I am looking at a 2021 F-150 XLT with the 2.7L Ecoboost and trying to figure out towing capacity. I looked at the 2021 Ford Towing Capacity PDF and it says the 2.7L with 3.55 ratio 145 wheelbase can haul 7700. But there is an asterick near the engine and in the fine print it say, "Do not exceed 6000lbs without a class iv hitch (which it has) and a trailer tow package."

Nowhere on the winder sticker does it say it has a trailer tow package, but it has an OEM trailer brake controller (which I can only assume was added after since it isn't listed on the window sticker either).

My question is, will this tow the 7700lbs that is listed or since I don't see the words "tow package" on the window sticker, assume it's 6000? The dealership is confused and at one point told us 10,000lbs which I know isn't true, talked to a Ford dealership and they are confused. Searched through the forums here and it only confuses me more.

 

Others should chime in, but my guess is you are good for 7700... 6000 probably refers to when you add an aftermarket class IV hitch? I can't think of any reason you would have to deviate from the specs you found in the guide. They should really be more specific about what they mean by "trailer tow package" in this instance.

 

Have you read the payload sticker on the doorjamb?

Without the tow package, you're going to be limited to the 6,000 pounds I believe.

 

Try the Ford Owner Support site? I believe you can pull up all the towing specs if you have VIN.

 

Yes, I believe it was 1760lbs. somewhere in that range at least but don't quote me on that. The truck is back at the dealership.

 

This is the first time I've been directed to that site. That did give me the answer of 6000lbs. now I assume that there is no way to increase that to 7700.

 

I’d bet it’s the 7700 figure. My 2017 2.7 with 3.55s is rated for 7600 in my 4x4 SuperCab config.

I cannot see why your truck would be rated at only 6000 with a factory tow package and 3.55s.

That said, I personally wouldn’t want to tow the highest max number the truck is rated at. I’d want a little wiggle room.

 

Almost sounds like the truck didn’t come with a tow package and the brake controller was added after-the-fact, meaning you’re stuck at 6,000#. You’ll want to also check the receiver rating as you may find you’ll be further limited by a max tongue weight rating of 500# and tow rating of 5,000#. What these trucks can drag and what they can handle/stop are two very different things (especially in ford’s opinion).

There are countless threads with us all going back and forth on what actually makes a truck with a tow package more capable than one without one, but with essentially the same hardware. Feel free to go down that rabbit hole, but the short version is you’re limited to the lower rating.

What your comfort level is with going above that rating is totally up to you - no doubt there are countless people who regularly exceed their ratings without issue.

 

That's exactly my thought. The receiver was 11k and some change so I knew it was OK, but worried about everything else. I've searched these forums for answers and haven't gotten anywhere and heard very conflicting information. The dealership (non-ford dealer) tried to tell me that there are ways to increase that rating... I'm very leary of having to "add-on" to increase the towing. I get it, they were trying to make a sale, it was a great truck at a great price but I'll keep looking because that tow rating is important to us and I don't want to short change us should we want to have a bigger camper in a couple years.

 

Hitch is clearly marked on a bottom sticker 500/5000# for weight carrying, over that Ford requires a weight distributing hitch. The maximum amount marked on the hitch is the hitch rating, NOT the truck towing rating.
Many states require trailer brakes at 3000#, some less, some more, so the ITBC (Integrated Trailer Brake Controller) is a great thing to have.
The stickered towing package is the 53A, max tow is 53C, and the class IV hitch receiver with 7 pole wiring is 53B. Ford has occasionally been iffy on the 53B being a “towing package” to allow the higher ratings.
The owners manual has other towing guidance, based on engine mostly. 7000# with a factory hitch receiver with the 3.5EB or 5.0, for example.
Some of it has to do with frame thickness.
2019 owners manual page 308 note 3 states,”Medium Duty trailer tow package-class IV receiver hitch. Max trailer weight by engine 3.3L and 2.7L GTDI=6000 pds., 5.0, 3.5 GTDI and 3.0 diesel = 7000 pds.