Why 8,200 lbs tow?

[Raptor37]

Wondering why the Raptor is regulated to 8,200 lb tow capacity. Is it purely because the rear suspension is a bit softer?

Looking at specs from an engineering standpoint, I would think this thing should rate to tow like most other F150s, if not better... Raptor has 4:10 rearend gear ratio, same 3.5 Ecoboost that is in F150s that rate to tow 12k+ albeit more power in Raptor, and has the full tow additions like trailer brake and backup assist.

Can anyone shed light on this for me? Is it more of a vehicle class rating or is it simply due to softer rear suspension?

 

[dixonk]

Wondering why the Raptor is regulated to 8,200 lb tow capacity. Is it purely because the rear suspension is a bit softer?

Looking at specs from an engineering standpoint, I would think this thing should rate to tow like most other F150s, if not better... Raptor has 4:10 rearend gear ratio, same 3.5 Ecoboost that is in F150s that rate to tow 12k+ albeit more power in Raptor, and has the full tow additions like trailer brake and backup assist.

Can anyone shed light on this for me? Is it more of a vehicle class rating or is it simply due to softer rear suspension?

Just putting a few hundred lbs in the bed of a raptor will have it squatting a couple inches already. I am pretty sure it has to do with the soft suspension.

 

[DFS]

In what engineering vacuum do we disregard the suspension for a tow/payload rating? You can throw 1000 lb/ft of torque in the Raptor or TRX, but the suspension is going to be the limiter. Can't isolate independent variables that way in a system based rating.

It's almost entirely the suspension if you look at the Raptor versus standard F150.

 

[Oggie]

From MT: "That's not to say that the Raptor isn't a competent tow rig, rather that Ford has been required by the standards to which they test towing ability to rate the Raptor lower than its F-150 brethren because of the truck's soft suspension, taller ride height, and large tires."

Ford Raptor Towing Capacity by Generation

We dive deep into the towing and payload capacity of Ford’s F-150 Raptor and break it down by engine, model year, and generation!

www.motortrend.com

 

[EMY92]

Braking is also a concern for the Raptor, the 17" wheels don't leave a lot of room for brakes.

 

[Raptor37]

In what engineering vacuum do we disregard the suspension for a tow/payload rating? You can throw 1000 lb/ft of torque in the Raptor or TRX, but the suspension is going to be the limiter. Can't isolate independent variables that way in a system based rating.

It's almost entirely the suspension if you look at the Raptor versus standard F150.

Yes, totally makes sense for a payload amount playing a part in tow capacity. Odd how ditching the leaf springs increased that BTW. Wonder if the new ride is a bit stiffer...

 

[Raptor37]

Braking is also a concern for the Raptor, the 17" wheels don't leave a lot of room for brakes.

Same brakes as the F150 I thought?

 

[xlr8]

Yes, totally makes sense for a payload amount playing a part in tow capacity. Odd how ditching the leaf springs increased that BTW. Wonder if the new ride is a bit stiffer...

Well leafs don't necessarily mean a heavier tow rating. A Ram 2500 uses springs and has a much higher payload than an F150 or Raptor. Just saying the coil doesn't necessarily mean less weight. I'm excited for a coil in the rear, it should ride better and be quieter.

 

[EMY92]

Yes, totally makes sense for a payload amount playing a part in tow capacity. Odd how ditching the leaf springs increased that BTW. Wonder if the new ride is a bit stiffer...

Also, check what the tow rating for the Dodge TRX is, that will provide the real reason why the tow rating increased 200 pounds.

I'm not sure if the Raptor brakes are the same as the standard F150, I remember a video I watched that interviewed a Ford engineer about the Raptor when I was purchasing my 2018.

 

[FordTechOne]

Same brakes as the F150 I thought?

Yes, brakes are the same size between Raptor and a standard F-150.