What is the payload of the Ford F-350 diesel?
The payload capacity of the Ford F-350 diesel varies with configuration; most common setups sit in roughly the 3,500–5,000 pound range, while select single-rear-wheel high-GVWR configurations can approach 6,000–7,000 pounds. Exact numbers depend on cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and equipment.
In this article, we examine what payload means, how it’s determined, and how you can determine the exact payload for a specific Ford F-350 diesel configuration.
Payload: what it is and how Ford determines it
Payload is the total weight you can carry in the truck, including passengers and cargo. It is separate from towing capacity, which is how much weight the vehicle can pull behind it. For the F-350, payload is primarily limited by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the vehicle’s curb weight for the exact configuration.
Several factors determine the actual payload you can use in daily driving or for hauling work.
- GVWR: The maximum combined weight the vehicle is rated to carry, printed on the door placard and window sticker.
- Curb weight: The weight of the vehicle as built, with fluids but no passengers or cargo.
- Cab and bed configuration: Regular Cab, Super Cab, Crew Cab; bed length and whether the truck has a long or short box affect weight and capacity.
- Drivetrain and axle setup: 4x2 vs 4x4, single rear wheel vs dual rear wheel (dually) variants influence payload.
- Equipment and options: Towing packages, off-road upgrades, and additional equipment can alter curb weight and sometimes GVWR.
- Aftermarket additions: Snow plows, winches, or heavy bed-mounted gear can reduce usable payload.
In practice, the exact payload depends on the specific build. The simplest way to know your truck’s payload is to compare GVWR and curb weight for that exact configuration. Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to get the payload, which represents the maximum weight you can add in occupants and cargo while remaining within the rating.
How to find the exact payload for your F-350 diesel
To determine the exact payload for a particular Ford F-350 diesel configuration, rely on the vehicle's official figures and the door sticker.
- Consult the door placard or the manufacturer’s window sticker for the GVWR and curb weight values. The GVWR is the maximum allowed weight, and it is usually listed in pounds (lb).
- If you’re online, check Ford’s official specs for your model year and body style, or use the Ford Build & Price tool to see the payload figure for that configuration.
- Compute payload by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR: Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight.
- Account for actual load: include all occupants and gear to ensure you still stay under the payload limit when the truck is in service.
- For used trucks, request the original window sticker or data plate from the seller to confirm the GVWR and curb weight for that specific vehicle.
By following these steps, you’ll get an exact payload figure for your specific F-350 diesel. Remember that payload is not the same as towing capacity; if you plan to haul plus tow, you’ll need to consider both figures and ensure weight distributions comply with Ford's guidelines and local regulations.
Summary
The Ford F-350 diesel’s payload capacity is configuration-dependent, typically ranging from a few thousand pounds to potentially higher values in certain setups. The most reliable way to know the payload is to reference the GVWR and curb weight for your exact build and perform the simple calculation: payload = GVWR minus curb weight. Always verify with the door sticker or Ford’s official resources to ensure accurate, up-to-date figures for your truck.
