2022 Ford F-250 Towing Capacity Chart: The Definitive Guide
The 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty is engineered to be a dominant force in the heavy-duty truck segment, but understanding its true towing capability is a complex task. The maximum advertised numbers are often misunderstood, leading to confusion and potential safety risks.
Here is a quick summary of the 2022 Ford F-250’s absolute maximum capabilities:
- Maximum Conventional Towing: 20,000 pounds
- Maximum 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing: 22,800 pounds
These “best-in-class” figures are not standard. They are achievable only with a very specific, and often rare, combination of components: the 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel engine and the available High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535).
An F-250’s tow rating can vary by over 10,000 pounds depending on four critical factors:
- Engine: 6.2L Gas, 7.3L Gas, or 6.7L Diesel
- Axle Ratio: (e.g., 3.31, 3.55, 3.73, 4.30)
- Cab Configuration: Regular Cab, SuperCab, or Crew Cab
- Drivetrain: 4×2 or 4×4
This definitive guide provides the detailed charts and, more importantly, the expert context needed to understand exactly how much your 2022 F-250 can safely tow. While the F-250 is a powerhouse, its ratings are closely related to its bigger sibling. It is often beneficial to review a to understand the key differences, especially regarding payload.
At a Glance: Maximum Capabilities
The 2022 F-250’s capability is defined by its impressive maximum ratings. These figures represent the upper limit of what the truck can handle when equipped with the most powerful engine (6.7L Power Stroke V8) and the correct axle ratio and towing package.
Max Gooseneck Towing
Max Conventional Towing
Max Payload Capacity
Power Under the Hood: Engine Comparison
Towing capacity starts with the engine. The 2022 F-250 offered three distinct powerplants, each providing a different balance of horsepower (for speed) and torque (for pulling power). The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is the clear leader for heavy hauling, delivering over 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
Hitch Type Matters: Max Towing by Engine
The way you hitch your trailer significantly impacts capacity. Gooseneck and 5th-wheel hitches, which mount in the truck bed, allow for much higher ratings than a conventional bumper-pull hitch. This chart shows the *maximum* potential for each engine and hitch type.
How Axle Ratio Affects Towing
Often overlooked, the axle ratio (e.g., 3.73, 4.30) is a critical factor. A “higher” number (like 4.30) multiplies engine torque more effectively, increasing towing capacity at the expense of some fuel efficiency. This chart illustrates the general relationship for a single configuration.
Understanding Towing Terms
Towing involves more than just one number. These are the key concepts you need to know when reading a tow chart.
Conventional Towing
Uses a hitch on the truck’s frame, typically via a receiver under the bumper. This is the most common type but has the lowest capacity.
5th-Wheel / Gooseneck
Uses a hitch mounted in the truck bed over the rear axle. This provides greater stability and allows for much heavier trailers.
Payload Capacity
The maximum weight the truck can carry in its cab and bed, *including* the trailer’s tongue weight (the downward force from the trailer hitch).
2022 F-250 Towing Capacity Charts: The Full Data
The official Ford towing guides provide dense, multi-page charts. For clarity, the data has been consolidated into practical, simplified tables. The most important variable is the hitch style: conventional (bumper-pull) or 5th-wheel/gooseneck (in-bed).
2022 Ford F-250 SRW Conventional Towing Capacity (lbs)
Conventional towing utilizes a receiver hitch below the bumper. The 2022 F-250’s conventional capacity is largely determined by engine and axle ratio. The 20,000-pound maximum rating is a significant outlier that requires a specific package.
2022 F-250 Conventional Towing Chart (Selected Configurations)
| Engine | Axle Ratio | Cab Type / Drivetrain | Max Trailer Weight (lbs) |
| 6.2L V8 | 3.73 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 12,500 |
| 6.2L V8 | 4.30 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 15,000 |
| 7.3L V8 | 3.55 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 14,700 |
| 7.3L V8 | 4.30 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 15,000 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.31 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 15,000 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.55 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 15,000 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.31 or 3.55 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 20,000 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.31 or 3.55 | SuperCab / 4×4 | 20,000 |
(1) Requires the F-250 High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535) and 18″ all-season or 20″ all-terrain tires.
As the chart demonstrates, nearly all F-250 configurations, including those with the powerful 6.7L diesel, are limited to a 15,000-pound conventional rating.
The 20,000-Pound Conventional Rating Trap:
Achieving the 20,000-pound conventional rating is not a standard feature of the 6.7L diesel engine. It is unlocked only by ordering the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535). This package increases the truck’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)—the total allowed weight of the truck and trailer—from 23,500 pounds to 30,000 pounds. Without this specific package, no 2022 F-250 is rated to conventionally tow 20,000 pounds.
Visual 2: 2022 Ford F-250 SRW 5th-Wheel & Gooseneck Towing (lbs)
Placing the hitch in the bed (5th-wheel or gooseneck) transfers the trailer’s pin weight directly over the truck’s rear axle, allowing for significantly higher towing capacities.
2022 F-250 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Chart (Selected Configurations)
| Engine | Axle Ratio | Cab Type / Drivetrain | Max Trailer Weight (lbs) |
| 6.2L V8 | 4.30 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 15,000 |
| 7.3L V8 | 4.30 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 18,600 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.31 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 14,700 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.55 | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 15,700 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.31 + H.C. Pkg | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 19,100 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.55 + Tremor Pkg | Crew Cab / 4×4 | 17,800 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | 3.31 + H.C. Pkg | Regular Cab / 4×2 | 22,800 |
(2) This is not a typo; the 3.31 axle ratio on the diesel is optimized for fuel economy, not max towing, without the High-Capacity package.
(3) Requires the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535) for the 30,000-lb GCWR.
(4) The Tremor Off-Road Package reduces max towing capacity.
The 5th-Wheel vs. Gooseneck Limitation:
The advertised maximum of 22,800 pounds is highly specific: it requires a Regular Cab 4×2 with the 6.7L diesel and High-Capacity package.
More importantly, there is a critical distinction between 5th-wheel and gooseneck ratings. While the truck itself may have a gooseneck rating of 22,800 pounds, the Ford factory-installed 5th-wheel hitch is limited to 19,000 pounds. To legally and safely tow more than 19,000 pounds, you must use a gooseneck hitch, even if the truck’s “on paper” rating is higher.
Engine Specs: How Power & Torque Define Your Tow Rating
The F-250’s towing prowess starts with its engine. Each of the three available V8s offers a distinct balance of power, torque, and towing capability.
The Workhorse: 6.2L SOHC V8 (Base Engine)
- Horsepower: 385 hp
- Torque: 430 lb-ft
- Towing Range: Up to 15,000 lbs (Conventional) / 15,800 lbs (5th-Wheel)
The 6.2L V8 is a proven, reliable workhorse. As the base engine, it offers significant capability for general-purpose work and towing moderate loads. It is typically paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, though a 10-speed was available on some 2022 models.
The “Godzilla”: 7.3L OHV V8 (Gas Upgrade)
- Horsepower: 430 hp
- Torque: 475 lb-ft
- Towing Range: Up to 15,000 lbs (Conventional) / 19,500 lbs (5th-Wheel)
Dubbed “Godzilla,” this available 7.3L V8 was designed for durability and low-end grunt. It provides the best-in-class gas V8 horsepower and torque. Paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, its significant 19,500-pound 5th-wheel rating makes it a popular choice for RV owners who want near-diesel capability without the diesel engine’s cost and complexity. This engine has a cult following; a Complete Guide to Ford’s 7.3L ‘Godzilla’ V8 can detail its development and specs.
The Heavy Hauler: 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel
- Horsepower: 475 hp @ 2,600 rpm
- Torque: 1,050 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
- Towing Range: Up to 20,000 lbs (Conventional) / 22,800 lbs (5th-Wheel/Gooseneck)
The 6.7L Power Stroke is the undisputed king of the 2022 lineup. Its staggering 1,050 lb-ft of torque is the “enabling technology” that makes the 30,000-pound GCWR and the maximum tow ratings possible. Built with forged-steel pistons and a 36,000-psi fuel-injection system, this engine is engineered specifically for moving extreme loads.
Payload is the Real Limiting Factor: Read This Before You Tow
This is the most critical, and most often overlooked, aspect of towing: You will almost certainly exceed your F-250’s payload capacity before you hit its towing capacity.
This is especially true when towing a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer.
Defining the Key Towing Terms
- Payload Capacity: The maximum weight your truck can carry in and on itself. This includes all passengers, all cargo in the cab and bed, and—critically—the trailer’s tongue weight.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The absolute maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded truck (truck weight + passengers + cargo + tongue weight). This number, found on the door jamb, is the legal limit.
- Tongue Weight (or King Pin Weight): The downward force the trailer applies to the truck’s hitch.
- Conventional: 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
- 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck: 15-25% of the total loaded trailer weight.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded truck and the fully loaded trailer combined.
The Payload Math That Matters (A Practical Example)
Let’s imagine you purchased a 2022 F-250 Crew Cab 4×4 with the 6.7L Diesel. Its 5th-wheel tow rating is 19,100 pounds (with the High-Capacity package). You buy a 19,000-pound 5th-wheel RV. You are 100 pounds under your tow rating, so you are safe, correct?
Wrong. Let’s do the payload math.
- Calculate King Pin Weight: A 19,000-pound 5th-wheel will have a king pin weight of 15-25%. Let’s use a 20% average.$19,000 \text{ lbs} \times 0.20 = \mathbf{3,800 \text{ lbs of pin weight}}$
- Find Your Truck’s Payload: That 3,800 pounds of pin weight counts as cargo, i.e., payload. A 2022 F-250 Crew Cab 4×4 with the 6.7L diesel may have a maximum payload rating of 2,576 pounds. (Note: This is a maximum; a higher trim like a Lariat or Platinum will have an even lower payload due to options like sunroofs and power running boards ).
- The Result: Your trailer’s 3,800-pound pin weight is 1,224 pounds over your truck’s 2,576-pound payload capacity. The truck is dangerously, and illegally, overloaded.
This payload shortfall is the single biggest reason owners upgrade from an F-250 to an F-350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW), which has a much higher GVWR and, therefore, a higher payload capacity.
Visual 3: 2022 Ford F-250 Maximum Payload Capacity (SRW) Chart (lbs)
This chart shows the maximum possible payload (cargo weight) for different F-250 configurations. Heavier engines and 4×4 systems reduce payload.
2022 F-250 Max Payload Chart (Selected Configurations)
| Engine | Cab Type | Drivetrain | Max Payload (lbs) |
| 6.2L V8 | Regular Cab | 4×2 | 3,816 |
| 7.3L V8 | Regular Cab | 4×2 | 3,710 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | Regular Cab | 4×2 | 3,542 |
| 6.2L V8 | Crew Cab | 4×4 | 2,584 |
| 7.3L V8 | Crew Cab | 4×4 | 2,478 |
| 6.7L V8 Diesel | Crew Cab | 4×4 | 2,576 |
How Special Packages Change Your F-250’s Tow Rating
Two optional packages create the most confusion for 2022 F-250 buyers: the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package and the Tremor Off-Road Package.
The “Max Tow” Option: High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535)
- What it is: An optional package (Code 535) available only for F-250s with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8.
- What it does: This is the “magic” package that unlocks the F-250’s highest ratings. It is required to achieve the 20,000-pound conventional rating and the 30,000-pound GCWR needed for max 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing.
- What it includes: The package adds an Upgraded Rear Axle and the Increased GCW. This essentially gives the F-250 an F-350’s axle, blurring the lines between the two models and causing much of the online confusion.
The Off-Road Option: Tremor Off-Road Package (17Y)
- What it is: A package (Code 17Y) focused on maximum off-road capability, with a factory lift, specialized suspension, and 35-inch all-terrain tires.
- How it Affects Towing: It reduces your maximum towing capacity.
- The Data: The 5th-wheel/gooseneck chart shows a specific footnote for the Tremor package. On a 6.7L Crew Cab 4×4, adding the Tremor package drops the maximum 5th-wheel rating from 19,100 pounds down to 17,800 pounds.
- The Trade-Off: This reduction is a deliberate engineering choice. The Tremor’s softer, long-travel suspension is optimized for off-road articulation, not for managing the stability of a maximum-weight trailer. Buyers must choose: maximum off-road capability (Tremor) or maximum towing capability (High-Capacity Package). You cannot have both.
How to Find Your Exact 2022 F-250 Towing Capacity (The Only Answer That Matters)
The charts in this guide are for theoretical maximums. Your specific truck’s rating is unique and is almost always lower than the chart maximum due to trim levels (a Platinum weighs more than an XL) and optional equipment.
Do not use a generic chart to make a purchasing decision. Use one of these two methods.
Method 1: The VIN (The Easy Way)
Ford provides an official online Towing Calculator. This is the single most accurate digital tool.
- Go to the(https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator/).
- Enter your truck’s 17-digit VIN.
- The tool will display the exact ratings (GVWR, GCWR, Max Tow) for your specific vehicle as it was built at the factory.
Method 2: The Door Jamb Sticker (The “Source of Truth”)
This is the legal and final word for your vehicle. It is the only number that matters for law enforcement and liability.
- Open your 2022 F-250’s driver-side door.
- Find the “Safety Compliance Certification Label”.
- Find these two numbers: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating).
- To find your true payload and tow ratings, you must weigh your truck. Take your fully-fueled truck (with you and all passengers/cargo) to a CAT scale at a truck stop to get your “Curb Weight.”
- Your Real-Time Payload Capacity: $GVWR – (\text{Your Truck’s Scale Weight})$
- Your Real-Time Towing Capacity: $GCWR – (\text{Your Truck’s Scale Weight})$
More Than Just Muscle: F-250 Smart Towing Technology
High-tech features on the 2022 F-250 make the job of towing easier and safer.
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™: An available class-exclusive feature that allows you to “steer” the trailer while backing up by simply turning a knob on the dash—the truck handles the complex steering wheel inputs.
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage: Extends the truck’s blind spot sensors to cover the full length of a conventional trailer, alerting you to vehicles alongside your trailer.
- 360-Degree Camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance: Uses five cameras to create an overhead view of the truck and provides visual guides on the center screen to help you back up your trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the maximum towing capacity of a 2022 Ford F-250?
A: The absolute maximum is 22,800 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. This requires the 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel engine, Regular Cab, 4×2, and the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package. The maximum conventional (bumper-pull) rating is 20,000 pounds, which also requires the 6.7L Diesel and the High-Capacity package.
Q: How much can a 2022 F-250 6.7L diesel tow?
A: The 6.7L diesel’s rating ranges from 15,000 pounds to 22,800 pounds. To achieve the maximum ratings (20,000 lbs conventional or 22,800 lbs gooseneck), the truck must be equipped with the optional High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535).4 Without it, the truck is typically limited to 15,000 lbs conventional.
Q: How much can a 2022 F-250 7.3L “Godzilla” gas engine tow?
A: The 7.3L V8 gas engine can tow up to 15,000 pounds conventionally and up to 19,500 pounds with a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch, depending on axle ratio and configuration.
Q: What is the difference between the F-250’s 5th-wheel and gooseneck capacity?
A: While the truck’s maximum gooseneck rating can be as high as 22,800 pounds, the Ford factory-installed 5th-wheel hitch assembly itself is rated for a maximum of 19,000 pounds.4 To tow over 19,000 pounds, you must use a gooseneck hitch.
Q: Does the Tremor package reduce the F-250’s towing capacity?
A: Yes. The Tremor Off-Road Package (17Y) adds off-road suspension that is not optimized for maximum towing. It reduces the truck’s maximum tow rating. For example, a 6.7L Crew Cab 4×4’s 5th-wheel rating drops from 19,100 pounds to 17,800 pounds with the Tremor package.
Q: Where can I find my 2022 F-250’s exact tow rating?
A: The only number that matters is on the “Safety Compliance Certification Label” on your driver’s side door jamb. This provides your specific GVWR and GCWR. For an easy digital check, you can also use the(https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator/).
