2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty can tow a maximum of 21,000 pounds.

Quick Answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 21,000 lbs (conventional) / 27,500 lbs (5th-wheel/gooseneck)
• Max Payload: 4,270 lbs
• GVWR: 10,000 lbs
• GCWR: Up to 35,000 lbs
• Curb Weight: 6,000-7,700 lbs (varies by configuration)
• Hitch Class: Class V receiver (2.5-inch with 3-inch option)

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty offers impressive towing capabilities across its engine and trim configurations. The following table showcases the conventional and 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing capacities, along with payload, for various setups. All ratings are in accordance with SAE J2807 standards, ensuring consistent and comparable figures.

Note: The maximum tow ratings often require a specific axle ratio or towing package. Always check your truck's door jamb sticker for exact capacities.

Tow Package Contents

Ford offers comprehensive tow packages for the 2018 F-250 Super Duty to enhance its towing performance and safety. Key components often found in these packages include:

• Trailer Brake Controller (TBC): An integrated system that allows for seamless electric brake control of the trailer from the truck's cab, ensuring balanced braking.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): This system uses the truck's existing stability control features to detect and counteract trailer sway, providing a more stable towing experience.
• Upgraded Radiator and Transmission Cooler: Essential for heavy towing, these components help maintain optimal engine and transmission temperatures, preventing overheating under load.
• 7-pin and 4-pin Trailer Connectors: Provides power for trailer lights, turn signals, and electric brakes.
• Heavy-Duty Alternator: Ensures sufficient power supply for both the truck and trailer's electrical systems.

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck Towing

The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty is exceptionally well-suited for 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing, offering significantly higher capacities than conventional hitch towing. With the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel engine, the F-250 can tow up to 27,500 pounds with a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch. This is made possible by the in-bed hitch setup that distributes the trailer's weight more directly over the truck's rear axle, improving stability and increasing the overall towing capacity.

For 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing, buyers typically opt for the factory-installed "5th Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package." This package usually includes a frame-mounted hitch attachment points, bed-mounted wiring harness, and a gooseneck ball, allowing for easy installation of aftermarket hitches.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

For conventional towing, especially when approaching the F-250's maximum capacities or with trailers having a significant tongue weight, a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) is highly recommended, and often required. A WDH helps distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across all axles of both the tow vehicle and the trailer. This restores proper steering and braking control, levels the vehicle, and reduces stress on the truck's rear suspension.

Typical tongue weight should be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Check your F-250's owner