Ford vehicles combine proven reliability with versatile performance, making them excellent choices for towing applications. Whether you're planning caravan holidays with the family or need to haul equipment for work, knowing your Ford's towing capacity and available towbar options ensures you make the best choice for your situation.
Many Ford models feature Intelligent All-Wheel Drive technology that delivers enhanced stability and traction when towing, especially helpful on wet boat ramps or difficult surfaces. These vehicles include advanced safety systems and electronic controls that integrate properly with professional towbar installations.
Which Towbar is best for my Ford?
Fixed Flange Towbars
Fixed Flange towbars feature a flat mounting plate with bolt holes, providing maximum flexibility for Ford drivers. This allows easy switching between different ball mounts, height adjustments, and attachment of various accessories like bike carriers or cargo platforms. They're especially popular for commercial applications or regular towing with different trailer types. The flange plate is more noticeable and may occasionally interfere with parking sensors due to its bulkier design. Fixed Flange towbars are designed for permanent vehicle attachment.
Swan Neck Towbars
Swan Neck towbars have an elegant curved neck with integrated towball. Similar to Fixed Flange types, these permanently attach to your Ford. However, Swan Neck towbars offer a more sophisticated appearance that blends well with contemporary Ford design language. The slimmer profile reduces parking sensor interference and provides a more attractive solution than flange alternatives. They're compatible with most stabilisers and bike carriers that clamp to the towball, ideal for consistent caravan or trailer use where you don't frequently change accessories. Swan Neck towbars are highly regarded by Ford owners.
Detachable Towbars
Detachable towbars deliver the ultimate flexibility for Ford drivers - complete towing capability when required, but fully removable to preserve your vehicle's original styling. The towbar removes via a simple twist-and-lift action, leaving only a discrete base plate concealed behind the bumper. Though more expensive than permanent options, they're ideal for Ford owners who prioritize vehicle aesthetics and tow occasionally.
All three types offer the same towing capacity and safety standards - your choice depends largely on your needs for versatility, appearance, and budget.
Will it need a bumper cut?
Most Ford towbar installations require a small cut in the rear bumper cover to accommodate the towbar mechanism. This is performed using precise templates to ensure clean results that preserve the vehicle's appearance. Our technicians will discuss any required modifications before beginning work.Professional Installation Service
Our mobile service means we come to your home or workplace to fit your towbar. Installation usually takes 2-4 hours depending on your Ford model and the towbar type and electrics chosen. We offer morning appointments (8am-12pm) or afternoon slots (12pm-6pm) to fit around your schedule.
Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific Ford model and towing needs.
Ford vehicles are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility, making them excellent choices for towing caravans, trailers, and boats. Whether you're looking to tow a small trailer or a large caravan, understanding your Ford's towing capacity is essential for safe and legal towing.
Popular Ford Models - Towing Capacities & Specifications
Ford FiestaThe popular Fiesta offers practical towing capability for its compact size:Braked Trailer: Up to 1,100kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 580kgMaximum Nose Weight: 55kgIdeal For: Small trailers, lightweight camping equipment, motorcycle trailersThe Fiesta's efficient EcoBoost engines and stable handling make it perfect for occasional light towing and weekend adventures.
Ford FocusThe versatile Focus range provides excellent towing performance:
Focus Hatchback:Braked Trailer: Up to 1,500kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 75kg
Focus Estate:Braked Trailer: Up to 1,800kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 85kgIdeal For: Medium-sized caravans, boat trailers, family touring
Ford Mondeo (Pre-2022)The executive Mondeo delivered robust towing capabilities:
Mondeo Saloon:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,100kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 90kg
Mondeo Estate:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,300kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 100kgIdeal For: Large family caravans, horse boxes, commercial trailers
Ford KugaThe popular compact SUV offers impressive towing performance:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,100kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 90kgGround Clearance Advantage: Excellent for boat launching and rough terrain access
Ford ExplorerThe large SUV provides substantial towing capability:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,500kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 110kgSeven Seats Plus Towing: Perfect for large families with substantial towing needs
Ford RangerThe robust pickup truck offers maximum towing performance:
Ranger Regular/Super Cab:Braked Trailer: Up to 3,500kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 140kg
Ranger Double Cab:Braked Trailer: Up to 3,500kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 140kgIdeal For: Large caravans, boats, horse trailers, commercial applications
Ford S-MAXThe sporty MPV delivers impressive towing capability:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,200kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 100kgSeven Seats Plus Towing: Excellent for large families
Ford GalaxyThe large MPV offers excellent towing performance:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,300kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 100kgSeven Seats: Maximum passenger and towing flexibility
Ford Transit SeriesFord's commercial vehicles provide varying towing capabilities:
Transit Custom:Braked Trailer: Up to 2,500kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 110kg
Transit (Large Van):Braked Trailer: Up to 3,500kgUnbraked Trailer: Up to 750kgMaximum Nose Weight: 140kgIdeal For: Commercial trailers, large equipment, business applications
Ford Electric ModelsFord's electric vehicles offer practical towing capabilities:
Mustang Mach-E:Braked Trailer: Up to 1,000kgMaximum Nose Weight: 50kgRange Impact: Approximately 45-55% reduction when towing
E-Transit:Braked Trailer: Up to 1,000kgMaximum Nose Weight: 50kgFocus: Urban commercial applications with light towing
Kuga PHEV:Braked Trailer: Up to 1,500kgMaximum Nose Weight: 75kgHybrid Advantage: Improved fuel economy when towing
Engine Considerations for Towing
Diesel Engines (TDCi)Ford's TDCi diesel engines provide excellent towing performance:
● High Torque: Superior pulling power from low RPM● Fuel Economy: Excellent fuel consumption when towing● Durability: Designed for sustained heavy-duty use● Recommended Models: 2.0 TDCi, 2.2 TDCi for maximum towing capacity● Popular Applications: Focus, Kuga, Ranger, Transit series
Petrol Engines (EcoBoost)Ford's EcoBoost petrol engines offer impressive towing capability:
● 1.0 EcoBoost: Adequate for light towing in Fiesta/Focus● 1.5 EcoBoost: Excellent for medium towing loads● 2.0 EcoBoost: Superior performance for heavier trailers● 2.3 EcoBoost: Maximum petrol towing performance (Ranger, Explorer)● Turbo Technology: Enhanced torque delivery for confident towing
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)Ford's AWD systems provide significant towing advantages:
● Enhanced Grip: Superior traction on wet boat ramps and slippery surfaces● Stability: Improved handling when loaded with trailer● Terrain Management: Multiple drive modes for different conditions● Hill Starts: Confident performance on gradients● Recommended: Essential for boats, heavy caravans, and off-road towing
Please note: all data on this page is provided for information purposes only, and you should not relay on towing capacities stated as these will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Please contact us directly, and we will be able to run through some preliminary checks with you to ensure your vehicle has sufficient towing capacity, and advise on the best towbar solution for your needs.
Why Choose GB TOWBARS?
● Free, no obligation quotation● Competitive, all inclusive pricing● Evening & weekends available● 48 hr premium installation service● Vehicle coding if required ● Lifetime manufacturers warranties● 2 years parts & labour electrics guarantee● Fully mobile service at your home, or office● Fully insured● GB TOWBARS are accredited by: