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Towing Capacity

2010 F150 Towing Capacity Guide (with Charts)

ByLiam Redstone February 13, 2023December 18, 2023 Updated onDecember 18, 2023
2010 f150 towing capacity

Are you looking to tow a trailer or a boat with your 2010 Ford F150? If so, you’ll want to know the truck’s towing capacity. We’ll provide all the necessary information in this 2010 F150 towing capacity guide.

CONTENTS

  • What is the 2010 Ford F150 Towing Capacity?
  • Trim Levels
  • Cab and Bed Lengths
  • How much does a Ford F150 weigh?
  • Packages
    • The Trailer Tow Package
    • Max Tow Package
    • Heavy-Duty Payload Package
  • 2010 Ford F-150 TOWING CAPACITY BY ENGINE
    • 2010 ford f-150 with 4.2L 2V V8
    • 2010 ford f-150 with 4.6 L 3V V8
    • 2010 ford f-150 with 5.4 L 3V V8
  • Axle ratio
  • 2010 F150 TOWING CAPACITY CHART
  • Chart of Frontal Area Considerations and Restrictions
  • 2010 F150 5th Wheel Towing Capacity
  • 2010 F-150 Payload Capacity
  • 2010 F150 Step Bumper vs. Hitch Receiver
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs
    • What is the towing capacity of a 2010 Ford F150?
    • Is it possible to tow with a rear step bumper?
    • What is the difference between rear step bumper towing and hitch receiver towing?
    • What is the maximum towing capacity for a 2010 Ford F150 equipped with a tow package?

What is the 2010 Ford F150 Towing Capacity?

The 2010 F-150 has a max towing capacity of 5,100 and 11,300 lbs., depending on the engine type, GCWR, cab style, axle ratio, and other factors. It is a great work truck for towing small trailers, boats, and other equipment.

Trim Levels

The 2010 Ford F150 series offers a variety of trim levels to choose from, with each trim offering different options, bed lengths, cab sizes, and engine types. The eight different trims include:

  • XL
  • XLT
  • FX4
  • Lariat
  • King Ranch
  • Platinum
  • STX
  • SVT Raptor
  • Harley-Davidson

Cab and Bed Lengths

Cab StyleBed LengthsPassenger CapacitySeat Rows
Regular Cab6.5 ft. and 8 ft.31
SuperCab 6.5 ft. and 8 ft.62
SuperCrew 5.5 ft., 6.5 ft., and 8 ft.62
2010 F-150 Crew Cab and Bed Lengths Overview.

This variety of options allows you to select the one that best suits your needs and ensure your F150 can meet your towing and payload requirements.

How much does a Ford F150 weigh?

Models and SpecsThe Average Curb Weight
2010 F150 4.6L 2V 4×24,693 pounds
2010 F150 4.6L 2V 4×44,951 pounds
2010 F150 5.4L 4×45,083 pounds
2010 F150 SVT Raptor2,869 pounds
2010 F150 4WD SuperCab 145″ FX45,345 pounds
The Average Curb Weight For The Ford F150 Curb Weight

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Packages

The 2010 F-150 series offers a variety of packages to help owners maximize their towing capacity.

The Trailer Tow Package

The 2010 F-150 is equipped with the Trailer Tow Package, which includes weight-saving magnesium and aluminum components for higher towing capacity. When equipped with this Package, the F150 can tow up to 4,500 lbs, making it one of its highest available towing capacities.

It also has a heavy-duty payload model for trailers over 5,000 pounds. The F150 also features a thick C Channel Frame, which helps give it great stability and strength while towing, allowing it to carry heavier loads easily.

Max Tow Package

It is an excellent option for those wanting to maximize their towing capacity with their 2010 F-150. It increases the payload capacity to 8,200 pounds, and the towing capacity for conventional trailers can reach up to 16,000 pounds.

Regarding 5th wheel trailers, this package can handle up to 24,600 pounds. This package requires the 5.4 Liter gas engine and is available on all automatic transmission trucks. It also includes an upgraded radiator, an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and a heavy duty battery.

Heavy-Duty Payload Package

The HDP Package increases the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the F-150 to 8,200 pounds. This package requires the 5.4 L gas engine and seven lug axles as it is an option from Ford.

This package is perfect for those who require heavier payloads for their towing needs, as the Max Trailer Tow Package only increases the towing capacity up to 14,000 lbs. With this option, the F150 can accommodate heavier loads that traditional trucks cannot.

2010 Ford F-150 TOWING CAPACITY BY ENGINE

To determine your towing capacity, you must check your GVWR and use the information from the owner’s manual to calculate your maximum trailer weight.

EngineRegular CabSuperCabSuperCrew
4.6L 2-Valve V86,000 lbs.5,800 lbs.5,700 lbs.
4.6L 3-Valve V88,400 lbs.9,500 lbs.9,400 lbs.
5.4L 3-Valve V811,300 lbs.11,300 lbs.11,300 lbs.
2010 F-150 Max Towing Capacity by Cab Styles.

2010 ford f-150 with 4.2L 2V V8

The 4.2L 2-valve V8 engine in the 2010 F-150 series is an efficient and powerful engine option. It has an automatic transmission with a max towing capacity range of 5,100 – 6,000 lbs. This is the lowest of all the engines available for the 2010 F-150 series, and other engines may be more suitable for heavier loads.

This engine may be sufficient for light towing, such as small campers or boats. Drivers needing to tow heavier loads should consider the heavier-duty package and engine options provided by Ford.

2010 ford f-150 with 4.6 L 3V V8

The 2010 F150 series offers eight trim levels, which differ in their options, bed lengths, cab sizes, and engine types. The 4.6-liter 3-valve V8 motor can only be paired with an automatic gearbox and can handle a towing capacity between 7,500 and 9,500 lbs. This is a solid option for those looking to tow heavy loads with the Ford F-150.

The Ford F150 can also allow bumper towing up to 5,000 lbs if a ball hitch is installed on the vehicle’s bumper. For anything over 5,000 lbs, a weight-distributing trailer hitch is required with an adequately installed hitch receiver.

It is essential to calculate your towing capacity before towing with your 2010 F150 by considering the GCWR listed in the manual and allowing for a 150 lb passenger when calculating the maximum trailer weight.

2010 ford f-150 with 5.4 L 3V V8

The 5.4L 3-valve V8 engine has the highest towing capacity in an F-150. It has an automatic transmission and a max towing capacity of 5,100 – 11,300 lbs. This makes it one of the best options for those looking to tow heavy loads with their F150.

The 5.4L engine is offered in 8 different trim levels, and its payload capacity can be found on the certification sticker inside the driver’s side door. You can also look at the table for maximum cargo weight information if you have the Heavy Duty Payload Package.

Additionally, towing with your F150 using a rear step bumper without a hitch receiver is possible. However, the towing capacity cannot exceed 5,000 lbs with a tongue weight on the ball of 500 lbs (10% tongue weight).

For anything over 5,000 lbs, a weight-distributing trailer hitch is required with a properly installed hitch receiver.

Axle ratio

The codes could be found by decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or checking the Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label (Door Jamb Label). This label is typically on the driver-side door jamb or glove box.

Knowing these axle ratio codes allows owners to determine their truck’s gear ratios and find compatible replacement parts.

Following the chart below for more details:

2010 Ford F 150 axle ratio codes
The 2010 Ford F-150 axle ratio codes Chart.

2010 F150 TOWING CAPACITY CHART

The 2010 F150 Towing Capacity Chart, sourced from the owner’s manual, provides information about the towing capacities for each trim level.

The 4.2 L 2V V8 engine with an automatic transmission has a max towing capacity of 5,100 – 6,000 lbs, while the 4.6 L 3V V8 engine can tow up to 7,500 – 9,500 lbs. The 5.4 L 3V V8 engine can tow up to 11,300 lbs with an automatic transmission. For 5th wheel towing, Ford does not provide a hitch, but one can be added, and the tongue weight should be between 15-25%.

The payload capacity can also be determined by finding the GVWR on the certification sticker inside the driver’s side door or by looking at the table for maximum cargo weight information if equipped with the HDP Package.

Finally, bumper towing is possible if it is within a load capacity of 5,000 lbs with a tongue weight of 500 lbs (10% tongue weight). For anything over 5,000 lbs, a weight-distributing trailer hitch with an adequately installed hitch receiver is required.

This chart illustrates the towing capability of the 2010 F150 for both conventional towing and 5th-wheel trailers.

2010 Ford F-150 Conventional 5th Wheel Trailer Towing Capacity Chart
2010 Ford F-150 Conventional 5th Wheel Trailer Towing Capacity Chart

Chart of Frontal Area Considerations and Restrictions

The Frontal Area Consideration/Limitation for a vehicle and trailer is the total area exposed to air resistance while in motion, measured square feet.

The chart provides information for the 2010 Ford F150:

FRONTAL AREA CONSIDERATIONS chart
2010 F 150 Frontal Area Considerations Chart.

2010 F150 5th Wheel Towing Capacity

The 2010 F150 series offers eight trim levels with varying engine types, cab sizes, and bed lengths. Depending on the engine type, bed size, cab size, drivetrain, and axle ratio, the max towing capacity can range from 5,100 to 11,300 lbs.

For those looking to tow with a 5th wheel hitch, Ford does not provide a 5th wheel towing hitch, so you will need to install one on your F150.

The capacity for conventional and 5th wheel towing is the same, but the tongue weight for 5th wheel towing should be 15-25%.

The most reliable method to determine the load capacity of an F150 is to search for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

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2010 F-150 Payload Capacity

The payload capacity of an F150 can be determined by looking at the GVWR listed on the certification sticker inside the driver’s side door.

It is generally determined by the trim of the vehicle, bed size, cab size, and engine type. If you have the HDP Package, you can also look at the table for maximum cargo weight information.

It’s important to note that when towing, you should consider a 150 lb passenger when calculating your maximum trailer weight.

EngineRegular CabSuperCabSuperCrew
4.6L 2-Valve V81,890 lbs.1,600 lbs.1,610 lbs.
4.6L 3-Valve V81,980 lbs.1,680 lbs.1,680 lbs.
5.4L 3-Valve V83,030 lbs.2,660 lbs.1,990 lbs.
2010 F-150 Maximum Payload Capacity by Cab Styles.

2010 F150 Step Bumper vs. Hitch Receiver

Depending on the load, the F-150 can be equipped with a rear step bumper or a hitch receiver for towing. For loads up to 5,000 lbs, a ball hitch can be installed on the bumper and should have a tongue weight of 500 lbs or 10% of the total load.

For heavier loads, a weight-distributing trailer hitch is required and needs to be properly installed. This information includes trims, cab and bed sizes, packages, and towing capacity by engine type.

Read also 2013 f 150 towing capacity: The Ultimate Guide

Conclusion

The 2010 F150 series offers a variety of trim levels, cab sizes, and engine types, each with its towing capacity. The 4.2L 2-valve V8 engine has a max towing capacity of 5,100 – 6,000 lbs, the 4.6L 3-valve V8 engine has a max towing capacity of 7,500 – 9,500 lbs, and the 5.4L 3-valve V8 engine has a max towing capacity of 5,100 – 11,300 lbs.

The Heavy-Duty Payload, Trailer Tow, and Max Trailer Tow Packages can also increase the vehicle’s towing capacity. It is important to note that Ford does not provide a fifth-wheel towing hitch for the F150, so one must be installed for fifth-wheel towing.

Lastly, drivers should always calculate their towing capacity considering their GCWR listed in the manual and any passengers they may be hauling.

FAQs

What is the towing capacity of a 2010 Ford F150?

The 2010 F-150 has a max towing capacity of 5,100 and 11,300 lbs.

Is it possible to tow with a rear step bumper?

It is possible to tow with a rear step bumper, but the towing capacity will be lower than a hitch receiver.

What is the difference between rear step bumper towing and hitch receiver towing?

Rear step bumper towing is a method of towing where the trailer is attached to the bumper directly. On the other hand, Hitch receiver towing uses a hitch receiver attached to the truck’s frame. Hitch receiver towing generally has a higher capacity than rear step bumper towing.

What is the maximum towing capacity for a 2010 Ford F150 equipped with a tow package?

The maximum towing capacity for a 2010 Ford F150 equipped with a tow package varies depending on the model and engine. It can range from 8,000 to 11,300 pounds.

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