New here, can someone explain the different tow ratings to me?

[s10mods]

First time on this forum, I have a Mach E now, but looking at a Lightning. Can someone explain the various tow ratings these things have? I see on Fords site 5100 lbs, 7700 lbs, 8600 lbs, and 10000 lbs. I know the max tow adds the extra cooling loop, but why so many varying tow ratings? is it the weight of the battery? I wanted to wait a year or two to buy one, but with them being discontinued I guess I need to buy now or buy used. When I am looking at them on fords website if I put on filters for a Lariat trim with the 131 kWh battery and the 9.6 kW onboard power, and max tow package it keeps bringing up models with only the 2.4 kW power, if it has the 9.6 power then all the ones I see have the 123 kWh battery. So I guess the search filters don't work very well. Does anyone know if what I am looking for is not an option? I cant imagine why the Lariat with the largest battery would not have the largest onboard power for home backup or camper power etc. Also is there any reason to not buy one and wait for the new EREV, or go with some other brand/model? I have had some issues with my Mach E that have been pretty upsetting, but still love the car so much I want an EV truck.

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[hturnerfamily]

yes, the Battery Pack SIZE makes a difference, and the MAX TOW additional dedicated CHILLER to the battery pack makes a difference

SR 5,000 stock, or 7,700 with MAX TOW option
ER 7,700 stock(except Platinum), or 10,000 with MAX TOW

etc

otherwise, there is no difference in the suspension or anything else related to the vehicle - they are all the 'same', build-wise... in essence, my PRO SR has the same exact towing capacity as the highest level PLATINUM, although, since it has only the SR Battery Pack, it is therefore 'limited' in the Manufacturers RATING. Yes, I could easily tow 10,000lbs, too, but the battery pack is the limiting factor, as a smaller battery pack can more easily and quickly overheat. There is, otherwise, no difference in these trucks. The hitch is also exactly the same for all trims.

 

[s10mods]

yes, the Battery Pack SIZE makes a difference, and the MAX TOW additional dedicated CHILLER to the battery pack makes a difference

SR 5,000 stock, or 7,700 with MAX TOW option
ER 7,700 stock(except Platinum), or 10,000 with MAX TOW

etc

otherwise, there is no difference in the suspension or anything else related to the vehicle - they are all the 'same', build-wise... in essence, my PRO SR has the same exact towing capacity as the highest level PLATINUM, although, since it has only the SR Battery Pack, it is therefore 'limited' in the Manufacturers RATING. Yes, I could easily tow 10,000lbs, too, but the battery pack is the limiting factor, as a smaller battery pack can more easily and quickly overheat. There is, otherwise, no difference in these trucks. The hitch is also exactly the same for all trims.

I can understand the physical suspension hitch etc are the same, and that wihtout the extra cooling loop that the truck could still pull the weight, but may have cooling issues doing it, but why does the Platinum get an 8600 lb vs the Lariat 7700? and what are the options to get the 10000 lb tow rating?

 

[Firn]

I can understand the physical suspension hitch etc are the same, and that wihtout the extra cooling loop that the truck could still pull the weight, but may have cooling issues doing it, but why does the Platinum get an 8600 lb vs the Lariat 7700? and what are the options to get the 10000 lb tow rating?

I have not dug into it but the now three different battery sizes, plus max tow, and maybe even wheel/tire size likely all have an impact.

I am not aware of any specific limitation between max tow and 9.6kw ppo, other than perhaps in your area that combination just isn't available. Seeing that the Lariat was JUST under the previous tax rebate limit often times both max tow and 9.6kw pro would put it over the $80k limit, hence having both is unpopular.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Options will affect the rating weight of the truck with certain combinations:

• Tires / wheels
• Battery pack
• Max Tow option

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Tow capacity depends on cooling capability, tires, hitch type, trim, options, cargo (including people) weight, size of trailer, etc.

https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/da...pdf/2025-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf

 

[B177y]

I agree with @Firn , the filters are probably showing you trucks that are close to what you are looking for because all the trucks on your desired list likely sold out already. That's a pretty popular spec, it's the same as my desired spec was in 2024, and it was hard to find then.

 

[Rayden]

Since others have answered the technical questions, I will answer your other one. I've only had my truck since July of last year, but it has been amazing and the best truck I've ever had. It's my first EV, so nothing to compare against, but I'll never go back and intend to drive this thing for another 10+ years.

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