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What is the load of the Ford f450?

The load, or payload, rating is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo the F-450 can carry in addition to its own weight. As of model years around 2023–2024, payload figures for the F-450 are typically in the broad range of about 7,000 to 8,000 pounds, though the exact number depends on configuration, including cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and options.

What payload means for the Ford F-450

Payload is the maximum weight that can be added to the vehicle beyond its curb weight. It is determined by the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) minus the curb weight of the specific configuration. Staying within payload helps ensure safe handling, braking, and overall performance when carrying people or cargo.

Typical payload range by configuration

Payload varies by configuration. In common builds used for work duties, the payload capacity generally falls within a broad range around several thousand pounds, commonly between about 7,000 and 8,000 pounds. The exact figure depends on the cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and equipment installed.

Key factors that influence payload

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the specific model and trim

Curb weight (the weight of the truck as built, without payload)

Cab and bed configuration (Regular Cab, SuperCab/SuperCrew, long or short bed)

Drivetrain and engine choice (gas vs diesel, 4x2 vs 4x4)

Options and aftermarket equipment (toolboxes, racks, specialized beds, etc.)

Tow packages and hitch equipment that add weight

These factors can shift payload by a few hundred to several thousand pounds depending on how the vehicle is equipped.

How to verify your F-450 payload

To determine the exact payload for your truck, you should check the official specifications for your exact configuration and verify it on your vehicle’s placard.

Before you consult the steps, keep in mind that the payload is not the same as the towing capacity or hitch weight. The payload pertains to cargo and passenger weight, while towing involves additional considerations such as hitch weight and GCWR.

Listed steps to determine payload:

Check the driver’s door placard for GVWR and the payload value, often listed as "Payload" or "Max Payload" in pounds.

Measure the curb weight (the vehicle weight with no passengers or cargo) if you have access to a scale or refer to the manufacturer’s spec sheet.

Compute payload by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR: Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight.

Remember to include all occupants and cargo when planning loads to stay within the stated payload and GCWR guidelines.

These steps give you a practical way to verify the payload for your specific F-450 and prevent overloading, which can affect braking, handling, and tire wear.

Other weight considerations

Beyond payload, weight interacts with towing capacity, hitch weight, and the vehicle’s GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). If you regularly tow heavy trailers, you must ensure the combined weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer does not exceed GCWR.

What to watch for

Important weight-related considerations when using the F-450 for towing or heavy cargo:

Hitch weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch; it affects steering and stability.

GCWR is the maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer when fully loaded.

Overloading payload or exceeding GCWR can overload axles, tires, and brakes, reducing safety and performance.

Consult your owner's manual or Ford's official specifications for exact numbers for your trim year, as payload and towing ratings vary by configuration and model year.

Summary

The Ford F-450 offers substantial payload capacity, typically in the range of about 7,000 to 8,000 pounds depending on configuration. The exact payload is determined by GVWR, curb weight, and equipment, and it’s important to verify the rating on the door placard and in the owner’s manual for your specific build. Always plan loads carefully, considering both payload and towing requirements to maintain safe, stable operation.

For the most precise guidance, refer to Ford’s official model-year specifications and your vehicle’s door placard, as numbers can vary by year and configuration.

How much weight can you put on a F-450?

The Ford F-450's weight capacity varies significantly between its chassis cab and Super Duty pickup versions, with maximum towing capacities ranging from around 24,200 to 40,000 pounds and maximum payload capacities from approximately 6,210 to 9,850 pounds, depending on the model, configuration, and engine. The F-450 pickup has a higher max towing capacity, while the chassis cab can support a higher max payload.
Ford F-450 Super Duty Pickup

Maximum Towing: Up to 40,000 pounds with the high-output 6.7L turbo diesel V8 engine.
Maximum Payload: Up to 6,457 pounds.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Up to 14,000 pounds.

Ford F-450 Chassis Cab

Maximum Towing: Up to 26,600 pounds with a gooseneck or 5th-wheel trailer.
Maximum Payload: Up to 9,850 pounds.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Up to 16,500 pounds.

Key differences

Pickup vs. Chassis Cab: The pickup version is built for high towing capacity, while the chassis cab is engineered to carry a heavier load in the bed and has a higher payload rating.
Diesel vs. Gas: The diesel engine provides higher towing and payload capacities compared to the gas engine options in the chassis cab configurations.
Configuration matters: The specific configuration, such as the cab type and drivetrain, will affect the exact weight capacity of any F-450.

How much weight can a F-450 carry in the bed?

6,457 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

What tonnage is a Ford F450?

A Ford F-450 is often called a "1-ton" truck, but it is officially classified as a Class 4 medium-duty truck. The "ton" is a historical and less precise way to classify trucks, while its official classification is based on its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The F-450 can haul up to 4 tons of payload and tow up to 20 tons depending on the configuration.

Official classification: Class 4 medium-duty truck.
"Ton" designation: Often referred to as a "1-ton" truck.
Payload capacity: Up to 4 tons, or 8,000 pounds, depending on the specific configuration.
Towing capacity: Up to 20 tons, or 40,000 pounds, when using a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.

What is the payload of the F-450 vs 350?

The F-350 typically has a higher maximum payload capacity than the F-450, which prioritizes towing over hauling. The F-350 can have a payload of up to 8,000 pounds, while the F-450's is lower, around 6,200 to 6,500 pounds. This is because the F-450 has heavier-duty components like larger axles, brakes, and a wider front track that increase its weight, thereby reducing its available payload, even though it has a higher towing capacity.

You can watch this video to learn about the differences in specs between the F-450 and F-350, including payload capacity: 56sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Nov 8, 2019

Feature	Ford F-350	Ford F-450
Max Payload Capacity	Up to 8,000 lbs	Around 6,210 to 6,457 lbs
Max Towing Capacity	Up to 32,900 lbs (gooseneck)	Up to 40,000 lbs (gooseneck)
Key Components	—	Heavier axles, larger brakes, wider front track, dual rear wheels
Primary Use	High payload capacity, versatile for hauling and towing	Higher towing capacity

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.