Which Ford F-150 Has the Best Towing Capacity? An Expert Take from Cecil Atkission Ford

I’m Jarrod Ashley, General Manager here at Cecil Atkission Ford, with over fifteen years of experience helping folks in and around Hondo, TX, find trucks that fit their real-world needs. When it comes to towing, especially in our Hill Country region stretching from Boerne to Uvalde and Kerrville, the question I hear most is: Which Ford F-150 offers the best towing capacity? Let me walk you through what matters based on what I’ve seen and the expertise we bring here at our dealership at 109 19th St, Hondo, TX 78861. If you want to chat with us directly, just call (830) 426-5391.

The Ford F-150 has a legendary reputation for towing, and rightly so. From ranch work near Lakehills to weekend adventures near Alamo Ranch, it pulls everything from horse trailers to campers reliably. What makes it stand out is the variety of engine, cab, and package combinations that let you tailor the truck’s towing and payload to exactly what you need. In my experience, a properly set up F-150 means you’re not just towing—you’re towing smart and safe.

When people ask me about the maximum Ford F-150 towing capacity, the conversation usually starts with the engine. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the star of the lineup here. With this engine and the right equipment, you can tow up to an impressive 13,500 pounds. This is the best towing number you’ll find across the F-150 range. Whether you’re hauling a heavy boat around Pearsall or pulling a large work trailer in Floresville, this engine delivers strong torque, around 500 lb-ft, which is vital for smooth towing, especially on those Hill Country hills.

But here’s the thing: the max towing number isn’t just about the engine. The truck’s configuration matters just as much. For example, the SuperCrew cab with a 6.5-foot bed often hits these top towing numbers, especially when combined with the Max Trailer Tow Package, which adds essential gear like an upgraded hitch receiver, trailer brake controller, and enhanced cooling systems. If you’re towing frequently or need the absolute best, these packages make a difference you can feel on the road.

Now, some folks wonder whether a V8 engine might be better for towing. The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 remains a strong contender. It delivers about 13,000 pounds of towing capacity and offers the familiar V8 sound and feel many truck drivers love. This engine pairs well with the traditional Ford F-150 durability that’s trusted in communities like Batesville and Lytle. It also boasts solid payload capacity, making it a great choice if you need to carry heavy gear in the truck bed as well.

Then there’s the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6—a newer option that blends towing strength with fuel efficiency. It produces the highest torque in the lineup at 570 lb-ft and tows up to 12,700 pounds. The hybrid system also powers onboard tools, which is a neat feature for on-site work near Utopia or Valdina Farms. If you want power and fuel savings combined, this hybrid is a practical choice.

For those with lighter towing needs or who prioritize fuel economy, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is a strong performer. It offers up to 8,400 pounds of towing and typically provides better mileage for daily drives around Kerrville or Floresville. While it doesn’t hit the same max towing marks as the 3.5L EcoBoost, it’s an excellent all-around engine for moderate towing and everyday use.

When it comes to finding the best F-150 model for towing, I always recommend looking beyond just the engine. The Tow/Haul mode and trailer sway control are crucial safety features included in the right towing packages we offer here. Also, consider the axle ratio; a 3.73 ratio is common in trucks built for maximum towing—it improves torque delivery to the wheels when pulling heavy loads, especially helpful in areas with steep drives or uneven terrain.

The cab size also affects towing and payload. Regular Cab models typically provide higher payload capacity but less passenger space. SuperCrew models, meanwhile, deliver maximum towing capability with more room for family or crew, making them popular choices around Boerne and surrounding towns where work and family life blend.

If you’re shopping for a used F-150 with towing in mind, I often suggest the 2018 to 2020 models with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. These years combine modern refinements with proven reliability, and many come equipped with helpful tech like Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes maneuvering trailers a breeze for those new to towing or anyone who hauls frequently. You can browse our All Pre-Owned Inventory to see what’s currently available.

Of course, owning a truck means maintenance and occasional repairs. We understand how important it is to keep your F-150 in prime towing condition. That’s why our Parts Department stocks genuine Ford parts to ensure your truck stays reliable. When you need service, our expert technicians at Cecil Atkission Ford are ready to help—schedule your visit easily through our Service Appointment Scheduler. We also run Service & Parts Specials to keep your costs down.

If you’re considering a new F-150 that can handle your toughest towing needs, I invite you to check out our New Ford F-150 Inventory. We have the latest models tailored for every kind of driver—from hardworking ranchers near Uvalde to families in Alamo Ranch. Our team, detailed on Our Expert Staff, is committed to helping you find the right truck with honest advice and no pressure.

Speaking of commitment, Cecil Atkission Ford is proud of our role in the community, supporting local events and neighbors across Hondo, Pearsall, and surrounding areas. You can learn more about our ongoing work at Community Commitment. For Spanish-speaking customers, we offer Hablamos Español en Cecil Atkission Ford Hondo to ensure everyone feels welcome and understood.

Let me also mention our 3-Day Love It or Exchange It Program*, which gives you confidence in your purchase by allowing a flexible exchange if your new F-150 doesn’t fit your needs. Buying a truck is a big decision, and we want you to feel great about it from day one.

For those who like to personalize their trucks, whether it’s adding convenient roof racks, upgraded lighting, or trailer hitches, we offer a range of accessories to fit your lifestyle. Browse some of our options and consider adding features that will make towing around Kerrville or Lakehills easier and safer.

Finally, managing your vehicle ownership is easier than ever with the Ford App, which provides remote access, maintenance reminders, and roadside assistance. If you ever face a breakdown or emergency while towing near Floresville or Batesville, Ford Roadside Assistance is your manufacturer-backed solution, offering expert help with genuine parts and authorized service centers.

In my experience working with customers across the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the best towing capacity isn’t just about numbers—it’s about matching a truck to your lifestyle, your work, and your family’s needs. The 2026 Ford F-150 models, especially those equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and the right towing packages, offer a reliability and strength that drivers from Lytle to Pearsall trust every day.

If you want to explore your options right now, you can start by browsing All New Vehicles or get in touch with us at (830) 426-5391 to schedule a test drive. Our team will help you build the perfect configuration so towing is never a worry but always a capability.

Thanks for trusting Cecil Atkission Ford. We look forward to helping you get behind the wheel of a truck that truly works as hard as you do.

© 2026 Cecil Atkission Ford

Tags: Cecil Atkission Ford, EcoBoost Engine, Ford Dealership, Ford F-150, Ford Hybrid Truck, Ford Trucks, Hondo TX, Max Trailer Tow Package, SuperCrew Cab, Texas Hill Country, Towing Capacity, Trailer Sway Control, Truck Towing
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