The 2012 Ford Super Duty Pickups and Chassis cabs were the powerful performers with the ability to pull the heaviest trailers in their classes. When properly equipped, the Super Duty pickups can handle up to 17,500 lbs of conventional trailers, and 26,600 lbs of 5th-wheel trailers.
The 2012 Ford F250 was built with high-quality materials to offer reliable, and optimum performance. With extended durability backed by Built Ford Tough technology, the 2012 F250 Super Duty easily met the demands of even the toughest jobs. Plus, the marvelous engineering by the Ford Company enabled this pickup truck to enhance fuel economy without compromising horsepower and towing capacities.
If you own the 2012 Ford F250 or planning to purchase it soon, you can go through this detailed guide where we will discuss the 2012 Ford F250 towing capacity with engine configuration, conventional towing, 5th-wheel towing charts, and towing guidelines.
Table of Contents
2012 Ford F250 Towing Capacity [Based on Engine Type]
The 2012 Ford F250 Pickup Truck was available with two engine options: a 6.2L 2-Valve SOHC V8, and a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine.
| ENGINE TYPE | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 Engine | 12,500 lbs (Conventional Towing) 15,800 lbs (5th Wheel Towing) |
| 6.7L Turbo Diesel V8 Engine | 14,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 16,700 lbs (5th Wheel Towing) |
The 6.2L 2-Valve SOHC V8 Engine produces a maximum power of 385 hp, and a maximum torque of 405 lb.-ft. With this powertrain, the 2012 F250 offers a maximum conventional towing of up to 12,500 lbs, and 5th-wheel/Gooseneck towing of up to 15,800 lbs.
Features of 6.2L 2-V SOHC V8 Engine
- Delivers best-in-class fuel economy
- 15% more fuel efficiency when compared to previous-generation gas engine
- Generates 28% more standard HP and 11% more standard torque than its predecessor
- New CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package for alternative fuel applications (F-250/350 only)
On the other hand, the powerful 6.7L Turbo Diesel V8 engine is capable of producing a peak power of 400 hp at 2,800 rpm, and a peak torque of 800 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm.
The 2012 F250 offers a maximum conventional towing of up to 14,000 lbs, and 5th-wheel/Gooseneck towing of up to 16,700 lbs.
Features of 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine
- Delivers best-in-class fuel economy
- 20% more fuel efficient when compared to previous generation diesel engine
- Tested for over 10 million cumulative miles
2012 Ford F250 Towing Capacity Chart [Conventional]
Regular Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 FFV | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500/12,400 lbs |
| 4.30 | 22,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.31 | 23,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| 3.55 | 23,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
Super Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 FFV | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,200 lbs |
| 4.30 | 22,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.31 | 23,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| 3.55 | 23,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
Crew Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 FFV | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,000 lbs |
| 4.30 | 22,000 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs | |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.31 | 23,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| 3.55 | 23,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
2012 Ford F250 Towing Capacity Chart [5th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing]
Regular Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 FFV | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,800/12,700 lbs | 12,300 lbs |
| 4.30 | 22,000 lbs | 15,800/15,700 lbs | 15,300 lbs | |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.31 | 23,500 lbs | 16,700/16,600 lbs | 16,200/16,100 lbs |
| 3.55 | 23,500 lbs | 16,700/16,600 lbs | 16,200/16,100 lbs |
Super Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 FFV | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,400 lbs | 12,100 lbs |
| 4.30 | 22,000 lbs | 15,500/15,400 lbs | 15,100 lbs | |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.31 | 23,500 lbs | 16,300/16,300 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 3.55 | 23,500 lbs | 16,300/16,300 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
Crew Cab
| ENGINE TYPE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | SRW 4×2 | SRW 4×4 |
| 6.2L SOHC V8 FFV | 3.73 | 19,000 lbs | 12,300/12,200 lbs | 11,900 lbs |
| 4.30 | 22,000 lbs | 15,300/15,200 lbs | 14,900 lbs | |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 3.31 | 23,500 lbs | 16,100 lbs | 15,200 lbs |
| 3.55 | 23,500 lbs | 16,100 lbs | 15,200 lbs |
2012 Ford F250 Maximum Payload with Slide-In Camper
The following chart lists GVWRs and Maximum Cargo Weights (with minimum equipment) by engine: 6.2L V8 and 6.7L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8.
6.2L V8 Engine
| CAB CONFIGURATION | Wheelbase | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
| 4×2 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 10,000 lbs | 3,739 lbs |
| 4×4 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 10,000 lbs | 3,285 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 141.8” | 10,000 lbs | 2,991 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 158.0” | 10,000 lbs | 2,892 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 141.8” | 10,000 lbs | 2,577 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 158.0” | 10,000 lbs | 2,474 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 10,000 lbs | 2,777 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 10,000 lbs | 2,671 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 10,000 lbs | 2,388 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 10,000 lbs | 2,261 lbs |
6.7L V8 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel Engine
| CAB CONFIGURATION | Wheelbase | GVWR | Payload Capacity |
| 4×2 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 10,000 lbs | 3,090 lbs |
| 4×4 Regular Cab | 137.0” | 10,000 lbs | 2,663 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 141.8” | 10,000 lbs | 2,322 lbs |
| 4×2 Super Cab | 158.0” | 10,000 lbs | 2,158 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 141.8” | 10,000 lbs | 1,959 lbs |
| 4×4 Super Cab | 158.0” | 10,000 lbs | 1,741 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 10,000 lbs | 2,120 lbs |
| 4×2 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 10,000 lbs | 1,946 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 156.2” | 10,000 lbs | 1,732 lbs |
| 4×4 Crew Cab | 172.4” | 10,000 lbs | 1,526 lbs |
Towing Accessories for 2012 Ford F250
- 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package – Required Prep Package for 5th-Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Kits. A wiring harness is not included in this package.
- Gooseneck Hitch Kit – The Gooseneck Hitch Ball comes with a Gross Trailer Weight Rating of 26,700 lbs. when used with a 2-5/16″ ball and 31,200 lbs. with a 3″ ball. It also has a pin weight rating of 6,250 lbs. The kit includes two safety chain tie-down hooks made of cast steel and a storage bag made of nylon.
- 5th Wheel Hitch Kit – The 5th-Wheel Hitch Kit has a Gross Trailer Weight Rating of 25,000 lbs. and a pin weight rating of 6,250 lbs.
- Telescope Trailer Tow Mirrors – Manual, and Powered Trailer Tow mirrors are available for F250.
Factory-Installed Trailer Hitch Receiver Options
The factory-installed trailer hitch receiver options were available on the 2012 Ford F250.
It was standard on the 2012 Ford F250 for 12,500 lbs. Maximum trailer capacity. However, the factory-installed hitch for 12,500 lbs capacity is not available on the 6.7L Diesel engine with 156”, 158”, and 172” Wheelbases.
The 2012 F250 SRW equipped with 6.7L Diesel Engine featured a standard factory-installed trailer hitch for 14,000 lbs Max. Trailer Capacity on 156”, 158”, and 172” Wheelbases.
Hitch Receiver Weight Capacity for 2012 F250 (Super Duty SRW)
| Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity | Max. Tongue Load | Weight-Distrbuting Max. Trailer Capacity | Max. Tongue Load |
| 6,000 lbs | 600 lbs | 12,500 lbs | 1,250 lbs |
Hitch Receiver Weight Capacity for 2012 F250 (Super Duty SRW w/6.7L Engine)
| Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity | Max. Tongue Load | Weight-Distrbuting Max. Trailer Capacity | Max. Tongue Load |
| 8,500 lbs | 850 lbs | 14,000 lbs | 1,400 lbs |
Towing Features on 2012 Ford F250
The 2012 Ford F250 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 Standard Trailer Sway Control was available for Single-rear-wheel (SRW) models. This control feature works with AdvanceTrac, and RSC (Roll Stability Control) using a yaw motion sensor to monitor the motions of the truck for detecting trailer sway. The system applies selected brakes and reduces engine power to help the driver regain control in the case of trailer swaying.
Though the Dual-rear-wheel (DRW) models were not equipped with AdvanceTrac technology, they operated with a similar yaw motion sensor to detect and control trailer sway.
Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)
TBC uses braking input, vehicle speed, and ABS logic to balance the performance of the truck brakes and electric trailer brakes. The trailer brake controller output, gain levels, and trailer connection status is displayed in the instrument cluster.
TBC also offers enhanced braking with greater control due to the integration of Tow/Haul Mode with the engine brake (available on 6.7L Diesel V8 engine only). Besides, TBC eliminates the unwanted frequency of gear shifting on steep uphill grades and allows engine braking to maintain or reduce vehicle speed.
Additional braking and control are available on downhill grades when the TBC feature is used in combination with the engine brake feature on the 6.7L V8 turbo diesel engine.
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 2012 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. 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 2012 Ford F250 Towing Capacity
The maximum conventional towing capacity of the 2012 Ford F250 is 14,000 lbs achievable with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine. Likewise, the maximum 5th-wheel/Gooseneck towing capacity is 16,700 lbs when properly equipped.
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 2012 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 2012 F250 is equipped with a powerful engine (6.7L Turbo Diesel V8), 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.
