From the compact Maverick all the way up to the F-450 Super Duty, here's how to order every Ford truck to get the max towing and payload configuration in 2026.
Doing Work
While a lot of truck buyers these days may never use them to haul much more than mulch or bulk items from the local big box store, there are certainly quite a few that do. In that realm, Ford trucks have long touted some of the highest - and oftentimes, the highest - payload and tow ratings of any trucks.
For those who are looking for the right fit for their towing and hauling needs, we've put together a handy guide with the most capable variants of every current 2026 model year Ford truck on sale, including the Maverick, Ranger, F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450. Not only will you'll learn the max towing and payload numbers, but how to configure these trucks while ordering.
Maverick
First up, we have the compact Ford Maverick, which isn't just an efficient and affordable vehicle. Rather, in the right guise, it can also be quite good at towing and hauling things. For those who want to extract maximum capability from the Ford Maverick, spec it as follows:
- 2.5L I-4 Hybrid or turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 engine
- 4K Trailer Tow Package - Option Code 53Q
- All-Wheel-Drive
Regardless of engine choice, this combination nets one a max payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, as well as 4,000 pounds of max towing capability.
Ranger
Moving up to the mid-size Ford Ranger gets one more in terms of just how much they can haul and tow, if configured in the right way.
- Turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (2WD) or twin turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (4WD)
- 3.73 rear gear ratio
- Trailer Tow Package - Option Code 53R
In any of these guises, the 2026 Ranger touts a max payload capacity of 2,128 pounds, as well as the ability to tow up to 7,500 pounds conventionally.
F-150
Things get a bit more complex when we move up to the full-size, light-duty Ford F-150, largely because it's available with a wide array of powertrains - not to mention cab configurations, trims, and other choices. Regardless, for those that are interested in max capability, here's how they'll want to spec it:
- SuperCrew cab
- Four-wheel-drive
- 157.2" wheelbase
- 3.55 rear gear ratio
- Twin Turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine
This specific combo will net one up to 2,440 pounds of payload capacity, as well as 13,500 pounds of max towing.
F-250
Moving into the realm of the Ford Super Duty, truck buyers have even more options, which can make choosing the right one a bit difficult. As far as the base F-250 trim goes, this combo will net one the most conventional capability, however:
SuperCab
- 4x4
- 164.2" wheelbase
- 8' bed
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, standard or high-output
- 3.31 or 3.55 rear gear ratio
Crew Cab
- 4x4
- 159.8" or 176.0" wheelbase
- 6-3/4' bed
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, standard or high-output
- 3.31 or 3.55 rear gear ratio
Choosing these particular combinations of F-250 will nab one up to 4,246 pounds of payload capacity, as well as 22,000 pounds of towing capability.
F-350
The F-350 has even more to offer, as one might assume, but those seeking to extract the most capability from it will want to go the following route:
- Crew Cab
- Dual rear wheel
- 4x2 or 4x4
- 176.0" wheelbase
- 8' bed
- 4.10 rear gear ratio
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 H.O.
This spec will give up 6,952 pounds of max payload capacity, which is a bit less than the 8,000 pounds available with the 6.8L gas V8. However, it's also the top spec in terms of max towing, giving one up to 28,000 pounds of conventional capability.
F-450
Finally, we have the top dog of the Super Duty range (not including the medium-duty models) - the F-450, which has supreme capability in every regard. Here's how to extract the most from it:
- Crew Cab
- Dual rear wheel
- 4x2 or 4x4
- 176.0" wheelbase
- 8' bed
- 4.30 rear gear ratio
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 standard or H.O.
This particular spec will net one up to 6,952 pounds of max payload capacity, as well as a whopping 30,000 pounds of conventional towing capability.
