2026 Ford vs. GMC Truck Towing Capacity Guide

Whether it’s a tool you depend on to earn a living or it’s simply a helpful companion when pursuing your passions, performance and capability are two fundamental components of any full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck.  From the legendary Ford F-150 half-ton pickup to the work-ready Ford Super Duty range of heavy-duty trucks – these machines are engineered to a higher standard than the competition. 

 

Towing is yet another essential characteristic of any true full-size truck. Having the strength and confidence to tow your largest toys or equipment can certainly come in handy on a regular basis. To showcase exactly how Ford trucks set the industry standard when it comes to towing, our team at Sarchione Ford of Randolph has created this head-to-head comparison that compares them against GMC trucks. Who will take home the towing championship? Read on and decide for yourself!

No other half-ton pickup is more capable, more connected, and more popular than the legendary Ford F-150. As America’s best-selling full-size truck for nearly half a century, the F-150 has remained a tremendous success for generations of truck buyers. A huge part of its award-winning reputation is its impressive portfolio of powertrain choices and class-leading capabilities. Especially when compared to the rival GMC Sierra 1500, the F-150 has the clear edge with a total of 7 individual powertrain choices, including an available hybrid engine for maximum MPG. 

 

In addition to greater flexibility and customization, the Ford F-150 also outperforms the GMC Sierra 1500 when it comes to both towing and payload ratings. Boasting a maximum towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds, the F-150 is the clear choice for truck buyers who demand maximum muscle and towing strength. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular F-150 configurations designed for maximum towing capabilities.

 

Highest Max Available Towing Package for the Ford F-150

• F-150 XLT SuperCrew® 4x4 6.5-foot box with the Tow/haul package and max tow axle upgrade. The Tow/Haul Package includes the integrated trailer brake controller and either the 3.55 or 3.73 e-lock rear axle depending on the powertrain.

 

Other Popular F-150 Towing Configurations and Ratings

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 — 8,400 lbs max available tow rating
• 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid — 11,600 lbs max available tow rating
• 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 — best-in-class 13,500 lbs max available tow rating
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 — 12,800 lbs max available tow rating

Shifting our focus to the heavy-duty segment, Ford continues to set the benchmark for its class with the iconic Ford Super Duty. This workhorse is a proven favorite both on and off the jobsite thanks to class-leading performance and strength you won’t find on the competition. While the GMC Sierra HD can match its cab and bed configurations, that’s about where the similarities between the two end! The Ford Super Duty offers a range of 4 dedicated engine choices that include class-leading diesel and gas performance specs. As a result, the Super Duty also delivers higher maximum payload and towing capacity ratings than the Sierra HD range. With a jaw-dropping 40,000-pound maximum towing capacity, the Ford Super Duty means business. 

 

Ford Super Duty Maximum Towing Capacities

• 40,000 lbs maximum available gooseneck towing capacity
• 35,000 lbs maximum available 5th wheel towing capacity
• 30,000 lbs maximum available conventional towing capacity

 

Ford Super Duty Maximum Payload Capacities

• 8,000 lbs maximum available gas payload
• 6,952 lbs maximum available diesel payload