We didn’t miss the chance to tow with the new Ford F-150 Lightning. We needed to see how pulling loads affected the range for ourselves. Now we have a first-hand experience with how the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is both good and bad for towing.

How much can the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning tow?

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning towing capacity depends on which model you have. The standard range model can pull up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,235 lbs. With the extended-range model, you can tow up to 10,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,000 lbs.

We have an extended-range Lariat model, with a 320-mile range on a full charge, and used a 5,000 lb camper for our test. We started with 240 miles of charge and entered the trailer’s specs.

After creating a trailer profile for the 25-foot camper, the range was chopped down to 140 miles. Due to Columbus Day traffic and the Asheville area being crowded due to leafers, we decided to only take the camper out for 30 miles.

On back roads at lower speeds of 35 to 40 mph, the Lightning did great. It held a steady charge, even while going up steep inclines, and handled curves extremely well. If you go slow the entire way, you might have enough juice.

However, on I-26 at speeds between 50 to 65 mpg, the Lightning struggled. The range was instantly updated due to rising heat and the trailer’s weight. The range started dropping at a rapid pace. We used 89 miles of range during our 30-mile route.

So, an even heavier trailer could destroy the range at a faster rate. If you plan to tow with the Ford F-150 Lightning, have charging stations mapped out, or try to keep your trip under 100 miles.

Does the F-150 Lightning have good trailering tech?

Yes, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has advanced towing tech that’s pretty convenient. The rear-review camera and hitch view make it extremely easy to align the truck with the trailer hitch.

It eliminates the need to have a friend or partner standing outside yelling where to stop and which direction to go.

The Intelligent Range feature provides live updates on your mileage based on the geography of your route and displays charging stations along the way.

After creating a trailer profile, the F-150 Lightning will perform a system check and make sure that all of the trailer lights work for you. Plus, the blind-spot warning system accounts for the length and width of the trailer, helping you know when it’s safe to change lanes.

The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system parks your trailer for you. All you have to do is use a dial to indicate which direction you want the trailer to go.

The F-150 Lightning has plenty of power for towing

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque with the extended-range battery. It has plenty of pulling power. However, the camper made the truck feel heavier, but towing with the same camper felt light as a feather with the F-150 Hybrid.

Anyways, the truck didn’t struggle to get up to speed. It powered up hills and made it easy to merge onto the tourist-clogged interstate. Getting up to speed with a 5,000 lb camper was very impressive.

The F-150 Lightning also felt in control. We felt confident towing around sharp curves and through construction zones. The camper didn’t shake or sway. Changing lanes to pass others and pulling out across four-lane highways wasn’t an issue at all.

It’s like the Ford F-150 Lightning has a good start for towing. The tech definitely makes things easier, and it feels confident. However, the range seems to struggle, making us concerned about towing heavier loads.