2025 Ford F-150 Towing Guide: The Right Engine for 5,000, 8,000, and 10,000+ lbs

2025 Ford F-150 - a blue XLT trim towing a large travel trailer on a tree-lined road - Mayfield Ford - new car dealerships in Ontario

Choosing the right 2025 Ford F-150 for your towing needs comes down to matching your trailer weight with the proper engine capability. Ontario drivers hauling everything from utility trailers to travel trailers need to understand which powerplant delivers the right balance of capability and efficiency for their specific requirements.

The F-150 lineup offers three primary engines that cover the most common towing scenarios. Each engine provides distinct advantages depending on your trailer weight, driving habits, and budget considerations. Understanding these differences helps you avoid paying for unnecessary capability while ensuring you have adequate power for safe, confident towing.

At a Glance: F-150 Towing Capabilities by Engine

Engine

Power

Torque

Max Towing

Best For

2.7L EcoBoost V6

325 hp

400 lb-ft

8,400 lbs

Light-duty trailers, fuel efficiency

5.0L V8

400 hp

410 lb-ft

12,900 lbs

Mid-weight loads, traditional V8 feel

3.5L EcoBoost V6

400 hp

500 lb-ft

13,500 lbs

Heavy trailers, maximum capability

Light-Duty Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs

2025 Ford F-150 - a blue XLT trim shown from the side while towing a black enclosed trailer - Mayfield Ford - new car dealerships in Ontario


For drivers in Brampton hauling smaller utility trailers, boat trailers, or lightweight camping gear, the 2.7-litre twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine provides an excellent balance of capability and fuel economy. This engine delivers around 325 hp and handles loads up to 8,400 lbs when properly equipped.

The 2.7L EcoBoost works well for weekend warriors who occasionally tow but prioritize daily driving efficiency. Its twin-turbo design provides strong low-end torque for getting trailers moving, while the smaller displacement helps maintain reasonable fuel consumption during regular commuting.

  • Ideal for utility trailers, small boat trailers, and lightweight camping setups
  • Provides adequate power reserve beyond the 5,000 lb range
  • Best fuel economy among F-150 towing engines
  • Proven reliability in real-world applications

Medium-Duty Towing: 8,000 lbs Range

2025 Ford F-150 - a dark Platinum trim towing an Airstream trailer on the highway - Mayfield Ford - new car dealerships in Ontario


The 5.0-litre V8 engine serves drivers who regularly tow in the 6,000 to 8,000 lb range and appreciate traditional V8 performance characteristics. With around 400 hp and a maximum towing capacity of 12,900 lbs, this engine provides substantial capability for mid-weight travel trailers and larger boat combinations.

This naturally aspirated V8 offers consistent power delivery and the sound many truck buyers expect. For Ontario drivers who tow larger travel trailers or multiple recreational vehicles, the 5.0L provides confidence without the complexity of turbocharging systems.

The engine's generous towing capacity means you're operating well within its limits when pulling 8,000 lb loads, which translates to more relaxed driving and better long-term durability.

  • Strong power delivery for 8,000 lb trailers
  • Traditional V8 reliability and sound
  • Comfortable power reserve for demanding conditions
  • Suitable for larger travel trailers and boat combinations

Heavy-Duty Towing: 10,000+ lbs

2025 Ford F-150 - a close-up of the red Lariat trim's front grille and headlight - Mayfield Ford - new car dealerships in Ontario


When your towing needs exceed 10,000 lbs, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost becomes the clear choice. This engine generates around 400 hp and an impressive 500 lb-ft of torque, enabling maximum towing capacity of 13,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available Max Tow Package.

The high torque output proves particularly valuable when pulling heavy loads through Ontario's varied terrain. The turbo V6 design provides strong acceleration from low engine speeds, making highway merging and hill climbing more manageable with substantial trailer weight.

For contractors, farmers, or recreational users with large travel trailers, toy haulers, or equipment trailers, this engine provides the capability needed for confident towing at or near its maximum rating.

  • Maximum F-150 towing capacity at 13,500 lbs
  • High torque output for heavy loads
  • Advanced turbo technology for efficient power delivery
  • Required for large travel trailers and equipment hauling

Which Engine is Right for You?

2025 Ford F-150 - a rear three-quarter view of a dark Platinum trim parked on the grass near a lake - Mayfield Ford - new car dealerships in Ontario


Your towing frequency and typical trailer weights should guide your engine selection. Occasional towers pulling lighter loads benefit from the 2.7L EcoBoost's efficiency, while regular heavy-duty users need the 3.5L EcoBoost's maximum capability.

Consider your typical towing scenarios rather than worst-case situations. The 5.0L V8 often provides the best balance for drivers who tow moderately heavy loads several times per year but don't need absolute maximum capacity.

Factor in your truck's intended use beyond towing. Daily commuters may prefer the 2.7L's fuel efficiency, while those who prioritize traditional truck character often gravitate toward the 5.0L V8.

Experience the 2025 F-150 at Mayfield Ford

Ready to match your towing needs with the right F-150 engine? Book your test drive today at our Brampton dealership to experience how each powerplant performs with your specific requirements.

2025 FORD F-150

2025 FORD F-150
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Photo for illustrative purposes only.

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