Herman Motor Company – Which 2026 Ford F-150® engine is best for towing near Larchwood, IA?
Picking the right powertrain is the key to towing with confidence, whether the job is a weekend camper to Lake Pahoja, a livestock trailer on IA-9, or a heavy equipment run toward I-90. At Herman Motor Company, we help shoppers zero in on the most important question for in-market truck buyers near Larchwood, IA: Which 2026 Ford F-150® engine best matches the trailer you plan to pull and the way you drive every day?
The 2026 F-150® lineup offers class-leading capability backed by smart tech. Max available towing reaches 13,500 lbs and max available payload tops out at 2,440 lbs when properly configured. Actual numbers depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, and equipment such as the Tow/Haul Package and a max-tow axle upgrade. Below, we translate the engine choices into clear real-world recommendations so you can match your trailer weight, terrain, and usage to the right setup.
- 2.7L EcoBoost® V6: Rated at 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque with up to 8,400 lbs max available tow rating, this twin-turbo V6 is a smart fit for light to medium trailers, utility haulers, and small boats that run local roads near Larchwood—balanced power, confident acceleration, and everyday efficiency.
- 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6: With 420 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque and up to 11,600 lbs max available tow rating, the hybrid pairs robust low-end torque with the available Pro Power Onboard™ for jobsite or campsite electricity—great for frequent towing plus on-site power needs.
- 3.5L EcoBoost® V6: Delivering 382 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque with a best-in-class 13,500 lbs max available tow rating and up to 2,440 lbs max available payload, this is the go-to choice for the heaviest conventional loads that still need strong passing power on rolling two-lanes and interstate merges.
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8: Producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque with up to 12,900 lbs max available tow rating, the V8 brings classic soundtrack, predictable throttle response, and broad capability—an excellent match for multi-purpose ranch, farm, and boat duty where durability and simplicity matter.
- Specialty Raptor® engines: The 3.5L High Output EcoBoost® V6 and available 5.2L supercharged V8 prioritize high-speed off-road performance; for conventional towing, most shoppers will be better served by the engines above.
Once you have a short list, consider configuration. SuperCrew® cabs add passenger space and can influence payload. Bed length, 4×2 vs. 4×4, and axle ratio all affect ratings. The Tow/Haul Package, Class IV trailer hitch, and integrated trailer brake controller are foundational for confident braking and sway control. Available features like a 360-Degree Camera, head-up display, and the clever Pro Access Tailgate help with visibility and loading when a trailer is attached. For long highway stretches, Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving can reduce fatigue while you remain attentive and ready—especially useful on I-90 runs to and from work sites.
- Verify trailer weight: Know the fully loaded weight, including water, gear, and accessories, then compare it with the engine’s max available tow rating in a comparable configuration.
- Account for payload: Add the tongue weight plus passengers and cargo; confirm the truck’s max available payload and GAWR support your setup.
- Choose the right axle ratio: Higher numerical ratios can improve tow ratings and launch feel—ask our team to pair the ratio to your trailer and routes.
- Equip smart towing tech: Add the Tow/Haul Package and trailer brake controller for control and stability on rolling rural roads and gusty prairie crosswinds.
- Test drive with your use case: Bring your numbers, and we will help you experience how each engine accelerates, brakes, and merges with a simulated load in mind.
For many near Larchwood, the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 is the capability leader for large campers and equipment, while the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 satisfies those who prefer V8 character with strong tow and payload. If you split duty between towing and on-site power, the 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6 combines stout torque with available Pro Power Onboard™ to run tools or campsite essentials. And if your trailer is compact and the truck is also your everyday commuter, the 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 delivers easygoing power with lighter weight up front for a nimble feel on narrow county roads.
We invite you to visit Herman Motor Company in Luverne, MN, a quick drive from Larchwood, IA, to walk through payload and tow charts, explore trims from XL to Platinum® and Tremor®, and configure an F-150® that fits your trailer today and your plans tomorrow. Bring your trailer specs or a photo of the data plate, and our team will build a setup that tows straight, stops confidently, and keeps you comfortable mile after mile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need the Tow/Haul Package to reach the 2026 F-150® max available tow rating?
Yes—the highest ratings require the proper configuration, which typically includes the Tow/Haul Package, an appropriate axle ratio, and the correct cab, bed, and drivetrain combination. Our team will confirm the exact build needed for your trailer weight.
Is the 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6 a good choice for towing in our area?
For mixed use near Larchwood—weekday hauling plus weekend camping—the hybrid’s 570 lb-ft of torque supports confident towing up to 11,600 lbs in properly equipped models, and available Pro Power Onboard™ adds helpful electrical power at sites without hookups.
What driver-assist tech helps when towing around town and on the highway?
Available features such as a 360-Degree Camera for low-speed maneuvering, a head-up display for eyes-forward awareness, Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies, and Ford BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving can reduce stress and improve confidence while you remain attentive and ready to regain control.
Ready to match an engine to your trailer and terrain near Larchwood, IA? Contact Herman Motor Company to schedule a test drive and a capability consultation. We will help you choose the 2026 Ford F-150® that tows with confidence today—and adapts to the jobs you will take on next.
Request more 2026 Ford F-150 information
Connect with us
