How much HP does a Ford F-550 have?
In brief, the Ford F-550’s horsepower depends on the powertrain: about 430 horsepower from the 7.3-liter gasoline V8 and about 475 horsepower from the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel, with variations by model year and configuration.
Engine options and horsepower
The F-550 is offered with two primary powertrains in recent years. The gasoline option uses a 7.3L Godzilla V8, while the diesel option uses a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel. horsepower figures can vary slightly by model year and upfit configuration.
- Gasoline option: 7.3L Godzilla V8 — roughly 430 horsepower, with torque around 475 lb-ft.
- Diesel option: 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel — up to about 475 horsepower, with torque around 1,050 lb-ft.
Actual power figures can vary by model year, emissions configuration, and upfit package. The F-550’s horsepower is determined by the engine rating, and final performance also depends on gearing, transmission, and tires.
How horsepower influences performance
Power output shapes how the F-550 accelerates, climbs grades, and handles heavy payloads. In typical use, diesel models emphasize high torque for towing and sustained pulling, while gasoline versions offer strong throttle response suitable for lighter-duty tasks.
Gasoline option details
The 7.3L gasoline engine is valued for a robust, straightforward powertrain with strong mid-range response. It provides ample horsepower for many upfit configurations but generally delivers less torque than the diesel option, which can affect heavy payload performance.
Diesel option details
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel prioritizes torque and durability, making it a popular choice for fleets and upfits that require heavy payloads and trailer towing. Its higher torque helps manage demanding work cycles and steep grades.
Model year and configuration notes
While the headline horsepower numbers tend to stay around these ranges, exact figures can shift slightly with emissions rules, software calibrations, and specific upfit packages. Buyers should verify the precise rating for their chosen year and configuration from a dealer or Ford’s official build tool.
Summary
The Ford F-550 offers two main powertrains: the gasoline 7.3L V8 at about 430 hp and the diesel 6.7L Power Stroke at about 475 hp, with year-to-year variations and upfit-related adjustments. Prospective buyers should confirm the exact figure for their configuration and model year when planning payloads and performance expectations.
How much horsepower does a 6.7 Ford F-550 have?
475 horsepower
6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel Engine: This diesel powerhouse produces an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty towing and hauling tasks.
Which is better, F-550 vs RAM 5500?
The Ford F-550 and Ram 5500 are both capable chassis cab trucks, but the Ram 5500 generally offers higher max towing capacity, while the Ford F-550 may have a slight edge in payload and a more spacious interior, especially in its SuperCab option. When choosing between them, consider which specific capability is most important, along with engine preferences and budget.
This video compares the Ford F-550 and Ram 5500, highlighting their features and capabilities: 1mMacPhee FordYouTube · Jan 9, 2025
Performance and capability
| Feature | Ford F-550 | Ram 5500 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 31,300 lbs (with a 5th wheel gooseneck) | Up to 35,220 lbs (with a diesel engine) |
| Max Payload Capacity | Up to 12,190 lbs | Up to 12,510 lbs (with gas engine) |
| Gas Engine | 7.3L V8: 350 hp, 468 lb-ft of torque | 6.4L V8 HEMI®: 370 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque |
| Diesel Engine | 6.7L Power Stroke®: 330 hp, 825 lb-ft of torque | 6.7L Cummins®: 360 hp, 800 lb-ft of torque |
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You can watch this video to see a comparison of the towing capacity between the Ford F-550 and Ram 5500: 55sworkplaytvYouTube · Dec 19, 2018
Interior and features
- Interior Space: The Ford F-550 offers more headroom and legroom, with an additional SuperCab option for more interior configurations.
- Standard Features: Base models may differ, with the Ram 5500 having a better base radio, while the Ford F-550 includes a standard Wi-Fi hotspot.
This video explores the interior of the Ram 5500: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 6, 2023
Other considerations
- Price: The Ford F-550 has a slightly lower starting price than the Ram 5500.
- Weight: The Ford F-550 is roughly 600 lbs lighter due to its aluminum body construction, according to this YouTube video.
- Reliability: Both brands have a reputation for reliability, though engine-specific issues can vary by model year.
How much horsepower does the Ford F-550 have?
The Ford F-550 has two engine options, with horsepower varying by engine: the 7.3L V8 gas engine produces 335 horsepower, and the 6.7L V8 Power Stroke turbo diesel engine produces 330 horsepower. The specific horsepower can vary slightly depending on the model year.
- 7.3L V8 Gas Engine: 335 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque
- 6.7L V8 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel: 330 horsepower and up to 825 lb-ft of torque
What's the difference between an F 450 and an F-550?
The main difference is that the F-450 is available as a pickup truck or a chassis cab, while the F-550 is only offered as a chassis cab. This means the F-450 pickup has a higher maximum towing capacity, while the F-550 is built for higher payload capacities due to its heavier-duty components like its frame and axle ratings, making it better suited for applications like dump trucks, tow trucks, or buses.
This video highlights the differences in frame and springs between the F450, F550, and F600: 0:59BTBRVInstagram · Jul 9, 2023
| Feature | F-450 | F-550 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Pickup truck or chassis cab | Chassis cab only |
| Payload Capacity | Lower for pickup; up to 14,000 lbs for 2025 pickup model | Higher for chassis cab; up to 12,750 lbs for 2022 chassis cab model |
| Towing Capacity | Higher for pickup truck; up to 34,300 lbs with a 6.7L diesel engine | Lower for chassis cab than F-450 pickup. For 2022, it's 31,600 pounds, but can vary by configuration. |
| Primary Use | General towing and hauling needs | Heavier work applications like dump trucks, buses, or tow trucks |
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Key differences in detail
- Configuration: The most significant difference is availability. The F-450 offers the versatility of a pickup, while the F-550 is a work-focused chassis cab that serves as a base for commercial upfits like dump bodies.
- Payload: The F-550 is built for heavier loads. Its frame, axle, and GVWR are designed for higher payload capacity compared to the F-450 pickup, making it the preferred choice for applications where the truck's body is a significant part of the weight.
- Towing: The F-450 pickup typically boasts higher towing numbers, especially when equipped with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch, due to its lighter chassis compared to the F-550's chassis-cab-only setup.
- Components: While both trucks share the same engine options, the F-550 has beefier components like its rear axle and frame to handle its higher payload rating.
- D-Tuning: F-550 chassis cabs are often "d-tuned" (engine power is limited) to reduce stress on the drivetrain, further prioritizing durability and longevity for heavy work over maximum power.
- Suspension: The F-450 pickup and F-450/F-550 chassis cabs have different rear suspension setups. The chassis cab versions use a stiffer, more robust spring pack designed to minimize bouncing under heavy loads, which contributes to their higher payload capacity but results in a less comfortable ride.
