What is the towing capacity of the 6.7 Super Duty?
The towing capacity of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke-powered Ford Super Duty does not have a single universal figure. It varies by model year and configuration, with conventional towing generally in the lower to mid-tens of thousands of pounds and gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups capable of well into the 30,000s pounds with the right equipment. Always verify the exact rating on your specific truck’s window sticker or official Ford specs.
How towing capacity is determined
In the Super Duty lineup, towing capacity is determined by a combination of the drivetrain, axle ratios, cab/bed configuration, suspension, and whether the truck is equipped with a dedicated towing package. The rating is separate from payload and gross vehicle weight, and it reflects the maximum trailer weight the vehicle can safely tow under test conditions with the stated hitch type.
Key factors that influence capacity
- Year and generation of the 6.7L Power Stroke engine
- Drivetrain configuration (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive)
- Axle ratio and suspension hardware
- Cab and bed configuration (which affects weight distribution and stability)
- Towing package and hitch type (ball hitch vs. gooseneck/fifth-wheel)
- Provisions for gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing, which typically increase the upper limit
- Additional equipment or aftermarket modifications that can influence handling and safety margins
In summary, the maximum you can tow with a given 6.7L Super Duty depends on how the truck is equipped and configured for towing, not just the engine alone.
Typical towing ratings by configuration
Below is a general sense of how ratings break down for 6.7L Power Stroke-equipped Super Duties. Actual figures vary by year, trim, and equipment, so consult your build sheet for precise numbers.
- Conventional towing with a ball hitch (typical hitch configurations): generally in the range of roughly 20,000 to 24,000 pounds, depending on axle ratio and towing package.
- Gooseneck towing (heavy-duty configurations designed for fifth-wheel/hookups): higher limits, commonly cited in the mid- to upper-20s thousands and potentially reaching into the low-to-mid 30,000s depending on the year and gear options.
- Fifth-wheel towing (paired with appropriate hitch and package): commonly among the highest ratings, with typical values stretching into the mid-30,000s pounds for modern setups.
- Maximum ratings with specialized packages (heavy-duty Tow Package, higher rear-axle ratios, and advanced stabilization): can approach the upper end of the 30,000s to about 37,000 pounds in some configurations, particularly for gooseneck/fifth-wheel where approved.
Again, these ranges are illustrative. Your exact rating will be printed on the owner’s manual and the vehicle’s window sticker, or available on Ford’s official spec sheets for your model year and configuration.
How to verify for your truck
To determine the precise towing capacity for your 6.7 Super Duty, check the following sources:
- Your truck’s door jamb placard (GVWR, GCWR, axle ratio, and towing capacity require the exact configuration).
- The official Ford Build & Price or Ford.com spec pages for your model year and trim.
- The owner’s manual under the Towing section for how Ford defines the rating and safe towing practices.
- Your dealership or Ford customer support if you’re considering aftermarket modifications or alternative hitch configurations.
Understanding these numbers helps ensure safe towing, optimal performance, and compliance with safety guidelines.
Model-year snapshots and considerations
Across model years, Ford has refined how the 6.7L Power Stroke interacts with the chassis and towing packages. Modern configurations tend to offer higher gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacities when the truck is equipped with appropriate gear and drivetrain options. For anyone planning to tow heavy trailers, it is crucial to know not only the engine but also the axle ratio, suspension package, and hitch setup, since these determine the practical limit you’ll observe on the road.
What to consider if you’re planning to tow
- Match your trailer type and weight to the truck’s rated capacity, including a buffer for safety and incline driving.
- Choose the correct axle ratio and towing package as specified for the intended tow load.
- Ensure proper weight distribution and hitch setup (ball vs. gooseneck/fifth-wheel) and verify the corresponding rating.
- Factor in payload: a higher payload reduces the available towing allowance if you carry passengers or cargo.
With the right configuration and adherence to Ford’s published ratings, the 6.7 Super Duty can tow substantial loads while maintaining stability and reliability.
Summary
The 6.7 Super Duty’s tow rating is not a single fixed number. It depends on year, configuration, and hitch type, with conventional towing generally lower than gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups. For precise figures, consult the exact window sticker, the owner’s manual, or Ford’s official specification pages for your truck’s year and trim. When planning heavy towing, you should also consider payload and GCWR to ensure a safe overall load margin.
What is the weakness of the 6.7 Power Stroke?
Downwind of the turbo on a 6.7L Power Stroke, the cold-side intercooler pipe—which routes boost from the engine's air-to-water intercooler toward the heads—is well-known for failing. The factory piece is infamous for becoming brittle over time, often cracks under boost, and some of them even explode.
What's the difference between 6.7 and 6.7 high output?
The main differences are the high-output (HO) version's tuning and hardware, which results in higher horsepower and torque, and a more capable water-cooled turbo and stainless steel exhaust manifold. The HO engine produces more power, making it better for heavy towing and hauling, while the standard output (SO) is more suitable for everyday driving.
| Feature | 6.7L High Output | 6.7L Standard Output |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 440 hp (in a 2020 model) |
| Torque | 1,200 lb-ft | 1,050 lb-ft (in a 2020 model) |
| Turbocharger | Water-cooled housing on both sides for better cooling | Standard turbo with coolant lines on the exhaust side |
| Exhaust Manifold | Stainless steel | Cast iron |
| Tuning | More aggressive tuning with increased boost and fuel delivery | Standard tuning |
| Transmission | Different part number, optimized for higher power | Standard transmission |
| Best For | Heavy-duty towing, commercial use, and performance-oriented drivers | Daily driving, moderate towing, and users who don't regularly tow very heavy loads |
| Cost | Higher initial purchase price | Lower cost |
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What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
What is the towing capacity of a Ford F250 6.7 diesel?
The towing capacity for a Ford F-250 with the 6.7L diesel engine depends on the configuration, ranging from up to 20,000 pounds for conventional towing to up to 22,800 or 23,000 pounds for fifth-wheel or gooseneck setups. For example, a 2025 F-250 with a 6.7L diesel and a fifth-wheel hitch can tow up to 24,200 pounds.
Conventional towing
- Maximum capacity: Up to 20,000 pounds
Fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing
- Maximum capacity: Up to 22,800 to 23,000 pounds or more, depending on the model year and hitch setup. For instance, a 2025 model can reach up to 24,200 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch.
Factors affecting towing capacity
- Engine: The 6.7L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel is a major factor in achieving these high towing numbers.
- Drivetrain: Some higher capacities may require a 4x4 drivetrain.
- Hitch type: The type of hitch used (conventional vs. fifth-wheel/gooseneck) significantly changes the maximum capacity.
