The 2002 Ford F450 has gained a reputation for being a durable and dependable vehicle that excels in its towing capabilities. If you currently own or are thinking of purchasing a 2002 Ford F450, it’s crucial to understand its towing capacity.
Knowing the maximum weight your truck can handle not only ensures the safety of your cargo but also allows you to make informed decisions about your hauling requirements.
This article will provide you with all the necessary information on the 2002 Ford F450 towing capacity, enabling you to maximize your truck’s hauling power. Whether you’re moving across the country or transporting heavy equipment, keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the 2002 Ford F450’s towing capacity.
Table of Contents
2002 Ford F450 Powerful Gas, and Diesel Engines
The 2002 Ford F450 was available with 2 powerful engines including the Triton 6.8L V10, and a 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 with intercooler & wastegate turbocharger.
| ENGINE TYPE | MAX. POWER | MAX. TORQUE |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 310 hp | 425 lbs.-ft. |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 275 hp (Manual Transmission) 250 hp (Automatic Transmission) | 520 lbs.-ft. (Manual Transmission) 505 lbs.-ft. (Automatic Transmission) |
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity according to the Engine Type
A 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel Engine, and a 6.8L SOHC V10 were two powerful engines available for the 2002 Ford F450 Pickup Truck.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| ENGINE TYPE | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY (SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CABS) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 18,100 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 18,600 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
| ENGINE TYPE | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY (SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CABS) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 18,100 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 14,500 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
The 6.8L 10 Gas Engine (available on F450 Super Duty Chassis Cabs) generates 310 hp of peak power and 425 lb-ft of peak torque. When equipped with this gas engine, the 2002 F450 can tow a maximum 5th-wheel of 14,500 lbs with Manual Transmission, and 18,600 lbs with Automatic Transmission.
Likewise, the 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 produced a full power of 275 hp, and torque of 520 lb-ft with a manual transmission, and 250 hp/525 lb-ft with automatic transmission. With this engine, the 2002 Ford F450 offered a maximum towing of 18,100 lbs.
The 2002 Ford F450 was only available with the Super Duty Chassis Cab version. Regular Chassis Cab, Super Chassis Cab, and Crew Chassis Cab were three different configurations powered by two engines (a 6.8L SOHC V10, and a 6.0L Turbo Diesel V8).
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,600 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,600 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,300 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 18,100 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 18,100 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,800 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,200 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,200 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 15,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,800 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,800 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,400 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,400 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOCH V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 15,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,700 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,200 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,200 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 14,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 14,500 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 14,200 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 14,200 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 18,100 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 18,100 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,800 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 14,200 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 14,200 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 13,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 13,800 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,700 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,300 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOCH V10 | 14,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 14,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 13,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 13,700 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,200 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 17,200 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
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2002 Ford F450 Towing Features
The 2002 Ford F450 was equipped with various towing features including Standard Trailer Sway Control, Trailer Brake Controller, Standard Hill Start Assist, and 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package.
TowCommand Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)
This state-of-the-art transmission is engineered and built to handle the highest torque loads and the most demanding work conditions. Its selectable Tow/Haul mode eliminates unwanted gear search on steep grades and helps control vehicle speed when descending hills.
Torqshift 5-speed Automatic Transmission with Tow/Haul Mode
Engineered to handle the highest torque loads and most demanding work conditions.
Selectable Tow/Haul mode helps reduce gear hunting, improves power delivery, and uses engine braking to help control vehicle speed when descending hills.
Trailer Tow Mirrors
These telescoping mirrors expand the driver’s rearward field of vision around trailers. Additional features include power/heated glass and integrated clearance lights/turn signals.
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package
All models of the 2002 Ford F450 Pickup truck were available with the 5th-wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package which provides the necessary under-the-bed hardware to allow mounting of a 5th-wheel/gooseneck hitch in the pickup bed to put more of the trailer weight over the tow vehicle.
Conclusion on 2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity
The 2002 Ford F450 is an excellent pickup truck that is ideal for towing heavy loads. It has a powerful engine and numerous towing features, making it perfect for heavy-duty hauling. If you own an F450 or plan to purchase one, it’s crucial to understand its towing capacity, engine choices, and proper towing methods.
To find out how much weight your F450 can tow, you can refer to data and charts. This information will help you ensure that your towing is safe and efficient.
The towing capacity of the 2002 Ford F450 is proof of Ford’s dedication to creating reliable and high-quality vehicles that fulfill their customers’ requirements.
How to calculate the load your vehicle can carry/tow?
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain the correct weights, take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
Some Important Information on 2002 Ford F450 Towing Capacity
- Maximum trailer weight for bumper towing is 5,000 lbs.
- Trailer tongue load weight should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
- The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer cannot exceed the GCWR in the vehicle manual.
- F450 owners must read and review the owner’s manual before towing.
- The 2002 F450’s maximum towing capacity requires a powerful engine, Max Trailer Tow Package, specific tires, and wheels, and approved towing accessories.
- Towing capacity depends on the vehicle configuration, cargo, passenger weight, trailer tongue weight, towing accessories, and customizations.
- Your vehicle can tow class I, II, or III trailers if the maximum weight is within the limits listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the provided charts.
- Load capacity is determined by weight, not volume, so not all available space may be used when loading.
- Towing puts extra load on the vehicle’s engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension, so these components should be inspected regularly during and after towing.
Stellan Carter is an accomplished writer, entrepreneur, and avid Ford Raptor owner. As a co-founder and content contributor for this renowned blog website, Stellan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the automotive industry. When he's not behind the wheel of his beloved Ford Raptor, Stellan can be found exploring new terrains, capturing the essence of his automotive adventures through his camera lens.
