What’s the Ford Bronco Towing Capacity – What Trailers and Campers Can It Safely Tow?

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How Much Will a Ford Bronco Tow?

Ford’s newest 2022 Bronco come with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs in the standard trim. Then comes the Bronco Raptor 2022, equipt with a more powerful engine, a twin-turbo 3.0-L V6, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. The 4,000 pounds pulling capability is an improvement; as only last year, when the Bronco came back after more than two decades, it had the power to tow around 2,200 lbs.

What Travel Trailer Size Can a Ford Bronco Pull?

When it comes to the size of the trailer and campers that a Ford Bronco can pull, you should pick ones that are on a smaller scale. Because the Bronco isn’t as muscly as other Ford’s mid-size trucks (the F-150 or the F-250), smaller trailers are the way to go.

Even though you’re limited based on weight and length, you still have many options, including a variety of teardrop and pop-up trailers. Because 7 models of the Bronco’s latest series can tow around 3,500 lbs, you should look for trailers/campers in that weight category. Not only will it be easy to tow smaller trailers, but the drive and control will also be much smoother.

If you plan to get an RV, make sure that it is smaller and lighter than average, even if you have the Bronco Raptor that can tow a maximum of 4,000 lbs. It may take a little research, but there are RVs that can easily fit a family of four and still be on the lighter scale, close to 3,500 lbs.

Can a Ford Bronco Tow a Fifth Wheel Trailer?

Technically, if you opt for a smaller fifth-wheel trailer, the Bronco might do its job. However, we don’t recommend this, so our answer will be a no. It is better to stick to smaller trailers and campers.

Full-sized fifth-wheel trailers are massive and require a lot of towing capability, which is not something that the Broco can handle. On average, a five-wheeler trailer can weigh somewhere between 12,000 lbs and 20,000 lbs, which is way above the towing capabilities of the Bronco.

If you desire a fifth-wheel trailer or RV, Ford has models in its lines, like the F-150 or the F-250, which can easily tow bigger trailers. 

The 2022 Ford Bronco is a mid-sized, compact SUV, best for family camping and outdoor adventures, so stick to smaller teardrops and pop-up trailers to get the best out of your vehicle.

The Towing Capacity of Different Ford Bronco Models and Years

Ford Bronco was first introduced back in 1966, but the model was discontinued in 1996. The manufacturer released a new and improved version in 2021, and 2022 brought us an even better option.

Let’s compare the 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco: 

Model and YearBase EngineMid-end engineHigh-end engine
Ford Bronco 20212.3-liter Turbo 4-Cylinder Engine, 300 horsepower, 325 lbs torque – towing capacity of 2,000 lbs2.7-liter Twin-Turbo V6 Cylinder Engine, 330 horsepower, 415 lbs torque – towing capacity of 2,200 lbs
Ford Bronco 20222.3-liter EcoBoost 4-Cylinder Engine, 300 horsepower, – towing capacity of 3,500 lbs2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, 330 horsepower, 415 lbs torque – towing capacity of 3,500 lbs3.0-liter EcoBoost, V6 Cylinder Engine, 418 horsepower, 440 lbs of torque – towing capacity of 4,000 lbs

What Affects the Overall Towing Capacity of the Ford Bronco?

What’s the Ford Bronco Towing Capacity – What Trailers and Campers Can It Safely Tow? 1

With the 2022 Bronco coming out, Ford has presented 8 different models to choose from, including the Bronco Base, Bronco Big Bend, Bronco Black Diamond, Bronco Outer Banks, Bronco Badlands, Bronco Wildtrak, Bronco Everglades, and the Bronco Raptor. 

They don’t only differ cosmetically, but each comes with different features and built-in technologies. From price, style, and MPG to the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, there are some key differences between dfferent trims. Most of the models have the same towing capacity (at 3,500 lbs), while the Raptor stands out with added 500 lbs due to the more powerful engine.

Nevertheless, there are other important factors that determine the towing capacity of the Bronco, so let’s dive a bit deeper and see what you should pay attention to. 

Engine Strength

The engine’s power output determines the truck’s total strength, and it has a massive effect on the towing capacity. The 8 soon-to-be-available trims of the Ford Bronco have 3 engine options, which most truck enthusiasts will respect.

The base model of the Bronco comes with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. However, you can also get the optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, which is the more popular version. The Bronco Everglades is the only model in the line that comes only with a 300 horsepower, 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine.

For those who want a bit more horsepower and extra towing capacity, the Bronco Raptor is the only model in the Bronco series with a 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 418 horsepower; 440 lbs torque, and up to 4,000 lbs of towing capacity.

Axle Ratio

No matter the type of a trailer or camper, torque is important because it determines how much weight can be pulled. When you have a truck that generates higher torque, you will have a vehicle that uses more fuel, which is crucial if you want to get the promised towing capacity.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, which comes with a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, has an axle ratio of 4.70. While this may not be the highest axle ratio, it is high enough to safely and easily pull your small-sized trailers and campers. 

In general, the higher the axle ratio (lower numbers), the better the towing capacity.

The Length and Weight of the Truck

Weight and length also play a big part in the capability and the way a truck tows. Being a mid-sized, compact truck, the Ford Bronco has a total length of 173.7 inches to 191 inches depending on the model and a curb weight of 4,705 lbs to 5,320 lbs. 

It is important to know all of these dimensions when it comes to towing. You can calculate the overall weight that your vehicle can pull by excluding the SUV’s payload and passenger weight.  

If, by any chance, the trailer is heavier than the truck that is towing it, the driver will have a more difficult time controlling the truck. This will be more emphasized during high winds and difficult terrains. 

To avoid a lack of control, Ford Bronco owners should always opt for smaller trailers or trailers and consider the Gross Combined Weight Rating. 

Payload

On average, considering all the 2022 Ford Bronco models that will be available, the payload capacity is around 1,071 lbs to 1,254 lbs. This number determines how much weight the truck can carry without affecting performance.

Because there are 8 different models, each trim has its own payload capacity. It is important to note that you should always calculate the payload precisely because it can affect towing. It doesn’t matter what materials you are hauling; just make sure you don’t overload it.

Tongue Weight

Every truck driver that plans on towing a trailer or a camper needs to know the tongue weight. This is the force the trailer is putting on the truck, specifically the rear axle.

The Ford Bronco has an estimated tongue weight of 350 lbs or 400 lbs if we’re talking about the Bronco Raptor. The tongue weight is usually 10 to 15% of the overall weight of the trailer that the truck is pulling. If the tongue weight is in the right range, you won’t need to worry about the towing or the actual weight damaging the truck.

Towing Package

There are a variety of standard packages for the Ford Bronco, and you could also install some additional tech. The standard package that comes with every model of the Bronco is the Ford Co-Pilot360. This one includes auto high-beam headlamps, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a rear view camera with backup assist grid lines. 

Some optional packages include the Mid Package, High Package, Lux Package, Sasquatch Package, WildTrak HOSS 3.0 Suspension Package, and the Class II Trailer Tow Package.

Trailer Tow Package

Ford’s trailer tow package comes with sway control – limiting excessive movement of the trailer. This will give the driver more control over the truck and increase the chances of avoiding mishaps. In the package, you will receive:

Which Mid-Size Trucks Provide Similar Towing Capacities to the Ford Bronco?

After a long 20+ years wait, the Ford Bronco is back on the market. Ford will face a highly competitive market, and with other manufacturers bringing new tech and features to their trucks, it’s a tight race.

Here are some of the models that the Ford Bronco is currently competing with:

  • 2022 Jeep Wrangler – up to 3,500 lbs 
  • 2022 Toyota 4Runner – up to 5,000 lbs 
  • 2022 Chevy Colorado – up to 7,700 lbs 
  • 2022 Dodge Durango – up to 8,700 lbs 

Ford Bronco Towing Capacity FAQs

Can a 2022 Ford Bronco Tow a Trailer?

The short and simple answer is yes. However, it is important to know the trailer’s size, length, and weight. In almost all of the Ford Bronco trims, the towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. The only exception is the 2022 Bronco Raptor which, with a stronger engine of 418 horsepower, it can tow close to 4,000 lbs. While we can’t compare the towing capacity to the one of an F-150 or an F-250, a Bronco can easily tow smaller campers or trailers. You should look for lighter and smaller trailers and stay in your truck’s capacity range.

How Much Horsepower Does a Ford Bronco Have?

Since there are various models of the 2022 Ford Bronco, there are a few different engine models as well. You can purchase all models with a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine which has 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Then there is the more popular 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, which comes with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand,  Bronco Raptor has a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine with 418 horsepower. It’s important to know that some numbers may vary depending on whether you use premium fuel or not.

Which Bronco Model Has the Highest Towing Capacity?

With the comeback in 2021, the base model of the Bronco could only tow up to 2,200 lbs. However, with the newer versions of the Ford Bronco coming out in 2022, the towing capacity has leaped to 3,500 lbs. Now, while most of the Bronco models have a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, the Ford Bronco Raptor is the only one surpassing that mark. If you choose to take a Bronco Raptor, you will have a mid-sized truck with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

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