Towing Capability
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Joined: Mar 2018
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Towing Capability
I have a 2017 F250 XLT with towing package 6.2L . Specs say the truck is rated to pull a loaded trailer with a weight of 12500 Lbs. Would I be crazy to pull a loaded trailer with a weight of 14500 Lbs. I'd be doing this about 6 times a year from spring to fall.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
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Farm trailer? 45mph at 5 AM? Or camper on the hwy?
You can beef up the rear of the truck with airbags and use bandaid WD hitches to get the truck as stout as an F350. But even a 350 would struggle with that much weight.
You can beef up the rear of the truck with airbags and use bandaid WD hitches to get the truck as stout as an F350. But even a 350 would struggle with that much weight.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 416
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From: Texas
Crazy would be pulling it with a Tacoma. That's just stretching the ratings a bit. Considering the stopping ability is the most critical issue in hauling safely and I believe 6.2's have the same brakes, I wouldn't be too worried about the safety. You'll just be slow getting up to speed.
BUT, if you had an at fault accident any halfway cogent ambulance chaser would stretch your angus all out of shape in court.
BUT, if you had an at fault accident any halfway cogent ambulance chaser would stretch your angus all out of shape in court.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
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From: NH
An F-250 has the same exact frame as an F-350 dually, and likely a 450 pickup as well. Same brakes as a 350 dually. Same front axle as a 350 dually. Same rear axle as 350 gas of this generation, or a 350 diesel of the previous generation. So the basic platform is perfectly capable. Your problems are essentially rear suspension and engine power. A 250 has a max GVWR of 10k, which...when you subtract out the trucks curb weight, leaves less payload than a 350 SRW (essentially the same truck with stiffer rear springs) that has a GVWR of 11,400lbs. The payload on a 250 is less, which is a limiter on towing based on tongue weight alone. Then there is the 6.2L. Perfectly capable engine, but pulling 14k with a gas engine is going to be a struggle on hills. I wouldn't say you are crazy, but if you can't keep the speed limit on hills, make sure to put your 4-ways on when going up the hill.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2005
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So what does the "towing package" get you? I don't see that option on the build website. Just curious.
Liability would be my concern, that is why I dumped my 06 Dodge 2500, my RV is 14K, it was rated at 12,400. That's what I tell my wife anyway
Liability would be my concern, that is why I dumped my 06 Dodge 2500, my RV is 14K, it was rated at 12,400. That's what I tell my wife anyway
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From: Denver, CO
This is one of those things that really bothers me about the SD trucks. The Ram 2500/3500 w/Cummins are all rated to tow right about 17k from either bumper or bed. But the SD trucks, 12-15k, even in a 350. I don't get why the ratings are so low compared to the Ram. Makes me wonder what, specifically, changed the rating between the trucks. I will feel like I'm taking a hit in capability if I buy a Super Duty.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 522
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From: Minnesota
I second what troverman stated about the trucks basically being the same as far as frames axels and brakes. Except, I wouldn’t worry for a second about the 6.2 not being able to pull a 14-15,000 pound trailer! Axel ratio makes a big difference and I don’t know what axels are in your truck but I have 4.30’s and pull that kind of weight all the time without a problem. Plus I have a few thousand pounds of tools,fuel and other crap in the bed of the truck too. I did the same things with my old 2011 that had a 6.2 with 3.73 axel ratios but the 2017 does it better.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: NH
A 2017 F-250 diesel crew 4x4 will tow 17,600 if you opt for the high capacity tow package. Both RAM and Ford have roughly the same payload capacity on a 3/4-ton diesel crew cab, and Ford offers the same tow rating with either 3.31 or 3.55 axle on the 250. Ram offers only a 3.42. The reason for the towing difference is max combined weight rating (GCWR) which Ford rates lower unless you opt for the high capacity tow pack.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
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From: NH
I second what troverman stated about the trucks basically being the same as far as frames axels and brakes. Except, I wouldn’t worry for a second about the 6.2 not being able to pull a 14-15,000 pound trailer! Axel ratio makes a big difference and I don’t know what axels are in your truck but I have 4.30’s and pull that kind of weight all the time without a problem. Plus I have a few thousand pounds of tools,fuel and other crap in the bed of the truck too. I did the same things with my old 2011 that had a 6.2 with 3.73 axel ratios but the 2017 does it better.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Minnesota
I wouldn’t even call them slow. Just mash the go pedal to the floor, let the transmission downshift and let that 6.2 sing a little.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
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What about road and weather conditions?
What if you have to make an evasive maneuver? Sudden stop? What if you have an accident?
I personally would not do it.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 115
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From: SE Michigan
This is one of those things that really bothers me about the SD trucks. The Ram 2500/3500 w/Cummins are all rated to tow right about 17k from either bumper or bed. But the SD trucks, 12-15k, even in a 350. I don't get why the ratings are so low compared to the Ram. Makes me wonder what, specifically, changed the rating between the trucks. I will feel like I'm taking a hit in capability if I buy a Super Duty.