There are many terms and concepts associated with towing. Knowing them is necessary before deciding what type of vehicle will suit your needs.
At Hunter Ford in Marion, IN, our sales team will not only help you learn more about towing. We can also help you select a model with the right towing capacity.
But before visiting our dealership, let’s go through some frequently asked questions about towing below.
What are the towing capacities of Ford trucks?
Ford offers a range of pickup trucks, each designed with different towing capabilities. The light-duty Ford F-150, for example, can tow up to 13,200 pounds, depending on factors like the engine, drivetrain, and specific towing packages.
Meanwhile, the heavy-duty models, such as the Ford F-250 and F-350, have much higher towing capacities. When properly equipped, they can often tow more than 20,000 pounds.
How can I determine the kind of towing power I need?
You've probably heard the terms "light-duty" and "heavy-duty" trucks. How do you choose the right one for what you're looking to do? If you plan to haul boats, travel trailers, ATVs, or other recreational vehicles, a light-duty truck like the F-150 would be perfect. It can handle all of your hauling needs while still being fuel efficient.
If more power is needed for heavier loads such as horses, RVs, sailboats, or trailers that require fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches, a heavy-duty truck like the F-250 and F-350 would work better.
What's the difference between payload and towing capacity?
Two terms often used in the towing world are "payload" and "towing." Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be loaded onto your truck's bed over and above its empty weight. On the other hand, towing capacity is the total weight your truck can pull, including itself and whatever it is pulling.
What does GVWR stand for?
GVWR stands for gross vehicle weight rating. It refers to the maximum weight a fully loaded vehicle can legally carry, including passengers and cargo. It is calculated by adding together the vehicle's curb weight, the weight of any cargo being carried, and the weight of all occupants.
Is the gross trailer weight rating the same as the gross vehicle weight rating?
Another term you should know is "gross trailer weight rating." This refers to how much a trailer can weigh when it's carrying its maximum amount of cargo. In other words, it is the combined weight of the trailer and whatever you are hauling like a boat.
How is tongue weight calculated?
Tongue weight is an essential concept in towing. It refers to the amount of downward force that a loaded trailer puts on the tow hitch of your truck. This should be around 10% of what they carry for conventional trailers. However, it is closer to 15% for fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers.
Too much tongue weight can negatively affect how well your vehicle will tow, but having too little isn't good either because there's not enough. While driving down the road, swaying could occur due to the low center gravity point created when the front wheels touch the ground. It causes the back end to fishtail side by side repeatedly until it's under control again.
Will towing significantly reduce the range of an electric truck like the Ford F-150 Lightning?
Electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, as do traditional gasoline trucks, decrease their range when towing. Several factors influence this range and fuel efficiency:
A key difference between electric trucks and trucks is how drivers manage their range knowledge and charging needs. Instead of a standard gas gauge, they use tools such as FordPass Power My Trip and Intelligent Range.
Do you have more questions about towing? Don't hesitate to contact Hunter Ford in Marion, IN. We also invite you to browse our extensive selection of new and used Ford trucks online. Call us to schedule a test drive when you find a model you like. We hope to see you in our Ford dealership soon.
