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What is the capacity of the Ford F550?

The Ford F-550 does not have a single fixed capacity. Capacity depends on the exact chassis configuration, year, engine choice, and the upfit installed on the truck. The most important figures you’ll encounter are the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and the payload, both of which vary with how the vehicle is built.

What “capacity” means for the F-550

On a Ford F-550, capacity is a mix of weight limits and performance limits rather than one flat number. GVWR defines how heavy the vehicle can be when fully loaded, while payload measures how much cargo and passengers the vehicle can carry within that limit. Towing capacity is a separate consideration, influenced by engine, drivetrain, axle setup, and hitch choices. Because the F-550 is a chassis cab designed for upfits (like dump beds, wreckers, utility trucks, and ambulances), the exact capacity varies by configuration and year. Always check the official spec sheet or the door jamb placard for your specific build.

Key capacity figures you should know

The following figures illustrate how capacity is typically discussed for the F-550, but remember that exact numbers depend on the specific configuration and options of your truck.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum allowed weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including the truck itself, passengers, cargo, and any upfits. For many F-550 chassis cabs, GVWR commonly sits in the high 19,000 pounds range, with dual-rear-wheel (DRW) variants offering higher GVWR depending on axle and tire packages.

Payload capacity: Payload equals GVWR minus the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle with no passengers or cargo). In typical single-rear-wheel (SRW) configurations, payload often falls into the broad range of roughly 4,000 to 7,000 pounds, with DRW builds capable of higher payloads depending on the final upfit and GVWR. Exact numbers vary widely by body, cab, and equipment.

Towing capacity (gross combined weight and hitch considerations): Towing capability is affected by engine choice, transmission, axle setup, and hitch type. In practice, certain F-550 configurations can tow in the mid-to-high tens of thousands of pounds with appropriate gear, though many upfitted applications have lower practical towing limits. Always verify with the official spec sheet for your exact build and intended hitch setup.

For any F-550 you’re considering, the precise numbers are printed on the vehicle’s certification label and in Ford’s official specification sheets for that model year and configuration. These sources reflect the exact GVWR, payload, and towing limits for your truck and body combination.

How to verify the capacity on your F-550

To confirm the capacity for a specific F-550, use these steps: check the door placard on the driver’s side door jamb, consult the owner’s manual, and review the build sheet or Ford’s official configuration brochure for that year. If you’re evaluating a used upfit, ask the seller for the GVWR and payload ratings as installed, not just the base chassis figures.

Practical takeaways

Because the F-550 is a highly configurable chassis, there isn’t a single universal capacity figure. Plan based on GVWR and payload rather than a generic number, and confirm your exact configuration before loading up or purchasing accessories. This approach helps ensure safety, compliance, and optimal performance in your specific upfit scenario.

Summary: The Ford F-550’s capacity depends on the exact configuration, with GVWR typically around the high 19,000-pound range and payload varying significantly by cab, bed, and upfit. Always consult the specific build’s spec sheet or door placard to determine the precise limits for your truck.

Is a Ford F550 a 2 ton truck?

No, a Ford F-550 is not a 2-ton truck; it is a Class 5 medium-duty truck that can be referred to as a "1.5-ton" vehicle. Its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) can be up to 19,500 lbs, which is far more than the 4,000 lbs capacity of a 2-ton rating.

Class 5 classification: The F-550 is classified as a Class 5 truck, with a GVWR ranging from 16,001 to 19,500 lbs.
Capacity: A 2-ton truck has a payload capacity of only 4,000 lbs, while a Ford F-550's maximum payload is over 12,000 lbs.
Official ratings: The term "ton" rating for older trucks is not an official measure of weight. It is best to refer to the specific truck's GVWR and other specifications for accurate information about its capabilities.

What is the load capacity of the F-550?

Ford F-550 Dump Truck Weight & Specs

Curb weight: approx. 7,000–8,000 lbs. depending on options.
Payload capacity: 12,000+ lbs. depending on upfit.
Towing capacity: up to 31,600 lbs. gooseneck towing with the 6.7L diesel engine.

What is the payload capacity of the f450 vs F-550?

The F-550 generally has a higher maximum payload capacity than the F-450. For example, the maximum payload for a F-450 chassis cab is up to 9,850 pounds, while the F-550 chassis cab can handle up to 12,750 pounds. The F-450 also comes in a conventional pickup truck configuration, which has a lower maximum payload of around 6,210 pounds.
This video discusses the payload differences between the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab models: 57sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Aug 31, 2016

Vehicle Model	Body Style	Maximum Payload Capacity (Approx.)
F-450	Chassis Cab	9,850 pounds
F-450	Conventional Pickup	6,210 pounds
F-550	Chassis Cab	12,750 pounds

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The F-550 is classified as a Class 5 medium-duty truck and typically has a higher GVWR than the F-450, which allows for a greater payload capacity.
Frame and Axle: The F-550 has a stronger frame and rear axle designed for higher weight ratings, which is crucial for its increased payload capability.
Availability: The F-450 is available as both a conventional pickup and a chassis cab, while the F-550 is only available as a chassis cab from the factory.

What's the difference between an F-450 and 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

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.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.