Ford F-150 vs. Tesla Cybertruck for Towing Cargo

A Tesla Cybertruck just crossed 200,000 miles hauling heavy equipment — and the internet can’t stop arguing about it. The story has reignited a classic debate among truck owners: when there’s real cargo on the trailer, is the gas-powered Ford F-150 or the electric Cybertruck the better tow rig?

Here’s what that milestone tells us, how the two trucks stack up, and why the hitch you put between truck and trailer matters no matter which one sits in your driveway.

The 200,000-Mile Cybertruck That Started the Debate

Torque News recently reported on a Cyberbeast owner who logged 200,000 miles in less than two years. This wasn’t a commuter truck. He used it as a full-time workhorse, regularly towing an 8,800-pound Bobcat skid-steer on a utility trailer — about 11,000 pounds for the whole rig — plus cars across state lines, in everything from Arizona heat to deep snow.

A few details from his maintenance log turned heads:

• The tire claim: he says his rear all-terrain tires have 140,000 miles on them with about half their tread left. Plenty of truck owners are skeptical, since heavy curb weight, tongue loads and instant torque usually chew through tires fast.
• A battery replacement: the high-voltage pack failed at 137,000 miles and was replaced under Tesla’s 8-year/150,000-mile battery warranty.
• Suspension held up: he reports no repairs to the air suspension or steering system despite heavy tongue weights.

Whatever you make of the tire numbers, the story proves one thing: towing heavy cargo for hundreds of thousands of miles is a serious test of any truck — and any hitch.

Towing Capacity and Payload

On paper, the F-150 still holds the edge for maximum towing. A properly equipped 2026 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and Max Trailer Tow Package is rated to tow up to 13,500 pounds, with payload up to 2,440 pounds depending on configuration. The PowerBoost hybrid is rated for up to 11,200 pounds.

The Cybertruck tops out at 11,000 pounds of towing on its AWD and Cyberbeast trims, with payload in the 2,000–2,500-pound range depending on the source and configuration.

For most cargo — a skid-steer, a compact excavator on a flatbed, an enclosed cargo trailer or a car hauler — both trucks are in the game. The F-150 simply gives you more headroom at the top end.

Range and Refueling on the Road

This is where the two trucks feel most different. Towing hurts every truck’s efficiency, but EVs feel it most. Real-world range can drop to roughly half the unloaded figure under a heavy load, so you’ll plan your route around charging stops.

The 200,000-mile owner did nearly all of his charging at DC fast chargers. That works on major corridors, but rural job sites and back roads can leave gaps. And many charging stalls aren’t laid out for trailers, which can mean unhitching just to plug in.

The F-150 refuels in minutes at any gas station, and the PowerBoost hybrid is rated for more than 700 miles of range unloaded. For long hauls far from charging infrastructure, gas still has the advantage.

Towing Tech and Everyday Hauling

Ford has packed the F-150 with tow-friendly technology. Pro Trailer Backup Assist lets you steer a trailer in reverse with a simple knob, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist guides the truck into position for hookup, and the available Smart Hitch helps gauge tongue weight.

The Cybertruck answers with instant electric torque, adjustable air suspension and a heavy, low-slung battery that gives it a planted feel. Some owners report that heavy trailers feel lighter behind it than they expected.

Quick Comparison

Always confirm your truck’s exact ratings on its door-jamb sticker and owner’s manual. Engine, axle ratio, cab, bed and options all change the numbers.

The Real Winner: The Right Hitch

Gas or electric, every heavy trailer puts weight on your truck’s rear axle. That weight lifts the front end, which reduces steering and braking control and makes sway more likely. A weight distribution hitch spreads that load back across all axles so your truck stays level and in control.

Fastway offers three weight distribution hitches to match your cargo:

• CONNECT™ Hitch — an affordable weight distribution upgrade for lighter utility and cargo trailers. Starting at $199 (on sale from $230).
• e2™ Hitch — built-in 2-point sway control with no chains or add-on bars, rated from 4,500 to 12,000 lb. It works with surge brakes and installs around gas tanks and battery boxes. Starting at $510.
• Equal-i-zer® Hitch — patented 4-Point Sway Control® for the heaviest, longest hauls, with models from 4,000 to 16,000 lb. It’s made in the USA from forged American steel, backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and works with cargo, utility, boat and car trailers. Starting at $775.

Before you hitch up, check your owner’s manual for any weight distribution requirements or guidance specific to your truck.

Find Your Fastway Hitch

If you’re hauling skid-steers, equipment or loaded car trailers day after day like that 200,000-mile Cybertruck owner, the Equal-i-zer’s 4-point sway control is built for exactly that kind of punishment. For lighter, occasional loads, the e2 or CONNECT keeps you level and confident.

F-150 or Cybertruck, the right hitch makes the drive safer and less tiring. Find a Fastway dealer for help choosing the right model and weight rating, or shop Fastway hitches today.