The 2006 F450 Super Duty pickup truck was designed with exceptional power and performance capabilities to handle heavy towing and hauling tasks with ease. This pickup truck boasts powerful engine options, a robust chassis, and sturdy suspensions that work seamlessly to elevate its payload and towing capacities to impressive levels.
One of the standout features of the 2006 Ford F450 is its advanced towing capabilities. Equipped with the Tow Command Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), Trailer Tow Mirrors, and TorqShift 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission, this pickup truck is a highly reliable and efficient option for towing.
If you are considering purchasing a used 2006 F450 or already own one, it is important to have a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information about its towing capacity. The 2006 Ford F450’s towing capacity varies depending on the engine configuration, and it is important to know the specific towing capacity of your vehicle before embarking on any towing activities.
To help you make informed decisions about towing with your 2006 F450, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that includes conventional and 5th-wheel towing charts, as well as essential towing guidelines. With this guide, you can have a seamless towing experience and maximize the full potential of your F450.
Table of Contents
2006 Ford F450 Super Duty Strength Features
RUGGED, VERSATILE TRANSMISSIONS
- 6-speed manual overdrive
- TorqShift™ electronic 5-speed automatic with Tow/Haul mode
ROBUST COMPONENTS
- Massive 6.7-mil steel C-channel frame – thickest in its class
- Huge 4-wheel power disc ABS – best-in-class braking performance
- Advanced Twin-Coil Monobeam front suspension (4×4) – largest control arms in its class
LOOKS AND FEEL TO MATCH ITS PERFORMANCE
- Big, brawny appearance highlighted by bold, fat-bar grille
- Roomiest cabs of any full-size pickup – no matter which style you choose
2006 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 2006 Ford F450 Pickup Truck.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| ENGINE TYPE | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY (SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CABS) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 22,000 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 18,400 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
| ENGINE TYPE | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY (SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CABS) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 20,000 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 18,400 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
The 2006 Ford F450 Superduty Pickup was equipped with the 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 engine that delivers a maximum power of 325 hp and a peak torque of 570 lb-ft. With this engine, the 2006 F450 can tow a maximum conventional weight of up to 16,000 lbs and a 5th-wheel weight of up to 22,000 lbs.
On the other hand, the 6.8L 10 Gas Engine (available on F450 Super Duty Chassis Cabs) generates 362 hp of peak power, and 457 lb-ft of peak torque. When equipped with this gas engine, the 2006 F450 can tow a maximum conventional weight of 16,000 lbs, and a 5th-wheel weight of up to 18,400 lbs.
Features of the 6.8L V10 Gas Engine
- The only V10 gas powerplant in its class gets your heavy loads moving with up to 457 lb.-ft. of torque and 362 horsepower on F-450 and F-550
- It’s paired with a TorqShift ® 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a massive torque converter, beefy gear sets, and a selectable Tow/Haul Mode
- The optional new CNG/LPG Prep Package includes hardened valves and valve seats to help ready your Super Duty for alternative-fuel upfits
The 2006 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
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) | 16,000 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 16,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) |
Now, let’s explore the towing chart of 2006 F450 Super Duty Chassis Cabs with 5th-Wheel Towing.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 18,400 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,400 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 18,100 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,100 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 18,000 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 22,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,700 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 21,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 18,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 17,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,700 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,600 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 21,600 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,300 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 21,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOCH V10 | 17,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,800 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 17,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,500 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,400 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 21,400 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,100 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 21,100 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 18,400 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,400 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 18,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 18,000 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 20,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,600 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 19,600 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 18,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 18,000 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 17,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,700 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,600 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 19,600 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,300 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 19,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOCH V10 | 17,800 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,800 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) | 17,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) 17,500 lbs (5.38 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,400 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 19,400 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,100 lbs (4.30/4.88 Axle Ratio) 19,100 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
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2006 Ford F450 Towing Features
The 2006 Ford F450 came equipped with a range of towing features designed to make heavy hauling and towing tasks easier. These features include Standard Trailer Sway Control, Trailer Brake Controller, Standard Hill Start Assist, and a 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package.
Standard Trailer Sway Control
For Single-rear-wheel (SRW) models, the Standard Trailer Sway Control feature was available. This feature works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac and RSC (Roll Stability Control) using a yaw motion sensor to monitor the truck’s motions and detect trailer sway. If trailer sway is detected, the system applies the selected brakes and reduces engine power to help the driver regain control. Dual-rear-wheel (DRW) models, although not equipped with AdvanceTrac technology, operate with a similar yaw motion sensor to detect and control trailer sway.
Integrated Exhaust Brake
The Integrated Exhaust Brake feature automatically increases engine exhaust back pressure when necessary to help slow down the vehicle and trailer while in Tow/Haul Mode. With just a single touch of the brake pedal in the Tow/Haul Mode, the system is activated to improve control and reduce wear and tear on the transmission.
Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)
The Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) is designed to optimize the performance of both the truck and electric trailer brakes. The TBC uses various inputs, such as braking action, vehicle speed, and ABS logic, to provide superior braking performance and control. The instrument cluster displays important information related to the trailer brake controller output, gain levels, and trailer connection status.
In addition, TBC integrates Tow/Haul Mode with the engine brake feature, which is exclusive to the 6.0L Diesel V8 engine. This eliminates the need for frequent gear shifting on steep uphill grades, and engine braking can be used to maintain or decrease vehicle speed. When used in conjunction with the engine brake feature on the 6.0L V8 turbo diesel engine, TBC also provides additional braking power and control when driving downhill.
New Standard Hill Start Assist
The new Standard Hill Start Assist feature helps to prevent rolling back on a grade by maintaining brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the truck up the hill. This feature is particularly useful when heading up or in reverse mode.
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package
All models of the 2006 Ford F450 Pickup truck come with the 5th-wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package, providing the necessary under-the-bed hardware to allow for mounting of a 5th-wheel/gooseneck hitch in the pickup bed, putting more of the trailer weight over the tow vehicle.
Conclusion on 2006 Ford F450 Towing Capacity
The 2006 Ford F450 pickup truck is an exceptional automobile that endows impressive towing potential. With sturdy engine preferences and an array of towing features, the F450 is capable of accommodating the most arduous towing requirements. Whether you’re an elated owner of this truck or planning to purchase one in the near future, it’s essential to comprehend the towing capacity, engine arrangements, and towing protocols.
By analyzing data and charts, you can get an understanding of your F450’s towing capabilities, thereby ensuring a secure and maximum towing ability.
The 2006 Ford F450 towing capacity bears testimony to Ford’s dedication to producing top-tier and trustworthy vehicles that cater to the needs of its clientele.
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 2006 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 2006 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.
