How to Confirm Towing Capacity of 2012 Ford F-150 Eco Boost

Updated 03/05/2018 | Published 03/02/2018

Question:

Does this truck come fully equipped for towing from the factory or do I need to install a towing package? Thank You

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of any vehicle can be found in its owner's manual. Since this will reflect the specific complement of equipment on the vehicle it is the best resource to confirm a vehicle's capacity. It is best not to assume anything on this question.

Many vehicle features affect towing limits; engine, axle ratio, cab style and wheelbase all factor in. For example, according to the 2012 Ford online towing guide the most trailer weight allowed for a 2012 F-150 with 3.7L V6 and regular cab is 6100-lbs.

You can also check the driver door jamb plate to find out the truck's towing capability. Find the GCWR, the gross combined weight rating, which is the most the truck AND trailer together can weigh. Then find the GVWR, the gross vehicle weight rating, the most the truck itself can weigh. Subtract the GVWR from the GCWR and you have your towing capacity.

We do offer performance tuners for your F-150 EcoBoost that are shown on the linked page. A product like the Superchips Flashpaq F5 Performance Tuner # SU1845 can give you a substantial boost in output power that can really benefit towing applications. Also, adding a supplementary transmission cooler can take some of the heat stress off the transmission and make it better able to tow.

The two linked articles on tuners and coolers may be of interest.

expert reply by: Adam R