What is the maximum hitch weight for a Ford F350?
The Ford F-350 does not have a single universal “maximum hitch weight.” The limit depends on the truck’s year, cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, towing package, and the type of hitch you’re using. For conventional towing with a factory Class V receiver, you’ll typically see tongue-weight ratings in the low-to-mid thousands of pounds, while gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups carry higher ratings. Always check your specific vehicle’s manual and the hitch label for the exact number.
Understanding hitch weight on the F-350
Hitch weight, also called tongue weight, is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. It is a portion of the trailer’s overall weight and must be supported by the hitch receiver and the truck’s rear suspension. Getting this number right is essential for safe braking, steering, and stability while towing.
What is hitch weight?
Hitch weight represents how much of the trailer’s weight sits on the truck’s hitch. It is a percentage of the trailer’s total weight and must stay within both the hitch’s rating and the vehicle’s payload limit. Exceeding these limits can degrade handling and increase the risk of trailer instability.
Because hitch weight depends on the paired trailer, distribution, and tow setup, you should use the vehicle’s official ratings to determine safe limits for your configuration.
To determine your exact maximum hitch weight, follow these steps:
- Identify your exact F-350 year, model, cab/bed configuration, and whether you have Ford’s factory towing package or an aftermarket hitch.
- Check the hitch receiver itself for a Class rating (Class V receivers are common on F-350s) and look for a stamped rating on a label or plate.
- Consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s towing guide for the maximum tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) for your specific configuration.
- Read the door jamb sticker for GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and GAWR (gross axle weight rating) to understand how payload limits constrain hitch weight.
- Note that gooseneck and 5th-wheel towing have separate ratings from conventional ball-hitch towing; if you plan those setups, verify the dedicated ratings for those configurations.
- If in doubt, contact Ford Customer Service or your local dealer to confirm your exact numbers for your vehicle.
Verifying these details ensures you don’t overload the truck or hitch and helps maintain safe braking and handling under load.
General ranges by towing setup
Because exact numbers vary by year and equipment, here are typical ranges to use as rough guidance. Always confirm with official specs for your truck.
- Conventional towing with a factory Class V receiver (ball hitch): roughly 1,000–3,000 pounds of tongue weight (TW), depending on payload, axle ratings, and equipment.
- Gooseneck towing: higher limits than a standard ball hitch, commonly around 5,000–7,000 pounds of hitch/pin weight, depending on configuration.
- Fifth‑wheel towing: separate rating from gooseneck; the total trailer weight can be substantial (often in the 20,000–30,000+ pounds GTW range for capable builds), with pin weight typically several thousand pounds, but exact values depend on the trailer and truck setup.
Remember: these are rough ranges. The exact maximum hitch weight for your F-350 must be taken from your vehicle’s manual, the label on your hitch, and Ford’s official towing specifications for your model year and configuration.
Summary
The Ford F-350’s maximum hitch weight is not a single fixed figure. It varies by year, cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, and hitch type. For conventional towing with a factory Class V receiver, expect a practical range in the low-to-mid thousands of pounds for tongue weight, while gooseneck and fifth‑wheel setups carry higher ratings with separate specifications. Always verify the exact numbers on your owner’s manual, hitch label, and Ford’s official towing guide for your exact vehicle configuration.
What is the max hitch weight for a Ford F-350?
The F-350 hitch weight rating varies significantly based on the specific configuration, especially the engine and hitch type. For conventional hitches, it can be up to 27,00027 comma 00027,000 lbs, while fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch ratings can reach up to 32,90032 comma 90032,900 lbs (with the High Output engine) or even up to 40,00040 comma 00040,000 lbs (with the High Output Power Stroke turbo diesel engine), as shown on pages like this YouTube video and Marshall Ford's website. You must check the vehicle's specific Safety Compliance Certification Label for its exact ratings, as it depends on the truck's cab, drivetrain, and optional equipment.
Key factors that determine hitch weight rating
- Engine: Different engines have different capacities. For example, a gas engine has a lower rating than a high-output diesel engine.
- Hitch type: A fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch is designed for heavier loads and has a higher rating than a conventional hitch.
- Configuration: The truck's configuration (e.g., cab size, drivetrain, and single or dual rear wheels) affects the rating.
Example ratings
- Conventional hitch: Up to 27,00027 comma 00027,000 lbs
- Fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch:
- With High Output Power Stroke engine: Up to 32,90032 comma 90032,900 lbs
- With High Output Power Stroke turbo diesel engine: Up to 40,00040 comma 00040,000 lbs
How to find your truck's specific rating
- Locate the Safety Compliance Certification Label on your F-350. This is usually on the driver's side B-pillar doorjamb.
- Check the label for the specific Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and trailer weight limits that apply to your truck.
- Remember that tongue weight and kingpin weight are not the same as the total trailer weight and should also be considered in relation to the GVWR and GAWR.
What is the tongue weight capacity of the Ford f250?
The Ford F-250 tongue weight capacity varies by model year, engine, and hitch type, but typically ranges from 1,500 to over 2,700 pounds for a conventional hitch and can be higher for gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups. A good rule of thumb is that conventional trailer tongue weight is 10-15% of the total trailer weight, with gooseneck/fifth-wheel at 15%.
This video demonstrates how to connect a gooseneck trailer to a Ford F-250 and measure the tongue weight: 54sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Jun 7, 2025
Conventional hitch capacity
- A 2-inch receiver hitch can have a tongue weight capacity of up to 1,500-2,400 pounds.
- A 2.5-inch receiver hitch can have a tongue weight capacity of up to 2,700 pounds.
Gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity
- The F-250 has a factory-installed gooseneck or fifth-wheel subframe compatible with hitch kits.
- The tongue weight for gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers is typically higher, with a 2024 F-250 model having a max fifth-wheel/gooseneck capacity of 17,200 pounds (with the 7.3L V8 engine).
Important considerations
- Check your specific vehicle: Always consult your vehicle's user manual or the safety compliance certification label on the driver's side doorjamb for the exact capacity of your truck.
- Tongue weight percentage: A good rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight for a conventional hitch, and 15% for a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.
- Payload capacity: The tongue weight must not cause the truck's total weight to exceed the rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
- Weight distribution: Ensure the weight distribution system is set up correctly to maintain proper vehicle handling and safety.
What is the towing capacity of a Ford F-350 6.7 diesel?
The towing capacity of a Ford F-350 with the 6.7L diesel engine varies, but can reach up to 32,900 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer when configured with a regular cab, 4x2 drivetrain, and the high-output version of the engine. Standard 6.7L diesel models have a maximum towing capacity of up to 32,600 pounds, while conventional towing caps out around 27,000 pounds.
Maximum towing capacities by configuration
- Gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer: Up to 32,900 lbs (with high-output 6.7L diesel, regular cab, 4x2)
- Conventional trailer: Up to 27,000 lbs
Key factors that influence towing capacity
- Engine: The high-output 6.7L Power Stroke is required for the highest capacities.
- Cab and Drivetrain: Configuration like 4x2 vs. 4x4 and the cab style (regular, super, or crew) affect the final rating.
- Hitch type: Gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches provide significantly higher capacities than conventional hitches.
- Axle ratio and dual rear wheels: These components can also increase a truck's towing limits, especially with the dual rear wheel (DRW) option.
How do I know my hitch weight limit?
To determine hitch weight capacity, check the labels on all components (hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball) and use the lowest number found as your system's rating. For a rough estimate, you can also multiply your vehicle's Gross Towing Weight Rating (GTWR) by 0.100.100.10 to find the estimated tongue weight capacity.
Method 1: Check individual components
This video explains how to find the ratings on a trailer: 1mOntarioCampingYouTube · Mar 6, 2022
- Hitch Receiver/Body: Look for a sticker or stamp on the hitch itself, typically on the body under the vehicle, for the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight capacity.
- Ball Mount: Check the shaft that inserts into the receiver or the mounting plate for a weight rating.
- Hitch Ball: The rating is usually stamped on the top of the ball or at the base of the shank.
- Determine the system rating: Take the lowest capacity number among all the components you've checked. This is your maximum hitch system rating and the highest weight you should tow.
Method 2: Calculate using vehicle's Gross Towing Weight Rating (GTWR)
- Find your GTWR: This is the maximum combined weight of your vehicle and trailer. Look for this in your owner's manual or on the vehicle's sticker inside the driver's door.
- Calculate the estimated tongue weight capacity: Multiply your vehicle's GTWR by 0.100.100.10. This is a common estimate for tongue weight (hitch weight).
- Example: For a vehicle with a 5,0005 comma 0005,000 lb GTWR, the estimated tongue weight capacity is 500500500 lbs (5,000×0.105 comma 000 cross 0.105,000×0.10).
- Note: This is an estimate. The specific component ratings will provide the precise, legal limits.
Important considerations
- Payload is often the limiting factor: Even if your hitch and vehicle can tow a certain weight, ensure your vehicle's payload capacity can handle the tongue weight of the trailer plus all passengers and cargo.
- Altitude affects capacity: For every 1,000 feet of elevation, your vehicle can lose up to 2% of its towing capacity. If you'll be driving at high altitudes, account for this loss.
- Consult your owner's manual: The manual contains the most accurate information specific to your vehicle. It will provide the manufacturer's official weight ratings.
