I'm still looking at different years as well. I've heard the 5.0 is noticeably better than the 5.4, but the truck with 5.4 is a loaded King Ranch. The leather isn't really my thing, even though it's nice. But I think I'd much rather have the folding down seat in the middle, instead of the console found on the King Ranch.
I haven't totally decided what year, or specific package to look for. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 5.0, and I'm thinking of treating myself and spending more to get a newer truck with the newer headlight design.
However, I'm still looking at different years as well. I've heard the 5.0 is noticeably better than the 5.4, but the truck with 5.4 is a loaded King Ranch. The leather isn't really my thing, even though it's nice. But I think I'd much rather have the folding down seat in the middle, instead of the console found on the King Ranch.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
I downgraded to save some money after loosing my job. I've owned three trucks with the 5.4 and the newer engines beat it in every single way. I loved that 3.5eb engine and it killed me to sell it.
I highly recommend anyone who can afford to get a 5.0 or the Ecoboost do that. The 5.4L engine isn't comparable in power or fuel economy or reliability.
I'm very impressed with the GM 6.0L gas engine. I prefer the rest of the Ford truck but that's a good engine.
I highly recommend anyone who can afford to get a 5.0 or the Ecoboost do that. The 5.4L engine isn't comparable in power or fuel economy or reliability.
I'm very impressed with the GM 6.0L gas engine. I prefer the rest of the Ford truck but that's a good engine.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
My father went from an '09 5.4 to a '13 5.0 truck... both long box crews with 3.55 gears, the 5.0 totally spanks the 5.4 not even close and gets fantasic milage. And that sound 
that alone makes it all worthwhile.
that alone makes it all worthwhile.
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Can someone please double check the towing capacity on a truck I'm considering?
It's a 2011, F150 with 5.0, 3.55 axles, 145 WB. From what I pulled up, it's rated for 7,700 lbs. Is that right.
I know it's a little bit light on the capacity. But my Jeep is 4,100 lbs, trailer is 2,000 lbs. And maybe add 400 lbs of tools and gear, so the trailer is 6,500 lbs. 7,700 lbs - 6,500 = 1,200 lbs for safety.
I could put the tools and gear in the bed instead of trailer, and I'd definitely get a weight disturbing hitch. I tend to be conservative when it comes to this stuff, but I think I can live with this. Am I missing anything.
EDIT: FordEtis says truck has "With Heavy Duty Trailer Towing". Is that the tow package?
Thank you.
It's a 2011, F150 with 5.0, 3.55 axles, 145 WB. From what I pulled up, it's rated for 7,700 lbs. Is that right.
I know it's a little bit light on the capacity. But my Jeep is 4,100 lbs, trailer is 2,000 lbs. And maybe add 400 lbs of tools and gear, so the trailer is 6,500 lbs. 7,700 lbs - 6,500 = 1,200 lbs for safety.
I could put the tools and gear in the bed instead of trailer, and I'd definitely get a weight disturbing hitch. I tend to be conservative when it comes to this stuff, but I think I can live with this. Am I missing anything.
EDIT: FordEtis says truck has "With Heavy Duty Trailer Towing". Is that the tow package?
Thank you.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
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https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
That'll let you download a PDF of the towing guide that include the tow rating matrix for each year (they currently cover '03-'18). That guide also includes the axle codes for that year.
I didn't check all of the years, but on all the ones I checked ('09, '12, '13), B6 was a 3.73 limited slip in the F-150.