When it comes to towing, sometimes a pickup truck just won’t cut it. If you need serious towing power, then the 2006 Ford F-550 Chassis Cab may be just what you need. This heavy-duty truck offers impressive hauling capabilities, with the ability to pull conventional trailers up to 16,000 pounds and fifth-wheel trailers weighing up to 24,900 pounds.
With its dominating look, the F-550 Chassis Cab is sure to turn heads on the road, while also providing the power and performance you need to handle tough towing jobs. So, if you’re in the market for a heavy hauler, it’s worth checking out the 2006 Ford F-550 Chassis Cab with hauling upfits.
In this article, we will explore the 2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity with full charts, and towing guidelines.
Table of Contents
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity according to the engine type
The 2006 Ford F550 is a robust heavy-duty truck that offers impressive towing capabilities. It comes with two engine options – a 6.8L V10 and a 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine.
The 6.8L V10 engine delivers a peak horsepower of 362 and a torque of 457 lb.-ft, which allows it to tow up to 16,000 lbs conventionally and 18,400 lbs with a 5th-wheel trailer.
The 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine produces a maximum power output of 325 horsepower and a torque of 570 lb.-ft. With this engine, the F550 can tow up to 16,000 lbs conventionally and an impressive 24,900 lbs with a 5th-wheel trailer. These towing capabilities make the 2006 Ford F550 an unbeatable choice for heavy-duty hauling.
Super Duty Chassis Cabs (Automatic Transmission)
| ENGINE TYPE | CONVENTIONAL TOWING | 5TH-WHEEL TOWING |
| 6.8L SEFI V10 | 16,000 lbs | 18,400 lbs |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs | 24,900 lbs |
Super Duty Chassis Cabs (Manual Transmission)
| ENGINE TYPE | CONVENTIONAL TOWING | 5TH-WHEEL TOWING |
| 6.8L SEFI V10 | 16,000 lbs | 18,300 lbs |
| 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs | 19,900 lbs |
Now, it’s time to explore the 2006 Ford F550 Towing Charts.
The 2006 F550 is available on Super Duty Chassis Cabs (both Automatic and Manual Transmission). DRW Regular Cab Chassis, DRW Supercab Chassis, and DRW Crew Cab Chassis are the configurations for the F550.
CONVENTIONAL TOWING (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Regular Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Supercab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Crew Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
5TH-WHEEL TOWING (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Regular Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 18,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 24,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 24,600 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Supercab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,700 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 17,700 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 24,600 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 24,300 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Crew Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,800 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 17,800 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 24,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 33,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs |
CONVENTIONAL TOWING (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Regular Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Supercab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Crew Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
5TH-WHEEL TOWING (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Regular Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 18,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 19,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 19,600 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Supercab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,500 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,200 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 19,500 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 19,200 lbs |
2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Crew Cab Chassis (DRW)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,800 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 17,800 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SEFI V10 | 5.38 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 26,000 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 19,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 28,000 lbs | 19,000 lbs |
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Towing Features on 2006 Ford F550
TowCommand Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
The trailer brake controller in the 2006 Ford F550 is directly connected to the vehicle’s electrical system and brake control logic. This helps it to match the braking force between the truck and trailer, making the braking smooth and predictable. Additionally, the brake controller is integrated with the vehicle’s ABS, which reduces the chance of the trailer’s wheels locking up on slippery surfaces.
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.
TorqShift 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission
The 2006 Ford F550 comes with an advanced transmission that is designed to handle heavy loads and tough work conditions. It can handle high torque loads without any problem. Moreover, it has a Tow/Haul mode that prevents the transmission from constantly shifting gears on steep hills, ensuring a smooth ride. It also helps to control the vehicle’s speed when descending hills, making it easier and safer to drive while towing.
Some Safety Tips for Towing with the 2006 Ford F550
If you’re planning to tow with your 2006 Ford F550, it’s crucial to follow some safety guidelines to avoid any potential dangers. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Make sure to firmly attach the trailer to your truck and check that all safety chains and electrical connections are secure.
- Ensure that the weight on the trailer is evenly distributed and balanced correctly.
- Adjust your driving behavior to account for the added weight and length of the trailer. This includes making wider turns, leaving more braking distance, and avoiding sudden movements.
- Inspect your brakes, tires, and lights before towing to ensure they’re in good working order.
- Do not exceed your truck or hitch’s towing capacity as it can be dangerous. Stick to the recommended limits for your vehicle and hitch.
Conclusion on 2006 Ford F550 Towing Capacity
In conclusion, the 2006 Ford F550 is a remarkable heavy-duty vehicle that offers exceptional towing capacity. With the right equipment and precautions, it can tow large loads safely and efficiently.
It’s important to remember to regularly service and maintain your vehicle to ensure it is always in top condition for towing. By following the safety guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently and competently tow with your 2006 Ford F550.
By adhering to these suggestions, you can ensure that your towing experience is performed with skill and proficiency, while keeping you and your equipment fully protected. So, go ahead and take on those heavy hauls with confidence in your 2006 Ford F550’s towing capabilities.
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 F550 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.
- F550 owners must read and review the owner’s manual before towing.
- The 2006 F550’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.
