How much can a F-250 dually tow?
In general, a Ford F-250 with dual rear wheels can tow about 20,000–24,000 pounds with a conventional hitch, and up to roughly 30,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup, depending on year and configuration.
Tow ratings by configuration
These figures reflect typical factory ratings for the F-250 Super Duty with a dual rear-wheel setup. Actual numbers vary by year, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, cab/bed configuration, and tow package.
Diesel power: 6.7L Power Stroke
The diesel option is the strongest tow performer in the F-250 lineup. For conventional towing with a ball hitch, expect roughly 20,000–24,000 pounds, depending on axle ratio and options; gooseneck or 5th-wheel towing can exceed 30,000 pounds in the right setup (roughly 28,000–30,000+ pounds).
- Conventional towing: approximately 20,000–24,000 lb (varies by model year, drivetrain, axle ratio, bed/cab configuration, and tow package).
- Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing: around 28,000–30,000+ lb depending on setup and equipment.
Note: These are general guidelines. The exact rating for your truck is published on the door jamb placard and in the owner's manual for your specific build year and configuration. For precise figures, consult Ford's official specs for your model and verify with your dealer before towing.
Gas engines: 7.3L and 6.2L
Gas-powered F-250 dualies offer lower towing limits than the diesel option. Conventional towing typically falls in the mid-teens, with higher-end configurations approaching the upper teens; gooseneck or fifth-wheel capacities are usually lower than the diesel but can still reach into the 20,000s in some setups.
- Conventional towing: roughly 15,000–18,000 lb (varies by engine and equipment).
- Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing: commonly up to about 20,000–25,000 lb depending on configuration.
As with the diesel, verify exact numbers for your specific truck using the door placard and Ford’s official specifications for your year and trim.
Important safety and practical considerations
Beyond raw capacity, real-world towing depends on payload, GCWR, braking, suspension, and hitching gear. Always factor in trailer weight, cargo, and added equipment when planning a tow.
- Payload vs. tow: The amount you can tow is tied to payload capacity and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
- Braking and stability: A trailer brake controller, weight-distribution hitch, and sway control improve safety and handling.
- Hitch and axle setup: The exact tow rating depends on drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), axle ratio, and whether the vehicle has the right tow package.
Towed loads should always stay within the published ratings for your exact configuration, and professional wiring and braking upgrades may be required for heavier trailers.
How to verify the exact rating for your truck
Use these sources to confirm your specific F-250 dually’s towing limits, which can change by model year and build.
- Check the door jamb placard on the driver’s side for GCWR, axle rating, and tow hitch limits.
- Consult the owner’s manual for detailed towing specs and safety guidelines.
- Review Ford’s official spec sheets for your model year and trim, or ask a Ford dealer for the exact configuration rating.
- Consider your trailer type (conventional vs gooseneck/5th-wheel) and ensure compatible hitching equipment and braking systems.
Having the precise figure helps ensure safe and legal towing, especially with heavy trailers or when using a gooseneck/5th-wheel hitch.
Summary
The Ford F-250 dually offers substantial towing capability, with diesel-equipped models typically delivering the highest conventional tow ratings (roughly 20,000–24,000 pounds) and gooseneck/5th-wheel capacities around 28,000–30,000+ pounds. Gas-powered versions are lower, generally in the mid-teens to upper-teens for conventional towing. Always verify the exact numbers for your specific year, engine, axle ratio, and tow package, and adhere to GCWR and payload limits for safe towing.
