The Ford F150’s capabilities make it solid and valuable. As one of the most popular and best-selling vehicles, you’ll be sold on its specs and configurations!
If you want to make the most of your F150 though, you’d want to learn everything you can about its hauling and towing capabilities and optimizations. How good is this pickup truck? What are the payload limits?
We got you covered as we’ll provide all the answers to your question, “how much weight can an F150 carry?”
Read on to find out!
How Much Weight Can an F150 Carry?
Payload and towing capacity, as you may not know, are mainly determined by the vehicle’s configurations, trims, and engine options.
All F150s come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission with computer assistance. Users can choose between 4×2 and 4×4 models, which can influence the vehicle’s capabilities.
It is essential to know this to avoid loading overweight cargo on your truck.
F150 Payload Capacity
No matter the model, configurations, trims, and engine options, 1,520 lbs is the minimum weight that an F150 can carry.
The 5.0L V8 Ford F150 maximum weight is 3,325 pounds, whereas the 3.0L V6 Powerstroke Turbo-Diesel has a payload capacity of 1,840 pounds.
To achieve these results, customers must choose an F150 with a standard cab, the biggest bed (8′ in length), and two kits: Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Payload.
Trim Level and Engine Variety
To give you a better idea, check out the trims and their available engines and bed sizes.
| Trim | Available Engines | Bed Sizes |
| XL | RWD and 4WD | 5.5’, 6.5’ and 8’ |
| XLT | RWD and 4WD | 5.5’, 6.5’ and 8’ |
| Platinum | RWD and 4WD | 5.5’ and 6.5’ |
| Limited | RWD and 4WD | 5.5’ |
| Lariat | RWD and 4WD | 5.5’, 6.5’ and 8’ |
| King Ranch | RWD and 4WD | 5.5’ and 6.5’ |
If you want to experience maximum payload capacity from your F150, the design you need is the 4×2, 5.0 L Ti-VCT V8, Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed, and the Heavy-Duty Package. With these, you will be able to achieve 3,325 lbs maximum payload capacity. You may also want to explore this side-by-side comparison of XLT vs Lariat.
Best Framework for Transporting Materials
Engine
Below are each engine’s payload and towing capacity to help you find a suitable configuration depending on your demands.
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 – 11,600 lbs maximum towing capacity and 3,270 lbs maximum payload capacity
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 – 13,200 maximum towing capacity and 3,230 lbs maximum payload capacity
- 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 – 12,700 maximum towing capacity and 2,120 lbs maximum payload capacity
Horsepower and Torque
To get your desired level of power, you also need to consider the horsepower and torque parameters. Make sure to check below so you can find the right fit for your vehicle.
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 – 400 hp @ 6000 rpm, 410 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 – 400 hp @ 6000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm.
- 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 – 430 hp @ 6000+ rom, 570 lb-ft @ 3000+ rpm.
What Can You Carry in an F150?
To give you a better idea of how much weight an F150 can carry, let’s use an example of an F150 with a bed measuring 8 feet and a payload capacity of 77.4 cubic feet as our configuration.
Let’s apply these figures to real-life scenarios. Imagine you need to transport some 2x4s. The vehicle’s 8-foot bed showcases its versatility by having a 2×4 bed fit perfectly into it.
We could theoretically fit 196 2×4 lumber units. And it’s one of the few times when the volume and payload are nearly identical. When it comes to weight, the 196 units weigh 3,136 lbs, which is 190 lbs less than the truck’s maximum limit.
Below, you can see some common items and the maximum weight or volume that the F150 can accommodate.
| Cement (50 kilograms) | 24 |
| Topsoil (cubic feet) | 33.25 |
| Topsoil (pounds) | 3325 |
| Mulch (cubic feet) | 774 |
| Mulch (pounds) | 2006 |
| Gravel (cubic feet) | 39.6 |
| Gravel (pounds) | 3325 |
| Can (12 ounces) | 7300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Reliable Is the F150 for Hauling and Towing?
With 3,270 lbs of payload capacity and 11,600 lbs of towing capacity, this pickup truck is definitely a great truck. In addition, it offers 10-speed transmission for an outstanding torque rating.
Can an F150 Carry A Camper?
With the right configuration, engine, trim, and bed size, an F150 is sure to provide you with exceptional towing, reaching up to 13,200 lbs. Most F150s can safely tow a camper or travel trailer below 6,000 lbs.
Does Fuel Count as a Payload?
Yes, the payload capacity counts everything in the car, including the weight of the fuel. The payload information can be found on a sticker on your vehicle’s door.
The Bottom Line
The F150 is one of the most capable trucks in its class regarding cargo space and payload. The 4×2 model is suited for carrying in city and highway environments. The truck’s 8-foot bed makes it adaptable and capable of carrying almost anything, bringing convenience without adding too much weight.
When it comes to pricing, it is roughly in the middle, competing with Ram and just ahead of GMC and Chevrolet, but much below the Tundra. The F150 can accommodate most budgets, thanks to its numerous choices of configurations and trim levels. It’s an appealing option for a workhorse pickup truck.
This was built to last. If you need more features, you can always choose to add things for comfort and improved maneuverability. With these, the F150 can be an excellent use for your everyday driving as well.
Also, find out how much a Jeep Liberty can tow.
