Makes · Ford · Ford F-250
2018 Ford F-250 towing capacity
Trim-level maximum towing capacity — 12,000 – 13,000 lbs across packages. Exact capacity depends on configuration. Payload is separate from towing capacity and is shown where GVWR and curb weight (or manufacturer payload) exist.
Tow Planner
Select your exact configuration and tell us what you're towing. We'll compare trailer weight, payload, tongue weight and the available vehicle limits. Year-level towing and payload answers below are available without selecting a configuration.
Which configuration do you have?
36 configurations
36 possible configurations match your selections.
What are you trying to do?
Choose a job to open interactive tools. Year-level towing and payload answers appear below even before you pick a configuration.
What can a 2018 Ford F-250 tow?
Across 36 configurations with published ratings, 2018 Ford F-250 towing capacity ranges from 12,000 lbs to 13,000 lbs. Exact capacity depends on configuration — not every 2018 Ford F-250 can tow the maximum value.
- Minimum published towing capacity in this dataset: 12,000 lbs
- Maximum published towing capacity in this dataset: 13,000 lbs
- Configurations with a towing rating: 36 of 36
Highest-rated example: Lariat · 4x2 · Super Cab — 13,000 lbs
Lowest-rated example: XLT · 4x4 — 12,000 lbs
Highest towing configurations
Top configurations by published maximum trailer rating for the 2018 Ford F-250. Payload is shown only when present in the dataset.
| Trim | Cab | Drivetrain | Bed | Axle ratio | Max towing | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lariat | Super Cab | 4x2 | 6.75 ft | 3.73 | 13,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| XL | Regular Cab | 4x2 | 8 ft | 3.73 | 13,000 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| XL | Super Cab | 4x2 | 6.75 ft | 3.73 | 13,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| XLT | Regular Cab | 4x2 | 8 ft | 3.73 | 13,000 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| XLT | Super Cab | 4x2 | 6.75 ft | 3.73 | 13,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| King Ranch | Crew Cab | 4x2 | 6.75 ft | 3.73 | 12,000 lbs | 3,880 lbs |
| King Ranch | Crew Cab | 4x2 | 8 ft | 3.73 | 12,000 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
| King Ranch | Crew Cab | 4x4 | 6.75 ft | 3.73 | 12,000 lbs | 3,450 lbs |
| King Ranch | Crew Cab | 4x4 | 8 ft | 3.73 | 12,000 lbs | 3,230 lbs |
| Lariat | Crew Cab | 4x2 | 6.75 ft | 3.73 | 12,000 lbs | 3,880 lbs |
Towing capacity by drivetrain
2018 Ford F-250 4x2 towing capacity
Range: 12,000 – 13,000 lbs (median 12,000 lbs) across 16 configurations in this dataset.
2018 Ford F-250 4x4 towing capacity
Range: 12,000 lbs (median 12,000 lbs) across 20 configurations in this dataset.
Towing capacity by cab style
2018 Ford F-250 Crew Cab towing capacity
Observed range: 12,000 lbs (20 configurations).
2018 Ford F-250 Regular Cab towing capacity
Observed range: 12,000 – 13,000 lbs (4 configurations).
2018 Ford F-250 Super Cab towing capacity
Observed range: 12,000 – 13,000 lbs (12 configurations).
Towing capacity by axle ratio
| Axle ratio | Towing range | Configurations |
|---|---|---|
| 3.55 | 12,000 lbs | 2 |
| 3.73 | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 34 |
2018 Ford F-250 payload capacity
Payload is not the same as towing capacity. Where both GVWR and curb weight exist in the catalog, payload is GVWR minus curb weight (or the manufacturer payload field when present). Payload covers people, cargo in the truck, hitch equipment, and trailer tongue weight — not the full trailer weight.
- Observed payload range: 3,230 – 4,200 lbs
- Configurations with payload data: 36
Highest-payload configurations
- XL · 4x2 · Regular Cab — 4,200 lbs
- XLT · 4x2 · Regular Cab — 4,200 lbs
- Lariat · 4x2 · Super Cab — 4,000 lbs
- XL · 4x2 · Super Cab — 4,000 lbs
- XLT · 4x2 · Super Cab — 4,000 lbs
Quick configuration comparison
Observed towing ranges from the 2018 Ford F-250 dataset. Values are min–max of published ratings in each group — not a claim that every unit in the group can tow the top figure.
Drivetrain
| Drivetrain | Towing range | Configs |
|---|---|---|
| 4x2 | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 16 |
| 4x4 | 12,000 lbs | 20 |
Cab styles
| Cab | Towing range | Configs |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab | 12,000 lbs | 20 |
| Regular Cab | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 4 |
| Super Cab | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 12 |
Bed lengths
| Bed | Towing range | Configs |
|---|---|---|
| 6.75 ft | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 16 |
| 8 ft | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 20 |
Axle ratios
| Axle | Towing range | Median | Configs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.55 | 12,000 lbs | 12,000 lbs | 2 |
| 3.73 | 12,000 – 13,000 lbs | 12,000 lbs | 34 |
Why does towing capacity vary for this vehicle?
Towing ratings vary across configurations. These are configuration differences present in our dataset:
- Drivetrain: 4x2, 4x4
- Axle ratios: 3.55, 3.73
- Cab styles: Crew Cab, Regular Cab, Super Cab
- Bed lengths: 6.75 ft, 8 ft
- Published towing range: 12,000 – 13,000 lbs
Compare this vehicle
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Towing capacity by trim
| Trim | Max towing | Curb weight | Payload* | HP | Torque | Axle | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lariat 4x2 SD Super Cab 6.75 ft. box 148 in. WB SRW | 13,000 lbs | 5,932 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 148.0 |
| XL 4x2 SD Regular Cab 8 ft. box 142 in. WB SRW | 13,000 lbs | 5,683 lbs | 4,200 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 142.0 |
| XL 4x2 SD Super Cab 6.75 ft. box 148 in. WB SRW | 13,000 lbs | 5,932 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 148.0 |
| XLT 4x2 SD Regular Cab 8 ft. box 142 in. WB SRW | 13,000 lbs | 5,683 lbs | 4,200 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 142.0 |
| XLT 4x2 SD Super Cab 6.75 ft. box 148 in. WB SRW | 13,000 lbs | 5,932 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 148.0 |
| King Ranch 4x2 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,052 lbs | 3,880 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| King Ranch 4x2 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,291 lbs | 3,640 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| King Ranch 4x4 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,478 lbs | 3,450 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| King Ranch 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,695 lbs | 3,230 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| Lariat 4x2 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,052 lbs | 3,880 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| Lariat 4x2 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,291 lbs | 3,640 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| Lariat 4x2 SD Super Cab 8 ft. box 164 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,027 lbs | 3,910 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 164.0 |
| Lariat 4x4 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,478 lbs | 3,450 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| Lariat 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,695 lbs | 3,230 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| Lariat 4x4 SD Super Cab 6.75 ft. box 148 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,372 lbs | 3,560 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 148.0 |
| Lariat 4x4 SD Super Cab 8 ft. box 164 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,441 lbs | 3,490 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 164.0 |
| Limited 4x4 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,478 lbs | 3,450 lbs | 440 | 925 | 3.55 | 160.0 |
| Limited 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,695 lbs | 3,230 lbs | 440 | 925 | 3.55 | 176.0 |
| Platinum 4x4 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,478 lbs | 3,450 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| Platinum 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,695 lbs | 3,230 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| XL 4x2 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,052 lbs | 3,880 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| XL 4x2 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,291 lbs | 3,640 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| XL 4x2 SD Super Cab 8 ft. box 164 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,027 lbs | 3,910 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 164.0 |
| XL 4x4 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,478 lbs | 3,450 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| XL 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,695 lbs | 3,230 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| XL 4x4 SD Regular Cab 8 ft. box 142 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,106 lbs | 3,830 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 142.0 |
| XL 4x4 SD Super Cab 6.75 ft. box 148 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,372 lbs | 3,560 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 148.0 |
| XL 4x4 SD Super Cab 8 ft. box 164 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,441 lbs | 3,490 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 164.0 |
| XLT 4x2 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,052 lbs | 3,880 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| XLT 4x2 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,291 lbs | 3,640 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| XLT 4x2 SD Super Cab 8 ft. box 164 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,027 lbs | 3,910 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 164.0 |
| XLT 4x4 SD Crew Cab 6.75 ft. box 160 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,478 lbs | 3,450 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 160.0 |
| XLT 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8 ft. box 176 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,695 lbs | 3,230 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 176.0 |
| XLT 4x4 SD Regular Cab 8 ft. box 142 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,106 lbs | 3,830 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 142.0 |
| XLT 4x4 SD Super Cab 6.75 ft. box 148 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,372 lbs | 3,560 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 148.0 |
| XLT 4x4 SD Super Cab 8 ft. box 164 in. WB SRW | 12,000 lbs | 6,441 lbs | 3,490 lbs | 385 | 430 | 3.73 | 164.0 |
* Payload = manufacturer payload when present, otherwise GVWR − curb weight. Towing capacity is a separate rating and is not the same as payload.
What affects the rating
Higher figures usually need the tow package, the right axle ratio, and enough cooling. Passengers, fuel, gear, and tongue weight all eat into what you can safely pull — stay under both the trailer rating and the vehicle’s payload.