Are you thinking about buying a truck that can handle heavy loads and tough jobs? The ford f350 towing capacity is something that makes this truck stand out from other vehicles.
Whether you need to pull a large trailer, move construction equipment, or tow your family’s RV for weekend adventures, the F-350 is built to get the job done.
The Ford F-350 is not just any regular pickup truck. It’s part of Ford’s Super Duty lineup, which means it’s designed for serious work.
When people talk about ford f350 towing capacity, they’re talking about a truck that can pull up to 27,000 pounds when it’s set up correctly. That’s like towing 13 cars at the same time!
But here’s the thing – not every F-350 can tow the same amount. The towing power depends on which engine you choose, what cab style you pick, and whether you want two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Some people might need the maximum towing power, while others might be happy with less if they don’t pull heavy loads very often.
Ford F350 Towing Capacity
Understanding ford f350 towing capacity helps you make the right choice for your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how much this powerful truck can tow, what engines are available, and how to pick the best setup for your specific situation.
How Much Can an F-350 Tow?
The towing capacity of your F-350 depends on several important factors. Think of it like this: different combinations of engine, cab size, and drive type give you different towing abilities. Let’s break this down in a simple way.
Understanding the Different Configurations
The F-350 comes in three main cab styles:
- Regular Cab – The smallest cab with basic seating
- SuperCab – Medium-sized cab with some extra space
- Crew Cab – The largest cab with full rear seating
You also have two drive options:
- 4×2 – Two-wheel drive (usually less expensive)
- 4×4 – Four-wheel drive (better for off-road and bad weather)
Towing Capacity by Engine Type
Here’s where things get interesting. The F-350 offers four different engines, and each one gives you different towing power:
| Engine Type | Regular Cab (4×2/4×4) | SuperCab (4×2/4×4) | Crew Cab (4×2/4×4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8L Gas V8 | 18,700 / 18,300 lbs | 18,300 / 17,800 lbs | 18,000 / 17,600 lbs |
| 7.3L Gas V8 | 18,900 / 18,500 lbs | 18,500 / 18,100 lbs | 18,200 / 17,800 lbs |
| 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel | 24,800 / 24,800 lbs | 26,700 / 26,700 lbs | 27,000 / 27,000 lbs |
| 6.7L High Output Diesel | 24,800 / 24,800 lbs | 26,700 / 26,700 lbs | 27,000 / 27,000 lbs |
What These Numbers Mean in Real Life
Let’s put these numbers into perspective:
- 18,000-19,000 pounds – This can tow a large travel trailer, a boat with a trailer, or construction equipment
- 24,000-27,000 pounds – This can handle massive RVs, heavy construction machinery, or multiple vehicles on a trailer
The diesel engines win when it comes to maximum towing power. If you need to pull really heavy loads regularly, diesel is your best choice. The gas engines are still very capable and might be perfect if you don’t need maximum towing power.
Why Does Cab Size Affect Towing?
You might wonder why a bigger cab sometimes means more towing capacity. This seems backwards, right? Actually, with the F-350, the Crew Cab often has the highest towing numbers because Ford designs the frame and suspension differently for each cab style. The longer wheelbase of the Crew Cab can help with stability when towing heavy loads.
Ford F-350 Engine Specs and Payload Capacity
Understanding the engines is crucial because they’re what gives your truck its towing power. Each engine has different strengths, and picking the right one depends on your specific needs.
Gas Engine Options
6.8L Gas V8 Engine:
- Power Output: 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque
- Best For: People who tow occasionally and want lower fuel costs
- Pros: Less expensive to buy, easier maintenance, readily available fuel
- Cons: Lower towing capacity compared to diesel
7.3L Gas V8 Engine:
- Power Output: 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque
- Best For: Regular towing with good power but without diesel costs
- Pros: More power than the 6.8L, still uses regular gasoline
- Cons: Still can’t match diesel towing capacity
Diesel Engine Options
6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel:
- Power Output: 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque
- Best For: Heavy towing regularly
- Pros: Massive torque for pulling power, excellent fuel economy when towing
- Cons: Higher purchase price, diesel fuel costs more
6.7L High Output Power Stroke Turbo Diesel:
- Power Output: 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque
- Best For: Maximum towing capacity and professional use
- Pros: Most powerful option, handles the heaviest loads with ease
- Cons: Most expensive option, might be overkill for casual users
Understanding Torque vs. Horsepower
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Horsepower is like top speed – it’s great for highway driving
- Torque is like pulling strength – it’s what helps you pull heavy trailers up hills
Notice how the diesel engines have much higher torque numbers? That’s why they’re so much better at towing heavy loads.
Payload Capacity Explained
Payload is different from towing capacity. Payload is how much weight you can put inside your truck bed and cab. The F-350 offers:
- Maximum Payload: Up to 8,000 pounds (with specific configurations)
- Range: 4,141 pounds to 8,000 pounds, depending on your setup
What affects payload capacity:
- Engine choice (heavier engines reduce payload)
- Cab size (bigger cabs weigh more)
- Options and accessories (everything adds weight)
| Configuration | Typical Payload Range |
|---|---|
| Regular Cab, Gas Engine | 7,000 – 8,000 lbs |
| SuperCab, Gas Engine | 6,000 – 7,500 lbs |
| Crew Cab, Diesel Engine | 4,141 – 6,000 lbs |
Explore the Strength of the Ford F-350 with Cornerstone Ford!
The 2024 Ford F-350 represents the latest in truck technology and capability. When you’re shopping for a truck with serious towing power, there are several things you should consider beyond just the maximum numbers.
Choosing the Right Configuration for Your Needs
For Occasional Towing (weekends, light work):
- Consider the 6.8L or 7.3L gas engines
- SuperCab or Crew Cab for comfort
- 4×2 drive if you don’t need off-road capability
For Regular Heavy Towing (work trucks, large RVs):
- Go with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
- Crew Cab for maximum stability
- 4×4 drive for versatility
For Maximum Capability (commercial use, extreme towing):
- Choose 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel
- Crew Cab configuration
- 4×4 drive for all conditions
Important Towing Features to Consider
The F-350 comes with several features that make towing safer and easier:
- Trailer Sway Control – Helps prevent dangerous trailer movement
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller – Better stopping power
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist – Makes backing up with a trailer much easier
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage – Sees around your trailer
- 360-Degree Camera System – Helps you see everything around your truck
Real-World Towing Considerations
Remember that maximum towing capacity is just one part of the story. You also need to think about:
- Your driving experience – Can you handle a big truck?
- Where you’ll be driving – City streets vs. highways vs. mountain roads
- How often you’ll tow – Daily vs. occasional use
- Your budget – Diesel engines cost more upfront, but may save money long-term
FAQs
What’s the difference between conventional towing and fifth-wheel towing?
Conventional towing uses a hitch on the back of your truck. Fifth-wheel towing uses a special hitch in the truck bed. Fifth-wheel setups can often handle more weight and provide better stability, especially with very heavy trailers.
Do I need a diesel engine for good towing capacity?
Not necessarily. The gas engines in the F-350 can tow 17,600-18,900 pounds, which is enough for most people’s needs. You only need diesel if you’re regularly towing over 19,000 pounds or want the best fuel economy while towing.
How does four-wheel drive affect towing capacity?
4×4 drive typically reduces towing capacity by a few hundred pounds compared to 4×2 drive. This is because the 4×4 system adds weight to the truck. However, 4×4 gives you better traction when launching a boat or driving in bad weather.
What happens if I try to tow more than my truck’s capacity?
Towing over capacity is dangerous and can cause:
- Engine overheating
- Transmission damage
- Poor braking performance
- Loss of vehicle control
- Voided warranty
How do I calculate my total towing weight?
Add up:
- Weight of your trailer (empty)
- Weight of everything you put in the trailer
- Weight of passengers and cargo in your truck
- Weight of any hitch equipment
Make sure this total doesn’t exceed your truck’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Does altitude affect towing capacity?
Yes, high altitude reduces engine power because there’s less oxygen in the air. If you regularly drive in the mountains, consider getting more engine power than you think you need.
Also Check:
- Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
- Ford Edge Towing Capacity
- Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
- Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
Conclusion:
The Ford F-350 offers impressive Ford F350 towing capacity that can handle almost any job you throw at it.
With towing capacities ranging from 17,600 pounds to 27,000 pounds, this truck provides options for everyone from weekend warriors to professional contractors.
The key to getting the right F-350 is understanding your specific needs. If you occasionally tow a boat or travel trailer, the gas engines provide plenty of power at a lower cost.
If you’re regularly pulling heavy equipment or large RVs, the diesel engines offer the torque and capacity you need.
Remember that maximum towing capacity is just one factor to consider. Think about comfort, fuel costs, maintenance requirements, and how often you’ll need that maximum capacity. Sometimes, paying for more capability than you need doesn’t make financial sense.
The F-350’s combination of powerful engines, advanced towing features, and multiple configurations means there’s likely a perfect setup for your needs.
Whether you choose gas or diesel, two-wheel or four-wheel drive, regular cab or crew cab, you’ll get a truck that’s built to handle serious work and provide reliable service for years to come.
