The Ford F-150 Raptor R is a high-performance, off-road-focused variant of the F-150, built on the third-generation F-150 platform. Ford introduced the Raptor R for the 2023 model year, and it has continued through the 2024, 2025, and 2026 production years. The Raptor R is available exclusively as a SuperCrew configuration with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and a standard 4×4 drivetrain.
This guide covers the Ford Raptor R towing capacity by model year, including maximum trailer weight, payload limits, tongue weight, and hitch specifications. Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits protects the engine, transmission, braking system, and drivetrain from premature wear and failure.
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2026 Ford Raptor R Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 5.2L Supercharged V8 (720 hp @ 6,650 rpm / 640 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (4×4), 2-Speed Automatic Transfer Case |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A (not recommended by Ford) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,410 lbs (639 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | 15,300 lbs (6,940 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 870 lbs (395 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Standard |
The 2026 Ford Raptor R carries forward the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 720 horsepower, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs when properly equipped. Towing equipment including a trailer brake controller, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and trailer sway control is standard on this configuration. Ford does not recommend fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing on any Raptor model.
2025 Ford Raptor R Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 5.2L Supercharged V8 (720 hp @ 6,650 rpm / 640 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (4×4), 2-Speed Automatic Transfer Case |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A (not recommended by Ford) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,410 lbs (639 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | 15,300 lbs (6,940 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 870 lbs (395 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Standard |
The 2025 Ford Raptor R received an engine output increase to 720 horsepower, up from 700 horsepower in the previous two model years, while maintaining the same 8,700-lb maximum towing capacity. The axle ratio is 4.10 with an electronic locking rear differential, both of which are standard on the Raptor R configuration. The GCWR of 15,300 lbs is confirmed in the official 2025 Ford F-150 Towing Guide.
2024 Ford Raptor R Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 5.2L Supercharged V8 (700 hp @ 6,650 rpm / 640 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (4×4), 2-Speed Automatic Transfer Case |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A (not recommended by Ford) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 15,300 lbs (6,940 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 870 lbs (395 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Standard |
The 2024 Ford Raptor R maintains the same 8,700-lb maximum towing capacity as the 2023 launch model, with the 700-horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8 and 4×4 drivetrain unchanged. Both the Raptor and Raptor R share a maximum payload rating of 1,400 lbs for the 2024 model year. The standard hitch receiver carries a weight-carrying trailer capacity of 8,700 lbs with a corresponding tongue weight limit of 870 lbs.
2023 Ford Raptor R Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 5.2L Supercharged V8 (700 hp @ 6,650 rpm / 640 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (4×4), 2-Speed Automatic Transfer Case |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A (not recommended by Ford) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 14,500-15,300 lbs (6,577-6,940 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 870 lbs (395 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Standard |
The 2023 Ford Raptor R is the first production year for this variant, delivering a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs with the 5.2-liter supercharged V8. This figure is 500 lbs higher than the standard 2023 F-150 Raptor’s 8,200-lb rating. The official 2023 Ford F-150 Towing Guide confirms the Raptor R hitch receiver supports a maximum weight-carrying trailer capacity of 8,700 lbs and a tongue weight limit of 870 lbs.
Towing Equipment and Setup
Proper towing equipment is a requirement, not an option, when operating the Ford Raptor R at or near its rated limits. All Raptor R models ship with a standard tow package that includes an auxiliary automatic transmission oil cooler, radiator upgrade, 7-wire harness with 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, and an electronic locking rear differential.
Trailer Brake Controller
Ford includes an integrated trailer brake controller (TBC) as standard equipment on the Raptor R. The TBC balances truck braking input with electric trailer brakes, distributing stopping force proportionally between both axles. When trailer sway is detected, activating the TBC directly, rather than applying the tow vehicle brakes alone, helps reduce sway severity.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch is recommended for trailer loads that place excessive tongue weight on the rear axle. Ford specifies that trailer tongue load weight should equal approximately 10 percent of total loaded trailer weight. Tongue weight that exceeds rear GAWR limits causes handling and braking degradation regardless of towing capacity rating.
Key Towing Setup Comparison
| Setup Parameter | Standard Towing (Under 5,000 lbs) | Heavy Towing (5,000-8,700 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight-distributing hitch | Not required | Recommended |
| Trailer brake controller | Recommended | Required |
| Transmission cooler | Standard (included) | Standard (included) |
| Trailer sway control | Active (standard) | Active (standard) |
| Tire load rating check | Recommended | Required |
| Tongue weight check | Recommended | Required (10% rule) |
Trailer Sway Control
Standard trailer sway control on the Raptor R works in conjunction with the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system. This system monitors vehicle dynamics and applies selective brake pressure to individual wheels to counter trailer sway automatically. Sway control does not eliminate the need for proper load distribution and correct tongue weight.
Tire Load Ratings
The Ford Raptor R is fitted with large-format off-road tires. Owners must verify that tire load ratings support the combined weight of the vehicle, occupants, cargo, and trailer tongue load before towing. Underinflated or overloaded tires can overheat and fail during sustained towing, particularly at highway speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Ford Raptor R?
The maximum towing capacity of the Ford Raptor R is 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) for all model years from 2023 through 2026. This rating applies when the vehicle is properly equipped and operated within all other weight limits, including GCWR and payload capacity. The combined weight of the loaded truck and loaded trailer must not exceed the listed GCWR at any point.
How much can a Ford Raptor R tow with the factory tow package?
The factory tow package is standard on all Raptor R models, meaning no additional tow package upgrade is required to reach the maximum 8,700-lb trailer weight rating. Included standard equipment covers the transmission oil cooler, radiator upgrade, upgraded rear axle, and electronic locking differential that support the full towing capacity. Operating without required tow equipment may void the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty for towing-related damage.
Does the Ford Raptor R have a different towing capacity than the standard Raptor?
The Ford Raptor R has a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs, which is 500 lbs higher than the standard F-150 Raptor’s 8,200-lb rating. Both trucks are significantly below the non-Raptor F-150 lineup, which can tow between 8,400 and 13,500 lbs depending on engine and configuration. The Raptor and Raptor R trade towing capacity for suspension travel, chassis reinforcement, and off-road capability.
Is fifth-wheel towing possible with a Ford Raptor R?
Ford explicitly states that fifth-wheel towing is not recommended for any Raptor model, including the Raptor R. The official Ford towing guides state this restriction for all model years and both Raptor variants. Conventional trailer towing with a Class IV receiver hitch is the only supported towing configuration for the Raptor R.
What trailer weight is safe to tow with a Ford Raptor R?
The manufacturer-rated maximum loaded trailer weight for the Ford Raptor R is 8,700 lbs. A safe operational trailer weight should account for tongue weight loading on the truck’s payload capacity, the weight of passengers and cargo already in the vehicle, and the combined vehicle-trailer weight relative to the GCWR. Ford specifies that trailer tongue load should be 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight.
Does 4WD mode affect Ford Raptor R towing capacity?
The Ford Raptor R is exclusively a 4×4 vehicle, and its 8,700-lb towing capacity is rated in that drivetrain configuration. Ford does not publish a separate 2WD towing figure for the Raptor R because no 2WD variant exists. Towing in low-range 4WD is not appropriate for highway speeds and should be reserved for slow-speed off-road situations where additional traction is necessary.
Conclusion
The Ford Raptor R towing capacity is rated at 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) across all production years from 2023 to 2026, with the 2025 and 2026 models receiving an engine output increase to 720 horsepower from the original 700 horsepower. The 5.2-liter supercharged V8 and standard 4WD drivetrain are consistent across all model years, and fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing is not supported on any Raptor R configuration.
All towing equipment required to achieve the maximum trailer weight rating is included as standard on every Raptor R. The GCWR, payload capacity, and tongue weight limits must all be observed simultaneously, as satisfying one limit does not guarantee the others are within range. Always verify current specifications using the vehicle’s owner’s manual and door jamb certification label before towing heavy loads.
