The 2012 Ford Super Duty Pickups and Chassis cabs were capable of pulling the heaviest trailers in their classes, with the Super Duty pickups able to handle up to 17,500 lbs of conventional trailers and 26,600 lbs of 5th-wheel trailers when equipped properly.
The 2012 Ford F450, specifically, was constructed using high-quality materials to ensure dependable and optimal performance, thanks to its Built Ford Tough technology.
Discover the 2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity with complete charts.
Despite being able to handle even the toughest jobs with its extended durability, the 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty also managed to enhance fuel economy without compromising on horsepower and towing capacities, thanks to the remarkable engineering by Ford.
If you own or plan to purchase the 2012 Ford F450, this comprehensive guide will provide you with information on its towing capacity with various engine configurations, as well as conventional and 5th-wheel towing charts, and towing guidelines. So, let’s dive right in!
2012 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 2012 Ford F450 Pickup Truck.
| ENGINE TYPE | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY (SUPER DUTY PICKUPS) | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY (SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CABS) |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,500 lbs (Conventional Towing) 24,500 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) | 16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 21,600 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | N/A | 16,000 lbs (Conventional Towing) 18,300 lbs (5th-Wheel Towing) |
The 6.8L V8 Gas Engine generates 362 hp of peak power at 4,750 rpm and 460 lb-ft of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. When equipped with this gas engine, the 2012 F450 can tow a maximum conventional weight of 16,000 lbs, and a 5th-wheel/Gooseneck weight of up to 18,300 lbs.
In contrast, the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 engine delivers a maximum power of 440 hp at 2,800 rpm and a peak torque of 860 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm. With this engine, the 2012 F450 can tow a maximum conventional weight of up to 17,500 lbs and a 5th-wheel weight of up to 24,500 lbs.
The 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty Pickup truck was only available in Crew Cab with 4×4 DRW configuration.
2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – Conventional Towing (Crew Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) |
2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart – 5th Wheel Towing (Crew Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 24,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) |
The Super Duty Chassis Cab version of the 2012 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).
2012 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 (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L 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) |
2012 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 (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L 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) |
2012 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 (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L 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 2012 F450 Super Duty Chassis Cabs with 5th-Wheel Towing.
2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Regular Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 18,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 18,000 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,600 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 21,600 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) | 17,200 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 21,200 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) |
2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Super Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOHC V10 | 17,900 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,500 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 17,100 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 21,100 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) | 16,700 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 20,700 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) |
2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity Chart 5th-Wheel Towing (Crew Chassis Cab)
| ENGINE TYPE | 4×2 DRW | 4×4 DRW |
| 6.8L SOCH V10 | 17,700 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) | 17,300 lbs (4.88 Axle Ratio) |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,900 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 20,900 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) | 16,500 lbs (4.10 Axle Ratio) 20,500 lbs (4.30 Axle Ratio) |
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Towing Features on 2012 Ford F450
The 2012 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 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 combined 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 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 2012 Ford F450 Towing Capacity
The maximum conventional towing capacity of the 2012 Ford F450 is 17,500 lbs achievable with the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine. Likewise, the maximum 5th-wheel/Gooseneck towing capacity is 24,500 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 F450 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.
- F350 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 F450 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.
