When you’re looking for a reliable van that can handle heavy loads and towing jobs, the Ford Transit Custom towing capacity is something worth considering.
This popular medium-sized van has become a top choice for UK drivers who need both everyday practicality and serious towing power.
Whether you’re a tradesperson needing to haul equipment, a family planning camping trips with a caravan, or a business owner moving heavy cargo, understanding what this van can pull is crucial.
The Ford Transit Custom has built a solid reputation in the commercial vehicle world, and its towing abilities are a big part of that success.
With thousands of these vans sold across the UK every year, drivers trust them for their reliability, comfort, and most importantly, their impressive towing capacity.
But towing isn’t just about the maximum weight – there’s much more to consider when you want to tow safely and legally.
Ford Transit Custom Towing Capacity
In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Ford Transit Custom tow capacity, from basic weight limits to the technical details that affect how much you can tow.
We’ll use simple language so everyone can understand, whether you’re new to towing or have years of experience behind the wheel.
Ford Transit Custom Tow Capacity
The Ford Transit Custom can tow up to 2.5 tonnes (or 2,500kg) when you’re using a braked trailer. This is the maximum weight you can pull behind your van when everything is set up correctly.
Here’s what you need to know about the basic towing numbers:
- Braked trailer capacity: Up to 2,500kg
- Unbraked trailer capacity: Up to 750kg
- Standard across all models: Every Transit Custom has the same maximum towing limit
What’s the difference between braked and unbraked trailers?
A braked trailer has its braking system that works with your van’s brakes. When you press the brake pedal, both your van and the trailer slow down together. This is why you can tow more weight safely.
An unbraked trailer doesn’t have its brakes – it relies completely on your van to stop both vehicles. That’s why the weight limit is much lower at just 750kg.
The 2,500kg capacity puts the Transit Custom right at the top of the medium van class. This means you can tow:
- Large work trailers with equipment
- Medium-sized caravans
- Boats on trailers
- Car transporters
- Heavy machinery
Is the Ford Transit Custom any good for towing?
Yes, the Ford Transit Custom is excellent for towing! It’s one of the best choices in the medium van segment for anyone who needs serious towing power.
Why is it so good for towing?
- Improved capacity: The current models can tow 2,500kg, which is 500kg more than older versions
- Strong competition: It matches rivals like the Vauxhall Vivaro for towing capacity
- Reliable performance: Thousands of UK drivers trust it for daily towing work
- Comfortable driving: Unlike some commercial vehicles, it’s pleasant to drive
Engine power matters for towing
All Transit Custom models have the same 2,500kg towing limit, but the engine you choose makes a big difference in how easy towing feels:
- 110hp engine: Will tow the maximum weight but may struggle on hills
- 136hp engine: Good balance of power and economy for most towing jobs
- 150hp engine: Better performance when towing heavy loads
- 170hp engine: Best choice for regular heavy towing or challenging routes
Real-world towing performance
When you’re out on the road, the Transit Custom handles towing very well:
- Stable at motorway speeds
- Good visibility for checking your trailer
- Strong braking when properly loaded
- Reasonable fuel economy even when towing
What is the Ford Transit Custom towing limit?
The towing limit isn’t as simple as just saying “2,500kg.” There are important weight calculations you need to understand to tow safely and legally.
Understanding vehicle weights
Your van has several different weight limits:
- Kerb weight: The weight of the empty van with a full fuel tank
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Maximum weight of the van when loaded
- Gross Combination Weight (GCW): Maximum weight of van + trailer + all loads
Why do these weights matter?
The GCW is your real towing limit. Here’s a simple example:
- Your van weighs 2,000kg empty
- You load 500kg of tools and materials
- Your van now weighs 2,500kg
- If your GCW is 5,000kg, you can only tow 2,500kg (5,000 – 2,500 = 2,500kg)
Key factors affecting your towing limit:
- Van model (T280, T300, T320)
- Engine size and power
- How much weight you carrying in the van
- Number of passengers
Important safety tip: Always check your weight plates before towing. These are usually found:
- Inside the door frames (passenger side)
- Under the bonnet
- In your vehicle documentation
What is the Transit Custom gross combination weight?
The Gross Combination Weight (GCW) varies depending on which Transit Custom model you have. This table shows the maximum GCW for different variants:
| Engine | T280 (kg) | T300 (kg) | T320 (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L EcoBlue 110 PS | 4,825 | 5,025 | Not Available |
| 2.0L EcoBlue 136 PS (Manual) | 5,325 | 5,525 | 5,725 |
| 2.0L EcoBlue 136 PS (Auto) | 5,325 | 5,525 | 5,725 |
| 2.0L EcoBlue 150 PS | Not Available | 5,525 | 5,725 |
| 2.0L EcoBlue 170 PS (Auto) | Not Available | 5,525 | 5,725 |
What do these numbers mean?
The T320 with 136hp or higher gives you the maximum GCW of 5,725kg. With a maximum van weight of 3,225kg, this leaves exactly 2,500kg for towing – the full capacity.
Important example: If you have a T300 with 110hp engine, your GCW is only 5,025kg. With a loaded van weight of 3,025kg, you can only tow 2,000kg – that’s 500kg less than the maximum!
Model differences explained:
- T280: Shorter wheelbase, lower GVW
- T300: Medium wheelbase, good all-rounder
- T320: Longest wheelbase, highest capacity
Choosing the right model for towing:
- Heavy regular towing: Choose T320 with 150hp or 170hp
- Occasional towing: T300 with 136hp works well
- Light towing only: T280 might be enough
Does the Ford Transit Custom have a tow bar?
No, the Ford Transit Custom doesn’t come with a tow bar as standard. You need to order it as an optional extra when buying your van.
Tow bar options available:
- Fixed tow bar: £430 (plus VAT)
- Retractable tow bar: £550 (plus VAT)
- Both options include: Full electrical connection (13-pin socket)
What’s included with the tow bar:
- Professional installation
- 13-pin electrical connection
- Brake light connection to your trailer
- Indicator synchronization
- Reverse light connection
Fixed vs Retractable – which to choose?
Fixed tow bar:
- Cheaper option
- Always visible at the back of your van
- Very strong and reliable
- Best for regular towing
Retractable tow bar:
- Neater appearance when not in use
- Folds away completely
- More expensive but looks better
- Good for occasional towing
Installation considerations:
- Order with your new van for the best price
- Aftermarket fitting is possible but costs more
- Professional installation recommended for safety
- Affects your van’s departure angle slightly
FAQs:
- Can I tow a caravan with a Ford Transit Custom?
Yes, you can tow most medium-sized caravans up to 2,500kg. Check your caravan’s weight and your van’s GCW to make sure you’re legal.
- Do I need a special license to tow 2,500kg?
If you passed your driving test after January 1997, you can tow up to 3,500kg combined weight with a Category B license. For heavier combinations, you need Category B+E.
- What’s the maximum nose weight for the Transit Custom?
The maximum nose weight (downward pressure on the tow ball) is typically around 100-150kg, but check your specific vehicle’s documentation.
- Can I tow with an automatic Transit Custom?
Yes, automatic versions have the same towing capacity. Automatics can be easier for towing, especially in stop-start traffic.
- How does towing affect fuel economy?
Expect your fuel consumption to increase by 30-50% when towing heavy loads, depending on your driving style and route.
- Can I retrofit a tow bar after purchase?
Yes, but it’s more expensive than ordering it with your van. Make sure to use Ford-approved parts for safety and warranty reasons.
Also Check:
- Ford F350 Towing Capacity
- Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
- Ford Edge Towing Capacity
- Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
- Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
- 2019 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
- 2015 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
Conclusion:
The Ford Transit Custom towing capacity of 2,500kg makes it one of the most capable medium vans you can buy today.
Whether you’re towing work equipment, family caravans, or business cargo, this van has the power and stability to handle the job safely.
Key takeaways:
- 2,500kg maximum with braked trailers
- All models have the same towing limit
- Higher-powered engines make towing easier
- GCW limits can reduce the actual towing capacity
- Tow bars cost extra but are worth the investment
Remember that safe towing isn’t just about maximum weights – it’s about understanding your specific van’s limits and staying within them.
Always check your weight plates, distribute loads properly, and consider the power of your engine when planning towing jobs.
For anyone considering the Transit Custom for towing, it’s an excellent choice that combines strong pulling power with everyday practicality.
Just make sure to spec it correctly for your needs, and you’ll have a reliable towing partner for years to come.
