2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity: A Game-Changer for Heavy-Duty Hauling

The 2011 Ford Super Duty Pickups and Chassis cabs were engineered to meet the most challenging towing requirements, boasting essential features to handle them with ease. With the proper equipment, these pickups can pull up to 17,500 lbs of conventional trailers and 26,600 lbs of 5th-wheel trailers. 

The 2011 Ford F450 came with two robust engine options: a 6.8L V8 Gas Engine and a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, providing impressive towing and payload capacities. 

Besides the powerful engines, the 2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity was enhanced by several towing features, such as Standard Trailer Sway Control, New Standard Hill Start Assist, Integrated Exhaust Brake, and Trailer Brake Controller (TBC).

 If you’re a 2011 Ford F450 owner or looking to purchase one soon, you can rely on this comprehensive guide to provide engine configurations, conventional towing and 5th-wheel towing charts, and towing guidelines to determine the 2011 Ford F450 towing capacity.

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity according to the Engine Type

A 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel Engine and a 6.8L SOHC V10 were two powerful engines available for the 2011 Ford F450 Pickup Truck.

ENGINE TYPE MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY
(SUPER DUTY PICKUPS)
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY
(SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CABS)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel17,500 lbs (Conventional Towing)
24,500 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing)
16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing)
21,500 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing)
6.8L SOHC V10N/A16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing)
18,300 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing)

The 2011 Ford F450 Superduty Pickup was equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 engine that delivers a maximum power of 400 hp at 2,800 rpm and a peak torque of 800 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm. With this engine, the 2011 F450 can tow a maximum conventional weight of up to 17,500 lbs and a 5th-wheel weight of up to 24,500 lbs.

Features of the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 Engine

  • Delivers best-in-class fuel economy
  • Tested for over 10 million cumulative miles

On the other hand, the 6.8L V8 Gas Engine (available on F450 Super Duty Chassis Cabs) generates 362 hp of peak power at 4,750 rpm and 457 lb-ft of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. When equipped with this gas engine, the 2011 F450 can tow a maximum conventional weight of 16,000 lbs, and a 5th-wheel weight of up to 18,300 lbs. 

Features of the 6.8L V8 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 2011 Ford F450 Super Duty Pickup truck was only available in Crew Cab with 4×4 DRW configuration.

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Crew Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×4 DRW
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel17,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – 5th Wheel Towing (Crew Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×4 DRW
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel24,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)
2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart

The Super Duty Chassis Cab version of the 2011 F450 was available on Regular Chassis Cab, Super Chassis Cab, and Crew Chassis Cab along with two available engines (a 6.8L SOHC V10, and a 6.7L Turbo Diesel V8).

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×2 DRW4×4 DRW
6.8L SOHC V1016,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel16,000 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)

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Super Chassis Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×2 DRW4×4 DRW
6.8L SOHC V10 16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel16,000 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)

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×2 DRW4×4 DRW
6.8L SOHC V1016,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)16,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel16,000 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)
2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity (Superduty Chassis Cabs)

Now, let’s explore the towing chart of 2011 F450 Super Duty Chassis Cabs with 5th-Wheel Towing.

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×2 DRW4×4 DRW
6.8L SOHC V1018,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)18,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel17,500 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio)
21,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)
17,200 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio)
21,200 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Super Chassis Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×2 DRW4×4 DRW
6.8L SOHC V1017,8000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)17,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel17,000 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio)
21,000 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)
16,800 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio)
20,800 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)

2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)

ENGINE TYPE4×2 DRW4×4 DRW
6.8L SOCH V1017,600 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)17,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio)
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel16,800 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio)
20,800 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)
16,500 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio)
20,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio)
Explore More:
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2017 Ford F-450 Towing Capacity with Charts
2018 Ford F-450 Towing Capacity with Charts
2019 Ford F-450 Towing Capacity with Charts
2020 Ford F-450 Towing Capacity with Charts
2021 Ford F-450 Towing Capacity with Charts
2022 Ford F-450 Towing Capacity with Charts
2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity

Towing Features on 2011 Ford F450

The 2011 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. 

Standard Trailer Sway Control

The Single-rear-wheel (SRW) models were furnished with the Standard Trailer Sway Control feature, which operates in conjunction with AdvanceTrac and RSC (Roll Stability Control) systems by utilizing a yaw motion sensor to monitor the movements of the vehicle and detect any trailer sway. 

The system employs targeted braking and reduces engine power to assist the driver in regaining control of the vehicle in the event of trailer sway. Furthermore, Dual-rear-wheel (DRW) models, though lacking the AdvanceTrac technology, were outfitted with a comparable yaw motion sensor to identify and regulate trailer sway.

Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)

The Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) in the 2011 Ford F450 utilizes braking input, vehicle speed, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) logic to balance the performance of the truck brakes and electric trailer brakes. The instrument cluster displays the trailer brake controller output, gain levels, and trailer connection status for the driver’s convenience.

In addition to providing greater control and enhanced braking, the TBC also integrates Tow/Haul Mode with the engine brake, which is available only on the 6.7L Diesel V8 engine. This feature eliminates unwanted gear shifting frequencies on steep uphill grades and allows the engine braking system to maintain or reduce vehicle speed.

Moreover, the TBC feature combined with the engine brake on the 6.7L V8 turbo diesel engine provides additional braking and control on downhill grades, ensuring a safer and more efficient towing experience. By utilizing the TBC and engine brake integration in the 2011 Ford F450, drivers can optimize their vehicle’s performance and improve their overall towing experience.

Standard Hill Start Assist

Hill Start Assist helps to prevent rolling back on a grade by momentarily maintaining brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the truck up the hill. You’re always covered while heading up, or in reverse mode.

5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package 

All models of the 2011 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 2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity

The 2011 Ford F450 is a remarkable pickup truck that offers an impressive towing capacity. With robust engine options and a range of towing features, the F450 can handle even the most challenging towing demands. Whether you’re a proud owner of this truck or planning to buy one soon, it’s crucial to understand the towing capacity, engine configurations, and towing guidelines. 

By referring to the provided information and charts, you can make informed decisions about your F450’s towing capabilities and ensure a safe and successful towing experience. The 2011 Ford F450’s towing capacity is a testament to Ford’s commitment to producing high-quality and reliable vehicles that meet the needs of its customers.

ford-f250-towing-guidelines-thecartowing

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 2011 Ford F450 Towing Capacity

  • When towing with bumper only, do not exceed a trailer weight of 5,000 lbs.
  • Ensure that the trailer tongue load weight accounts for 10% to 15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
  • The combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer must not surpass the GCWR stated in the vehicle manual.
  • Before towing, F350 owners should carefully read and review the owner’s manual.
  • The 2011 F450’s maximum towing capacity is achieved only when equipped with a powerful engine, Max Trailer Tow Package, required tires, wheels, and approved towing accessories.
  • Towing capacity varies based on the vehicle configuration, cargo, the weight of passengers, the addition of trailer tongue, availability of towing accessories, and other customizations.
  • Your vehicle may tow class I, II, or III trailers as long as the maximum trailer weight is equal to or less than the maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the provided charts.
  • Remember that your vehicle’s load capacity is determined by weight, not volume, so you may not be able to utilize all available space when loading.
  • When towing a trailer, keep in mind that it adds extra load to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension, so inspect these components regularly during and after any towing operation.
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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.

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