What is the difference between F-550 and F600?
The F-550 is a current Ford heavy‑duty chassis‑cab truck, while there is no active Ford model officially named “F-600” in Ford’s current lineup. If you’ve seen references to F-600, they’re usually outdated, regional, or mislabeling a different heavy‑duty Ford truck. This article explains what the F-550 is, why a separate F-600 designation isn’t a standard production model, and how to compare similar heavy‑duty trucks when shopping.
F-550: The heavy‑duty chassis‑cab workhorse
Overview of where the F-550 fits in Ford’s lineup and how it serves commercial upfit needs.
- Class and GVWR: The F-550 sits in the heavy‑duty end of the F‑Series, typically offered with a GVWR in the mid‑to‑high teens of thousands of pounds (varies by cab/drive configuration and upfit).
- Payload and upfit capability: Designed as a chassis‑cab platform, it’s built to accept a wide range of bodies (dump, utility, bucket, flatbed, service body, etc.). Payload varies with configuration but is generally higher than light‑duty pickups in its class.
- Engine options: Available with gasoline and diesel powertrains; the diesel option is commonly a robust V8 designed for heavy hauling and long duty cycles.
- Transmissions and drivetrain: Typically offered with automatic transmissions and either two‑wheel or four‑wheel drive; DRW (dual rear wheel) variants are common for higher payload needs.
- Cab configurations: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab are typically offered to match different crew and equipment needs.
- Use cases: Popular for dump trucks, utility trucks, rescue and municipal vehicles, tow trucks, and other upfitted commercial applications.
In practical terms, the F‑550 is Ford’s go‑to solution when a customer needs a verifiable, upfit‑friendly platform with substantial payload and towing capability for commercial work.
Typical upfits and configurations
Before considering a purchase, buyers should review common body styles and how they interact with the chassis’ capacity.
- Dump bodies for construction and municipal use
- Bucket/boom trucks for electrical, telecommunications, and utility work
- Flatbed or stake‑bed configurations for freight and equipment transport
- Service bodies and utility vans converted to mobile repair platforms
- Emergency and rescue configurations including ambulances and command vehicles
These upfits emphasize the F‑550’s role as a flexible, commercial work platform designed to maximize uptime in demanding environments.
The F-600: what it is (or isn’t)
Because Ford does not publish a current production model named “F‑600,” references to an F‑600 are not part of Ford’s official lineup. In practice, the term most often appears in non‑official contexts and can lead to confusion.
Common interpretations you might encounter include:
- Not an official Ford production model in Ford’s North American lineup.
- An informal or shorthand listing for a different, heavier Ford truck (such as F‑650/750) or a regional badge that isn’t widely documented.
- A mislabeling or miscommunication in used‑vehicle listings or catalogs that obscures the actual model code or body configuration.
When you encounter a vehicle advertised as an “F‑600,” verify the exact model code, GVWR, and upfit details with the seller or dealer to ensure you’re looking at a legitimate, production‑level configuration.
How to compare if you’re shopping
Use clear criteria to evaluate F‑Series heavy‑duty trucks and avoid relying on a potentially confusing badge name.
- GVWR and payload: Confirm the gross vehicle weight rating and the maximum payload to ensure the truck can handle your equipment and duties.
- Engine and torque: Check the available gasoline and diesel options, along with horsepower and torque figures relevant to your workload.
- Drivetrain and upfit readiness: Ensure the chassis supports the requested upfit (dump, bucket, service body, etc.) and whether 4x4 is needed.
- Cab configuration and wheelbase: Match crew size, comfort, and body length requirements to the job site and access needs.
- Warranty and service coverage: Review upfit warranties and dealer or fleet support, especially for commercial use.
- Pricing and total cost of ownership: Consider purchase price, upfit costs, maintenance, and fuel economy over the vehicle’s life.
In short, when shopping, anchor your decision on official specifications (GVWR, engine, drivetrain) and the intended upfit, rather than the badge alone, which can be a source of confusion with non‑standard terms like “F‑600.”
Summary
The Ford F‑550 remains a current, solid option for heavy‑duty commercial upfits, offering strong payload and flexible configurations. There is no official Ford F‑600 model in today’s lineup, and references to it are typically mislabeling or misunderstanding. For shoppers, the key is to verify GVWR, payload, engine options, and upfit compatibility, rather than relying on a badge that does not correspond to a standard production model. This approach helps ensure you pick the right chassis for your work and avoid buyer confusion.
