The 2001 Ford F150 made a splash in the auto industry as an all-rounder vehicle that was both dependable and durable, but also comfortable to ride in.
With its capable V8 engine, the F150 was well suited for anything from recreational vehicle hauling to towing tasks that don’t require a bigger rig. Part of Ford’s iconic F-Series lineup, the 2001 model of this popular pickup truck still remains dependable today.
If considering purchasing or already owning a used 2001 F150, this guide explores its conventional and 5th-wheel towing capacity in detail.
The 2001 Ford F150 Maximum Towing Capacity ranges between 2,000 – 8,800 lbs. depending on different truck configurations, engine types, GCWR, cab styles, axle ratio codes, drivetrains, transmission, and wheelbase.
Table of Contents
The F-150 SuperCrew was a particular highlight of this model, adding four doors and seating for up to six passengers without sacrificing any of its ruggedness or capabilities. This revolutionary pickup truck showed how the Ford F-series continues to lead the way when it comes to providing reliable transport solutions.
The specific configuration of your Ford F150 plays a significant role. Different setups, such as the engine type, cab style, axle ratio codes, and wheelbase, all impact the truck’s towing capacity.
This rating varies depending on the model and can affect the towing capacity. Also, the type of drivetrain (whether it’s 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive) and the transmission also have their say in how much weight your Ford F150 can handle when towing.
The maximum towing capacity of a 2001 Ford F150 isn’t a fixed number but a range influenced by numerous factors. To determine the exact towing capacity for your specific F150, you need to consider all these variables and consult the vehicle’s manual or a Ford dealership for precise information.
Features of the 2001 Ford F150
- Available SuperCab models with four doors standard
- Choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic overdrive transmissions
- Can be equipped to tow trailers up to 8,800 pounds
- 4-wheel disc ABS standard on all models
- Standard SecuriLock™ passive antitheft system
Read more about: What is the best lock for a trailer hitch?
2001 Ford F150 Engine Options
The 2001 Ford F150 was available with three powerful engine options including a 4.2L OHV V6, a 4.6L SOHC V8, and a 5.4L SOHC V8 engine.
| Engine Configuration | Horsepower | Maximum Torque | Compression Ratio |
| 4.2L OHV V6 | 202 hp @ 4,800 rpm | 252 ft. lbs @ 3,400 rpm | 9.2:1 |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 220 hp @ 4,500 rpm | 290 ft. lbs @ 3,250 rpm | 9.0:1 |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 260 hp @ 4,500 rpm | 350 ft. lbs @ 2,500 rpm | 9.0:1 |
2001 Ford F150 Towing Capacity Chart based on Engine Types
| Engine | Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs.) |
| 4.2L V6 | 5,700 |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 7,200 |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 8,800 |
| 5.4L NGV V8 (Natural Gas) | 5,900 |
2001 Ford F150 Towing capacities by Cab Style
| F-150 Cab Type | Drive Type | Maximum Towing Capabilities (lbs.) |
| Regular Cab | 4×2 | 8,800 |
| 4×4 | 8,400 | |
| SuperCab | 4×2 | 8,600 |
| 4×4 | 8,300 | |
| SuperCrew | 4×2 | 8,000 |
| 4×4 | 7,700 |
You will find a couple of charts here straight from Ford’s 2001 F150 towing guide. These charts are pretty handy as they break down how much stuff you can haul with your pickup, both with a regular trailer and a 5th-wheel trailer.
In these charts, you’ll find info about the different engines available for the F150, the gear ratios in the axles, the maximum combined weight that the truck and trailer can safely be, whether it’s a two-wheel or four-wheel drive, and the various cab styles you can pick from.
Now, in the first chart, you’ll see numbers for both manual and automatic transmissions when it comes to towing with a regular trailer. But when it comes to towing a 5th-wheel trailer, the second chart only gives you figures for trucks with automatic transmissions. Why? Well, it’s because Ford doesn’t recommend towing 5th-wheel trailers with F150s that have manual transmissions.
2001 Ford F-150 Conventional Towing Capacity
(*) With 16-inch tires or 4x2 P275 17-inch tires. (**) With 4x4 P265 or LT265 17-inch tires.
Regular Cab
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Automatic Transmission | ||||
Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR (Lbs.) | Drive Type | |
| 4×2 | 4×4 | |||
| 4.2L SEFI V6 | 3.31 | 9,000 | 4,800 | – |
| 3.55 | 10,000 | 5,800 | 5,400 | |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.08 | 10,000 | 2,000 | – |
| 3.31 | 10,500 | 6,200 | 5,800 | |
| 3.55 | 11,500* | 7,200 | 6,800 | |
| 3.55 | 11,000** | – | 6,300 | |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 3.31 | 12,000 | 7,600 | 7,200 |
| 3.55 | 13,000* | 8,600 | 8,200 | |
| 3.55 | 12,500** | – | 7,700 | |
| 3.73 | 13,500 | 8,800 | 8,400 | |
| 5.4L NGV V8 (Natural Gas) | 3.73 | 11,000 | 5,900 | – |
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Manual Transmission | ||||
| 4.2L SEFI V6 | 3.08 | 6,500 | 2,000 | – |
| 3.31 | 7,200 | – | 2,600 | |
| 3.55 | 7,800 | 3,600 | 3,200 | |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.08 | 6,500 | 2,000 | – |
| 3.31 | 7,200 | 2,900 | 2,500 | |
| 3.55 | 7,800 | 3,400 | 3,100 | |
SuperCab
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Automatic Transmission | ||||
Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR (Lbs.) | Drive Type | |
| 4×2 | 4×4 | |||
| 4.2L SEFI V6 | 3.55 | 10,000 | 5,500 | – |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.08 | 10,000 | 2,000 | – |
| 3.31 | 10,500 | 5,900 | 5,600 | |
| 3.55 | 11,500* | 6,900 | 6,600 | |
| 3.55 | 11,000** | – | 6,100 | |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 3.31 | 12,000 | 7,300 | 7,000 |
| 3.55 | 13,000* | 8,400 | 8,000 | |
| 3.55 | 12,500** | – | 7,500 | |
| 3.73 | 13,500 | 8,600 | 8,300 | |
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Manual Transmission | ||||
| 4.2L SEFI V6 | 3.08 | 6,500 | 2,000 | – |
| 3.31 | 7,200 | – | – | |
| 3.55 | 7,800 | 3,600 | – | |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.08 | 6,500 | 2,000 | – |
| 3.31 | 7,200 | 2,600 | 2,300 | |
| 3.55 | 7,800 | 3,200 | 2,900 | |
SuperCrew
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Automatic Transmission | ||||
Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR (Lbs.) | Drive Type | |
| 4×2 | 4×4 | |||
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.55 | 11,500* | 6,600 | 6,200 |
| 3.55 | 11,000** | – | 5,700 | |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 3.55 | 13,000 | 8,000 | 7,700 |
| 3.55 | 12,500 | – | 7,200 | |
2001 Ford F-150 Fifth Wheel Towing Capacity
While the F-150 SuperCrew has the capability to tow up to 8,000 lbs. and the box will accept a fifth-wheel hitch, current fifth-wheel trailer designs are not compatible with SuperCrew. Any questions should be referred to the trailer dealer/manufacturer.
(*) With 16-inch tires or 4x2 P275 17-inch tires. (**) With 4x4 P265 or LT265 17-inch tires.
Regular Cab
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Automatic Transmission | ||||
Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR (Lbs.) | Drive Type | |
| 4×2 | 4×4 | |||
| 4.2L SEFI V6 | 3.55 | 10,000 | 5,800 | 5,400 |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.55 | 11,500* | 7,200 | 6,800 |
| 3.55 | 11,000** | – | 6,300 | |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 3.55 | 13,000* | 8,700 | 8,300 |
| 3.55 | 12,500** | – | 7,800 | |
| 3.73 | 13,500 | 8,800 | 8,400 | |
SuperCab
| Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Automatic Transmission | ||||
Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR (Lbs.) | Drive Type | |
| 4×2 | 4×4 | |||
| 4.2L SEFI V6 | 3.55 | 10,000 | 5,500 | – |
| 4.6L SEFI V8 | 3.55 | 11,500* | 7,700 | 6,600 |
| 3.55 | 11,000** | – | 6,100 | |
| 5.4L SEFI V8 | 3.55 | 13,000* | 8,400 | 8,000 |
| 3.55 | 12,500** | – | 7,500 | |
| 3.73 | 13,500 | 8,600 | 8,300 | |
2001 Ford F150 Maximum Payload Capacity
When it comes to the 2001 Ford F150, it’s like having a versatile workhorse that can handle a range of payloads. Depending on the cab style you’ve chosen, you can carry different amounts of weight. Now, let us introduce you to some valuable charts that lay it all out for you.
These charts are like your payload capacity roadmaps, and they’re specific to the 2001 Ford F150. They break down how much weight your truck can handle based on factors like the engine type, the style of your cab, and the length of the wheelbase.
These charts are like your trusty guides, ensuring you know exactly what your F150 can carry safely. So, pick the right chart that matches your truck, and you’ll be good to go, knowing you’re well within the limits of your rugged F150.
| F-150 Cab Style | Maximum Payload Capabilities (lbs.) |
| Regular Cab – Styleside | 3,180 |
| Regular Cab – Flareside | 2,005 |
| SuperCab – Styleside | 3,045 |
| SuperCab – Flareside | 1,875 |
| SuperCrew | 1,875 |
Slide-In Campers For F-150 Pickup
| Engine | Cab Style | Drive Type | Wheelbase | GVWR (lbs.) | Axle Ratio | Maximum Cargo Weight Rating (lbs.) |
| 4.2L V6 | Regular Cab | 4×2 | 119.9″ | 6,000 | 3.55 | 1,659 |
| 138.5″ | 6,000 | 1,536 | ||||
| 4.6L V8 | 6,600 | 1,916 | ||||
| 5.4L V8 | 6,600 | 1,866 | ||||
| 7,700 | 3.73 | 2,734 | ||||
| 4×4 | 138.8″ | 7,700 | 2,147 | |||
SuperCab | 4×2 | 138.5″ | 7,700 | 2,395 | ||
| 4×4 | 138.8″ | 7,700 | 1,803 |
2001 Ford F-150 Hitch Receiver
| Ford Rear Step Bumper/Hitch Receiver Weight Capacity | Max. Tongue Weight (lbs.) | |
| Weight-Carrying Capacity (lbs.) | 5,000 | 500 |
| Weight-Distributing Capacity (lbs.) | 8,800 | 880 |
2001 Ford F-150 Trailer Towing Packages
For Trailers Over 4,000 pounds – Heavy-Duty Electrical/Cooling Package, Or Class III Trailer Tow Group.
- Super Engine Cooling
- 78 Amp.-Hr. Heavy-Duty Battery
- Trailer Wiring Harness (7-Pin)
- Hitch Receiver
- Aux. Auto Trans. Oil Cooler
- Heavy-Duty Shocks
Frontal Area Considerations
Frontal area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer exposes to air resistance. The chart shows the limitations that must be considered in selecting a vehicle/trailer combination. Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle.
| F150 | Base Vehicle Frontal Area | Without Heavy-Duty Electrical/Cooling Pkg. or Class III Trailer Tow Group |
| 60 sq. ft. | With Heavy-Duty Electrical/Cooling Pkg. or Class III Trailer Tow Group |
Conclusion
The 2001 Ford F150 has an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,800 pounds when powered by a 5.4-liter SEFI V8 engine.
This powerhouse offers a maximum power of 260 horsepower and a peak torque of 350 pound-feet. To maximize its capacity, special towing packages are available that include traction bars, transmission coolers, brakes, and hitches.
Remember to take your truck for a test drive before embarking on a long journey: all settings must be optimized for optimal performance on the roads!
How to calculate the load your vehicle can carry/tow?
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain the correct weights, take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can a 2001 Ford F-150 tow?
The 2001 Ford F-150 has a towing capacity that ranges from 2,000 to 8,800 lbs. This towing capacity varies based on different truck configurations, engine types, GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), cab styles, axle ratio codes, drivetrains, transmission, and wheelbase options.
How much can a 2001 Ford F-150 5.4L tow?
The 2001 Ford F-150, equipped with a robust 5.4L V8 engine and an automatic transmission, showcases impressive towing capabilities. When properly equipped with Trailer Tow Packages, this powerful setup allows the F-150 to handle substantial loads, ranging between 7,000 to 8,800 lbs.
How much can a 2001 Ford F-150 4.2L tow?
The 2001 Ford F-150, featuring a dependable 4.2L V6 engine, is designed to offer reliable towing capabilities. When outfitted with the appropriate Trailer Tow Packages, this F-150 model can handle towing loads ranging from 2,000 to 5,800 lbs.
How much can a 2001 Ford F-150 4.6L tow?
The 2001 Ford F-150, powered by a robust 4.6L V8 engine, delivers impressive towing capabilities when equipped with the right Trailer Tow Packages. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for individuals who require a truck that balances efficiency and towing power, ensuring that you can confidently tow trailers, campers, or other heavy loads without compromising performance.
Stellan Carter is an accomplished writer, entrepreneur, and avid Ford Raptor owner. As a co-founder and content contributor for this renowned blog website, Stellan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the automotive industry. When he's not behind the wheel of his beloved Ford Raptor, Stellan can be found exploring new terrains, capturing the essence of his automotive adventures through his camera lens.