The 2021 Ford F-250 can tow anywhere from 12,300 to 20,000 lbs. There are many factors that determine the towing capacity such as the cab size, bed size, axle ratio, engine type, and hitch.
The F250 that can tow the most is the truck with the 4×4 6.7 L V8 Turbo Diesel engine with any bed size, but with the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package and 18″ or 20″ All-Terrain tires.
Below you will find the specific towing capacity for your vehicle recommended by Ford for your Ford F-250.
Though I tried to make this information as accurate as possible, you should always check your manual or contact your local dealer to determine the appropriate towing capacity of your vehicle and necessary equipment.
What is the towing capacity of my Ford F250?
In order to know the towing capacity of your Ford F250, the most reliable way is to calculate your own towing capacity, which you can learn to do in this article: How is Towing Capacity Calculated?
This will give you the exact maximum towing capacity of your truck at any given time.
However, you need to remember that the value below is the maximum towing capacity of your truck (assuming there are no people or cargo in your truck).
If there is any weight in or on the vehicle such as passengers and cargo, this number will change.
Ford, however, has listed the maximum trailer weight for multiple Ford F250 trucks under the assumption the truck is well equipped and there are 2-150 lbs passengers.
So essentially the estimates reported by Ford are 300 lbs under the maximum towing capacity.
To determine the towing capacity of your vehicle, you need to know the:
- engine type
- bed size
- cab size
- drivetrain
- axle ratio
If you know all of these items, then move on to the next section by engine to determine your towing capacity.
To get your VIN, check the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside of the driver’s side door on the hinge pillar, door-latch post, or door edge.
You will also find the GVWR, and Axle ratio here.
Related: What is GVWR?
If not:
- Start with the VIN decoder from Autozone to determine the engine in the vehicle
- measure the bed size with a tape measure to determine whether you have a 6 ft 9 in or 8 ft bed
- Your cab style is either:
- Regular (2 door, 1 rows)
- SuperCab (4 door, 2 rows with only 2 full doors)
- SuperCrew (4 full doors, 2 rows)
- Drivetrain should be determined with the VIN as well
- The axle ratio is listed on the side of the driver’s door on the certification sticker
The axle ratio will be written in a key using the following two-digit code which corresponds to the rear axle ratio on the F250.
| Axle Ratio | Non-Limited Slip | Limited Slip | Electronic Locking |
| 3.31 | 31 | N/A | 3H |
| 3.55 | 35 | 3K | 3J |
| 3.73 | 37 | 3L | 3E |
| 4.30 | N/A | 4L/4X | 4M |
Now you will have all the necessary information to determine the towing capacity of yours Ford F250.
Please be advised that the information presented in this article is taken from ford official documentation and is only to be used as a reference. You should always calculate your own towing capacity to ensure safe driving of your specific model.
Towing Packages
As Super Duty trucks are meant to be used as utility trucks, they come with more towing features in the basic models.
The standard features are:
- 7 wire harness
- 4/7 pin connector
- Hitch receiver
- Trailer brake wiring
- Tow/haul mode
- Trailer sway control
Outside of these features, there are two major towing packages, and two payload packages.
The two towing packages are the Trailer Tow Package (53Q) and the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535).
Both of these packages require the 6.7 L diesel engine. They both come with an upgraded rear axle and increase GCW, but the Trailer Tow Package also has the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System, Lane Keeping Alert, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature.
Trailer Tow Package (53Q)
- Upgraded rear axle
- Increased GCW
- Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System
- Lane Keeping Alert
- Pro trailer backup assist
High Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535)
- Upgraded Rear Axle
- Increased GCW
The two payload packages provide increased capabilities in the carrying capacity of the F250. These are the Camper Package (471) and the 10,000 lb GVWR Package (68D).
The Camper Package comes with increased capacity front springs, rear stabilizer bar, and rear auxiliary springs. This is available on all trims except the Limited, or Tremor Off-Road Package.
Camper Package (471)
- Increased capacity front springs
- Rear stabilizer bar
- Rear auxiliary springs
10,000 lb GVWR Package (68D)
The towing guide does not specify what makes this package unique or what comes with it.
Towing Capacity by Engine
The weights below for each engine list both the weight carrying and weight distributing towing capacities
6.2 L V8
The 6.2 L V8 gas engine is the weakest of the 2021 F250 series. It only supplies 385 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque.
As the smallest engine, the towing capacity is between 12,300 – 15,000 lbs for the 6.2 L.
Drive | Axle Ratio | Cab Size | Bed Size | GCWR | Towing Capacity |
4x2 | 3.73 | Regular | 8 ft | 19,500 | 13,000 |
4x4 | 3.21 | Regular | 8 ft | 19,500 | 12,900 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Regular | 8 ft | 22,000 | 13,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Regular | 8 ft | 22,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.73 | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 19,500 | 13,000 |
4x2 | 3.73 | Super | 8 ft | 19,500 | 12,900 |
4x4 | 3.73 | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 19,500 | 12,600 |
4x4 | 3.73 | Super | 8 ft | 19,500 | 12,500 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 22,000 | 13,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Super | 8 ft | 22,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 22,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Super | 8 ft | 22,000 | 15,000 |
4x2 | 3.73 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 19,500 | 12,900 |
4x2 | 3.73 | Crew | 8 ft | 19,500 | 12,700 |
4x4 | 3.73 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 19,500 | 12,500 |
4x4 | 3.73 | Crew | 8 ft | 19,500 | 12,300 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 22,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Crew | 8 ft | 22,000 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 22,000 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Crew | 8 ft | 22,000 | 14,800 |
6.7 L V8 Turbo Diesel
The 6.7 L V8 Turbo Diesel is the only diesel engine offered in the 2021 F250 family. It has 1,050 lb.-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm and 475 hp @ 2,600 rpm.
The turbo diesel engine has the a towing capacity of 14,000 – 20,000 lbs, the highest in the family.
Drive | Axle Ratio | Cab Size | Bed Size | GCWR | Towing Capacity |
4x2 | 3.31 | Regular | 8 ft | 23,500 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 | Regular | 8 ft | 23,500 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Regular | 8 ft | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Regular | 8 ft | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 23,500 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 | Supercab | 8 ft | 23,500 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 23,500 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 | Supercab | 8 ft | 23,500 | 15,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 8 ft | 30,000 | 15,200 |
4x4 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 8 ft | 30,000 | 20,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 23,500 | 15,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 | Crew | 8 ft | 23,500 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 23,500 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 | Crew | 8 ft | 23,500 | 15,000 |
4x2 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 15,200 |
4x2 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 8 ft | 30,000 | 18,200 |
4x4 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 20,000 |
4x4 | 3.31 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 8 ft | 30,000 | 20,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Regular | 8 ft | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Regular | 8 ft | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 8 ft | 30,000 | 15,200 |
4x4 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Supercab | 8 ft (18/20 in tires) | 30,000 | 20,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 15,200 |
4x2 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 8 ft | 30,000 | 18,200 |
4x4 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 20,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package | Crew | 8 ft | 30,000 | 20,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 - HC Tow Package/ | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 30,000 | 15,000 |
7.3 L V8
The 7.3L V8 engine is a gas engine which supplies similar horsepower to the 6.7 L diesel at 430 hp, but significantly less torque at 475 lb.-ft.
The 7.3 L engine has very similar towing capacities to the 6.2 L gas engine with a range of 13,000 – 15,000 lbs.
Drive | Axle Ratio | Cab Size | Bed Size | GCWR | Towing Capacity |
4x2 | 3.55 | Regular | 8 ft | 21,800 | 13,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 | Regular | 8 ft | 21,800 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 21,800 | 13,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 | Supercab | 8 ft | 21,800 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 21,800 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 3.55 | Supercab | 8 ft | 21,800 | 14,700 |
4x2 | 3.55 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 21,800 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 3.55 | Crew | 8 ft | 21,800 | 14,900 |
4x4 | 3.55 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 21,800 | 14,700 |
4x4 | 3.55 | Crew | 8 ft | 21,800 | 14,500 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Crew - Tremor Package | 6 ft 9 in | 24,900 | 15,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Regular | 8 ft | 26,000 | 13,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Regular | 8 ft | 26,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 26,000 | 13,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Supercab | 8 ft | 26,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 26,000 | 14,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Supercab | 8 ft | 26,000 | 15,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 26,000 | 14,000 |
4x2 | 4.30 | Crew | 8 ft | 26,000 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 26,000 | 15,000 |
4x4 | 4.30 | Crew | 8 ft | 26,000 | 15,000 |
2021 F250 Towing Capacity Chart
5th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Capacities
Payload Capacity of F250
Payload Capacity vs Towing Capacity
Payload capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight that can be put on a truck and carried.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight that can be pulled from behind a truck.
For a more detailed explanation of these two, check out the GVWR vs GCWR article.
6.2 L V8 Payload
The 6.2 L V8 payload capacity in the 2021 F250 is 2,228 – 3,816 lbs.
Drive | Package | Cab Size | Bed Size | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
4x2 | Camper | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,716 |
4x4 | Camper | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,285 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,816 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,385 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 3,091 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Super | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,979 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,672 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Super | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,580 |
4x2 | Camper | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,991 |
4x2 | Camper | Super | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,879 |
4x4 | Camper | Super | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,572 |
4x4 | Camper | Super | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,480 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,991 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,584 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,762 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,328 |
4x2 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,891 |
4x2 | Camper | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,662 |
4x4 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,484 |
4x4 | Camper | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,228 |
6.7 L V8 Turbo Diesel Payload
The 6.7 L diesel payload capacity in the 2021 F250 is 1,333 – 3,542 lbs.
Drive | Package | Cab Size | Bed Size | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,010 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,597 |
4x2 | Camper | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,910 |
4x4 | Camper | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,497 |
4x2 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Regular | 8 ft | 10,600 | 3,542 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Regular | 8 ft | 10,600 | 3,330 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,291 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 1,894 |
4x2 | Camper | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,191 |
4x4 | Camper | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 1,794 |
4x2 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,700 | 2,923 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,700 | 2,626 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Supercab | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,159 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Supercab | 8 ft | 10,000 | 1,773 |
4x2 | Camper | Supercab | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,059 |
4x4 | Camper | Supercab | 8 ft | 10,000 | 1,673 |
4x2 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Supercab | 8 ft | 10,800 | 2,893 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Supercab | 8 ft | 10,800 | 2,476 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,171 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 1,784 |
4x2 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,071 |
4x2 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 1,684 |
4x2 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,800 | 2,905 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tremor | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 9,900 | 1,333 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,800 | 2,518 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tremor/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,800 | 2,233 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 1,942 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 1,508 |
4x2 | Camper | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 1,842 |
4x4 | Camper | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 1,408 |
4x2 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Crew | 8 ft | 10,800 | 2,676 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tow Package/ | Crew | 8 ft | 10,800 | 2,242 |
7.3 L V8 Payload
The 7.3 L V8 payload capacity in the 2021 F250 is 2,045 – 3,710 lbs.
Drive | Package | Cab Size | Bed Size | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,710 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,280 |
4x2 | Camper | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,610 |
4x4 | Camper | Regular | 8 ft | 10,000 | 3,180 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,985 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,566 |
4x2 | Camper | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,885 |
4x4 | Camper | Supercab | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,466 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,874 | |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,474 | |
4x2 | Camper | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,774 | |
4x4 | Camper | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,374 | |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,886 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,478 |
4x4 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,786 |
4x4 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,378 |
4x4 | Camper/ Tremor/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,102 |
4x4 | Camper/ | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,045 |
4x2 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,657 |
4x4 | Camper/ 10,000 GVWR | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,222 |
4x2 | Camper | Crew | 6 ft 9 in | 10,000 | 2,557 |
4x4 | Camper | Crew | 8 ft | 10,000 | 2,122 |
Conclusion
The 2021 Ford F250 has a towing capacity ranging from 12,300 – 20,000 lbs.
The engine type, drive, cab size, and bed size can all impact the towing capacity.
You should always do your own towing capacity calculations before you ever tow anything, especially those that are close to these limits.
If you need help calculating your towing capacity, I wrote an entire article that walks you through the steps to calculate your towing capacity along with other considerations you need to make when towing.
The resources used for this information were taken from the 2021 Ford RV/Trailer Towing Guide ebrochure.
