Towing capacity
Thread Starter
Long time first time
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 8
From: Bucks County, Pa
Towing capacity
Hi
I currently have a 13 F150 XLT with a stock 5.0L motor. I believe the hp is 365 and torque somewhere around the same number. The towing capacity is 9,200 lbs. I am looking at a new Raptor with the 3.5L TT that produces over 450 Hp and 500 ft lbs. but the towing capacity is down to 8,000 lbs. any idea why? I would have thought that the higher HP Torque would allow for a higher towing capacity
Thanks
Jack
I currently have a 13 F150 XLT with a stock 5.0L motor. I believe the hp is 365 and torque somewhere around the same number. The towing capacity is 9,200 lbs. I am looking at a new Raptor with the 3.5L TT that produces over 450 Hp and 500 ft lbs. but the towing capacity is down to 8,000 lbs. any idea why? I would have thought that the higher HP Torque would allow for a higher towing capacity
Thanks
Jack
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12,075
Likes: 4,002
From: ME
Hi
I currently have a 13 F150 XLT with a stock 5.0L motor. I believe the hp is 365 and torque somewhere around the same number. The towing capacity is 9,200 lbs. I am looking at a new Raptor with the 3.5L TT that produces over 450 Hp and 500 ft lbs. but the towing capacity is down to 8,000 lbs. any idea why? I would have thought that the higher HP Torque would allow for a higher towing capacity
Thanks
Jack
I currently have a 13 F150 XLT with a stock 5.0L motor. I believe the hp is 365 and torque somewhere around the same number. The towing capacity is 9,200 lbs. I am looking at a new Raptor with the 3.5L TT that produces over 450 Hp and 500 ft lbs. but the towing capacity is down to 8,000 lbs. any idea why? I would have thought that the higher HP Torque would allow for a higher towing capacity
Thanks
Jack
Track Hooligan
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
The suspension mainly...
However it should be noted that a more powerful or torquey motor doesn't mean something is capable of towing more. The frame is a huge factor, as well as suspension (as mentioned) and the rear diff as well.
However it should be noted that a more powerful or torquey motor doesn't mean something is capable of towing more. The frame is a huge factor, as well as suspension (as mentioned) and the rear diff as well.
Thread Starter
Long time first time
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 8
From: Bucks County, Pa
Thanks for the replies
I did more research and it appears that the Raptor has one less leaf spring than the std F150 to make the suspension softer for off roading. Aftermarket fixes include the Timbren upgraded bumpstops which limits supension travel or nitrogen gas shocks which firm up the back end.
I did more research and it appears that the Raptor has one less leaf spring than the std F150 to make the suspension softer for off roading. Aftermarket fixes include the Timbren upgraded bumpstops which limits supension travel or nitrogen gas shocks which firm up the back end.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: SE USA
Read the fine print in regards to towing
The single biggest factors are tongue weight (regular hitch) and whether you use a weight-distribution hitch, which is the ONLY way you get the advertised towing capacity on ANY F-150. To see what I'm talking about, do an internet search for car towing trailer wrecks videos to see what happens when you use the brakes on your vehicle while towing a load that is too big (the trailer loads down on the tongue, which acts like a fat kid on the teeter-totter and lifts the front of your vehicle up via the rear axis fulcrum point).
My XLT has a 500 pound tongue weight (common) and something like a 4000 pound (going from memory) towing weight limitation. You can look it up (crawl under your bumper near the hitch for details).
My XLT has a 500 pound tongue weight (common) and something like a 4000 pound (going from memory) towing weight limitation. You can look it up (crawl under your bumper near the hitch for details).