When you're searching for a heavy-duty truck in Shawnee, OK, or nearby areas like Meeker, Noble, and Tecumseh, understanding the towing capabilities of the Ford F-250 and F-350 is crucial. If you plan to tow large trailers, haul construction equipment, or go on weekend adventures with a fifth-wheel camper, choosing the right truck can make all the difference. At Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee, located at 4921 Automall Dr, Shawnee, OK 74804, we specialize in helping you navigate these choices. Reach us anytime at (405) 273-7701 for expert advice and personalized service.
Table of Contents
- Towing Capacity Differences Between the Ford F-250 and F-350
- Is the Ford F-250 or F-350 Better for Heavy Towing?
- Can a Ford F-250 Tow 15,000 Pounds?
- Why Does the Ford F-350 Have a Higher Towing Capacity?
- Legal Towing Limits: How Much Can an F-350 Legally Tow?
- The 80% Towing Rule Explained
- Is the Ford F-350 a 1-Ton Pickup?
- How Big of a Fifth-Wheel Can a Ford F-350 Tow?
Towing Capacity Differences Between the Ford F-250 and F-350
The Ford F-250 and F-350 are both formidable trucks within Ford's Super Duty lineup, yet they serve different towing and payload needs. Around Shawnee, Meeker, and Tecumseh, choosing between these trucks often comes down to the specifics of your hauling requirements.
The F-250 generally offers a maximum towing capacity of up to approximately 22,000 pounds when equipped with the right engine and hitch, such as the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 combined with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. This capacity is sufficient for most heavy recreational towing, like boat trailers or mid-sized campers, as well as moderate commercial hauling tasks.
Conversely, the F-350 steps into a higher class, with maximum towing capabilities reaching up to 38,000 pounds in its dual rear wheel (DRW) configuration with the high-output 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel engine. This makes it ideal for drivers in Seminole or Tecumseh who routinely tow large livestock trailers, commercial equipment, or massive fifth-wheel campers. The F-350’s payload capacity can also reach nearly 8,000 pounds, nearly doubling that of the F-250, thanks to its reinforced frame and stronger axles.
Key distinctions between these trucks include:
Dual Rear Wheel Configuration (DRW): Exclusive to the F-350, DRW provides enhanced stability and increased weight distribution, crucial for safely towing heavier loads on the often varied terrain near Purcell.
Frame and Suspension: The F-350’s frame is reinforced with heavier-gauge steel and superior suspension components, allowing it to handle the stress of heavier payloads and towing without compromising durability.
Axle Ratios: The F-350 usually features higher rear axle ratios (up to 3.73 or above), which translates into better towing power, especially on steep grades common around Shawnee.
Selecting the proper configuration, including cab style, bed length, and engine type, is vital. For example, a SuperCab 4x4 with a gooseneck hitch offers different towing dynamics compared to a Crew Cab 4x2 with a conventional hitch, so understanding these options will help you match your truck to your towing demands.
For those interested in exploring these models firsthand, Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee offers an extensive selection of All New Vehicles and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles.
Is the Ford F-250 or F-350 Better for Heavy Towing?
Determining which truck is better for towing depends largely on the weight and frequency of your hauling needs. For drivers in McLoud and Slaughterville who tow large trailers or heavy equipment regularly, the Ford F-350 emerges as the superior option.
The F-350’s enhanced towing capacity and payload stem from its:
Stronger Suspension System: The F-350 often comes with heavier-duty springs and, in the DRW model, dual rear wheels. These features not only increase payload but also improve towing stability, reducing trailer sway and sag.
Higher Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The F-350’s GCWR can exceed 40,000 pounds in some configurations, compared to about 31,000 pounds for the F-250, giving it a clear edge when towing heavy loads over long distances.
Advanced Towing Technologies: Both trucks offer Ford’s advanced towing aids like Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, but the F-350’s higher trims often include additional features like Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch, which helps monitor trailer weight in real-time, a valuable asset when towing near capacity limits on Oklahoma highways.
However, the F-250 still holds its ground for many drivers in Noble or Purcell who need a balance of strong towing capacity with daily drivability and fuel efficiency. Its suspension offers a smoother ride when unladen, making it a practical choice if heavy towing is occasional.
For commercial drivers or fleet operators needing maximum towing performance, the F-350 is the better investment, especially when paired with the high-output diesel engine and dual rear wheels. For those who want to evaluate your current truck’s trade-in value before upgrading, use our Trade Valuation tool for a quick assessment.
Can a Ford F-250 Tow 15,000 Pounds?
Yes, a properly equipped Ford F-250 can tow 15,000 pounds and even more, depending on the specific engine configuration and hitch type.
Key factors affecting the F-250’s towing capacity include:
Engine Options: The 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 is the top choice for towing heavy loads, offering torque up to 1,200 lb-ft, essential for pulling 15,000 pounds smoothly, especially on inclines or rugged roads near Meeker. Gasoline engines like the 7.3L V8 also provide respectable towing capacities, often reaching or exceeding 15,000 pounds with the right setup.
Hitch Type: Fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches significantly increase towing capacity compared to conventional bumper hitches. For example, an F-250 with a gooseneck hitch can comfortably handle trailers weighing over 20,000 pounds.
Axle Ratio and Drivetrain: Trucks with higher axle ratios (e.g., 3.55 or 3.73) and 4x4 drivetrain options benefit from improved towing power and traction, especially important for hauling heavy loads on uneven or slippery surfaces common around Shawnee and Norman.
Payload and Tongue Weight: Remember that about 20% of the trailer weight transfers to the truck’s hitch, so the truck’s payload capacity must accommodate this additional load to maintain safe handling.
To put it into perspective:
The 6.2L V8 gas engine F-250 can tow around 15,000 pounds conventionally and up to approximately 15,800 pounds with fifth-wheel equipment.
The 7.3L gas V8 and 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engines increase that capacity further, with some configurations exceeding 22,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Before towing heavy loads, always verify your vehicle’s specific towing ratings by consulting the owner’s manual or the door jamb sticker. For expert maintenance or to ensure your F-250 is ready for tough towing jobs, schedule a visit to our Service Department. We also stock genuine Ford parts to keep your truck operating at peak performance—browse our Parts Department for any replacements.
Why Does the Ford F-350 Have a Higher Towing Capacity?
The Ford F-350’s superior towing capacity compared to the F-250 comes down to several critical engineering enhancements designed to handle heavier loads safely and efficiently.
Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) Configuration: The F-350 is available with dual rear wheels, which distribute the load more evenly across the rear axle, increasing stability and supporting heavier trailers. This feature is especially valued by drivers in Seminole who tow large livestock or commercial trailers.
Reinforced Frame and Suspension: The F-350 uses a stronger, heavier-duty frame and suspension components, including larger leaf springs and upgraded axles. This construction reduces frame flex and increases durability under heavy loads.
Higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Axle Ratings: The F-350 typically has a GVWR between 10,000 and 14,000 pounds, exceeding that of the F-250 by a significant margin. Its axles also have higher Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), allowing it to safely carry and tow more.
Engine Power and Torque: While both trucks offer similar engine options, the F-350 often pairs these with configurations optimized for maximum towing, including higher axle ratios and heavy-duty transmissions that can handle greater torque loads.
For drivers in Tecumseh or Purcell, this means the F-350 is better suited for sustained towing of heavy commercial trailers or fifth-wheel campers, where safety and vehicle longevity are paramount.
Legal Towing Limits: How Much Can an F-350 Legally Tow?
Knowing the legal towing limits for your F-350 is as important as knowing its maximum mechanical capacity. While the truck can technically tow up to 40,000 pounds in ideal configurations, legal restrictions and safety regulations govern how much you can tow on public roads.
Key points include:
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This is the total allowable weight of the truck, trailer, passengers, and cargo combined. The F-350’s GCWR can reach up to 45,600 pounds, depending on engine and configuration.
State and Federal Regulations: In Oklahoma and surrounding states like Norman and Shawnee, commercial vehicle towing limits must comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, which consider trailer length, weight distribution, brakes, and more.
Trailer Brake Requirements: For trailers over 3,000 pounds, brakes are generally required by law, and the F-350 is equipped to handle these safely with integrated trailer brake controllers.
Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always follow Ford’s towing charts found in your owner’s manual or consult the official Ford towing guide to ensure you do not exceed recommended limits, which vary by truck configuration.
If you’re unsure about your truck’s legal towing limits or need to prepare your truck for heavy towing, our team at Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee can assist. We offer expert advice and services to keep your truck compliant and safe on the road.
The 80% Towing Rule Explained
A widely accepted towing guideline is the “80% rule,” which advises towing no more than 80% of your truck’s maximum towing capacity. This safety margin accounts for variable road conditions, weather, and potential miscalculations in weight.
For example, if your F-350 has a maximum towing capacity of 38,000 pounds, you would ideally not tow more than 30,400 pounds.
Why this matters for Shawnee and nearby drivers:
Safety Buffer: Reduces strain on your truck’s transmission, brakes, and suspension, especially on hilly or rough roads common in the area.
Vehicle Longevity: Avoids excessive wear and tear caused by towing at or near maximum capacity regularly.
Handling and Control: Helps maintain better control of your vehicle-trailer combination, reducing risks of sway or loss of control.
While not a legal requirement, adhering to the 80% rule is a best practice recommended by towing experts and manufacturers alike.
Is the Ford F-350 a 1-Ton Pickup?
Yes, the Ford F-350 is classified as a 1-ton pickup. This designation originated historically from trucks’ payload capacities, but today reflects a class of heavy-duty trucks designed with superior chassis components for serious towing and hauling.
Key characteristics of the F-350 as a 1-ton truck include:
Higher Payload and GVWR: Payloads up to 8,000 pounds and GVWRs exceeding 10,000 pounds place the F-350 in the Class 3 truck category.
Dual Rear Wheel Availability: Many F-350 models come with dual rear wheels (dually), providing increased stability and load capacity.
Heavy-Duty Suspension and Axles: Built to accommodate commercial-grade towing and hauling tasks.
For Shawnee and Norman drivers, this means the F-350 stands out as a more robust option compared to the 3/4-ton F-250, ideal for frequent towing of heavy trailers, commercial equipment, or large recreational vehicles.
How Big of a Fifth-Wheel Can a Ford F-350 Tow?
The fifth-wheel towing capacity of the Ford F-350 varies widely depending on engine choice, cab configuration, and whether the truck has single or dual rear wheels.
Typical capacities include:
Gasoline Engines: The 6.8L V8 can tow fifth-wheel trailers up to approximately 18,000 pounds, while the 7.3L V8 increases that to around 22,500 pounds with dual rear wheels.
Diesel Engines: The 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel is the powerhouse, capable of towing fifth-wheel trailers up to 40,000 pounds in dually configurations, especially with a Regular Cab 4x2 setup.
Cab and Wheel Configuration: Generally, Regular Cab 4x2 models maximize towing capacity due to reduced curb weight and optimal axle ratios.
For drivers in Shawnee and Slaughterville planning to tow large fifth-wheel campers or commercial trailers, the F-350 provides exceptional capability unmatched by lighter-duty trucks.
To explore available F-350 trucks tailored to these towing needs, browse our All Used Vehicles or All New Vehicles inventories and schedule a test drive.
Enhancing Your Ford Towing Experience with Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee
Choosing the right Ford Super Duty truck for your towing needs in Shawnee, OK, requires expert guidance and access to the right equipment. At Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee, we offer:
A wide selection of new and used Ford trucks is ready for heavy towing.
Genuine Ford parts through our Parts Department to keep your vehicle in top towing condition.
Expert maintenance and repair services via our Service Department, staffed by factory-trained technicians.
Trade-in evaluations through our Trade Valuation tool help you upgrade efficiently.
Visit us at 4921 Automall Dr, Shawnee, OK 74804 or call (405) 273-7701 to speak with our team today. Discover how the Ford F-250 and F-350 can meet your towing demands and find the perfect match for your work or play.
For more information about our dealership, hours, and directions, check out our About Us and Directions & Hours pages.
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