2019 Ford F-350 Towing Capacity

The 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty is widely celebrated for its formidable power, towing capacity, and rugged durability. Designed for those who need a vehicle that can handle tough jobs, the F-350 is often chosen by people who tow heavy loads regularly, such as construction equipment, large caravans, boats, or livestock trailers. In this article, we’ll explore the towing capabilities of the 2019 Ford F-350 in detail, covering engine options, towing configurations, payload capacity, fuel efficiency, safety features, interior comfort, and a comparison with key competitors in the heavy-duty truck market. This in-depth guide will help you decide if the 2019 Ford F-350 is right for your towing needs.

Overview of the 2019 Ford F-350

The Ford F-350 sits in the middle of Ford’s Super Duty range, between the F-250 and F-450, making it one of the most versatile options for serious towing and hauling requirements. Available in multiple trims—XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited—the 2019 F-350 can be configured to meet a wide variety of needs, from straightforward workhorse to luxury-heavy haulier. Known for its durability, the 2019 model builds on Ford’s legacy with added safety features, updated technology, and more refined towing capabilities, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable, powerful choice.

Engine Options and Performance

The 2019 Ford F-350 offers two powerful engine options, each tailored to different towing needs:

1. 6.2-litre V8 Petrol Engine
   The base engine for the F-350, this 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine produces 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides more than enough power for moderate towing tasks. It’s a reliable choice for those who need solid performance without the need for extreme towing capacity, making it ideal for smaller loads or for users who prefer petrol over diesel.
2. 6.7-litre Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel Engine
   The turbo diesel option is where the F-350 truly shines. Delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and a whopping 935 lb-ft of torque, the 6.7-litre Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel is explicitly designed for those who frequently tow or haul heavy loads. The diesel engine provides superior power and better fuel efficiency over long distances. Coupled with the 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine is engineered for strength and durability, making it a popular choice among those who demand maximum towing capability.

Towing Capacities by Configuration

The F-350’s towing capacity is influenced by several factors, including engine type, drivetrain (4×2 or 4×4), cab configuration, bed length, and whether the truck is equipped with single rear wheels (SRW) or dual rear wheels (DRW). Below, we outline the towing capacities according to these configurations.

Conventional Towing Capacity (using a bumper-pull hitch)

Conventional towing is a common setup for hauling a variety of trailers. Here’s how the F-350’s conventional towing capacity breaks down:

• 6.2-litre V8 Petrol Engine: This engine provides a maximum conventional towing capacity of up to 15,000 pounds (approx. 6,800 kg).
• 6.7-litre Diesel Engine: The diesel variant significantly increases the towing capacity, allowing up to 18,000 pounds (approx. 8,165 kg) with the conventional hitch.

This makes the F-350 a powerful option for towing equipment trailers, caravans, and small to medium-sized boats, providing versatility for both personal and professional use.

Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Towing Capacity

Fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups offer improved stability and handling for towing heavier loads. The F-350’s fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity is among the best in its class:

• 6.2-litre V8 Petrol Engine: This configuration allows the F-350 to tow up to 15,700 pounds (approx. 7,120 kg).
• 6.7-litre Diesel Engine: With this setup, the diesel engine unlocks a staggering 32,000 pounds (approx. 14,515 kg) of towing capacity when properly equipped.

These capacities make the F-350 ideal for hauling large fifth-wheel caravans, horse trailers, and other extremely heavy loads. Additionally, Ford’s advanced towing technologies (which we’ll cover below) provide added control and stability, making it a reliable option for towing in challenging conditions.

Payload Capacity

The 2019 Ford F-350’s impressive towing capabilities are complemented by substantial payload capacities, which vary depending on the configuration:

• 6.2-litre Petrol Engine: With a maximum payload capacity of up to 7,640 pounds (approx. 3,465 kg), this engine can handle heavy loads in the bed.
• 6.7-litre Diesel Engine: The diesel engine’s payload capacity is slightly lower, at 6,600 pounds (approx. 2,994 kg), due to the added weight of the diesel powertrain.

These payload figures make the F-350 suitable for transporting tools, equipment, building materials, or other large items. With reinforced bed construction and payload management systems, the F-350 provides durability and flexibility for both work and recreational purposes.

Key Towing Features and Technologies

Towing heavy loads demands advanced features to ensure stability and safety, and Ford has equipped the 2019 F-350 with an impressive suite of towing technologies. Key features include:

• Trailer Sway Control: This feature monitors the trailer’s movement and applies braking or reduces engine power to help correct any swaying, enhancing safety on the road.
• Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control: When towing on hilly terrain, these features prevent rollback during starts on inclines and manage descent speeds, adding to driver control.
• Tow/Haul Mode with Engine Braking: This mode optimises the transmission’s shift points to reduce wear and improve braking power, especially when towing heavy loads downhill.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: This controller is easily adjustable from the driver’s seat and allows drivers to manage trailer brake intensity, which is crucial for smooth and safe stopping.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Trailer Coverage: The F-350’s BLIS system is configured to detect vehicles in blind spots, even when towing a trailer, providing drivers with more confidence and safety on highways.
• Reverse Guidance and Rear-View Camera: These camera systems make reversing with a trailer far easier and safer, helping drivers navigate in tight spaces or align with a trailer hitch.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Despite its workhorse nature, the 2019 Ford F-350’s interior provides surprisingly high comfort and technology, especially in higher trims. The F-350 can be customised to include features that make long journeys more comfortable and enjoyable:

• SYNC® 3 Infotainment System: Available on higher trims, Ford’s SYNC® 3 system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition, giving drivers easy access to navigation, music, and hands-free calling.
• Premium Seating Options: Depending on the trim, the F-350 offers leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable options for added comfort.
• Dual-Zone Climate Control: Available on select trims, dual-zone climate control allows both the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperature, ideal for long drives.
• Driver-Assist Features: Besides towing aids, the F-350 can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision assist system to help drivers maintain safe driving habits.

Fuel Efficiency

Although heavy-duty trucks like the F-350 aren’t known for their fuel efficiency, the 6.7-litre diesel engine offers respectable mileage for its class, especially over long distances. Diesel engines generally provide more efficiency than petrol engines, which can be advantageous for drivers who frequently undertake long hauls or heavy towing. However, fuel consumption will vary depending on the load, driving style, and road conditions, with heavy loads naturally resulting in higher fuel usage.

Safety Features

In addition to its towing aids, the F-350 offers a variety of safety features designed to protect both drivers and their loads. Key safety features include:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: When activated, this system maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, making highway driving safer and less tiring.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This system is particularly useful when reversing with a trailer. It alerts drivers to cross-traffic behind the vehicle, adding an extra layer of safety.

Comparing the 2019 Ford F-350 to Key Competitors

The F-350’s main competitors are the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and the Ram 3500. Each of these heavy-duty trucks brings unique strengths to the table:

• Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD: Known for its powerful engine options and durable build, the Silverado 3500HD offers a similar towing capacity. However, its technology options and interior comforts may not match the F-350’s, especially in the higher trims.
• Ram 3500: The Ram 3500, equipped with the high-torque Cummins diesel engine, offers competitive towing capacities. Ram’s interior design tends to be more luxurious, which can be appealing to buyers looking for a more refined cabin experience.

Conclusion: Is the 2019 Ford F-350 Right for You?

The 2019 Ford F-350 is an impressive blend of power, versatility, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who require a reliable and capable towing vehicle. With its potent engine options, substantial towing and payload capacities, advanced towing technologies, and comfortable interior, the F-350 Super Duty is built for both work and pleasure. Whether you tow heavy equipment for a job or a large caravan for a family holiday, the 2019 Ford F-350 is a top performer in the heavy-duty truck category.