Ford F-350 Towing And Payload Guide: How Much Can It Haul?
The Ford F-350 towing capacity reaches up to an impressive 38,000 pounds1 when using a gooseneck hitch, and that's just one of its two work-site-ready specifications. With a maximum payload limit of 8,000 pounds,2 it's also a capable hauler – though different configurations can significantly affect both your towing and hauling potential, and you won't be able to get the top specs for both categories in a single build. With that in mind, how does F-350 diesel towing compare to gas setups, and how much can you expect your F-350 to carry depending on engine, body style, and wheel size?
The team here at McGee Ford of Montpelier put together this guide to walk you through some of the most powerful configurations so you can make an informed pickup purchase. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions after perusing these towing and payload specs.
Ford Super Duty Towing & Payload at a Glance
- The 6.7-liter high-output turbo-diesel V-8 delivers the highest towing capacity when paired with dual rear wheels, thanks to its exceptional F-350 engine power, offering up to 38,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch1 and 28,000 pounds conventionally.1
- For hauling needs, the standard 6.8-liter V-8 engine is an excellent option, allowing you to reach an 8,000-pound payload rating2 when configured with dual rear wheels, a 4x2 drivetrain, and a Regular Cab.
- Two additional engines – a 7.3-liter gas V-8 and a 6.7-liter standard-output turbo-diesel – provide balanced performance between maximum towing and payload capabilities.
- Trim levels and wheel selections can affect towing and payload strengths, as added features and equipment may influence weights.
F-350 Tow Specs, Explained
If you're going to shop for a new Ford F-350 for sale, knowing how the vehicle's configuration impacts capacities is key to finding a build that fits your towing and hauling needs. The most influential factors in towing are twofold: engine and overall build. So, how much can the F-350 tow? The chart below shows the top tow specs for each engine in single- and dual-rear-wheel setups, along with the configurations you'll need to achieve them.
2026 F-350 Towing Capacity Chart
| 2026 Ford F-350 SRW | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Towing Type | Max. Towing Capacity | Req'd Configuration | Req'd Axle Ratio | Req'd GCWR |
| 6.8L V-8 | Conventional | 18,100 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 24,400 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 17,900 / 18,000 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 24,400 lbs3 | |
| 7.3L V-8 | Conventional | 19,500 lbs1 |
| 4.30 | 29,000 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 22,300 / 22,400 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 29,000 lbs3 | |
| 6.7L Turbo-Diesel V-8 | Conventional | 23,200 lbs1 |
| 3.31 or 3.55 | 31,000 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 23,700 / 23,800 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB |
| 31,000 lbs3 | |
| 6.7L H.O. Turbo-Diesel V-8 | Conventional | 25,000 lbs1 | Crew Cab w/ 4x4, 8-ft box & 175.9-in WB | 3.55 | 35,200 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 27,400 / 27,600 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x4, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 3.55 | 35,200 lbs3 | |
| 2026 Ford F-350 DRW | |||||
| Engine | Towing Type | Max. Towing Capacity | Req'd Configuration | Req'd Axle Ratio | Req'd GCWR |
| 6.8L V-8 | Conventional | 18,700 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 25,400 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 18,700 / 18,900 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 25,400 lbs3 | |
| 7.3L V-8 | Conventional | 22,000 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 29,500 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 22,500 / 22,500 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.30 | 29,500 lbs3 | |
| 6.7L Turbo-Diesel V-8 | Conventional | 27,000 lbs1 | Crew Cab w/ 4x2 or 4x4, 8-ft box & 175.9-in WB |
|
|
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 35,000 / 36,500 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.10 | 43,900 lbs3 | |
| 6.7L H.O. Turbo-Diesel V-8 | Conventional | 28,000 lbs1 | Crew Cab w/ 4x2 or 4x4, 8-ft box & 175.9-in WB | 4.10 | 45,600 lbs3 |
| 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck | 35,000 / 38,000 lbs1 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2, 8-ft box & 141.5-in WB | 4.10 | 45,600 lbs3 | |
As you can see, the highest gas-powered tow rating of 22,500 pounds1 belongs to the F-350 outfitted with the 7.3-liter V-8, a Regular Cab, a 4x2 drivetrain, an 8-foot bed, a 141.5-inch wheelbase, dual rear wheels, and a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch setup.
Those seeking the ultimate F-350 diesel towing capacity, rated for up to 38,000 pounds,1 will want their heavy-duty model built with the 6.7-liter high-output V-8 turbo-diesel, a Regular Cab, a 4x2 drivetrain, an 8-foot box, a 141.5-inch wheelbase, dual rear wheels, and a gooseneck hitch. An F-350 mated with the standard-output 6.7-liter V-8 turbo-diesel and the same build isn't far behind, delivering a maximum towing capacity of 36,500 pounds.1
Your trim levels will adjust your gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) due to add-ons and features that increase the curb weight. In order from least to most impact, these trims may adjust your towing ability:
- 2026 Ford F-350 XL
- 2026 Ford F-350 XLT
- 2026 Ford F-350 Lariat
- 2026 Ford F-350 King Ranch
- 2026 Ford F-350 Platinum
F-350 Payload Overview
Towing is a critical part of the work you can do when leasing a Ford F-350, but a high payload rating can let you hold equipment, heavy-duty machinery, and materials. If your jobs typically demand a hefty payload limit just as much as a burly Ford F-350 towing capacity, you can find the highest hauling values in the chart below.
2026 F-350 Payload Capacity Chart
 2026 Ford F-350 SRW | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Max. Payload Capacity | Req'd Configuration | Tires |
| 6.8L V-8 | 5,137 lbs2 | SuperCab w/ 4x4 & 164.1-in WB | 18- or 20-in all-terrain |
| 7.3L V-8 | 4,928 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x4 & 141.5-in WB | 18- or 20-in all-terrain |
| 6.7L Turbo-Diesel V-8 | 4,859 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x4 & 141.5-in WB | 18- or 20-in all-terrain |
| 6.7L H.O. Turbo-Diesel V-8 | 4,844 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x4 & 141.5-in WB | 18- or 20-in all-terrain |  2026 Ford F-350 DRW |
| Engine | Max. Payload Capacity | Req'd Configuration | Tires |
| 6.8L V-8 | 8,000 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2 & 141.5-in WB | Standard |
| 7.3L V-8 | 7,635 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2 & 141.5-in WB | Standard |
| 6.7L Turbo-Diesel V-8 | 6,952 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2 & 141.5-in WB | Standard |
| 6.7L H.O. Turbo-Diesel V-8 | 6,935 lbs2 | Regular Cab w/ 4x2 & 141.5-in WB | Standard |
Similar to towing capacity, your chosen trim level will reduce your vehicle's GVWR slightly. However, the model's wheel size will also impact its payload – smaller wheels have lower ratings, like the 4,201-pound maximum payload2 with the 6.8-liter V-8 and 17-inch wheels compared to its overall maximum shown in the chart above. Before hitching up or putting anything into your bed, be sure to consult your owner's manual.
Learn More About the F-350 Towing Guide at McGee Ford of Montpelier
Take a Ford F-350 for a test drive in Central, VT, to experience its drive modes, trailer technology, and different trim levels. While we may not be able to let you hitch up, we're confident you'll understand just how capable and assistive this pickup is on your spin. The F-350 is just one of the many great Ford models we have available. In fact, we invite you to explore Ford models made in America, and check out lighter-duty models like the F-150 and F-250 – or get even heavier with the F-450 DRW.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford F-350 Towing Capabilities
How much can the Ford F-350 tow?
When properly equipped, the Ford F-350 can tow up to 38,000 pounds with a gooseneck configuration (fifth-wheel isn't far behind), or 28,000 pounds conventionally. In both cases, your best bet is a dual-rear-wheel F-350 with the high-output turbo-diesel. For gooseneck towing, the Regular Cab 4x2 is your best bet. For conventional hitches, a 4x2 or 4x4 Crew Cab is optimal.
How much payload can the Ford F-350 carry?
The highest payload rating for the F-350 is 8,000 pounds2 with the 6.8-liter engine and Gas Heavy-Duty Payload Package on a Regular Cab 4x2 141.5-inch wheelbase model. Most engine and configuration combinations for the F-350 can comfortably carry over 3,000 pounds,2 though some do fall below this threshold. Reach out to our team for more payload information.
Which Ford F-350 engine offers the best towing performance?
The best engine for towing is the 6.8-liter high-output turbo-diesel V-8, a monstrous powertrain capable of gooseneck towing up to 38,000 pounds.1 Conventional towing with this high-output diesel engine can reach 28,000 pounds1 with a Crew Cab. The standard diesel engine isn't far behind, reaching 36,500 pounds with a gooseneck setup when properly equipped.
What is the difference between gas and diesel engines for towing in the F-350?
For towing, the difference between gas and diesel engines is night and day. For example, the gas 6.8-liter V-8 has a maximum conventional towing capacity of 18,700 pounds.1 The 6.7-liter high-output turbo-diesel is rated at 28,000 pounds1 of conventional towing. That's 6,000 pounds above the 22,000-pound1 conventional capacity of the available 7.3-liter V-8.
How does the bed length affect the F-350 towing capacity?
Bed length typically affects towing capacity and its hauling power, but for the F-350, a longer bed length has a longer wheelbase to compensate. For example, a high-output diesel engine on a Crew Cab 4x4, 159.7-inch wheelbase, 6.75-foot bed has a towing capacity of 23,900 pounds.1 The 175.9-inch wheelbase, 8-foot bed can tow up to 23,600 pounds.1
What safety features assist with towing in the Ford F-350?
You have over a dozen standard and available towing features that can assist you with your Ford F-350. For example, the Trailer-Compatible Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) lets you peek around the back of your trailer, while Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps move your trailer and truck with a simple knob. Further additions, like the Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch and Smart Trailer Tow Connector, simplify the process.
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1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content. Horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
3GCWR ratings assume vehicles are properly equipped with manufacturer-recommended towing setups. Actual weight capacities may vary.