What is the payload of a Ford f350 Super Duty?
The payload capacity of a Ford F-350 Super Duty is not a fixed number; it depends on how the truck is built. In general, most configurations fall in roughly 3,500 to 7,000 pounds of payload, with exact figures shown on the vehicle’s door sticker or build sheet.
The payload is the weight you can carry inside the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and fixed equipment, without exceeding the vehicle’s GVWR. Because Ford offers many combinations of cabs, beds, engines, and wheel configurations for the F-350, the payload varies widely from one truck to another.
What determines payload on the F-350
Payload is the maximum weight you can carry in or on the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and fixed equipment, while staying within the GVWR. Because Ford offers many combinations of cabs, beds, engines, and wheel configurations for the F-350, the payload varies widely from one truck to another.
Several factors influence the payload of a specific F-350. The following are the main contributors:
- Cab configuration and bed length (e.g., Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab; shorter or longer beds affect curb weight).
- Drivetrain and engine choice (gasoline vs diesel, two-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive).
- Rear-wheel configuration (single rear wheel SRW vs dual rear wheel DRW).
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) selected for the build by Ford, which sets the upper limit for loaded weight.
- Optional equipment and added accessories that increase curb weight (winches, plows, tool boxes, heavy-duty suspension).
- Occupant load and cargo you place inside the cab or on the bed.
Because of these variables, you should verify the exact payload for a given build using the door jamb placard, the vehicle's tire and wheel setup, or the official build sheet. The placard lists GVWR, curb weight, and the resulting payload rating for that specific truck.
How to determine your exact payload
Use a simple calculation and official specifications to confirm the payload for your Ford F-350. The steps below apply to most model years and configurations.
- Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on the driver-side door placard or in the owner's manual. This is the maximum allowed combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and any fixed equipment.
- Find the curb weight (unloaded weight) of your exact truck. This can be on the placard, in the window sticker, or a dealer/build sheet; if not available, a scale weighing at a truck stop or body shop will give an accurate figure.
- Compute payload capacity: Payload = GVWR − curb weight. This is the maximum weight you can carry in cargo, passengers, and fixed equipment while staying within the GVWR.
- If you plan to carry passengers, account for their weight. Subtract the total estimated passenger weight from the payload to determine how much cargo capacity remains for that trip. For example, a typical adult might weigh about 170–200 pounds; multiply by the number of occupants to adjust.
- For precise, VIN-specific data or options, consult Ford’s Build & Price tool or the dealer’s build sheet. Remember to consider hitch weight and towing requirements separately using GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) and tongue weight guidelines.
The calculation above yields the payload rating that the specific F-350 configuration can carry. It is important to confirm this with the exact build data, as modifications and options can shift the numbers.
Notes on payload and towing safety
Payload and towing are related but separate considerations. Payload covers passengers and cargo inside the vehicle, while towing involves the trailer's weight and the vehicle’s towing capacity, including hitch weight. Always adhere to the GVWR and GCWR limits and consult the owner's manual for safety guidance. If in doubt, weigh the vehicle with a full payload to verify you are within the rated limits.
Summary
The F-350 Super Duty does not have a single payload number; its capacity depends on configuration. Typical payload ranges broadly from a few thousand pounds to above 7,000 pounds, but the exact figure must be taken from the door sticker or build sheet. By understanding that payload equals GVWR minus curb weight and using the steps above, you can determine the precise capacity of any given F-350 you are considering or already own.
