Built for the Lake: A Shuswap Towing Guide

Between Shuswap Lake, Mara Lake, and the Trans-Canada boat launches in between, towing capacity isn’t a spec sheet number around here — it’s whether you can actually get the boat, the camper, or the toy hauler to the water on a Friday afternoon.

The F-150 remains the benchmark: properly equipped, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated to tow up to 13,500 lbs, with the PowerBoost hybrid rated up to 11,200 lbs — enough for a cabin cruiser or a good-sized travel trailer. For full-size SUV drivers who need three rows and still want serious capability, the Expedition is rated up to 9,600 lbs when properly equipped with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.

If your setup is a mid-size fishing boat, a couple of jet skis, or a utility trailer, the Ranger (up to 7,500 lbs) or Bronco (up to 3,500 lbs) may be all the truck you need — with a smaller footprint for parking at the launch or navigating a tighter Shuswap driveway.

Not sure which truck fits your trailer? Bring us the weight (or the trailer itself) and we’ll help you match the right Ford and tow package before you buy — better to get it right now than find out at the boat launch. Talk to our sales team about your towing needs, or use Ford’s towing calculator online, then visit us at 160 Ross St NE, Salmon Arm.