Towing Guide — Memphis & the Mid-South
The Best Trucks for Towing Boats and Campers in Tennessee
The right truck depends on one number: the loaded weight of what you tow. A bass boat for Arkabutla and a fifth-wheel camper for Pickwick need very different trucks. This guide matches common Mid-South towing jobs to Ford's published 2026 ratings and covers the Tennessee trailer rules you need to know before you hook up.
Quick answer
For most boats and travel trailers in Tennessee, the best towing truck is a 2026 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost, rated up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped. Loads up to about 6,000 to 7,000 lbs suit a Ford Ranger, rated up to 7,500 lbs, with room to spare. Large fifth-wheel and gooseneck campers belong behind a Ford Super Duty, rated up to 35,000 lbs fifth-wheel and 40,000 lbs gooseneck.
Match the truck to the load
Start with your trailer's GVWR from its VIN plate, not its dry weight. Gear, fuel and water add up fast.
| Loaded trailer weight | Typical Mid-South load | Ford that fits | Max rating (2026, properly equipped) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,000 lbs | Jon boat, kayak trailer, small utility trailer | Maverick (standard) | 2,000 lbs |
| Up to 4,000 lbs | Small fishing boat, pop-up camper | Maverick AWD with 4K Tow Package | 4,000 lbs |
| Up to 7,500 lbs | Bass boat, pontoon, mid-size travel trailer | Ranger XL, XLT or Lariat | 7,500 lbs |
| Up to 13,500 lbs | Larger travel trailer, wake boat, toy hauler | F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost | 13,500 lbs |
| Beyond 13,500 lbs | Fifth-wheel camper, large gooseneck trailer | Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 | Up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck |
Ratings are Ford's published maximums for specific configurations. Your truck's actual rating depends on engine, axle ratio, cab, bed and packages. Check the label in the driver's door jamb and Ford's towing guide for your exact build.
2026 F-150 towing by engine
The F-150 covers the widest range of Mid-South towing, but the engine you choose sets the ceiling.
| Engine | Max conventional tow | Max payload | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 8,400 lbs | 1,775 lbs | Bass boats, pontoons, mid-size campers |
| 5.0L V8 | 12,800 lbs | 2,235 lbs | Heavier travel trailers, frequent towing |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 13,500 lbs | 2,440 lbs | The heaviest bumper-pull loads |
| 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid | 12,400 lbs | 1,740 lbs | Campers, plus onboard generator power |
| Raptor 3.5L High Output | 8,200 lbs | 1,405 lbs | Off-road first, towing second |
Source: Ford 2026 F-150 Towing Guide. The 13,500-lb maximum requires the 3.5L EcoBoost with the Tow/Haul package and Max Tow axle upgrade. Shopping used or new, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: NHTSA campaign 26V578 covers fuel-tank straps on certain 2023–2027 F-150s.
If you are torn between the two most popular towing engines, our explainer on the F-150 EcoBoost vs the 5.0L V8 compares how each one delivers its power. Camper owners should look closely at the PowerBoost hybrid: it comes standard with 2.4 kW of Pro Power Onboard, and 7.2 kW is available, which can run campsite equipment from the truck bed.
Payload is the number most people forget
A trailer pushes down on your hitch. That tongue weight, typically around 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's loaded weight for a conventional hitch, counts against your truck's payload, along with every passenger, cooler and tackle box in the cab and bed. A family of four heading to Pickwick with a full bed can run out of payload before they reach the tow rating.
Towing on Mid-South roads
The routes Memphis boaters and campers actually drive, and how to handle each.
- I-40 east toward Jackson, the Tennessee River and NashvilleLong interstate runs at highway speed are where a margin below your tow rating pays off. Use Tow/Haul mode, which holds lower gears on climbs and helps slow the rig on long downgrades.
- Two-lane highways toward PickwickSlower traffic, passing zones and turns into marinas. Leave extra following distance, because a loaded trailer adds stopping distance.
- I-55 and I-269 into north MississippiThe routes to Arkabutla, Sardis and Enid. Remember Mississippi's trailer-brake threshold is lower than Tennessee's.
- The launch ramp itselfWet, sloped concrete with an audience. Practice backing in an empty lot first, or use Pro Trailer Backup Assist if your F-150 has it.
When you need a Super Duty
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck campers, heavy boats and anyone towing near the limit every weekend.
Gas
6.8L and 7.3L V8
Ford rates the 6.8L V8 up to 18,900 lbs and the 7.3L V8 up to 22,500 lbs. A good fit for big travel trailers and occasional fifth-wheel use without the cost of a diesel.
Diesel
6.7L Power Stroke
The 6.7L Power Stroke is rated up to 38,600 lbs, and the High Output version up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck with the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package. This is the setup for full-time RVers and heavy equipment.
Ford's highest Super Duty ratings are 30,000 lbs conventional, 35,000 lbs fifth-wheel and 40,000 lbs gooseneck, all on dual-rear-wheel diesel configurations. See current trucks on our Super Duty inventory page, or read our guide to the best Ford work trucks for Memphis contractors if the same truck has to pull equipment during the week.
See Super Duty trucks →Smaller boats: Ranger or Maverick?
For a jon boat, kayaks or a light fishing boat, a full-size truck may be more than you need. The 2026 Ranger is rated up to 7,500 lbs on XL, XLT and Lariat trims. The Maverick tows 2,000 lbs as standard and 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Package on AWD models, including the hybrid. Our Ford Maverick vs Ranger comparison covers which one suits your weekday driving as well as your weekend towing.
Tennessee and Mississippi trailer rules
Many Memphis trips cross the state line, so know both sets of rules.
| Tennessee | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer brakes | All wheels at 3,000 lbs and over; one axle from 1,500 to 3,000 lbs | Required on trailers over 2,000 lbs |
| Breakaway | Required on any trailer with brakes | Required with trailer brakes |
| Safety chains | Two chains, crossed under the hitch | Required above 20 mph |
Tennessee also requires at least two each of tail, stop and turn lamps on a trailer, plus rear and side reflectors, and allows trailers up to 8 ft 6 in wide on interstates and designated highways. Trailers 80 inches or wider need marker and clearance lamps.
Sources: Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer requirements and Tenn. Code 55-9-204; Mississippi Code 63-7-51 and 63-5-25. Rules change, so confirm with each state before a long trip.
Mid-South lakes and campgrounds worth the tow
Distances are as published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Tennessee State Parks.
25 miles south
Arkabutla Lake, MS
The closest big lake to Memphis. Dam repairs have closed many ramps, so check current ramp status with the Corps of Engineers before you leave.
North Mississippi
Sardis and Enid Lakes, MS
Sardis sits across Panola, Lafayette and Marshall counties. Enid is about 72 miles south of Memphis. Both are popular for fishing boats and pontoons.
Counce, TN
Pickwick Landing State Park
Two free public ramps, a full-service marina and an RV campground with water and electric hookups. A classic weekend tow for bigger boats.
13 miles north
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
The closest camping to the city, with 49 campsites offering water and electric. A good first trip with a new camper.
Northwest TN
Reelfoot Lake State Park
In Lake and Obion counties, with ramps around the lake. Shallow water favors smaller fishing boats.
Northeast MS
Tishomingo State Park
In Tishomingo County near the Tennessee line. A good camping destination to pair with a Pickwick trip.
Features that make towing easier
- Pro Trailer Hitch AssistAvailable on the F-150 XLT and above. It steers the truck back to the trailer coupler for you, which helps on a crowded ramp.
- Pro Trailer Backup AssistAlso available on the F-150 XLT and above. Steer the trailer with a knob instead of reversing the wheel, useful for backing a boat down a ramp.
- Pro Power OnboardRanges from 400 watts on gas F-150s to 7.2 kW on the PowerBoost hybrid, enough to run campsite gear without a separate generator.
Find the right towing truck
Know your trailer's GVWR and how many people ride along, and the right truck usually becomes obvious. Browse the current F-150 inventory, and ask our team to check the exact tow rating for any truck on the lot.
Shop F-150 inventory →Frequently asked questions
What is the best truck for towing a boat or camper in Tennessee?
For most boats and travel trailers, a 2026 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost is the best fit, rated up to 13,500 lbs when properly equipped. Loads up to about 6,000 to 7,000 lbs suit a Ford Ranger, rated up to 7,500 lbs, and fifth-wheel or gooseneck campers need a Ford Super Duty.
How much can a 2026 Ford F-150 tow?
Up to 13,500 lbs with the 3.5L EcoBoost, the Tow/Haul package and the Max Tow axle upgrade. The 5.0L V8 is rated up to 12,800 lbs, the PowerBoost hybrid up to 12,400 lbs and the 2.7L EcoBoost up to 8,400 lbs.
Does Tennessee require brakes on a boat trailer?
Yes, once the trailer is heavy enough. Tennessee requires brakes on all wheels for trailers of 3,000 lbs or more and on one axle for trailers between 1,500 and 3,000 lbs. Any trailer with brakes also needs a breakaway device.
Should I use dry weight or GVWR when choosing a truck?
Use GVWR, the maximum loaded weight on the trailer's VIN plate. Dry weight leaves out water, propane, batteries and gear, and a camper loaded for a weekend can weigh far more than its brochure figure.
What is the difference between payload and towing capacity?
Towing capacity is how much your truck can pull. Payload is how much weight it can carry, including passengers, cargo and the trailer's tongue weight pressing on the hitch. Check the payload label in the driver's door jamb, because a full cab and bed can use up payload before you reach the tow rating.
Can a Ford Maverick tow a boat?
A small one. The Maverick tows 2,000 lbs as standard and up to 4,000 lbs on AWD models with the 4K Tow Package, which covers many jon boats, kayak trailers and small fishing boats.