Ford F-Series Trucks, the perennial top dog in pickup sales, is on top of another important category – maximum towing capacity. The 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty leads the way among Class 3 pickups in towing a massive 31,200 lbs. And that’s with the universal SAE J2807 towing standard. Finally.

Going forward with 2015 models and beyond, Ford will utilize the J2807 towing standard when determining their maximum towing rating. The standard is a set of tests developed by manufactures and Society of Automotive Engineers. It is meant to create a standardized formula for testing. Ford has tested their 2015 F-450, which technically qualifies as a class 3 truck, and found that it tows 1,200 lbs more than the Ram 3500, the leading class 3 competitor.

The truck is able to tow this massive weight thanks to some key improvements Ford made for the 2015 model. The highlights are:

• Improved frame
• Upgraded suspension
• Large 19.5 inch wheels and tires

Historically, Ford, along with other major truck makers, has measured maximum towing in-house using their parameters. This year, is the first time, Ford has added the SAE 2807 rating to their trucks. But despite the rating, Ford’s rivals seem to be enjoying recognition of their own.