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How big of a fifth wheel can a F250 tow?

Published in F-250 Towing Capacity 3 mins read

How big of a fifth wheel can an F250 tow?
The 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty can tow a fifth wheel with a maximum weight of up to 22,900 pounds when properly equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 engine.

F-250 Fifth-Wheel Towing Capacity

The exact towing capacity of a Ford F-250 for a fifth wheel varies significantly based on the engine type and the truck's specific configuration. Here's a breakdown of the maximum fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacities for the 2024 Ford F-250:

Engine Type Max. Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacity
6.8L gas V8 14,800 lbs.
6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 22,900 lbs.

Source: 2024 Ford Super Duty F-250 Tow Capacity

Factors Affecting Fifth-Wheel Towing Capacity

While the stated maximums provide a good benchmark, several factors influence the actual weight an F-250 can safely tow:

  • Engine Type: As shown in the table, the diesel engine offers significantly higher towing capabilities.
  • Truck Configuration:
    • Drivetrain: 4x2 vs. 4x4 can affect capacity.
    • Cab Style: Regular Cab, SuperCab, or Crew Cab.
    • Axle Ratio: Different axle ratios are designed for various towing needs.
    • Payload: The weight of passengers, cargo in the truck bed, and the fifth wheel's pin weight (the downward force exerted by the trailer on the truck's hitch) must be accounted for within the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
  • Trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Always consider the fifth wheel's fully loaded weight (GVWR), not just its dry weight, when comparing it to your truck's towing capacity.
  • Weight Distribution: Proper loading of the fifth wheel helps ensure stable and safe towing.

Practical Considerations for Towing a Fifth Wheel

To ensure safe and efficient towing, consider these practical insights:

  • Check Your Truck's Yellow Sticker: Always refer to the specific yellow sticker on your F-250's door jamb. This sticker provides the exact payload capacity for your vehicle, which is crucial for determining how much pin weight it can handle.
  • Understand Pin Weight: Fifth wheels typically place 15-25% of their total weight as pin weight on the truck's hitch. This weight counts directly against the truck's payload capacity.
  • Safety Margins: It's advisable not to tow at the absolute maximum capacity. Leave a safety margin to account for unexpected road conditions, inclines, and to reduce strain on your vehicle.
  • Proper Hitch: Ensure you have a fifth-wheel hitch rated for the weight you plan to tow and that it is correctly installed.

By understanding these capacities and factors, F-250 owners can confidently select a fifth wheel that matches their truck's capabilities for a safe towing experience.