Towing and Hauling | St. Louis, MO
A good tailgate starts with a truck that can carry the gear and tow the trailer without a struggle.
Summer in St. Louis means ballgames, lake weekends and plenty of reasons to hook up a trailer. Tailgate season adds coolers, grills, tents and a crowd, and all of it has to get there safely.
The right Ford depends on what you pull and how often. This post walks through how to match a truck to the load, what to check before you leave the driveway, and how to tow with confidence.
Quick answer: Match the truck to the trailer by checking the rated towing and payload capacity for your exact Ford, then check hitch, brakes, tires and lights before every trip. The sticker inside the driver door and your owner’s manual have the numbers that count.
Start with
The ratings for your exact truck
Check every trip
Hitch, brakes, tires and lights
Built for big loads
Ford F-150 or Ford Super Duty
In this post
Know What You Are Hauling
Before you pick a truck, write down what you tow most often. A small utility trailer, a camper, a boat and a flatbed with a smoker on it all put different demands on a vehicle.
Weigh the loaded trailer if you can, and count the tongue weight too. The ratings that matter are on your truck, not in a brochure, so look at the label inside the driver door and the towing section of the owner’s manual.
Which Ford Fits the Job
The Ford F-150 handles most weekend towing, from a boat to a camper, and it’s the truck we see most at tailgates. The Ford Maverick suits lighter jobs like a small trailer or a kayak setup.
When the load gets heavy or you tow often, the Ford Super Duty is built for it. Engine, axle ratio and package choices change the ratings, so ask us to confirm the exact configuration before you buy.
Check the Hitch and Brakes
A secure connection comes first. The hitch ball should match the coupler, the safety chains should cross under the tongue, and the pin or latch should be locked.
Trailer brakes and lights need a test every trip. Plug in, then walk around while someone presses the brake pedal and works the turn signals. Many Fords offer a trailer brake controller and trailer assist features, and they’re worth using.
St. Louis driver tip: Do a short test drive in an empty lot before the first trip of the season. A few minutes of backing up and turning builds confidence.
See New Ford F-150 Trucks
See Ford Super Duty Trucks
Tires, Load and Balance
Tire pressure on the truck and the trailer matters more than most people think. Check them cold, and match the pressures listed for the load.
Put the heavier items low and slightly ahead of the trailer axle. A trailer that’s loaded too far back will sway, and that’s one of the harder problems to fix on the road.
Light jobs
Ford Maverick
Most weekends
Ford F-150
Heavy loads
Ford Super Duty
Tailgating Setup Tips
For game day, bring a flat, level spot in mind and a way to keep the tailgate area tidy. Folding tables, a cooler, a grill and shade cover a lot of ground, and a truck bed holds most of it.
Leave room around the vehicle for safe movement, keep grills away from the trailer and the tires, and watch for open flames near fuel. Cleaning up before you leave keeps the lot in good shape for everyone.
Driving Habits That Help
Give yourself more room to stop and take turns wider than usual. Leave extra space in traffic and use the tow haul mode on trucks that have it, especially on the hills around the Missouri River.
If the trailer starts to sway, ease off the throttle and keep the wheel steady. Pull over when it’s safe and recheck the load before you continue.
Find out what you can afford
See your buying power before you shop for the truck that pulls your load.
Choosing a Truck
How do I know how much my Ford can tow?
Check the label inside the driver door and the towing section of the owner’s manual. The ratings depend on the engine, axle ratio and options.
Is the Ford F-150 enough for a camper?
Many campers are within reach of an F-150, but it depends on the camper’s loaded weight and the truck’s configuration. Bring the camper’s specs and we’ll check.
When should I move up to a Ford Super Duty?
If you tow heavy loads often, or the trailer is close to your truck’s limit, a Super Duty gives you more margin.
Before You Tow
What should I check before every trip?
Hitch connection, safety chains, trailer lights, trailer brakes and tire pressure. A quick walk around takes a few minutes.
Do I need a trailer brake controller?
Many trailers need one, and some states require brakes above a certain trailer weight. Ask us about the options on the truck you’re considering.
Can I tow with a Ford Maverick?
Yes, for lighter trailers within its rating. Check the Ford Maverick’s towing specs for the exact configuration.
On the Road
What is tow haul mode?
It adjusts shifting to reduce hunting between gears and helps with engine braking on grades. It’s useful on hills and with heavy trailers.
How much extra room should I leave when towing?
More than you think. A trailer adds weight and stopping distance, so leave extra space and brake early.
What causes trailer sway?
Poor weight distribution, low tire pressure and sudden steering are common causes. Keep weight low and forward and avoid abrupt moves.
Tailgating Basics
What should I bring for a Ford tailgate?
Folding chairs, a cooler, a grill, shade, trash bags and a few extras. A truck bed carries most of it.
Can I run a grill near my truck?
Keep it well away from the vehicle, the tires and fuel, on level ground, and follow the lot’s rules.
Where do I park a trailer at a stadium lot?
Rules differ by venue, so check the event’s parking guidelines ahead of time.
Service and Support
Should I service my truck before the season?
It’s smart. Brakes, tires, fluids and the battery all take extra work when towing.
Does Dave Sinclair Ford sell towing accessories?
Our parts department can help with hitches, wiring and related items. Ask for what fits your exact Ford.
Can you help me choose a truck for towing?
Yes. Tell us what you pull and how often, and we’ll narrow it down to the right Ford.
