What is the towing capacity of a 250?
There isn’t a single number for "a 250." The designation typically points to a family of heavy‑duty pickups (such as Ford F-250, Ram 2500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, and GMC Sierra 2500HD), and towing capacity varies by year, engine, axle ratio, cab/bed configuration, and optional tow equipment. This article explains how to read towing ratings and gives typical ranges for popular 250-series models.
Why a simple “250” isn’t enough information
Vehicle towing ratings are not universal. The same model line can have different max tow figures based on:
• Engine and transmission choices
• Axle ratio and gearing
• Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4WD)
• Tow package and options such as upgraded suspensions or brakes
• Hitch type (bumper-tow versus gooseneck/fifth-wheel)
How towing capacity is determined
Automakers publish multiple towing figures, including conventional towing and gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings. Always read the specific numbers on the vehicle’s placard (door jamb) and in the owner's manual or the exact build sheet for your truck year and configuration.
Key factors that affect the rating
The main elements that shape a 250-series truck’s towing capability include engine output, torque delivery, transmission gearing, axle ratio, brake and suspension capability, and the presence of a factory tow package with upgraded cooling and towing hardware.
Below is a snapshot of typical ranges for popular 250-series pickups. Note that these are approximate, model-year dependent, and assume proper equipment and hitching. Always verify with the manufacturer’s specifications for your exact truck.
Towing capacity by popular 250-series trucks
The following ranges reflect recent model years and common configurations. Exact figures vary by year, engine, and options; confirm with the door sticker or the official spec sheets for your exact vehicle.
- Ford F-250 Super Duty — Conventional towing generally ranges from roughly 12,000 to 20,000+ pounds, with the diesel engines pushing toward the upper end. Gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing can exceed 30,000 pounds for many configurations with the right hitch and suspension upgrades.
- Ram 2500 — Conventional towing typically around 12,000 to 19,000 pounds, with diesel variants leaning toward the higher end. For gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups, ratings can climb past 30,000 pounds depending on the exact build.
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD — Conventional towing commonly in the mid-teens to upper teens of thousands of pounds; diesel versions tune toward the higher end. With gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers, ratings often exceed 30,000 pounds for suitable configurations.
- GMC Sierra 2500HD — Very similar to its Silverado sibling, with conventional towing roughly in the same range and gooseneck/fifth-wheel capabilities that can exceed 30,000 pounds in well‑equipped builds.
In short, “250” covers a family of heavy‑duty trucks with a wide spread in towing capacity. Your exact number depends on the details listed above.
How to verify your exact capacity
Use these steps to confirm the precise towing limit for your vehicle:
- Check the driver’s door placard for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and max tow figure if provided.
- Consult the owner’s manual and the original window sticker or build sheet for your exact configuration (engine, axle ratio, cab/bed, tow package).
- Look up the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and retrieve the OEM specifications from the manufacturer’s site or a trusted database.
- Account for hitch type and trailer type (bumper tow vs. gooseneck/fifth-wheel); many ratings are trailer-specific.
- Remember that actual safe towing also depends on payload capacity, payload distribution, and proper braking/lighting on the trailer.
By following these steps, you’ll determine the true maximum you can tow with your specific 250‑series truck, rather than relying on a generic label.
Summary
A single number for “a 250” doesn’t exist because towing capacity depends on the exact model, year, engine, gearing, and equipment. For common 250-series pickups, conventional tow ratings typically fall in the low to mid‑teens of thousands of pounds, with upper ranges near 20,000 pounds or more for diesel configurations. Gooseneck or fifth‑wheel towing can push capacities well beyond 30,000 pounds in properly equipped builds. Always verify your specific vehicle’s rating on the door placard and in the official documentation, and consider professional guidance when planning to tow heavy or hazardous loads.
If you specify the exact make, model, and year you have in mind (for example, Ford F-250 2023 with crew cab and 3.73 gears, or Ram 2500 2022 with diesel), I can give you a more precise figure tailored to that configuration.
What is the towing capacity of the Ford f250 with the 7.3 gas engine?
The towing capacity for a Ford F-250 with the 7.3L gas engine is up to 17,200 pounds for maximum conventional towing and 17,200 pounds for gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing, depending on the model year and configuration. However, these figures can vary by model year, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), axle ratio, and other options. For the 2025 model year, the maximum conventional towing capacity for the 7.3L engine is 18,200 lbs and the gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity is 19,500 lbs.
You can watch this video to see the Ford F-250 7.3L gas engine towing a trailer: 59sGetty's GarageYouTube · May 21, 2023
Conventional towing
- 2024 Model: Up to 17,200 pounds (2WD/4WD)
- 2025 Model: Up to 18,200 pounds
Gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing
- 2024 Model: Up to 17,200 pounds
- 2025 Model: Up to 19,500 pounds
Important considerations
- Model Year: Towing capacities can differ between model years.
- Drivetrain: 2WD and 4WD configurations will have different maximum capacities.
- Other options: Be sure to check your specific truck's configuration, as features like axle ratio and optional packages can affect the final towing number.
How much weight can a 250 pull?
The towing capacity of a Ford F-250 varies by engine, with the maximum capacity reaching up to 23,000 pounds when equipped with the high-output 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 and a fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch. For a conventional hitch, the maximum capacity is up to 22,000 pounds with the diesel engine, while the gas V8 engines have maximum conventional towing capacities of up to 17,300 pounds for the 6.8L or 18,200 pounds for the 7.3L, depending on the model year.
Here is a breakdown of the towing capacities for different F-250 configurations:
| Engine | Maximum Conventional Towing | Maximum 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 6.8L V8 Gas | Up to 17,300 pounds | Up to 17,300 pounds |
| 7.3L V8 Gas | Up to 18,200 pounds | Up to 19,500 pounds |
| 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | Up to 22,000 pounds | Up to 22,900 pounds |
| High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | Up to 22,000 pounds | Up to 23,000 pounds |
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Note: These figures are for the most recent model years and can vary slightly by specific configuration (e.g., cab, bed length, drivetrain) and model year. Always check the specific vehicle's documentation for the most accurate towing information.
How big of a camper can a F-250 pull?
This turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, providing maximum hauling capability. Maximum conventional towing capacity reaches 20,000 pounds, while fifth-wheel towing capability extends to 24,200 pounds.
How much can 2025 F-250 tow?
The 2025 Ford F-250 towing capacity varies by engine, but with the available 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel engine, it can tow up to 22,300 pounds conventionally and 23,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel/gooseneck setup. Other engines also provide significant capability, with the standard 6.7L Power Stroke diesel reaching up to 22,000 pounds (conventional) and 22,900 pounds (fifth-wheel). The 6.8L V8 gas engine can tow up to 17,300 pounds.
Towing capacity by engine
- 6.7L High Output Power Stroke Diesel:
- Max conventional: 22,300 lbs
- Max fifth-wheel/gooseneck: 23,000 lbs
- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel:
- Max conventional: 22,000 lbs
- Max fifth-wheel/gooseneck: 22,900 lbs
- 6.8L V8 Gas:
- Max conventional: 17,300 lbs
- Max fifth-wheel/gooseneck: 17,300 lbs
Important considerations
- Maximums depend on configuration: The specific towing capability of your truck depends on its configuration, including the cab size, axle ratio, and any added options or packages.
- High-capacity axle upgrade: Some maximums, particularly those for the diesel engines, require the High-Capacity Axle Upgrade package.
- Always check your vehicle's label: It is crucial to check the specific weight limits (GVWR and GAWR) on your vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label and the Ford towing guide for your exact configuration.
