close
close
NAVIGATE

How Much Can a Ford Bronco Tow

May 22, 2023

How Much Can a Ford Bronco Tow

The Ford Bronco is an SUV which means that it should be able to do all of the things an average SUV does. This includes being able to traverse less-than-ideal terrain, give you a raised-up driving position, a spacious cabin, a decent amount of cargo space, 4WD or AWD, and being able to tow decent weight.The Bronco sports as much as it is a utility vehicle which means that it should be capable of doing a wide variety of things a normal car can’t, including towing. So, how much can a Ford Bronco tow?

How Much Can a Ford Bronco Tow?

The new Ford Bronco can tow between 2,000 lbs and 4,500 lbs depending on the trim, the engine, and the equipment. The 4,500lbs maximum towing capacity is only advertised for the Ford Bronco Raptor with its 420hp 3.0L V6 EcoBoost powerplant.

Other, non-Raptor models can safely tow between 3,500lbs, but this also depends on stuff such as AWD and optional Ford hitch Accessories. If you want the best hitch and towing accessories for the Bronco, you can find them right here.

Why Is Bronco Towing So Low?

  • Size and Weight
  • Off-road Equipment
  • Engine Power

How Does Ford Bronco Size Affect Towing Capacity?

The Ford Bronco is classified as a mid-size SUV, but its footprint is smaller than most mid-size SUVs most of us are used to.

This is because the Ford Bronco features a relatively short wheelbase which inherently makes the entire package more compact and lighter. Most mid-size SUVs can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 lbs, but that’s because the Bronco is both shorter and lighter than most mid-size SUVs.

How Does Off-road Equipment Affect Ford Bronco Towing Capacity?

In order to ensure balance, stability, and maneuverability in an off-road environment, the Bronco needs to make certain compromises that do impact its towing capacity.

For example, increased levels of suspension travel and articulation needed for going over obstacles make the car less stable and balanced which in turn makes it flex more and thus lowers the overall safe towing capacity.

How Does Engine Power Affect Ford Bronco Towing Capacity?

As mentioned a few times, the Bronco is designed to excel in certain environments which means that it fails to be superior in others.

The Bronco is not a mid-size SUV designed for high speeds and quick 0-60mph times compared to something like a mid-size Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The Trackhawk offers 707hp which is more than the entry-level Bronco and the top-spec Bronco Raptor combined. As such, it simply can’t offer the same level of “oomph” as some other mid-size SUVs do, but do keep in mind that that’s by design as the Bronco was never intended to push such power.

Can I Increase The Maximum Towing Capacity of My Ford Bronco?

The maximum towing capacity of an SUV is determined by a mixture of various factors such as design and engineering which can’t really be altered in a safe and secure manner.

Therefore, it’s not advisable to ever exceed the maximum towing capacity listed for the Bronco as that is going to void your warranty as well as make your Bronco carry the weight it was never designed to carry.

The best thing you can do is to make sure that you can fully utilize the 3,500 to 4,500lbs maximum towing capacity by properly distributing the weight, properly inflating your tires, and using certified and proven accessories that can do the job.

What Happens If You Max Out Ford Bronco Towing Capacity?

If you do decide to exceed the safe advertised towing capacity for your Bronco, you are risking straining your Bronco by accelerating the wear and tear of virtually all the components that create your Bronco’s mechanical skeleton.

If you excessively overload your Bronco, you are risking bending and wrapping your chassis and your frame which can cause immensely expensive damages or even breaking your Bronco in half.

As such, follow the owner’s manual and don’t ever overload your Bronco, or any other car/SUV for that matter.