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How much can a F550 legally tow?

The Ford F550 is a powerful heavy-duty truck that is capable of towing impressive loads. But just how much can an F550 legally tow? The answer depends on several factors, including the specific configuration of the vehicle and applicable laws and regulations. In this article, we'll dive into the details of the F550's towing capacity to help you understand what this truck can handle.


F550 Towing Capacity Basics


The maximum towing capacity for a Ford F550 can range from 16,000 pounds to 21,000 pounds, depending on the specific model, engine, and other configuration details. The F550's towing capacity is one of the highest in its class.


It's important to note that the towing capacity is not a one-size-fits-all number. The actual towing capacity for a given F550 can vary based on factors such as:



  • Engine type (gas or diesel)

  • Cab configuration (regular, extended, or crew cab)

  • Rear axle ratio

  • Presence of a towing package

  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)


To determine the exact towing capacity for your F550, you'll need to consult the vehicle's information placard or owner's manual. This will provide the specific towing capacity for your truck's configuration.


Legal Towing Limits


In addition to the vehicle's maximum towing capacity, there are also legal limits on how much a truck can tow on public roads. These limits are set by state and local authorities and can vary significantly depending on your location. Some key things to keep in mind regarding legal towing limits:



  • The legal towing limit may be lower than the vehicle's maximum towing capacity.

  • Limits are often based on the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which includes the weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, and cargo.

  • Exceeding legal towing limits can result in fines and other penalties.

  • It's your responsibility as the driver to ensure you are within the legal towing limits.


To stay compliant, be sure to research the specific towing laws and regulations in the areas where you'll be driving your F550 and trailer. This will help you avoid any legal issues.


Towing Safety Considerations


Regardless of the F550's towing capacity or legal limits, it's crucial to prioritize safety when towing heavy loads. Some important safety tips include:



  • Properly distribute the trailer's weight to maintain proper handling and stability.

  • Use the appropriate towing equipment, such as a weight-distributing hitch, to ensure a secure connection.

  • Adjust your driving style to account for the increased weight and length of the trailer.

  • Regularly inspect the trailer and towing equipment to ensure everything is in good working order.


By following these safety guidelines and staying within the legal towing limits, you can maximize the capabilities of your Ford F550 while keeping yourself and others on the road safe.

How much can F-550 legally tow?


18,500 pounds
Towing and Payload for the 2021 Ford F-550 Super Duty
When you have a conventional towing arrangement in place, the Ford F-550 can reach a maximum capacity of 18,500 pounds. If you use a gooseneck towing style or 5th-wheel setup, instead, you can expect as much as 31,300 pounds of maximum towing.



What is the load capacity of the Ford F550 Super Duty?


Ample Payload Capacity: With a maximum payload capacity of up to 12,300 pounds, the F-550 can easily handle a wide range of cargo and equipment.



What is a F-550 classified as?


Class 5. GVWR: 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. Model Example/s: RAM 5500 and Ford F-550.



Can F-150 really tow 10000 lbs?


F‑150 Lightning is an all‑electric truck with real‑world functionality and 320 miles of all‑electric range. 1 It goes to work like an F‑150 and offers the same BUILT FORD TOUGH® durability as all F‑Series pickups. F‑150 Lightning brings features such as a maximum towing rating of 10,000 lbs.



Can you drive a F-550 without a CDL?


No. Max GVW for an F-550 is 19,000 lbs, which is under the 26,000 lb limit. You can drive it with a regular license. The exception here is if you are towing a trailer that would put the max gross weight over 26,000 lbs.



Is an F-550 a commercial vehicle?


Ford Pro UIS is a great companion on F-550 commercial trucks. The Ford Pro Upfit Integration System includes a hardware interface that provides a single-entry point to the electrical architecture, digitally connecting the upfit to the vehicle.



Is a Ford F-550 considered a commercial vehicle?


Class 5—This class covers trucks with GVWRs from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. There are still a few vehicles in this class that straddle the line between non-commercial and commercial use such as Ford's F-550. However, this class is where more commercial vehicles emerge.



Is a F-550 a 2 ton truck?


The Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500, Ford F-350, and Ram 3500 are known as "one ton" pickups. Similar schemes exist for vans and SUVs (e.g. a 1-ton Dodge Van or a 1⁄2-ton GMC Suburban), medium duty trucks (e.g. the 1 1⁄2-ton Ford F-550) and some military vehicles, like the ubiquitous deuce-and-a-half.



Does a class 7 truck require a CDL?


Class 7 trucks are heavy-duty trucks that weigh 26,001 lbs – 33,000 lbs. these trucks usually have three axels or more. To drive a class 7 truck, drivers will need a Class-B commercial driver's license.



What is the heaviest you can haul without a CDL?


26,000 pounds
You can haul with vehicles that have a total GVWR under 26,000 pounds without needing a CDL. This weight limit includes both the vehicle and its cargo.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.