How much can a 2021 F-550 tow?

The 2021 F-550’s towing capacity spans a wide range: roughly 15,000–20,000 pounds with a conventional bumper hitch, and about 28,000–32,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup, depending on the exact configuration. The precise figure hinges on engine choice, axle setup, GVWR, and whether the truck uses single or dual rear wheels; always verify the rating for your specific build.

Towing figures by configuration

Below is a breakdown of typical towing ceilings for common 2021 F-550 configurations. Remember that exact numbers depend on the vehicle’s options and weight ratings.

Conventional bumper-hitch towing

• Diesel 6.7L Power Stroke configurations: approximately 15,000–20,000 pounds.


• Gas 7.3L configurations: approximately 14,000–18,000 pounds.

In practice, conventional towing for the F-550 typically sits in the mid-teens to around 20,000 pounds, with diesel models generally yielding the higher end of that range. Always confirm the exact figure for your specific build.

Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing

• Diesel 6.7L Power Stroke: roughly 28,000–32,000 pounds.


• Gas 7.3L: roughly 26,000–30,000 pounds.

For gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups, the F-550’s capacity is substantially higher, typically in the upper 20,000s to low 30,000s depending on hitch type, axle configuration, and overall GVWR. Verify the exact rating for your truck’s build before towing.

Key factors that affect capacity

Several variables determine the official towing limit for a given 2021 F-550. The most impactful include engine choice, rear-wheel configuration, GVWR, axle ratio, and any factory tow packages.

• Engine choice: diesel versus gasoline. Diesel generally provides higher towing capacity and better sustained torque for heavy loads.


• Rear-wheel configuration: single rear wheel (SRW) versus dual rear wheels (DRW). DRW often enables higher tow ratings and more stable towing with heavy trailers.


• GVWR and overall weight limits: The vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating constrains how heavy a trailer can be when combined with the truck’s own weight.


• Tow packages and hitch options: Factory tow packages and appropriate hitches can raise the official rating for compatible configurations.

Because the F-550 is sold with many possible specifications, the door jamb sticker and Ford’s official spec sheets for the exact build are the authoritative sources for your towing limits. When in doubt, consult a Ford dealer with your VIN to confirm the precise rating.

How to verify your exact rating

To ensure you tow within safe and legal limits, check the specific rating that matches your vehicle’s configuration. The following steps help you locate the correct figure.

• Inspect the door jamb placard, which lists the GVWR and the maximum towing capacity for your exact build.


• Review the window sticker or Build & Price documentation for the precise rating tied to your options.


• Consult Ford’s official documentation or your owner’s manual for the rated capacities by configuration.

If you’re unsure, contact a Ford dealer with your VIN to obtain the exact towing rating for your truck. Staying within the published limits is essential for safety, performance, and warranty considerations.

Summary

The 2021 Ford F-550 offers a broad towing spectrum: conventional bumper-tow ratings typically range from about 15,000 to 20,000 pounds, while gooseneck and fifth-wheel capabilities usually fall in the 28,000 to 32,000-pound range. The precise numbers depend on engine choice, wheel configuration (SRW vs DRW), GVWR, and factory tow packages. Always verify the exact rating on the vehicle’s door sticker or official build documentation, and plan accordingly with safe towing practices.

How much weight can an F-550 pull?

The towing capacity for a Ford F-550 depends on the engine and hitch type, with a maximum conventional towing capacity of up to 18,500 pounds and a maximum 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity that can reach over 34,000 pounds with the 6.7L Power Stroke® diesel engine. For a specific model year and configuration, always check the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and other specifications, as factors like the rear axle, axle ratio, and engine choice can impact the final rating.
 
Towing capacity by hitch type

• Conventional Towing: Up to 18,500 pounds
• 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing:
  • Gas Engine: Up to 22,400 pounds
  • Diesel Engine: Up to 34,500 pounds 

Factors that influence towing capacity

• Engine: The available engines, such as the 7.3L gas V8 and the 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 diesel, have different power outputs that affect towing capability. 
• Rear Axle and Ratio: The specific rear axle and its gear ratio play a significant role in the vehicle's towing capacity. 
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The combined weight of the F-550, its payload, and the trailer must not exceed the GCWR. Different configurations have different GCWRs. 
• Payload Capacity: The payload capacity of the truck itself must be sufficient to handle the trailer's tongue weight, as well as any passengers and cargo added to the truck. 

What is the towing capacity of the F-550 6.7 Powerstroke?

The towing capacity for an F-550 with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine is up to 31,600 pounds for gooseneck/5th-wheel trailers and up to 18,500 pounds for conventional trailers. Note that maximum capacity varies depending on the specific configuration and model year, so always check the vehicle's specific specs for an exact rating.
 
You can watch this video to see a 2017 F-550 Powerstroke towing 30,000 lbs: 59sworkplaytvYouTube · Sep 21, 2020
F-550 6.7L Power Stroke towing capacities 

• Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing: Up to 31,600 pounds
• Conventional towing: Up to 18,500 pounds 

Other important factors

• Horsepower and torque: The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel produces 330 horsepower and 825 lb-ft of torque. 
• Payload capacity: The F-550 also has a high payload capacity, which can be up to 12,750 pounds for certain configurations. 
• Chassis cab: The chassis cab configuration is capable of hauling up to 30,300 lbs with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine. 

This video reviews a 2017 F-550 Powerstroke as a tow rig: 1mworkplaytvYouTube · Jul 27, 2019

What is the 80% towing rule?

Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.

How much can a 2021 F-550 tow?

18,500 pounds
Conventional Towing: Every 2021 Ford F-550 can tow a maximum of 18,500 pounds with a conventional (hitch-based) towing setup. Gooseneck/5th-Wheel Towing: Maximum capacities will vary from model to model, but you can tow up to 31,600 pounds with the 6.7L V8 diesel, or up to 20,400 pounds with the standard 7.3L V8.