Can a 2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Safely Tow a 9,000 lb Dry Weight Horse Trailer

Published 02/16/2023

Question:

Im contemplating installing a gooseneck hitch on my 2014 F-150. According to my owners manual, my 3.5L Ecoboost, 145inch WB, 3.55 axle ratio, MAX tow package will tow 15,500 lbs. I read in another answer something about subtracting the 7,200 lbs GVRW. Im curious as to why I have to subtract GVRW if Ford says I can tow 15,500? Ive never heard this before. The gooseneck 3 horse trailer Id like to buy has an estimated dry weight of 9,000 lbs. Almost any gooseneck trailer would be overweight if I have to first subtract the 7,200 GVRW. Thanks,

asked by: Wayne

Helpful Expert Reply:

The gooseneck hitch I recommend installing on your 2014 Ford F-150 is the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1104 because of the quality, ease of use, and you can store the hitch ball upside down when not in use so it's one less thing to think about and keep track of.

When it comes to the tow weight ratings of your truck it sounds like you've got a few numbers mixed up but I'd be happy to help clear things up for you!

The 15,500 lb rating you found is called GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) and this number is the most weight the truck itself can handle. This includes the weight of the truck, any cargo in the truck (including passengers), and the weight of any trailer you might be towing behind it.

The GVWR you've been told to subtract is the max amount the truck itself can handle and this includes the weight of the truck, any cargo (including passengers), and anything else that is additional weight to the truck as it came off the lot (like a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch). If you subtract the GVWR from the GCWR then this tells you how much your trailer can weight if you have your truck completely loaded down. If you haven't maxed out the GVWR then you might be able to tow a larger trailer but you need to reference the Ford Towing Guide to make sure the trailer you want to tow isn't too heavy for your truck.

According to the online Ford Towing Guide your truck can safely tow up to a 9,600 lb trailer. Since the dry (or unloaded) weight of the horse trailer you're looking at is 9,000 lbs you'll either need to look for a smaller trailer or get a larger truck to do your towing with since you'll easily be over that 9,600 lbs once you get the trailer geared and loaded up.

Hopefully this explains things better for you and you have a good understanding of what to look for. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out!

expert reply by: Jon G