How much weight can a F600 carry?
In short, there isn’t a single payload figure for an F600. Payload depends on the truck’s GVWR and curb weight, plus any equipment or modifications. To know the exact carrying capacity, you must check the vehicle’s data plate or official specifications for the specific truck.
More detail: The “F600” badge isn’t a universally standardized figure in Ford’s current lineup. Payload calculations hinge on the difference between the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the vehicle’s curb weight, with additional factors like passengers, fluids, installed equipment, and towing that can reduce usable payload. Because the designation can refer to older models, fleet builds, or regional variants, the actual number varies widely from one vehicle to another.
What is the F-600?
The F-600 designation has historically signaled a Class 6 medium-duty truck in Ford’s broader heavy-duty family. There isn’t a single, uniform current model marketed under the exact name “F‑600.” In practice, the most relevant figures for payload come from the GVWR listed on the vehicle’s certification label and the vehicle’s curb weight, which can differ by cab type, bed length, drivetrain, and installed equipment. If you are evaluating a specific truck, rely on its official data plate and spec sheet for precise numbers.
Current lineup and historical usage
Because “F‑600” is not a standard, widely used designation in Ford’s current production, payload guidance is best applied to the actual vehicle in question. Always verify the exact GVWR and curb weight for the precise truck you own or are considering, as small differences can shift the payload by thousands of pounds.
How payload is calculated
To estimate payload, start from the GVWR and subtract the curb weight. The steps below summarize the standard calculation manufacturers use and inspectors verify.
- Find the GVWR value on the vehicle’s certification label or door jamb sticker. This is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including cargo, passengers, and fluids.
- Determine the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight with no payload or passengers, usually published by the manufacturer or on the spec sheet).
- Compute payload = GVWR − curb weight. This yields the maximum weight the truck can carry in cargo and ballast, excluding any towing.
- Subtract any planned passenger load and installed equipment from the payload figure to get a safe cargo allowance.
- Consider axle ratings and tire load limits; exceeding these can reduce practical payload even if the math allows more weight.
In practice, the practical payload will be limited by the lowest-rated axle and the tire load capacity, so always verify with the official specs and the data plate before loading.
Typical payload ranges for Class 6 trucks
Class 6 medium-duty trucks (the general category that includes many F‑600-type configurations) show a broad range depending on GVWR, body style, and equipment. The following figures illustrate typical possibilities rather than a single universal number.
- Lower-end configurations with GVWR near 19,500 lb often yield payloads in the neighborhood of 8,000–12,000 lb, depending on curb weight and options.
- Higher-end configurations with GVWR near 26,000 lb can approach roughly 12,000–16,000 lb of payload, again subject to curb weight and equipment.
For precise numbers, consult the specific vehicle’s data plate or Ford’s official spec sheets for the exact model year and configuration you’re considering.
Practical considerations
Payload planning should always account for: (1) the actual GVWR of the specific truck, (2) the curb weight, (3) the weight of passengers and fluids, (4) any aftermarket equipment or upfits, and (5) towing requirements and axle/tire ratings. Violating weight limits can affect braking, steering, suspension, and overall safety, and may be illegal in some jurisdictions.
Summary
The carrying capacity of an F600 is not a fixed figure. It depends on the exact vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight, plus any additional loads from passengers, fluids, equipment, and towing. To determine the payload, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR and adjust for other loads. In general, Class 6 trucks can offer roughly 8,000–16,000 pounds of payload depending on configuration, but the exact number for any given F600 will vary. Always rely on the vehicle’s data plate and official specifications for an accurate figure.
