The short answer
Match the truck to the trailer weight: under 4,000 lbs → Maverick or Ranger. 4,000-7,500 lbs → Ranger or F-150. 7,500-13,500 lbs → F-150 (right configuration). 13,500+ lbs gooseneck or fifth-wheel → Super Duty (F-250 / F-350 / F-450). Tow capacity varies by engine, axle ratio, and tow package — not just trim.
Under 2,000 lbs (small trailer, jet ski single)
Maverick Hybrid is rated for 2,000 lbs — covers a single jet ski trailer or small utility trailer. Cheapest path to a vehicle that can tow.
Under 4,000 lbs (jet ski double, small fishing boat)
Maverick EcoBoost + 4K Tow Package: 4,000 lbs. Covers two jet skis on a trailer or a small (16-18 ft) center-console fishing boat. Real solution at the compact-truck price.
4,000-7,500 lbs (mid-size boat, small camper)
Ranger 2.7L V6 EcoBoost: 7,500 lbs. Covers most center-console fishing boats up to ~24 ft, smaller pontoon boats, small travel trailers. Mid-size truck with mid-tier capability.
7,500-13,500 lbs (sport boat, mid travel trailer, jet ski + small boat)
F-150 with the right configuration: up to 13,500 lbs (3.5L EcoBoost + Max Trailer Tow Package + 3.55+ axle ratio). Covers sport boats up to ~30 ft, mid-size travel trailers, larger pontoon boats. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid: 12,700 lbs and adds Pro Power Onboard for the dock.
13,500-22,000 lbs (large RV, larger boat)
F-250 / F-350 Super Duty with Power Stroke 6.7L Diesel — up to 22,000 lbs conventional. Covers large fifth-wheel travel trailers, large boats, horse trailers. The Power Stroke is the right engine here; the Godzilla 7.3L V8 gas works for shorter highway use.
22,000-40,000 lbs (gooseneck / fifth-wheel large RV)
F-350 dual rear wheel (DRW) or F-450: up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck with the High Output 6.7L Power Stroke (500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft). RV-tow champion territory. Eugenio at Sunrise Ford handles Super Duty including DRW and chassis cab.
Beyond F-450
F-550 / F-650 / F-750 medium-duty trucks for commercial / fleet hauling beyond gooseneck spec. Sunrise Ford commercial department handles these.
Tow package matters
Tow capacity numbers assume the vehicle is properly equipped. Standard tow rating is meaningfully lower than max tow. If you tow regularly, get the Max Trailer Tow Package — it adds the right axle ratio, transmission cooler, integrated trailer brake controller, and tow mirrors. Eugenio confirms the spec matches your actual trailer.