Ford F-350 Super Duty Towing Capacity & Tow Calculator

The absolute maximum towing capacity of the Ford F-350 Super Duty reaches 38,000 pounds when configured as a Dual Rear Wheel (DRW / Dually) Regular Cab 4x2 equipped with the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke Turbo Diesel, a 4.10 limited-slip rear axle, and a factory gooseneck hitch. For conventional bumper-pull towing, properly equipped F-350 DRW models achieve up to 28,000 pounds, while Single Rear Wheel (SRW) configurations max out at 23,500 pounds for gooseneck/fifth-wheel setups and 22,000 pounds conventionally.

The fundamental difference lies in axle stability, payload rating, and hitch style limits. The Single Rear Wheel (SRW) F-350 tops out at 23,500 pounds gooseneck and 22,000 pounds conventional, with a maximum GVWR of 12,400 pounds and payload around 4,200 to 5,020 pounds. In contrast, the Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) dually model features four rear tires that eliminate lateral sidewall squirm, unlocking a 14,000-pound GVWR ceiling, up to 8,000 pounds of payload capacity, and up to 38,000 pounds of gooseneck towing capacity. The dually is essential for heavy luxury fifth wheels with pin weights over 3,500 pounds.

The 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel produces 500 horsepower and an industry-leading 1,200 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM, allowing it to tow up to 38,000 pounds on DRW models and 23,500 pounds on SRW models. The naturally aspirated 7.3L Godzilla V8 gas engine produces 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 RPM, achieving a maximum towing capacity of 22,000 pounds on DRW and 18,700 pounds on SRW. While the gas engine has lower upfront acquisition and maintenance costs, the diesel delivers substantially superior climbing power, mountain descent engine braking, and high-load fuel economy.

Maximum conventional bumper-pull towing on a Ford F-350 Super Duty is 28,000 pounds for DRW models equipped with the 6.7L High-Output Turbo Diesel and a 3-inch factory receiver hitch. SRW models reach up to 22,000 pounds conventional towing. Both configurations require a properly rated Class V hitch ball and mount assembly, heavy-duty safety chains, and an operational trailer brake controller.

On 2024 to 2026 model year trucks, fifth-wheel and gooseneck ratings reach up to 38,000 pounds on properly configured DRW models (with gooseneck prep package) and up to 23,500 pounds on SRW models. Fifth-wheel pin boxes typically transfer 15% to 25% (20% standard) of gross trailer weight directly onto the truck bed, requiring buyers to verify that kingpin weight does not exceed the truck door jamb payload sticker.

Ford F-350 payload capacity varies widely by cab, drivetrain, and rear wheel setup. Single Rear Wheel (SRW) Crew Cab 4x4 diesel models provide between 3,600 and 4,450 pounds of door placard payload, which comfortably accommodates 2,500 to 3,200-pound pin weights once passengers and cargo are subtracted. Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models offer between 5,400 and 8,000 pounds of certified payload, making them the standard recommendation for large luxury fifth wheels with pin weights exceeding 3,500 pounds.

For purely personal, recreational use (such as towing your own RV camper or boat), federal law does not require a CDL in most US states, regardless of weight. However, if the truck is used for commercial hauling or business purposes, a Class A CDL is federally required if the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,000 pounds and the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR. Furthermore, several states (such as California, Texas, and Maryland) require non-commercial Class A or special endorsements when towing trailers over 10,000 or 15,000 pounds GVWR.

While the F-250 and F-350 share identical powertrain options (6.8L gas, 7.3L Godzilla gas, and 6.7L Power Stroke diesels) and the same fully boxed high-strength steel frame, the F-350 features a heavier rear leaf-spring pack with auxiliary overload leaves, larger rear axle shafts, larger rear brakes, higher-rated tires, and available Dual Rear Wheels. This increases the F-350 GVWR ceiling from 10,000-11,100 lbs on the F-250 up to 12,400 lbs (SRW) or 14,000 lbs (DRW), providing 1,000 to 3,500 pounds more payload for fifth-wheel pin weights and heavier trailer tongue loads.