Are you looking to tow something with your 2003 Ford F250 truck? You’ll need to make sure that it can handle the load by finding out the towing capacity first. The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a top-of-class heavy-duty truck known for its power, performance, and capability.
For added protection and peace of mind, sophisticated safety features like ABS brakes, stability control, and driver/passenger side airbags were included as standard in all models of this tough vehicle.
And with its Tire Pressure Monitor System helping to ensure that tires remain properly inflated, you can stay safe on the roads while conserving fuel too! Use this guide to find out your 2003 Ford F250’s exact limits for towing safely and without exceeding them.
Table of Contents
2003 Ford F250 Powerful Gas, and Diesel Engines
The 2003 Ford F250 was available with 4 powerful engines including the Triton 5.4L V8, Triton 6.8L V10, 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8, and 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8.
| ENGINE TYPE | MAX. POWER | MAX. TORQUE |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 260 hp | 350 lbs.-ft. |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 310 hp | 425 lbs.-ft. |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 275 hp | 520 lbs.ft. |
| 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 | 325 hp | 560 lbs.-ft. |
2003 Ford F250 Towing Capacity [Based on Engine Type]
| ENGINE TYPE | MAX. TOWING CAPACITY (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) | MAX. TOWING CAPACITY (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 9,300 lbs (Conventional) 9,300 lbs (5th-Wheel) | 9,300 lbs (Conventional) 9,300 lbs (5th-Wheel) |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 12,500 lbs (Conventional) 14,100 lbs (5th-Wheel) | 12,500 lbs (Conventional) 14,200 lbs (5th-Wheel) |
| 7.3L V8 Turbo Diesel | 12,500 lbs (Conventional) 13,700 lbs (5th-Wheel) | 12,500 lbs (Conventional) 13,700 lbs (5th-Wheel) |
| 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 | 12,500 lbs (Conventional) 13,000 lbs (5th-Wheel) | 12,500 lbs (Conventional) 13,700 lbs (5th-Wheel) |
The 2003 Ford F250 was available with both manual and automatic transmissions. With that, the pickup truck features distinctive towing capacities.
The following towing chart shows the 2003 Ford F250 Towing capacity (Conventional) with AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
2003 Ford F250 Towing Capacity Chart [Conventional Towing]
Regular Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,800 lbs | 7,400 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 9,300 lbs | 8,900 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 17,000 lbs | 11,200 lbs | 10,800 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
Super Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,500 lbs | 7,100 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs | 8,600 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 17,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs | 10,400 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
Crew Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,200 lbs | 6,900 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 8,700 lbs | 8,400 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 17,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs | 10,200 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
The following towing chart shows the 2003 Ford F250 Towing capacity (Conventional) with MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Regular Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,800 lbs | 7,400 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 9,300 lbs | 8,900 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 16,500 lbs | 10,600 lbs | 10,200 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
Super Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,400 lbs | 7,100 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 8,900 lbs | 8,600 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 16,500 lbs | 10,300 lbs | 9,900 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
Crew Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,200 lbs | 6,800 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 8,700 lbs | 8,300 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 16,500 lbs | 10,100 lbs | 9,700 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
Now, let’s explore the 5th-wheel towing capacity chart.
The following chart shows the 5th-Wheel towing capacity of the 2003 Ford F250 equipped with AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Regular Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,800 lbs | 7,400 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 9,300 lbs | 8,900 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 17,000 lbs | 11,200 lbs | 10,800 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 14,200 lbs | 13,800 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,700 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,700 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
Super Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,500 lbs | 7,100 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs | 8,600 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 17,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs | 10,400 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 13,800 lbs | 13,400 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,400 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
Crew Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,200 lbs | 6,900 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 8,700 lbs | 8,400 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 17,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs | 10,200 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 13,600 lbs | 13,200 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,100 lbs | 12,800 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,100 lbs | 12,700 lbs |
The following chart shows the 5th-Wheel towing capacity of the 2003 Ford F250 equipped with an MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
Regular Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,800 lbs | 7,400 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 9,300 lbs | 8,900 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 16,500 lbs | 10,600 lbs | 10,200 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 14,100 lbs | 13,700 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,700 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,600 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
Super Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,400 lbs | 7,100 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 8,900 lbs | 8,600 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 16,500 lbs | 10,300 lbs | 9,900 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 13,800 lbs | 13,400 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 12,900 lbs |
Crew Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 5.4L SOHC V8 | 3.73 | 13,500 lbs | 7,200 lbs | 6,800 lbs |
| 4.10 | 15,000 lbs | 8,700 lbs | 8,300 lbs | |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 3.73 | 16,500 lbs | 10,100 lbs | 9,700 lbs |
| 4.30 | 20,000 lbs | 13,600 lbs | 13,200 lbs | |
| 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,100 lbs | 12,800 lbs |
| 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.73 | 20,000 lbs | 13,100 lbs | 12,700 lbs |
2003 Ford F250 Payload Capacity
| (F-250 SRW 4×2) | |||
| CAB CONFIGURATION | MAX. GVWR | WHEELBASE | MAX. PAYLOAD |
| REGULAR CAB | 8,800 lbs | 137.0” | 3,380 lbs |
| SUPERCAB | 8,800 lbs | 141.1” | 3,195 lbs |
| 8,800 lbs | 158.0” | 3,035 lbs | |
| CREW CAB | 8,800 lbs | 156.2” | 2,955 lbs |
| 8,800 lbs | 172.4” | 2,810 lbs | |
| (F-250 SRW 4×4) | |||
| REGULAR CAB | 8,800 lbs | 137.0” | 2,960 lbs |
| SUPERCAB | 8,800 lbs | 141.1” | 2,790 lbs |
| 8,800 lbs | 158.0” | 2,625 lbs | |
| CREW CAB | 8,800 lbs | 156.2” | 2,525 lbs |
| 8,800 lbs | 172.4” | 2,390 lbs | |
2003 Ford F250 Maximum Cargo Weight Capacity with Slide-in Camper
Gas Engine
| CAB CONFIGURATION | Wheelbase | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
| 4×2 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 8,800 lbs | 2,950 lbs |
| 4×4 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 8,800 lbs | 2,530 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 141.8” | 8,800 lbs | 2,320 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 158.0” | 8,800 lbs | 2,160 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 141.8” | 8,800 lbs | 1,910 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 158.0” | 8,800 lbs | 1,750 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 8,800 lbs | 2,080 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 8,800 lbs | 1,930 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 8,800 lbs | 1,650 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 8,800 lbs | 1,510 lbs |
Diesel Engine
| CAB CONFIGURATION | Wheelbase | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
| 4×2 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 8,800 lbs | 2,270 lbs |
| 4×4 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 8,800 lbs | 1,840 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 141.8” | 8,800 lbs | 1,640 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 158.0” | 8,800 lbs | 1,480 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 141.8” | 8,800 lbs | 1,230 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 158.0” | 8,800 lbs | 1,070 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 8,800 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 8,800 lbs | 1,250 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 8,800 lbs | 960 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 8,800 lbs | 810 lbs |
2003 F250 Hitch Receiver Weight Capacity
| F250 Model | Wt. Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (*) | Max. Tongue Load | Wt. Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (**) | Max. Tongue Load |
| F-250 Super Duty | 5,000 lbs | 500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 1,250 lbs |
(**) Ford hitch receivers do not include a hitch ball or ball mounting. The vehicle owner is responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball mounting, weight distributing equipment (i.e., equalizing arms and snap-up brackets, sway control system), and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and its cargo load.
Towing Accessories for 2003 Ford F250
- Factory-Installed Trailer Hitch Receiver Options
- Fifth-Wheel Hitch
- Trailer Wiring Harness
- Weight-Carrying (Non-Weight-Distributing) Hitch
- Weight-Distributing Hitch
Towing Features on 2003 Ford F250
Hard-Working Image
A dominant grille opening and large cooling capacity help cool the big, powerful engines, which are designed to satisfy one of this truck’s primary work uses – trailer towing!
Four Powerful Engines
Triton™ 5.4L V8 (260 hp/350 lb-ft torque)
Triton™ 6.8L V10 (310 hp/425 lb-ft torque)
7.3L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 (275 hp/520 lb-ft with manual transmission; 250 hp/525 lb-ft with automatic transmission)
6.0L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 (325 hp/560 lb-ft) offers best-in-class torque and Diesel horsepower
Safety Features
Among their many safety features, Ford F-Series Super Duty Pickups offer standard 4-wheel ABS on all models. In addition, available telescoping trailer tow mirrors provide excellent visibility
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package
All models of the 2003 Ford F250 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.
Explore the towing capacity of various Ford F250 model years. 2004 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2005 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2006 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2007 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2008 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2009 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2010 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2011 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2012 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2013 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2014 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2015 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2016 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2017 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2018 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2019 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2020 Ford F250 Towing Capacity 2021 Ford F250 Towing Capacity
Conclusion on 2003 Ford F250 Towing Capacity
The maximum conventional towing capacity of the 2003 Ford F250 is 12,500 lbs achievable with the 6.8L SOHC V10, 6.0L Turbo Diesel V8 Engine, or 7.3L Turbo Diesel V8 Engine.
The maximum 5th-wheel/Gooseneck towing capacity is 14,200 lbs when powered by a 6.8L SEFI V10 engine, and equipped with max trailer tow packages.
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 2003 Ford F250 Towing Capacity
- You should not exceed a trailer weight of 5,000 lbs. when towing with bumper only.
- The trailer tongue load weight should be 10%-15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
- The combined weight of the vehicle, and trailer must not exceed the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) mentioned in the vehicle manual.
- F250 owners must carefully read, and review the owner’s manual before buying or using their pickup truck for towing purposes.
- The maximum towing capacity may only be achieved when the 2003 F250 is equipped with a powerful engine, Max Trailer Tow Package, required tires, wheels, and genuine/approved towing accessories.
- The towing capacity varies according to the vehicle configuration, cargo, weight of passengers, addition of trailer tongue, availability of towing accessories, and other customizations.
- Your vehicle may tow a class I, II, or III trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
- Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
- Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. Inspect these components carefully periodically during, and after any towing operation.
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.