Fresh Towing Tech Gives the Ford F-150 Unique Advantages
With big trucks like the Ford F-150 come even bigger projects. You or someone you know may have been caught up in an argument related to hitching a trailer up. In fact, trying to back up might be why your parents divorced. However, now Ford F-150 towing tech helps to relieve that stress.
Is the Ford F-150 good for towing?
Yes, the Ford F-150 is an excellent truck to consider for towing and hauling needs. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 14,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 3,235 lbs. Also, there are tons of helpful features.
For example, the Ford Pro Trailer Hitch system automatically directs your truck to your trailer hitch. It takes control of the truck to ensure the trailer ball is placed perfectly beneath the trailer hitch.
The system uses the rear camera, ultrasonic sensors, and computer vision to identify the ball and trailer coupler up to 20 feet away. You’ll be alerted to three positive IDs and can then back the trailer to the correct spot.
Sensors will detect obstacles and stop if needed. Also, the job is complete once you see “Alignment Complete. Connect the trailer.” on the infotainment screen.
To access this feature, your F-150 truck needs to be equipped with the Trailer Tow Package for $1,325. It’s available with the Tow Technology package for $925 for F-Series Super Duty Models.
What comes with the 2023 F-150 Trailer Tow Package?
The 2023 Ford F-150 Trailer Tow Package adds a trailer brakes controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, reverse trailer guidance, a smart trailer tow connector, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
As AutoBlog mentions, it could be easy to confuse Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. But the backup assistance feature automatically steers your truck in the correct direction based on where you want to back the trailer.
The Blind Spot Infomation System (BLIMS) features rear cross-traffic alert. It will notify you if something is detected in the trailer’s blind spot.
High-definition cameras provide multiple views of the trailer with reverse guidelines and graphics to simplify basic maneuvers.
Also, the On-Board scales provide live load updates about the weight of the cargo in the bed. The Smart Hitch measures the tongue weight and load weight as well. You’ll be notified as you approach the maximum load capacity and if you go over it.
Which 2023 F-150 engine is best for towing?
To reach the 2023 Ford F-150’s max towing capacity, you need the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The potent 5.0-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque maxes out at 13,000 lbs.
However, the 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid V6 engine with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque has a noticeable difference. The extra torque makes towing feel easier. The PowerBoost Hybrid can tow up to 12,700 lbs.
Towing with the Ford F-150 Lightning is powerful and exciting. But it needs to be improved. Hauling a 5,00 lb camper destroyed our range. We lost about 81 miles of charge in about 30 miles. Also, the Lightning can tow up to 10,000 lbs.
The F-150 has the best-in-class towing capacity and is leading the way with cutting-edge tech. It can prevent massive arguments while someone tries to steer the truck as someone outside provides directions. We can’t wait to try it out.
