Towing & Carrying
Your guide to hauling with confidence
Towing & Carrying
Your guide to hauling with confidence
Built tough to handle
whatever you throw at it
From job sites to campsites, we’re here to help carry the load. This is your go-to guide
for a smoother, safer towing and carrying experience.
Know your towing capability
Know your towing capability
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can legally tow. Be sure to stay within this capacity as overloading can put excessive stress on your vehicles engine, chassis, brakes and other key vehicle components.
Manage your GVM/GCM
Manage your GVM/GCM
Staying within Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combined Mass is possible by carefully managing your payload, axle loads, and towing capacity. Proper weight distribution between your vehicle and trailer is essential for safe operation. Exceeding these limits can affect braking, handling, and wear out your suspension or tyres faster.
Safety first
Safety first
Exceeding vehicle weight limits can compromise control, affecting braking distance and stability, especially in emergency situations. Plus, it puts undue stress on critical components like tyres and suspension.
Maintain performance
Maintain performance
Don't sacrifice performance. Overloading your vehicle puts excessive stress on the engine & transmission. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and accelerates wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of these critical components.
Stay compliant
Stay compliant
Avoid fines and protect your warranty by staying within your vehicle’s legal weight limits. Overloading can lead to penalties and may void coverage on components like the suspension or drivetrain if damage is directly caused by exceeding weight limits.
Distribute payload
Heavy items should be loaded in the tray as low and close to the front as possible. Lighter items can be loaded higher up. Do not exceed your overall payload limit and reduce weight if necessary or consider using a trailer.
Get the right balance
To load your vehicle properly, distribute the load evenly across your vehicle to ensure you do not overload the front and rear axles. Secure your load well so it does not shit during driving.
Towing Payload
Distribute weight within the trailer with heavier items placed over the wheel/axle to achieve an even balance. Consider the impact of the Trailer Nose Weight on your vehicle’s payload when hitched.
Tips for on the road
Safe driving speeds
Safe driving speeds
Towing changes everything. Stick to safe speeds and slow down in poor conditions. It’s not just the law. It’s what keeps your trailer steady and your trip safer.
Driving techniques
Driving techniques
No sharp moves. Brake early, steer smooth and give yourself space from the car ahead. If swaying starts, ease off the throttle. There’s no need to slam the brakes.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance
Even if you don’t tow often, you should keep your vehicle and trailer in check. Be sure to follow regular log book servicing for your vehicle and the servicing requirements for what you are towing.
Trailer Sway Control1
Trailer Sway Control1
When towing in tough conditions, sway can happen. This feature applies braking and engine control to help keep your trailer steady and you feeling in control.
Tow/Haul Mode1
Tow/Haul Mode1
Activating this drive mode helps your vehicle handle towing with ease by adjusting gear shifts and engine braking, especially useful on long climbs or descents.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist1
Pro Trailer Backup Assist1
Reversing with a trailer doesn’t have to be stressful. Just turn a knob on your centre console in the direction you want the trailer to go, and your Ford steers it there.
Trailer Brake Controller2
Trailer Brake Controller2
Stopping with a heavy load is easier and more controlled. This feature syncs your trailer’s brakes with your vehicle’s to help deliver smoother braking when it matters most.
Blind Spot Information System3
Blind Spot Information System3
Changing lanes while towing can be tricky. Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage extends detection to include the length of your trailer, giving you more awareness and confidence on the road.
Dynamic Hitch Assist1
Dynamic Hitch Assist1
Hooking up your trailer solo? This feature provides visual guidance on your touchscreen to help line up your tow ball, saving time and guesswork.
Kerb Weight
The weight of the vehicle as it's ready to drive, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids, but without any passengers, cargo, or any accessory or other aftermarket additions.
Min Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle ready to drive, with no factory options added, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids.
Max Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle with all factory options added, full tank of fuel, all essential fluids.
The weight of the vehicle as it's ready to drive, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids, but without any passengers, cargo, or any accessory or other aftermarket additions.
Min Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle ready to drive, with no factory options added, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids.
Max Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle with all factory options added, full tank of fuel, all essential fluids.
Cargo
Vehicle: refers to the goods, luggage or equipment being carried in the vehicle. It is part of the overall payload and contributes to the total weight of the vehicle.
Trailer: refers to the load or anything else being towed in the trailer.
Payload
The maximum weight of passengers, vehicle cargo, dealer fit accessories or aftermarket additions that the vehicle can carry. It is the difference between Gross Vehicle Mass and the Kerb Weight.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
This is the maximum weight of the vehicle when it's fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, all passengers, cargo, accessories and aftermarket additions.
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)
The total weight of a trailer when fully loaded, including its own weight plus everything it is carrying when the trailer is not connected to a towing vehicle.
- Kerb Weight
- Cargo
- Payload
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
- Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The weight of the vehicle as it's ready to drive, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids, but without any passengers, cargo, or any accessory or other aftermarket additions.
Min Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle ready to drive, with no factory options added, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids.
Max Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle with all factory options added, full tank of fuel, all essential fluids.
The weight of the vehicle as it's ready to drive, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids, but without any passengers, cargo, or any accessory or other aftermarket additions.
Min Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle ready to drive, with no factory options added, with a full tank of fuel and all essential fluids.
Max Kerb Weight: the weight of the base vehicle with all factory options added, full tank of fuel, all essential fluids.
Vehicle: refers to the goods, luggage or equipment being carried in the vehicle. It is part of the overall payload and contributes to the total weight of the vehicle.
Trailer: refers to the load or anything else being towed in the trailer.
The maximum weight of passengers, vehicle cargo, dealer fit accessories or aftermarket additions that the vehicle can carry. It is the difference between Gross Vehicle Mass and the Kerb Weight.
This is the maximum weight of the vehicle when it's fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, all passengers, cargo, accessories and aftermarket additions.
The total weight of a trailer when fully loaded, including its own weight plus everything it is carrying when the trailer is not connected to a towing vehicle.
Trailer Nose Weight (TNW)
Sometimes referred to as Towball Downforce Weight, this is the amount of weight the trailer exerts downwards on the vehicle’s tow ball. This is typically about 10% of the trailer’s total weight when fully loaded4.
When the trailer is hitched to a vehicle the payload decreases by the Trailer Nose Weight.
Sometimes referred to as Towball Downforce Weight, this is the amount of weight the trailer exerts downwards on the vehicle’s tow ball. This is typically about 10% of the trailer’s total weight when fully loaded4.
When the trailer is hitched to a vehicle the payload decreases by the Trailer Nose Weight.
Gross Trailer Mass
This is the total weight of the trailer when fully loaded and hitched to the vehicle, minus the Trailer Nose Weight (TNW), since the TNW is supported by the towing vehicle.
Gross Combined Mass (GCM)
The maximum total weight of the vehicle and trailer when they are attached and fully loaded. It includes everything: the vehicle, passengers, cargo, the trailer, and its load.
- Trailer Nose Weight (TNW)
- Gross Trailer Mass
- Gross Combined Mass (GCM)
- Towing Capacity
Sometimes referred to as Towball Downforce Weight, this is the amount of weight the trailer exerts downwards on the vehicle’s tow ball. This is typically about 10% of the trailer’s total weight when fully loaded4.
When the trailer is hitched to a vehicle the payload decreases by the Trailer Nose Weight.
Sometimes referred to as Towball Downforce Weight, this is the amount of weight the trailer exerts downwards on the vehicle’s tow ball. This is typically about 10% of the trailer’s total weight when fully loaded4.
When the trailer is hitched to a vehicle the payload decreases by the Trailer Nose Weight.
This is the total weight of the trailer when fully loaded and hitched to the vehicle, minus the Trailer Nose Weight (TNW), since the TNW is supported by the towing vehicle.
The maximum total weight of the vehicle and trailer when they are attached and fully loaded. It includes everything: the vehicle, passengers, cargo, the trailer, and its load.
F-150
F-150
Hard work pays off in 4,500kg of towing muscle.
Ranger Super Duty
Ranger Super Duty
4,500kg towing capacity built for the big jobs.
Ranger
Ranger
3,500kg towing capacity for hard work and play.
Ranger Hybrid
Ranger Hybrid
Tows like a Ranger, with 3,500kg towing capacity.
Everest
Everest
Conquer the weekend with 3,500kg of towing.
Transit
Transit
A van that works hard with 2,750kg towing.
Transit Custom
Transit Custom
2,500kg of towing to bolster your business.
Let’s get down to business
What is the maximum speed allowed when towing a caravan or trailer?
In most Australian states and territories, the speed limit for towing a caravan or trailer is the same as the posted speed limit, unless otherwise signalled by signage. However, for safety and control, it's often recommended to travel slightly below the limit, especially on highways or in windy conditions.
In most Australian states and territories, the speed limit for towing a caravan or trailer is the same as the posted speed limit, unless otherwise signalled by signage. However, for safety and control, it's often recommended to travel slightly below the limit, especially on highways or in windy conditions.
What should you do when towing a caravan to let other vehicles pass?
- What is the maximum speed allowed when towing a caravan or trailer?
- What should you do when towing a caravan to let other vehicles pass?
- Can you tow more than one trailer with a car?
In most Australian states and territories, the speed limit for towing a caravan or trailer is the same as the posted speed limit, unless otherwise signalled by signage. However, for safety and control, it's often recommended to travel slightly below the limit, especially on highways or in windy conditions.
In most Australian states and territories, the speed limit for towing a caravan or trailer is the same as the posted speed limit, unless otherwise signalled by signage. However, for safety and control, it's often recommended to travel slightly below the limit, especially on highways or in windy conditions.
Disclosures
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates or series. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support the Trailer Brake Controller and must set the gain on the Brake Controller unit.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving,road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Trailer Coverage system (requires a genuine factory fit tow bar) supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support this system.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific Trailer Nose Weight information.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates or series. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support the Trailer Brake Controller and must set the gain on the Brake Controller unit.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving,road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Trailer Coverage system (requires a genuine factory fit tow bar) supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support this system.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific Trailer Nose Weight information.
- Disclosures
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates or series. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support the Trailer Brake Controller and must set the gain on the Brake Controller unit.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving,road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Trailer Coverage system (requires a genuine factory fit tow bar) supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support this system.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific Trailer Nose Weight information.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates or series. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support the Trailer Brake Controller and must set the gain on the Brake Controller unit.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving,road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information. Not available on all nameplates. Check individual nameplate specifications to determine availability. Trailer Coverage system (requires a genuine factory fit tow bar) supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support this system.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific Trailer Nose Weight information.