Full-size pickup trucks like Ford are known for their toughness and solid performance, especially in the towing department. As of the most recent model year, the F-150 has a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. The F-150’s closest competitor can tow up to 13,400 lbs.
Despite all this power, recent data shows that most Ford F-150 owners rarely (if ever) tow anything. Instead, they use their trucks for family activities and daily driving. Is there any reason drivers can’t take advantage of their truck’s towing capabilities?
F-150 drivers preferred utility over comfort. The cab has only two seats, allowing for a longer bed, payload and towing capabilities. Ford began to focus more on cabin comfort in the 1975 model year, Axios reports.
Beginning with the 1997 model year, Blue Oval has built the F-150 with an equal cabin and bed ratio. Models of this generation were also more common in having a four-door cab rather than a two-door. SuperCab models featured two half-size rear doors, while the SuperCab had four full-size doors.
In previous years, Ford focused marketing around the image of rugged truck and towing parts. However, advertising in the late 1990s shifted significantly towards the F-150’s usefulness in other areas.
Since the next generation of F-150 trucks will have higher ground clearance, Ford has focused its advertising on its traditional image. However, the bed was soon broken in favor of a larger cabin. resulting in nearly 100% of sales going to full-size pickups in 2011.
The SuperCrew cab is 111 inches long by the eighth generation, and the bed makes up less than 40 percent of the truck’s total length. Recent data also shows that today’s drivers crave modern cabin interiors and more technological features. The current Ford F-150 reflects this with an abundance of advanced safety technologies, including smart and available parking.
Although the Ford F-150 has some efficient engine options (including GM), F-150 drivers don’t care much about fuel economy. Also, surprisingly, drivers would rather their trucks be of a higher standard than depend on them.
How many drivers use their Ford F-150 trucks to tow?
According to him, 63% of Ford F-150 drivers barely use their truck to tow. 29% admitted to towing cars occasionally, while only 7% admitted to towing regularly. When properly equipped, many F-150 models can tow around 13,000 pounds.
However, 28% of drivers said they use. Meanwhile, 41% take advantage of the F-150’s towing capabilities occasionally, and 32% are indifferent. Which is a shame considering all F-150 models can tow around 2,000 pounds.
Most Ford F-150 trucks serve as daily drivers
87% of Ford F-150 drivers say they use their truck for errands or shopping trips. 52% say their truck is their main mode of transportation on a work commute. 70% use them strictly, like vacations or occasional off-road adventures.
To sell trucks, Ford has to give consumers what they want. That means upgraded tech features and interior quality but more cargo capacity than an SUV. Although most drivers will never take advantage of the brute force of the Ford F-150, they at least have the option.
