How much weight can a F-250 diesel bed hold?
In general, a Ford F-250 Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel can carry roughly 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of payload, depending on configuration. The bed’s practical limit is tied to the truck’s payload rating, which varies by cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and equipment. For an exact figure, check the door jamb sticker for your specific build.
Understanding this question matters because payload determines how much cargo, tools, equipment, and even passengers you can safely carry. The diesel version adds weight compared with some gasoline configurations, so the exact payload will shift with year, trim, and options. Always verify your truck’s exact numbers on the factory data plate and don’t exceed the rated limits when loading or towing.
Key figures that determine cargo capacity
These core measurements shape the safe load your F-250 diesel can handle.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): the maximum combined weight allowed for the vehicle, including fuel, fluids, passengers, cargo, and the vehicle itself.
- Curb weight: the weight of the vehicle as built, with standard equipment and a full tank of fuel but no passengers or cargo.
- Payload capacity: the usable weight for cargo and passengers. Calculated as GVWR minus curb weight.
- Configuration factors: cab style (Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew), bed length, drivetrain (4x2 vs 4x4), and axle ratios can shift the payload up or down.
- Engine and equipment weight: the diesel engine (6.7L Power Stroke) and added equipment can reduce payload slightly compared with lighter configurations.
- Occupant weight: passengers in the cabin count toward payload, so more riders reduce available cargo capacity.
In practice, this means the cargo you can carry in the bed plus any passengers must stay within the payload rating. If you’re carrying no passengers, the payload closely mirrors what you can put in the bed; if you have people aboard, you’ll have less bed space available for cargo.
How to calculate your payload
Follow these steps to determine the exact payload for your F-250 diesel configuration.
- Find the GVWR for your exact build on the driver’s door jamb sticker or in the window sticker/build sheet.
- Find the curb weight for your configuration (also available from the sticker or manufacturer specs).
- Subtract curb weight from GVWR to get the base payload capacity.
- Subtract the total weight of any occupants you plan to carry in the cabin.
- Subtract the estimated weight of cargo you’ll haul in the bed (tools, equipment, materials, etc.).
- Ensure the final figure does not exceed the published payload for your truck. If it does, offload or reconfigure spacing/equipment.
Remember, these numbers are highly configuration-specific. Always verify against the exact build sheet or a vehicle weigh-in if you’re routinely carrying near the limits. If you’re towing, also account for hitch weight and GCWR (gross combined weight rating) as separate constraints.
Diesel-specific considerations
Diesel versions of the F-250 shift payload slightly due to heavier engine hardware and equipment, which reduces available payload compared with some gasoline variants. The typical payload window for a diesel F-250 sits around the 3,000–4,000 pound range, but exact figures depend on cab/bed configuration, 4x4 vs 4x2, trim level, and any added options. For heavy-duty work, many operators plan around the lower end of the range and verify with a scale or the manufacturer’s data plate.
When loading for work, it’s important to separate bed payload from towing weight. Towing introduces tongue weight (roughly 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight), which is a separate constraint from bed payload and GCWR. Exceeding these limits can affect braking, steering, and overall safety.
Practical load planning and safety tips
Use these guidelines to load safely and maintain vehicle performance and safety.
- Distribute weight evenly across the bed to avoid rear or front axle overload.
- Keep the heaviest items low and centered to lower center of gravity and improve stability.
- Do not exceed the vehicle’s GVWR or payload rating, even if a load seems manageable.
- Subtract occupant weight if passengers are aboard; include all gear and tools in the total payload calculation.
- For frequent heavy-duty work, consider a scale weigh-in or consult Ford's payload data sheet for the exact configuration.
- When towing, account for hitch/tongue weight and GCWR to prevent overloading the drivetrain and braking systems.
Following these practices helps ensure safe loading, proper suspension performance, and predictable braking. Always err on the side of a lighter load if you’re unsure.
Summary
The F-250 diesel’s bed load capacity is governed by the vehicle’s payload rating, which typically falls in a broad range of about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, depending on cab/bed configuration and options. There is no single universal bed limit; the accurate figure must be taken from the specific truck’s GVWR and curb weight, viewed on the door sticker or the build sheet. For precise planning, calculate payload as GVWR minus curb weight, then subtract any occupants and cargo. Always consider towing requirements separately, including hitch weight and GCWR, to ensure safe operation.
What is the maximum weight for the tailgate on a F250?
485 pounds
CAUTION: Do not exceed the maximum permissible tailgate load of 220 kilograms (485 pounds). CAUTION: Do not lower the tailgate completely if a tow ball or a bumper is fitted. CAUTION: Make sure that you keep a firm grip of the tailgate to prevent it from dropping down.
How much weight can a 2019 F-250 carry in the bed?
Towing & Payload Capacities
| Super Duty Truck | Max. Towing | Max. Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford F-250 | Up to 15,000 lbs. | Up to 4,270 lbs. |
| 2019 Ford F-350 | Up to 21,000 lbs. | Up to 7,640 lbs. |
How much weight can you put in the bed of a 2017 F250?
The 2017 F-250's bed weight capacity, or payload capacity, ranges from approximately 3,100 to 4,200 pounds, depending on the specific configuration like cab type, drivetrain, and engine. For example, a crew cab with an 8-foot bed can have a payload of about 2,980 pounds, while a SuperCab short bed can be up to 4,015 pounds.
Payload capacity by configuration
- Crew Cab:
- 8 ft bed: Around 2,980 pounds (XL model)
- 6 3/4 ft bed: Around 3,100 pounds (XL model)
- SuperCab:
- Long bed: Up to 4,204 pounds
- Short bed: Up to 4,015 pounds
- Other configurations:
- With a 6.8-liter gas V-8 and 4x2 drivetrain, the payload can reach up to 4,200 pounds.
- A crew cab diesel model can carry just shy of 3,900 pounds.
Important considerations
- Configuration matters: The final payload capacity is a result of many variables, including cab size, bed length, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), and engine choice.
- Maximum capacity: The maximum payload ratings listed are often tied to specific configurations, such as the standard gas V-8 and a 4x2 drivetrain.
- Check the sticker: The most accurate payload capacity for a specific truck can be found on the label inside the driver's side door jamb.
How much weight can a F250 diesel carry in the bed?
4,268 lbs.
| Super Duty Model | Max. Payload Capacity | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| F-250 | 4,268 lbs. | Regular cab / 8-ft. box / 4x2 |
| F-350 | 8,000 lbs. | Regular cab / 8-ft. box / 4x2 / DRW |
| F-450 | 6,457 lbs. | Regular cab / 8-ft. box / 4x2 / DRW |
