2026 Ford F250 Towing Capacity
The 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty continues to lead the heavy-duty class with best-in-segment towing and payload strength. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 23,000 lbs (gooseneck / 5th-wheel) and handle a maximum payload of 3,546 lbs, making it a top performer for commercial hauling, RV towing, and job-site power.
⚡ Quick Comparison: Trims, Tow, and Payload
| Trim / Engine | Starting MSRP* | Max Conventional Tow | Max Gooseneck / 5th-Wheel | Max Payload* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL / 6.8 L Gas V8 | ~$45,675 | 18,000–20,000 lbs (Ford Dealer Preview) | Similar to conventional with proper hitch | Up to 4,300 lbs |
| King Ranch / Platinum / 6.7 L HO Diesel | ~$77,700–$78,900 (Edmunds Pricing) | Up to ~22,000 lbs (Ford Towing Guide) | Comparable or slightly higher with 5th-wheel | 3,200–3,300 lbs |
Payload and tow vary by cab, drivetrain, and engine.
🏷️ Trims and Pricing
The 2026 Ford F-250 lineup keeps the traditional ladder:
- XL (≈ $45,675) – No-frills workhorse.
- XLT – Adds polish, chrome, and better infotainment.
- Lariat – Comfort without losing grit.
- King Ranch & Platinum (≈ $77,775–$78,865) – Premium leather, advanced tech, and a serious “executive ranch” vibe.
For a deeper breakdown, TruckReportGeeks.com’s Super Duty trim guide highlights the differences for work vs luxury buyers.
🔥 Engines & Performance
- 6.8 L Gas V8 — 405 hp, 445 lb-ft, paired with Ford’s 10-speed auto. Solid everyday option.
- 7.3 L Gas V8 — 430 hp, 485 lb-ft, built for those who tow but don’t want diesel.
- 6.7 L Power Stroke Diesel V8 / HO Diesel — 475–500 hp and up to 1,200 lb-ft torque. This is where serious towing lives.
Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, keeping shifts smooth even under heavy load.
🚚 Towing & Payload
- Conventional Tow: Max ~22,000 lbs with diesel crew cab.
- Gooseneck / 5th-Wheel: Similar or slightly better depending on hitch setup.
- Payload: From ~2,500 lbs (diesel crew cab 4×4) up to ~4,300 lbs (gas regular cab 4×2).
For detailed charts, Ford publishes an official Super Duty Towing Guide.
⛽ Fuel Economy
The EPA doesn’t certify every heavy-duty trim, but real-world results put the diesel near 20 mpg highway unloaded. Expect mid-teens under trailer pull. Gas engines deliver less efficiency but lower upfront cost.
🚚 Interior Comfort & Bed Choices
Ford Super Duty cabs come in:
- Regular Cab (2 doors)
- SuperCab (extended cab)
- Crew Cab (full 4-door, most spacious)
Beds are 6.75 ft or 8 ft. Cargo solutions include LED bed lighting, tie-downs, and optional power tailgate step.
Inside, trims scale from vinyl benches in XL to ventilated leather captain’s chairs and Bang & Olufsen sound in Platinum.
📱 Tech & Infotainment
- SYNC® 4 infotainment with large touchscreen.
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ & Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ simplify towing.
- Available 360-degree camera, onboard scales with Smart Hitch, and connected navigation.
🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance
Standard and available features:
- Trailer sway control
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
- Blind-spot monitoring (with trailer coverage)
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go
🧰 Warranty & Maintenance
- Basic: 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper
- Powertrain: Extended coverage, especially for diesel buyers
- Maintenance: More frequent oil, trans, and differential servicing if towing heavy
⚖️ Rivals to Consider
| Truck | Where It Shines | Where F-250 Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 | Plush ride with optional air suspension; great torque. | Ford edges payload/tow, plus broader work-truck packages. |
| Silverado 2500 / Sierra 2500 | Strong value, broad dealer network. | F-250 offers more upscale interiors in higher trims. |
For deeper rival matchups, see TruckReportGeeks.com’s comparison pages.
❓ FAQs
What’s the top towing setup?
HO diesel, Crew Cab Long Bed, 4×2, with the gooseneck/5th-wheel package.
How much payload in a Crew Cab diesel 4×4?
About 2,500–3,500 lbs depending on trim.
Is the Platinum worth the price?
If comfort, leather, and tech matter, yes. If pure work is the goal, XLT or Lariat delivers.
Fuel economy towing?
Expect mid-teens mpg. Diesel is best for long-haul towing.
🏁 Final Take
The 2026 Ford F-250 blends brutal capability with comfort and modern tech. Whether you want a vinyl-seat work rig or a Platinum ranch cruiser, Ford’s got a Super Duty spec that fits.
👉 If you want to dive even deeper, TruckReportGeeks.com’s towing and payload guides break down the numbers in more detail.
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