What is the weight rating of the front axle of a Ford F350?
The weight rating of the Ford F-350’s front axle is not a single universal number. It varies by year, engine, drivetrain, and axle configuration. To know the exact value for a specific truck, check the door placard or the official build/spec sheet for that vehicle. In broad terms, most modern F-350s list a front GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) around five thousand pounds, but exact figures depend on the exact model.
This article explains how the front axle weight rating is defined for the F-350, where to find the precise figure for a given vehicle, and what typical ranges look like across common configurations. It also covers how to read and verify the rating on your truck and what to do if you’re planning heavy loads.
What GAWR means for the F-350
GAWR stands for Gross Axle Weight Rating. The front GAWR is the maximum weighted load that the front axle and its suspension components are engineered to carry safely, including the weight of the vehicle’s front end, passengers, cargo, and any attachments. This rating is stamped on a placard located in the driver's door jamb and is specified in Ford’s official documentation for each vehicle configuration. Because Ford offers multiple front-axle and drive configurations across years, there isn’t a single fixed number for the entire F-350 lineup.
Finding the exact GAWR for your F-350
To determine the precise front axle rating for a specific Ford F-350, use the following steps. The information is typically identical across similar builds, but VIN-specific specifications ensure accuracy for your truck.
The steps below help you locate the official GAWR for the front axle:
- Check the driver's door jamb placard: It lists the GAWR for the front and rear axles, along with other important vehicle weights.
- Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the Build/Window sticker: These documents reproduce the GAWR values that Ford assigned to that configuration.
- Use the VIN to pull up the Ford Build Sheet or the Ford Owner Portal: VIN-specific specs will show the exact GAWR front for your truck.
- Ask a Ford dealer or service center: Provide the VIN and they can retrieve the exact GAWR front from official Ford databases or service literature.
Understanding where to find the GAWR ensures you have the precise figure for loading, towing, and safety planning. Using a value other than the correct GAWR can affect handling, warranty coverage, and compliance with safety regulations.
Typical ranges by common configurations
Because the GAWR front can shift with different engines, trims, and packages, most ranges are approximate. The numbers below reflect common, recent F-350 SRW/DRW configurations and are intended as a guide; always verify the exact figure for your vehicle.
- SRW (single rear wheel) with typical gas engine: roughly 4,800–5,700 pounds front GAWR
- SRW with Power Stroke diesel or other heavy-duty options: roughly 5,000–5,800 pounds front GAWR
- DRW (dual rear wheel) variants: front GAWR generally in the same ballpark as SRW, often around 5,000–6,000 pounds depending on the specific package
Keep in mind that heavy-duty packages, off-road suspensions, or plow/tow packages can shift the front-axle rating slightly. Always confirm the exact GAWR front for your exact build via the door placard or VIN-based spec sheet.
What to do when planning heavy loads
When planning towing, payload, or heavy-duty use, rely on the front GAWR as the safety limit for the front axle. Exceeding GAWR can compromise steering, braking, and structural integrity, and may void warranties or violate safety regulations. If your loading scenario approaches or exceeds the stated GAWR, you may need to redistribute weight, upgrade components, or consult Ford for guidance.
Key takeaways
The front axle weight rating on a Ford F-350 is configuration-specific and must be read from the exact vehicle’s placard or VIN-based spec sheet. For most recent models, the front GAWR is around five thousand pounds, but exact figures vary by year, engine, drivetrain, and options. Always verify with the door sticker or official Ford documentation for your truck.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a single universal “F-350 front axle weight rating.” The correct GAWR Front depends on your truck’s year, engine, drive configuration, and optional equipment. To get an accurate figure, check the driver’s door placard, consult the owner’s manual or VIN-based build sheet, or ask a Ford dealer. For everyday planning, anticipate a front GAWR in the roughly 4,800–6,000 pound range across common configurations, but confirm your exact number before heavy loading or towing.
What is the payload of the F-350 vs 450?
The F-350 typically has a higher maximum payload capacity than the F-450, which prioritizes towing over hauling. The F-350 can have a payload of up to 8,000 pounds, while the F-450's is lower, around 6,200 to 6,500 pounds. This is because the F-450 has heavier-duty components like larger axles, brakes, and a wider front track that increase its weight, thereby reducing its available payload, even though it has a higher towing capacity.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in specs between the F-450 and F-350, including payload capacity: 56sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Nov 8, 2019
| Feature | Ford F-350 | Ford F-450 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Payload Capacity | Up to 8,000 lbs | Around 6,210 to 6,457 lbs |
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 32,900 lbs (gooseneck) | Up to 40,000 lbs (gooseneck) |
| Key Components | — | Heavier axles, larger brakes, wider front track, dual rear wheels |
| Primary Use | High payload capacity, versatile for hauling and towing | Higher towing capacity |
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This video explains the key differences between the Ford F-350 and F-450, including their payload capacities: 58sJB ReviewsYouTube · Oct 12, 2024
What year F-350 to stay away from?
You should generally stay away from 1998–2004 Ford F-350 models due to handling issues from leaf-spring front suspension and a history of engine, transmission, and rust problems. Other years to be cautious of include those with specific problematic engines, such as the 6.0L and 6.4L Powerstroke diesel engines, found in models like the 2003-2007 and 2008-2010 years, respectively. The 2011-2014 6.7L Powerstroke models also had notable issues with their turbochargers and high-pressure fuel pumps, as described by this YouTube video and Sinister Diesel.
Years to avoid
- 1998–2004: These models have a rougher ride due to a leaf-spring front suspension and are known for engine, transmission, and rust issues.
- 2003–2007 (6.0L Powerstroke): This engine is known for numerous problems, especially head gasket issues, unless it has been thoroughly upgraded, according to Facebook users.
- 2008–2010 (6.4L Powerstroke): This engine is often cited by owners as being unreliable, says Facebook users.
- 2011–2014 (6.7L Powerstroke): These years had early versions of the 6.7L with problematic dual-compressor turbos and a high-pressure CP4 fuel pump that is prone to failure, notes this YouTube video and Sinister Diesel.
Years to consider
- 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010: These years were less problematic than the years listed above.
- 2015–2016: These models feature the improved 6.7L Powerstroke with steel bearings in the turbo, which are more reliable.
- 2017–2022 and 2023–Present: These later models are generally considered more reliable overall.
How much weight is allowed on a front axle?
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight 80,000 lbs. * Federal Maximum Single Axle weight 20,000 lbs.
What is the weight rating of the Ford f350?
The Ford F-350's weight capacity varies significantly depending on the model year, engine, and configuration, but it can tow up to approximately 40,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of up to about 8,000 pounds. These maximum figures are achieved with specific configurations, and the actual capacity for any given truck will be lower and depends on its specific Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), curb weight, and other factors.
Towing capacity
- Maximum gooseneck: Up to around 40,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch on certain models.
- Maximum conventional: Up to about 27,000 pounds for conventional towing on some models.
- Varies by configuration: The specific towing capacity is reduced by factors like engine choice, cab style, and added equipment.
Payload capacity
- Maximum payload: The payload limit can reach up to about 8,000 pounds.
- Varies by configuration: Payload capacity is also affected by the truck's specific options, such as the engine and whether it is a single-rear-wheel (SRW) or dual-rear-wheel (DRW) model.
How to determine your truck's capacity
- To find the exact towing and payload capacity for your specific F-350, you must calculate it based on its specific configuration.
- Use the following formula to estimate the maximum trailer weight: GCWR - Curb Weight - Passenger Weight - Cargo Weight - Truck Body Additions ≥ Maximum Trailer Weight.
- Always consult the owner's manual and the official Ford towing guide for your specific model year for the most accurate information.
