Towing Capacity of a 2018 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Question:

Experts, I have the 2018 F250 Super Duty with the standard bed. When I bought the truck I included the High Capacity Towing package no one seems to know what that gave me, Max Trailer, 3.55 rear end and 10k GVWR. These are all supposed to give me boosted towing capability, and the sticker on the increased size hitch says 21k pound towing capacity. What I can’t seem to get a straight answer on from anyone at Ford is this: What is the max fifth wheel towing capacity? We want to purchase a Momentum Fifth Wheel Toy Hauker with a dry weight of 15k pounds. We are ok to upgrade to a SRW F350 if we need to, but wondering why we were sold 4K worth of towing options if the truck won’t really tow this fifth wheel. I really appreciate your help with this since I’ve always found it difficult to get answers to towing questions elsewhere. You guys are truly the experts!

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

There are several different 5th wheel towing capacities for a 2018 Ford F-250 that will vary by engine size, axle ratio, GCWR, cab type, box length, and drive type. In order for me to give you the exact 5th wheel towing capacity I would need to know the drive type (4x2 or 4x4), the cab type (SuperCab Crew Cab), and the GCWR.

6.7L V8, 3.55 Axle Ratio, SuperCab, 6-3/4' Box:

4x2 & 23,500 lb GCWR = 16,200 lb Towing Capacity
4x2 & 24,700 lb GCWR = 17,300 lb Towing Capacity

4x4 & 22,500 lb GCWR = 14,800 lb Towing Capacity
4x4 & 22,900 lb GCWR = 14,700 lb Towing Capacity
4x4 & 23,100 lb GCWR = 15,400 lb Towing Capacity

6.7L V8, 3.55 Axle Ratio, Crew Cab, 6-3/4' Box:

4x2 & 23,500 lb GCWR = 16,000 lb Towing Capacity
4x2 & 24,100 lb GCWR = 16,500 lb Towing Capacity

4x4 & 21,900 lb GCWR = 14,100 lb Towing Capacity
4x4 & 22,200 lb GCWR = 14,000 lb Towing Capacity
4x4 & 22,500 lb GCWR = 14,700 lb Towing Capacity

The GCWR figure will be located on the white sticker inside the driver door jamb. If you subtract the GVWR from your GCWR that should then give you the towing capacity as well. Unfortunately, I can't really speak of the "high capacity towing package" you were sold and what it entails.

For a 5th wheel hitch, I highly recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3370 if you have the factory puck system or the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3400-5W with the Custom Underbed Installation Kit part # BWGNRK1116 if you do not have the factory puck system. These hitches both have 1" thick dual jaws which will give you peace of mind while towing and reduced chucking and jaring which makes for a smoother ride.

I have attached review videos for you as well.