Fords with a Class IV Trailer Tow Package Near Scottsdale, AZ

Ford Dealer > Features > Class IV Trailer Tow Package

Ford Class IV Trailer Tow Package 

Living life's biggest adventures is more effortless when you have a Built Ford Tough® truck or SUV in your driveway.

Thanks to heavy-duty hardware, like a Class IV trailer tow package and trailer brake controller, Ford pickup trucks and SUVs are ready to do everything from haul the boat out to Lake Havasu on a holiday weekend to hooking up a 5th-wheel camper or toy hauler for a weekend camping adventure in Flagstaff. Ford also includes the latest technology on their trucks, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assistâ„¢ and an integrated Sway Control, to make hooking up the biggest trailers a snap.

The bottom line is, when it comes to towing capability and payload, Ford trucks and SUVs are ready to work and play.

What Is a Trailer Hitch Receiver?

To tow large loads, Ford trucks and SUVs use a component called a Trailer Hitch Receiver that's located under the rear bumper. This seemingly simple component is a square metal tube constructed of extremely durable material (usually steel) that allows owners to attach a tow hitch or ball hitch to it. To achieve high towing loads, manufacturers like Ford secure the Trailer Hitch Receiver to the frame of vehicles, like the Ford F-150, to maximize durability and overall weight-carrying capacity.

Receivers are only part of the equation to earn the high weight ratings that Ford trucks and SUVs are known for. Receivers accept accessories, such as a ball hitch, to hook up to a variety of trailer types. Every component of a trailer set-up has specific weight limitations and specs to consider, so always be sure to check the owner's manual for specific capabilities before you hook up your load.

Receivers are usually factory-installed, but the aftermarket is where most consumers turn to find equipment like ball adapters, safety chains, and trailer wiring harnesses.

What Are the Different Trailer Hitch Classes?

Not all towing vehicles are built the same, and it comes down to the type of trailer hitch installed, in addition to the powertrain, the axle ratio of the rear axle, and even the technology on board the truck. In general, you'll find the biggest towing capacity on trucks and body-on-frame SUVs like the Expedition. Due to the demands of towing, large loads must be carried by vehicles that are not only heavy themselves, but have a frame that can handle the weight safely. 

There are five different classes of tow hitches to simplify things for towing enthusiasts. Even a basic car tow a bit of weight, but the big jobs require better hardware. 

Class I

Usually installed on cars and small crossover SUVs like the EcoSport, Class I trailers have a 1 ¼-inch receiver and can generally tow up to 2,000 pounds.

Class II

If you need a little more capacity, a Class II can get the job done. Usually found on cars, crossovers like the Ford Escape, and minivans, the Class II hitch offers a 1 ¼-inch receiver and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.

Class III

Larger SUVs, like Ford Expedition, and trucks, like Ford Ranger, enjoy updated weight capacity ratings, with a tough Class III hitch. Thanks to a 2-inch receiver, Class III hitches can haul up to 8,000 pounds.

Class IV

For ultimate towing capacity that exceeds the needs of most consumers, look no further than a Class IV hitch. Due to a durable design and an upgraded 2-inch receiver, Ford trucks and SUVs equipped with a Class IV hitch can tow up to a staggering 14,000 pounds (F-150, when properly equipped). 

Ford's Max Trailer Tow Package (optional on the F-150 and Expedition in Lariat, King Ranch®, and Platinum trims) includes a Class IV hitch, along with extra goodies designed to maximize all-around towing capacity.

  • Class IV hitch receiver
  • 3.55 electronic-locking differential (3.73 with the Heavy-Duty Payload Package)
  • Four-pin seven-pin wiring harness
  • Trailer brake controller
  • Pro Trailer Backup Assistâ„¢
  • Smart Trailer Tow Connector monitoring system
  • Larger 36-gallon fuel tank
  • Upgraded rear bumper

While the Class IV hitch has the hardware to get the job done right, Ford also includes many other features on Max Trailer Tow Package equipped trucks. A locking differential with a lower gear ratio helps hook up for max traction, while a bigger fuel tank and integrated trailer brake controller help keep things safe for the long haul. One of the coolest features Ford offers is Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, which is part of the Ford CoPilot 360™ family. Instead of trying to figure out how to back up a trailer (which is a challenge for any hauler), all you need to do is turn a knob and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ will move the truck in the direction you indicate. Even for a seasoned hauler, this system is incredibly handy, not to mention simple to use.  

Ford combines powertrain technology like EcoBoost® power, the old-school durability found in a Class IV hitch, and smart towing features to create a capable towing rig that makes hauling every load a snap.  

Class V

Haulers looking for the most conventional towing capacity (without going to a gooseneck or 5th wheel setup) will want to take a look at a Ford Super Duty® equipped with a Class V hitch. Thanks to a massive 3-inch receiver and a ton of other equipment, Class V-equipped Super Duty® trucks can tow a class-leading 20,000 pounds. 

Which Ford Cars Have a Class IV Trailer Tow Package?

Big loads require big vehicles, and there are several models in the Ford range that are equipped with a Class IV to get the job done right. 

Trucks and Vans

SUVs, Crossovers, and Cars

Find a Ford with a Class IV Trailer Tow Package Near Scottsdale, Arizona

If you're looking for a Built Ford Tough® SUV or truck near Scottsdale, Arizona, then look no further than AutoNation Ford Scottsdale. 

We specialize in helping Scottsdale residents find the Ford truck or SUV of their dreams so they can haul their trailer or boat out to one of the beautiful destinations that Arizona has to offer. Our in-house finance center works with both national and local lenders to secure you a loan that gets you into the Ford of your dreams, and more importantly, meets your budget. If you have a truck you want to trade in, we'll offer a fair price and handle all the paperwork to make the whole process smooth. 

Once you get your Ford truck or SUV, come back to AutoNation Ford Scottsdale for all your service and accessories needs. From specific hitches to replacement wiring harnesses and safety equipment, our parts and accessory department has it all. Whether you need an oil change after your next big trip or a new set of off-road tires, our service center has the know-how to get it done right. 

AutoNation Ford Scottsdale is proud to be your Built Ford Tough® destination in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. 

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