When it comes to powerful trucks built for serious towing, the Ford F-150 stands tall as a legend on Oklahoma roads and beyond. Whether you're hauling equipment from Noble to Capitol Hill or towing a camper across Edmond and Bethany, understanding which F-150 model offers the maximum towing capacity is essential for making an informed decision. At Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond, located at 600 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, we pride ourselves on pairing our customers with trucks that match their lifestyle and towing needs. For any questions, feel free to call us at (405) 475-9000.
Below, we explore the F-150 models with the highest towing ratings, dive into the specifics of the V8 engine's towing power, explain essential towing safety guidelines, and recommend the best used F-150s for towing. We also highlight the strongest Ford trucks for towing and detail the horsepower of the 5.0L V8 engine, ensuring you have every piece of information needed to tow confidently on Oklahoma's highways and job sites.
Table of Contents
- Which Ford F-150 Has the Highest Towing Rating?
- How Much Can an F-150 with the V8 Engine Tow?
- Understanding the 80% Rule for Towing Safety
- What is the Best Used Ford F-150 for Towing?
- What is the Strongest Ford Truck for Towing?
- How Much Horsepower Does the 5.0L V8 F-150 Make?
Which Ford F-150 Has the Highest Towing Rating?
For 2025, the Ford F-150 continues to lead the half-ton class with a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds. To achieve this peak rating, you’ll want to look for an F-150 configured with the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine, the SuperCrew® cab, a 6.5-foot box, 4x4 drivetrain, and the essential Tow/Haul Package. This configuration is the gold standard for Oklahoma drivers hauling heavy horse trailers to the Fairgrounds or large campers to Lake Arcadia.
While the 3.5L EcoBoost holds the crown for raw weight, the 3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6 is a rising favorite in Central Oklahoma. It offers a massive 570 lb-ft of torque—the highest in the non-Raptor lineup—and can tow up to 11,200 pounds. This hybrid power is especially useful for maintaining speed against stiff Oklahoma headwinds on I-35 while providing the added benefit of Pro Power Onboard, which can act as a mobile generator for your tools or campsite.
Smart Towing Tech for 2025
Modern towing is about more than just muscle; it’s about confidence. The latest F-150 models available at Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond feature industry-leading tech that simplifies every stage of the haul:
Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™: This revolutionary feature integrates the rear camera and radar to automatically align your truck’s hitch ball with the trailer coupler for a perfect connection every time. It controls the steering, braking, and acceleration for you—perfect for solo hookups in tight spots.
Smart Hitch & Onboard Scales: Eliminate the uncertainty of an uneven load. These systems measure tongue weight in real-time and display it on the center touchscreen or via "smart" taillights that act as a progress bar, helping you stay within safe limits.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™: Reversing a trailer can be the most stressful part of the trip. With this system, you simply turn a knob on the dashboard in the direction you want the trailer to go, and the truck takes control of the steering.
Whether you're navigating the busy streets of Nichols Hills or the rural roads of Piedmont, these technologies ensure that every trip is as safe as it is capable.
If you’re considering a new truck that balances everyday driving comfort with exceptional towing power, exploring our current selection of All New Vehicles at Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond is an excellent starting point. For budget-conscious buyers, our All Used Vehicles inventory includes models with proven towing performance.
How Much Can an F-150 with the V8 Engine Tow?
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, often revered for its classic V8 power and reliability, offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,900 pounds in the Ford F-150 lineup. This engine delivers a harmonious blend of strength and endurance, making it a preferred choice for drivers who prioritize traditional V8 muscle and dependable towing capability.
Under the hood, this V8 engine produces approximately 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque in the latest 2024 and 2025 models, providing the force necessary for towing heavy loads with confidence. These figures not only translate to raw power but also to smooth and responsive performance when hauling trailers or equipment.
Payload capacity is equally important when considering towing, as it affects the overall weight the truck can manage. The 5.0L V8 F-150 supports a payload exceeding 2,400 pounds in specific configurations, ensuring ample capacity for both the trailer tongue weight and cargo inside the truck bed. For drivers in areas like Surrey Hills, Nichols Hills, or Central Oklahoma City, this means the truck can handle a variety of towing jobs, from work trailers to recreational setups.
Ford complements this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission that optimizes gear shifts for towing efficiency, improving fuel economy, and reducing wear on drivetrain components. For ongoing maintenance or replacement parts related to the V8 engine, our Parts Department at Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond is ready to support your truck’s longevity.
Understanding the 80% Rule for Towing Safety
When towing heavy loads, safety is paramount. The 80% rule serves as an essential guideline for responsible towing, advising that the fully loaded trailer’s weight should not exceed 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. This buffer helps maintain better control, reduces mechanical strain, and enhances overall stability.
For example, if your F-150’s max towing capacity is 13,500 pounds (such as with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6), adhering to the 80% rule means keeping your trailer’s gross weight at or below 10,800 pounds. This margin accommodates additional factors like passengers, cargo, and environmental conditions such as Oklahoma’s frequent crosswinds or hilly landscapes found near Yukon or Piedmont.
While the 80% rule is widely respected, it’s important to understand it as a guideline rather than a strict legal requirement. Other factors, such as payload capacity—the amount of weight the truck can carry, including passengers and cargo—and tongue weight, which is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch, play crucial roles in safe towing.
Many towing experts recommend weighing your entire rig using certified scales to get precise measurements rather than relying solely on manufacturer ratings or rules of thumb. This practice is especially useful for drivers regularly towing from The Village to Slaughterville, ensuring peace of mind on every trip.
For those interested in learning more about towing best practices or who want to prepare their vehicles for towing season, scheduling service with our Service Department is a convenient step. We provide expert inspections and maintenance to keep your truck in top towing condition.
What is the Best Used Ford F-150 for Towing?
Choosing a used Ford F-150 for towing requires careful consideration of model years, engine options, and trim levels that have demonstrated durability and strong towing performance. At Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond, we help customers find high-quality used trucks that meet their towing needs without compromising reliability.
Models like the 2018 Ford F-150 lead the pack with towing capacities close to 13,200 pounds, offering modern features and a comfortable ride, making them ideal for customers in Forest Park or Arcadia who need capability and comfort. The 2019 F-150 also stands out with similar towing power and the added benefit of the 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6, which balances power and fuel efficiency.
Among older models, the 2012 F-150 remains highly regarded; it secured MotorTrend’s 'Truck of the Year' award thanks to its robust engine lineup and proven durability. The 2015 model introduced an all-aluminum body, reducing vehicle weight and improving towing capacity, making it attractive for buyers looking around Capitol Hill or Bethany.
For an enhanced towing experience, consider trims like the Lariat or King Ranch, which combine luxury interiors with performance-oriented features. These trims are well-suited for drivers towing in Nichols Hills or Penn South who desire both power and comfort.
Browse our All Used Vehicles and explore options under $30,000 with our Used Vehicles Under $30k filter to find the perfect match.
What is the Strongest Ford Truck for Towing?
For those who require towing beyond the F-150’s already impressive capabilities, Ford's Super Duty lineup delivers unmatched strength. Models like the F-250, F-350, and F-450 are designed for maximum towing, with capacities reaching up to 40,000 pounds when properly equipped.
These trucks feature heavy-duty frames, reinforced suspensions, and powerful engine options like the High Output Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, which provide the torque needed to haul large trailers, RVs, or industrial equipment. Drivers in Oklahoma’s industrial hubs or rural areas like Piedmont and Yukon often turn to the Super Duty for commercial or agricultural towing needs.
At Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond, we offer a comprehensive selection of All New Super Dutys that cater to the most demanding towing requirements.
How Much Horsepower Does the 5.0L V8 F-150 Make?
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine in the Ford F-150 is celebrated for delivering approximately 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque in recent model years. This engine, sometimes called the "Coyote" V8, balances robust power with refined efficiency, making it a favorite among drivers who value traditional V8 sound and performance.
This power output supports towing heavy trailers while maintaining strong acceleration and the ability to handle daily driving demands around Oklahoma City, including challenging routes through Westbury South and Etowah. The engine’s naturally aspirated design also contributes to its reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance.
Pairing the 5.0L V8 with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes and optimal power delivery, enhancing towing ease and fuel efficiency. For any maintenance needs or parts replacement to keep this engine performing at its best, our Service Department and Parts Department stand ready to assist.
Your Trusted Partner for Towing Needs in Oklahoma City and Beyond
Whether you’re focused on getting the most towing power from the 2024 Ford F-150, seeking expert advice on towing safely with the 80% rule, or exploring the best used Ford trucks for your next big haul, Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond is here to help. Our knowledgeable team understands the unique demands of Oklahoma drivers from Edmond to Norman and beyond.
Visit us at 600 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, call (405) 475-9000, or explore our inventories online for new and used vehicles. If you’re ready to find out what your current vehicle is worth toward your next tow-ready truck, use our Trade Valuation tool.
Trust Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond for honest advice, reliable vehicles, and a warm, community-rooted experience dedicated to your towing success.
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