How much can a Ford 250 Super Duty tow?
In broad terms, the Ford F-250 Super Duty can tow roughly between 12,000 and 22,000 pounds with conventional towing, and up to about 30,000 pounds or more when using a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch, depending on the exact engine, drivetrain, and equipment. For precise numbers, always check the specific build sheet or Ford’s official towing charts for your model year.
What determines the towing capacity of a Ford F-250 Super Duty
Several factors govern the official towing rating a specific F-250 can carry. The main variables are:
- Engine choice and power output (gasoline engines versus the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel).
- Drivetrain configuration (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive).
- Axle ratio and the presence of a factory Tow/Haul or heavy-duty towing package.
- The hitch type being used (conventional hitch versus gooseneck or fifth-wheel).
- The cab and bed configuration, GVWR, and the vehicle’s overall weight ratings (GVWR and GCWR).
- Safety and compliance requirements, such as brake controller compatibility and trailer braking capacity.
With the F-250, the towing rating reflects not just the engine, but the entire chassis setup. Always verify the rating on the specific vehicle’s door sticker and consult Ford’s official spec sheets for the exact build.
Typical towing capacities by configuration (recent model years)
Below are approximate ranges for commonly configured F-250 Super Duty trucks. Exact numbers vary by year, engine, axle ratio, and optional towing packages. For precise figures, refer to Ford’s official spec sheet for your build.
- Gasoline engines (6.2L V8 or 7.3L V8): conventional towing generally ranges from about 12,000 to 18,000 pounds, depending on configuration and equipment.
- Diesel engine (6.7L Power Stroke): conventional towing typically falls in the 20,000 to 22,000-pound range with the right tow package and drivetrain.
- Gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing: when equipped for these heavy-haul configurations, total towing can reach roughly 30,000 pounds or more, depending on axle ratio, frame, and suspension setup.
These figures illustrate typical guidance rather than a guaranteed universal limit; actual ratings require checking the specific vehicle’s paperwork and Ford’s official charts.
How to verify the exact rating for your truck
To determine the precise towing capacity for your exact F-250, take these steps:
- Refer to the door jamb sticker on the driver’s side for the GVWR, GAWR, and maximum tow rating.
- Check the owner’s manual and the Ford Build & Price or the official Ford website for the model year’s towing chart.
- Consult your Ford dealer with the exact cab/bed configuration, engine, axle ratio, and tow package to confirm the rating.
Understanding these details helps ensure you tow within safe limits and maintain proper trailer braking, weight distribution, and overall performance.
Summary
The Ford F-250 Super Duty’s towing capacity varies notably by engine, drivetrain, and equipment. For most current gas-powered builds, conventional towing sits roughly between 12,000 and 18,000 pounds, while the diesel-powered models commonly tow around 20,000 to 22,000 pounds with the appropriate package. With gooseneck or fifth-wheel configurations, capacity can climb to about 30,000 pounds or more, again depending on the exact configuration. Always verify the exact rating for your specific truck from Ford’s official documentation and the vehicle’s door sticker to ensure safe, compliant towing.
