How much weight can a F-550 dump truck hold?
A Ford F-550 dump truck can typically carry about 4,000 to 9,000 pounds of payload, depending on configuration and equipment.
The exact amount depends on factors such as the truck’s GVWR, curb weight, whether it uses single or dual rear wheels, the weight of the dump body, and any additional ballast or attachments. To determine the usable payload for a specific vehicle, you must compare its GVWR to its curb weight and account for the weight of the dump bed and equipment.
Understanding payload capacity on the F-550
Payload is the maximum weight of material a vehicle can legally carry beyond its own weight. For the F-550, payload is governed by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the curb (unladen) weight. The dump body and any ballast reduce the available payload further, and optional equipment or fluids (fuel, coolant, hydraulics, and tools) can affect the real-world figure.
Before listing typical ranges, note that exact numbers vary by model year, cab configuration, drivetrain, and whether the truck is SRW (single rear wheel) or DRW (dual rear wheel).
- The GVWR establishes the ceiling for combined weight (truck, passengers, fuel, cargo, and attachments).
- The curb weight is the truck’s weight without payload, fluids, or cargo.
- The weight of the dump body and any ballast directly reduces the payload available for material.
- Axle configuration (SRW vs DRW) and drivetrain options can shift both GVWR and curb weight, influencing payload.
- Optional equipment and accessories (plows, cranes, toolboxes, winches) add weight and can reduce usable payload.
In practice, the above factors combine to determine what you can legally haul on a given F-550 dump truck. Always verify with the door placard and the manufacturer's specifications for your exact build.
Typical payload ranges by configuration
The following ranges reflect common, real-world configurations for F-550 dump trucks. Exact numbers depend on year, engine, cab, bed size, and equipment.
- SRW with a standard 19,500-lb GVWR: roughly 4,000–7,000 pounds of payload, depending on the dump body and added equipment.
- DRW variants with higher GVWR (around 22,000 lb or more): roughly 6,000–9,000 pounds of payload.
These ranges illustrate typical capabilities. For precise figures, check the specific vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight on the door placard or build sheet.
How to determine the payload for your truck
Use this practical method to calculate the payload for a given F-550 dump truck configuration:
- Locate the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) on the door placard or title for the vehicle.
- Find the curb (unladen) weight of the truck for that configuration, either from the window sticker or by weighing the vehicle at a scale.
- Subtract curb weight from GVWR: Payload = GVWR – curb weight.
- Subtract the weight of the dump body and any attached equipment if you want the usable payload for material only.
- Verify the result against local road weight limits and the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe operation.
Safety and compliance notes
Always adhere to local weight limits and the truck’s published ratings. Exceeding the payload can stress the chassis, suspension, and axles, and may create unsafe driving conditions. Use the exact figures from the vehicle’s placard and build sheet for legal and safe operation.
Summary
In summary, a Ford F-550 dump truck generally carries 4,000–9,000 pounds of payload, with actual numbers depending on GVWR, curb weight, and dump-body configuration. To determine the precise payload for a given truck, consult the door sticker or build sheet to compute Payload = GVWR – curb weight (and subtract the dump body weight if you’re counting material payload only). Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety regulations when loading.
