For 2026, the Ford F-150 has the higher published maximum towing rating: up to 13,500 lb, compared with up to 11,610 lb for the Ram 1500. Those are maximums for properly equipped configurations—not ratings for every truck. Choose by matching the trailer’s loaded weight and tongue load to the ratings and remaining payload of the specific truck you plan to buy or use.
Which is better for towing, Ram 1500 or F-150?
If your only comparison is the manufacturers’ highest published towing figures, the 2026 F-150 leads by 1,890 lb. That does not establish that every F-150 can tow more than every Ram 1500, or that either truck can safely tow your particular trailer. Engine, drivetrain, cab, bed, axle ratio, tow equipment, installed options, passengers, and cargo affect what a specific truck can carry and tow.
| 2026 pickup | Manufacturer’s maximum available towing | Manufacturer’s maximum available payload | What the maximum depends on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 13,500 lb | 2,440 lb | Ford identifies the top towing setup as an XLT SuperCrew 4×4 with a 6.5-foot bed, Tow/Haul package, and Max Tow Axle upgrade. The guide says the 13,500-lb rating requires the 3.5L EcoBoost with Tow/Haul and Max Tow Axle. |
| Ram 1500 | 11,610 lb | 2,360 lb | Ram’s engine and drivetrain listings show different ratings by configuration; options, equipment, passengers, and cargo can affect weights. |
These are manufacturer-published maximums, not results from a controlled head-to-head test. Ford’s 2026 F-150 specifications and towing guide provide the Ford figures and configuration notes; Ram’s 2026 Ram 1500 capability page and engine performance pages provide Ram’s figures.
How much can a Ram 1500 tow?
Ram lists up to 11,610 lb of towing and 2,360 lb of payload for the 2026 Ram 1500. Those are separate maximums; they should not be assumed to apply together to one truck. The engine and drivetrain listings show why checking the exact build matters:
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| 2026 Ram 1500 configuration listed by Ram | Maximum towing | Maximum payload |
|---|---|---|
| 4×2, 3.0L Hurricane | 11,610 lb | 1,930 lb |
| 4×4, 3.0L Hurricane | 11,370 lb | 1,910 lb |
| 4×2, Pentastar V6 | 8,130 lb | 2,360 lb |
| 4×4, Pentastar V6 | 7,470 lb | 1,790 lb |
Use Ram’s engine and drivetrain ratings for the configuration under consideration, then check the truck’s certification label and applicable towing information. A model-wide headline figure is not a substitute for the rating of an individual truck.
How much can an F-150 tow?
Ford lists maximum available towing of 13,500 lb and maximum available payload of 2,440 lb for the 2026 F-150. Its guide ties the 13,500-lb towing figure to a 3.5L EcoBoost equipped with the Tow/Haul package and Max Tow Axle upgrade. Ford also identifies the highest-rated setup as an XLT SuperCrew 4×4 with a 6.5-foot bed and those towing upgrades.
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- 【DEPENDABLE STRENGTH】 - This 2 inch ball hitch delivers dependability for your towing setup, rated to tow 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 600 pounds tongue weight.
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Other F-150 configurations have different ratings. Ford’s 2026 towing guide breaks towing figures out by such factors as engine, axle ratio, cab, and body configuration. Consult its table for the exact truck rather than applying the 13,500-lb maximum to another trim or equipment combination.
What matters more, towing capacity or payload?
Neither number can be considered on its own. Towing capacity addresses the loaded trailer weight a configuration is rated to tow; payload is the weight the truck itself can carry. Trailer tongue load, passengers, cargo, and options all draw on payload. A truck can be below its advertised towing maximum yet exceed its available payload or an axle rating.
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- Payload: Check the certification label on the actual truck. Account for occupants, cargo, installed options, and the trailer’s tongue load.
- GVWR and rear GAWR: Keep the loaded truck within its gross vehicle weight rating and rear gross axle weight rating. Ford’s guide specifically cautions that payload and tongue load must not push the truck over these limits.
- GCWR: The combined loaded truck and trailer must not exceed the applicable gross combined weight rating. Ford’s guide states that the vehicle-and-trailer combined weight cannot exceed the listed GCWR.
- Configuration-specific towing rating: Match the truck’s engine, drivetrain, cab, bed, axle ratio, tow package, and equipment to the manufacturer’s applicable chart.
Do not treat the published maximum payload and maximum towing capacity as if both describe the same truck or the same loaded trip. Verify each applicable rating for the specific vehicle and account for the actual load.
How to compare two actual trucks for your trailer
- Establish the trailer’s loaded weight and tongue load. Use the load planned for the trip, not just an empty or advertised trailer weight.
- Identify each truck precisely. Record model year, engine, drivetrain, cab, bed, axle ratio, tow package, and installed options.
- Check the matching manufacturer towing table and the truck’s certification label. Calculate what payload remains after occupants and cargo, then include tongue load.
- Check the loaded combination and axle loads. Confirm the truck, rear axle, and truck-plus-trailer combination remain within their applicable ratings.
- Verify towing equipment for that combination. Check the receiver, hitch, trailer brakes, tires, mirrors, and any weight-distribution setup against the component ratings and manufacturer instructions.
- Get help if the margin is small or the ratings are unclear. Ask a qualified dealer or towing professional to check a combination near a limit or one whose configuration data cannot be confirmed.
Weight-distribution and other towing safety checks
Ford’s towing guide says not to exceed 5,000 lb of trailer weight when towing without a weight-distribution system. It also gives a general tongue-load note of 10% of the total loaded trailer weight. Treat those as Ford guide statements, not universal instructions for every truck, trailer, or hitch: verify the specific vehicle and trailer manuals, receiver limits, component ratings, and the requirements for the planned setup. Any weight-distribution hitch must be selected for the actual loaded tongue weight and used as its manufacturers direct.
Rank #4
- Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Ball Mount: Rated to tow up to 7,500 lbs GTW and 750 lbs tongue weight, this durable hitch mount is suitable for trucks, SUVs, RVs, trailers, campers, ATVs/UTVs, and boats. Designed to fit all vehicles equipped with a standard 2-inch hitch receiver
- Complete Towing Set: Includes a 2-inch chrome trailer ball, 5/8-inch hitch pin, and safety clip, providing a quick and secure connection to your trailer receiver. (Note: The trailer ball should be firmly tightened with tools until the anti-loosening nut is fully seated.)
- Corrosion-Resistant Dual Coating: The trailer ball features a chrome-plated finish for superior rust resistance, while the ball mount body is protected by a durable black powder coating, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Precision Fit Design: Engineered with a 2" x 2" shank, compatible with industry-standard 2-inch receivers. The ball mount offers a 2-inch drop, 2-inch diameter trailer ball, and 5/8-inch hitch pin hole, guaranteeing a secure and accurate fit
- Easy Installation: Simply insert the 2-inch shank into your vehicle's hitch receiver and secure it with the included hitch pin and clip-no complicated setup required
For either brand, a rating is only useful when the truck’s equipment and actual loaded weights are known. If a particular truck’s label, configuration, or applicable limits cannot be established, do not rely on the model’s advertised maximum as confirmation that the combination is within rating.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Hitch ball size: 1-7/8 inch; 2 inch; 2-5/16 inch
- Receiver size: 2 inch
- Length: 10 inch
- Weight rating 2000/5000/7500 pounds
- Heavy duty black powder coat finish, black hitch ball
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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