Ford F-350 Towing Capacity: Heavy-Duty Towing at Its Finest

Wondering about the f350 towing capacity? This guide provides ten key strategies to harness its towing power, from engine options to safety features. Ideal for hauling heavy trailers, equipment, or RVs, these tips ensure F-350 drivers tow confidently and safely on any job or adventure.

Safety Warning: Towing is hazardous. Secure trailers properly, verify weights, and use safety chains to prevent accidents or vehicle damage.

1. Base Towing Capacity

The 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty offers a base towing capacity of 13,700 pounds with its 6.8L V8 gas engine in a single-rear-wheel (SRW) configuration. This suits moderate towing tasks like utility trailers or small RVs, perfect for work or weekend projects.

Base towing is robust. Here’s what it covers.

• 13,700-pound limit. Tows utility trailers or small RVs, costing $0-$300 to hitch.

• 6.8L V8 engine. 405 horsepower, standard on XL and XLT trims, costing $0.

• Tongue weight. Supports up to 1,370 pounds, ensuring balance, costing $0 to verify.

• Practical use. Hauls 6×12-foot trailers for jobs, saving $200-$500 on rentals.

2. Maximum Towing Capacity

The f350 towing capacity peaks at 40,000 pounds with the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke V8 diesel in a dual-rear-wheel (DRW) Regular Cab 4×2 with a gooseneck hitch. This makes it a leader for heavy-duty towing needs.

Max capacity is exceptional. Here’s how to achieve it.

• 40,000-pound capability. Tows large RVs or equipment, saving $500-$2,000 on rentals.

• High-Output diesel. 500 horsepower, 1,200 lb-ft torque, costing $8,000-$12,000.

• Gooseneck hitch. Enhances stability for heavy loads, costing $300-$1,000.

• DRW 4×2 setup. Maximizes towing with added stability, included in select trims.

3. Towing Package Features

The F-350’s towing packages include a Class V hitch, trailer brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Optional features like the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package boost capacity and safety for heavy loads.

Packages enhance performance. Here’s what’s included.

• Class V hitch. Supports up to 40,000 pounds, costing $300-$1,000 to install.

• Trailer brake controller. Syncs trailer brakes, standard on XLT and above.

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Simplifies reversing, optional, costing $0-$700.

• Seven-pin connector. Powers trailer lights, costing $0-$50 to add.

4. Engine Options Impact

The F-350 offers four engines: 6.8L V8 gas (405 horsepower), 7.3L V8 gas (430 horsepower), 6.7L Power Stroke diesel (475 horsepower), and 6.7L High-Output diesel (500 horsepower). The High-Output diesel maximizes towing power.

Engines drive towing. Here’s their role.

• 6.8L V8 gas. Tows 13,700-18,100 pounds, standard on lower trims, costing $0.

• 7.3L V8 gas. Tows up to 22,400 pounds, costing $2,000-$4,000.

• 6.7L diesel. Tows up to 23,800 pounds, costing $6,000-$10,000.

• High-Output diesel. Tows 40,000 pounds, accelerating to 60 MPH in 7 seconds.

5. Trim and Configuration Variations

The F-350’s trims—XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited—offer towing capacities from 13,700 to 40,000 pounds. DRW Regular Cab 4×2 achieves the maximum, while Crew Cab prioritizes passenger space.

Trims affect capability. Here’s how they differ.

• XL Regular Cab 4×2. Tows 40,000 pounds with diesel, costing $0-$1,000 for hitch.

• Lariat Crew Cab. Tows 17,600-27,600 pounds, costing $5,000-$10,000 over XL.

• DRW vs. SRW. DRW adds 5,000-10,000 pounds capacity, costing $2,000-$4,000.

• Verify setup. Check trim and drivetrain via VIN, costing $0, to confirm capacity.

6. Payload and Towing Balance

The F-350’s payload capacity, up to 8,000 pounds with the 6.8L V8 DRW, complements its towing ability. Balancing payload and towing weight is critical to stay within the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Balance ensures safety. Here’s how to manage it.

• 8,000-pound payload. Carries 200 40-pound bags in bed, costing $0.

• Towing reduces payload. A 30,000-pound trailer lowers bed capacity, requiring checks.

• GCWR limits. Ranges from 20,000-46,000 pounds, avoiding $2,000-$5,000 in damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($0-$20) at truck stops to stay within limits.

7. Compatible Trailer Types

The f350 towing capacity supports a wide range of trailers, from utility models to large fifth-wheel RVs. Choosing the right trailer ensures safe and efficient towing for work or recreation.

Choose trailers wisely. Here’s what fits.

• Utility trailers. 5,000-10,000-pound loads, hitching in 15-30 minutes, costing $0-$300.

• Fifth-wheel RVs. 20,000-32,900-pound trailers, costing $10,000-$50,000 to buy.

• Heavy equipment. 40,000-pound loads with DRW diesel, costing $300-$1,000 for hitch.

• Check weights. Verify trailer weight to avoid $1,000-$5,000 in vehicle damage.

8. Towing Safety Features

The F-350 includes Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and BLIS with trailer coverage. These technologies enhance safety and ease, especially for heavy loads or novice towers.

Safety improves control. Here’s what’s offered.

• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. Aligns hitch automatically, optional, costing $0-$700.

• Trailer Sway Control. Brakes to stabilize trailers, standard on all trims.

• BLIS with trailer coverage. Monitors blind spots, optional, costing $0-$500.

• 360-degree camera. Aids hitching and navigation, optional, saving $100-$400.

9. Fuel Economy While Towing

Towing impacts the F-350’s fuel efficiency, dropping from 15 MPG (gas) or 12 MPG (diesel) to 8-10 MPG with heavy loads. Planning for reduced MPG helps manage trip costs effectively.

Fuel affects budgeting. Here’s the impact.

• Base efficiency. 15 MPG (gas) drops to 8-10 MPG with 20,000 pounds.

• Cost increase. Heavy towing adds $100-$200 per 300-mile trip in fuel costs.

• Plan routes. Avoid steep grades to save 1-2 MPG, costing $0 to map.

• Monitor usage. Use trip computer to optimize fuel, saving $50-$100 per trip.

10. Real-World Towing Scenarios

The F-350 excels in real-world towing, from construction equipment to large RVs. Owners report success with proper setup, showcasing its versatility for demanding tasks.

Practical towing shines. Here’s what owners tow.

• Construction gear. 10,000-pound equipment trailers, hitching in 20-40 minutes, costing $0-$300.

• Fifth-wheel RVs. 20,000-30,000-pound trailers, taking 30-60 minutes to hitch.

• Utility trailers. 15,000-pound loads, saving $300-$1,000 on rentals.

• Avoid overloading. Exceeding 40,000 pounds risks $2,000-$5,000 in axle damage.

Conclusion

The f350 towing capacity, from 13,700 to 40,000 pounds, powers heavy-duty hauling for trailers, RVs, or equipment. Tow safely with careful planning. At STUCK, our $50 towing service in Las Vegas provides 24/7 support, ensuring F-350 drivers get reliable help for any towing challenge!