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Ford F-250 Towing Capacity

Review Ford F-250 towing capacity by year, trim, engine, and drivetrain.

Max Towing

23,000 lbs

Highest listed configuration

Years Covered

2015–2024

10 model years

Configurations

37

Trim/engine rows represented

Start here: Pick your model year below to view specific trim, engine, drivetrain, payload, and tow package details.
Towing guide

Ford F-250 Towing Overview

The Ford F-250 is a truck with towing capacity that varies by model year, trim, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, payload, and factory towing equipment. Towlytics lists the Ford F-250 with a maximum towing capacity of up to 23,000 lbs when properly equipped.

What Towing Features Does the Ford F-250 Have?

  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • heavy-duty receiver hitch equipment
  • tow/haul mode
  • available diesel engine braking
  • trailer sway control
  • available tow mirrors
  • available camera views or trailer guidance technology depending on year and trim.

What Comes With the Ford F-250 Towing Package?

The Ford F-250 towing package content varies by model year and configuration, but heavy-duty towing setups commonly include a receiver hitch, trailer wiring, integrated trailer brake controller, tow/haul calibration, upgraded cooling, tow mirrors, and diesel-focused towing aids when equipped.

What can the Ford F-250 tow?

The Ford F-250 is best suited for large fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, heavy equipment trailers, livestock trailers, and commercial hauling setups when properly configured. Always confirm the exact rating on the vehicle certification label, owner's manual, and manufacturer towing guide before towing.

Ford F-250 Towing FAQ

How much can the Ford F-250 tow?

Towlytics lists the Ford F-250 with a maximum towing capacity of up to 23,000 lbs when properly equipped. Actual capacity depends on the specific year, trim, engine, drivetrain, payload, and towing package.

Does the Ford F-250 need a towing package?

Some Ford F-250 configurations may require a factory towing package or specific equipment to reach the highest tow rating. Check the exact year and trim because hitch, wiring, cooling, axle ratio, and brake-controller availability can change by configuration.

Can the Ford F-250 tow a camper?

The Ford F-250 may be able to tow a camper depending on the camper's loaded weight, tongue weight, passengers, cargo, and the vehicle's payload rating. Compare the loaded trailer weight against the exact tow rating and keep tongue weight within payload limits.

Trailer parts guide

Recommended Trailer Parts for the Ford F-250

This vehicle class is intended for heavy towing, so the part decision should be based on the trailer type: bumper pull, gooseneck, fifth wheel, or equipment trailer. Payload, hitch rating, and GCWR matter more than a single max-tow number. For the Ford F-250, start with fitment-specific parts and confirm all ratings against the owner’s manual, door-jamb payload label, hitch label, and trailer manufacturer specs.

Recommended profile: Heavy-duty truck towing kit

1. Hitch Receiver

Class V receiver for bumper-pull towing, or properly rated gooseneck/fifth-wheel hardware if the trailer uses bed-mounted coupling.

2. Trailer Wiring

7-pin wiring is essential; bed-mounted 7-pin wiring is useful for gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers.

3. Ball Mount

Heavy-duty adjustable ball mount for bumper pull; gooseneck ball or fifth-wheel hitch matched to truck and trailer ratings.

4. Brake Controller

Brake controller is effectively mandatory for heavy trailers with electric brakes; confirm integrated controller compatibility.

5. Sway Control

Weight distribution may be needed for heavy bumper-pull campers; gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers require different setup checks.

6. Useful Extras

Tow mirrors, trailer TPMS, bed camera, breakaway battery tester, heavy-duty wheel chocks, and a payload checklist.

Best trailer types for the Ford F-250

Large campers, equipment trailers, livestock trailers, gooseneck trailers, fifth wheels, and heavy enclosed trailers are the most logical starting points. The final answer depends on loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, passenger weight, cargo, drivetrain, tow package, and whether the trailer has brakes.

4-pin vs. 7-pin wiring Do you need a brake controller? Weight distribution and sway control

Ford F-250 Towing Capacity by Year

2015 Ford F-2502016 Ford F-2502017 Ford F-2502018 Ford F-2502019 Ford F-2502020 Ford F-2502021 Ford F-2502022 Ford F-2502023 Ford F-2502024 Ford F-250

Year Summary

YearMax TowingEngine options listedConfigs
2015 13,000 lbs 6.2L V8 2
2016 13,000 lbs 6.2L V8 2
2017 21,000 lbs 6.2L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4
2018 21,000 lbs 6.2L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4
2019 21,000 lbs 6.2L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4
2020 21,000 lbs 6.2L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4
2021 21,000 lbs 6.2L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 5
2022 21,000 lbs 6.2L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4
2023 23,000 lbs 6.7L Diesel, 6.7L High Output Diesel, 6.8L V8 4
2024 23,000 lbs 6.7L Diesel, 6.7L High Output Diesel, 6.8L V8 4

All Ford F-250 Configurations

YearTrimEngineDrivetrainMax TowingPayloadTow PackageGCWRGeneration
2023 Lariat 6.7L Diesel 4x4 22,000 lbs 3,600 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen5
2024 Lariat 6.7L Diesel 4x4 22,000 lbs 3,600 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen5
2023 Lariat 6.7L High Output Diesel 4x4 23,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 31,000 lbs Gen5
2024 Lariat 6.7L High Output Diesel 4x4 23,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 31,000 lbs Gen5
2017 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x2 21,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen4
2018 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x2 21,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen4
2019 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x2 21,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen4
2020 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x2 21,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen4
2021 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x2 21,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen4
2022 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x2 21,000 lbs 3,700 lbs Yes 30,000 lbs Gen4
2017 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs Gen4
2018 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs Gen4
2019 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs Gen4
2020 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs Gen4
2021 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs Gen4
2022 Lariat 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs Gen4
2015 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 13,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 20,000 lbs Gen3
2016 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 13,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 20,000 lbs Gen3
2017 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 15,500 lbs 3,400 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2018 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 15,500 lbs 3,400 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2019 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 15,500 lbs 3,400 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2020 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 15,500 lbs 3,400 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2021 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 15,500 lbs 3,400 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2022 XL 6.2L V8 4x2 15,500 lbs 3,400 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2023 XL 6.8L V8 4x2 17,400 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 25,000 lbs Gen5
2024 XL 6.8L V8 4x2 17,400 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 25,000 lbs Gen5
2015 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 12,500 lbs 3,000 lbs Yes 20,000 lbs Gen3
2016 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 12,500 lbs 3,000 lbs Yes 20,000 lbs Gen3
2017 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 15,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2018 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 15,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2019 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 15,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2020 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 15,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2021 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 15,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2022 XLT 6.2L V8 4x4 15,000 lbs 3,200 lbs Yes 23,000 lbs Gen4
2021 XLT 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 4x4 20,000 lbs 3,500 lbs Yes 28,000 lbs 4th Gen Super Duty
2023 XLT 6.8L V8 4x4 17,000 lbs 3,300 lbs Yes 25,000 lbs Gen5
2024 XLT 6.8L V8 4x4 17,000 lbs 3,300 lbs Yes 25,000 lbs Gen5
Before you tow

Ford F-250 Pre-Tow Checklist

Confirm the exact rating

Match the year, trim, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, and tow package against the owner’s manual and manufacturer towing guide.

Check payload first

Add passengers, cargo, accessories, and estimated tongue weight. Payload is often the real limit for campers and enclosed trailers.

Verify wiring and brakes

Use 4-pin wiring for simple light trailers and 7-pin wiring plus a brake controller for many heavier trailers with brakes.

Leave a safety margin

Avoid planning at the absolute max rating, especially for highway trips, hills, heat, wind, and long-distance towing.

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Safety note: Towlytics towing data is a planning aid. Always verify the final rating against your owner’s manual, door-jamb label, hitch label, and manufacturer towing guide before towing.