When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, the 2012 Ford F550 is a popular choice among truck enthusiasts, especially for towing. With its powerful engine and sturdy build, the F550 can handle heavy loads with ease. But what is the exact towing capacity of the 2012 Ford F550?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the towing capacity of the 2012 Ford F550, from its engine specifications to the different types of towing that it can handle.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
2012 Ford F550 Engine Options
The 2012 F550 Super Duty Chassis Cab is powered by a 6.7L V8 Power Stroke Diesel Engine. Plus, the truck also comes with a 6.8L 3V SOHC V10 Gasoline Engine that is mated to a 5-seed TorqShift Automatic Transmission.
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity according to the engine type
Super Duty Chassis Cabs
| ENGINE TYPE | CONVENTIONAL TOWING | 5TH-WHEEL TOWING |
| 6.8L V10 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs | 18,300 lbs |
| 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 16,000 lbs | 26,600 lbs |
The 6.8L Power Stroke Diesel 3V SOHC V10 engine has demonstrated formidable strength, enabling it to furnish optimal towing. This machine yields a zenith of 362 horsepower and a pinnacle torque of 457 lb.-ft. Once merged with the F550, this powerhouse facilitates a maximum conventional towing capacity of 16,000 lbs and a maximum 5th-wheel towing capacity of 18,300 lbs.
Conversely, the 6.7L V8 Gas engine boasts of an impressive performance, inducing a maximum power output of 400 horsepower and a maximum torque of 800 lb.-ft. It is recognized for its unparalleled horsepower and torque, exceeding any other in its class. Equipping the 2012 Ford F550 with this engine bestows the ability to haul up to 16,000 lbs for conventional towing and an astonishing 26,600 lbs for 5th-wheel towing.
Now, it’s time to explore the 2012 Ford F550 Towing Charts.
The 2012 F550 is available on Super Duty Chassis Cabs. DRW Regular Cab Chassis, DRW Supercab Chassis, and DRW Crew Cab Chassis are the configurations for the F550.
CONVENTIONAL TOWING CHART
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Regular Cab Chassis (DRW Conventional Towing)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Supercab Chassis (DRW Conventional Towing)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Crew Cab Chassis (DRW Conventional Towing)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
5TH-WHEEL TOWING CHART
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Regular Cab Chassis (DRW 5th-Wheel Towing)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 26,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,400 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 26,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 26,300 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,100 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 26,100 lbs |
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Supercab Chassis (DRW 5th-Wheel Towing)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,600 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 17,100 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 26,100 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,900 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 25,900 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,700 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 25,700 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,600 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 25,600 lbs |
2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity Chart–Crew Cab Chassis (DRW 5th-Wheel Towing)
| CONFIGURATION | ENGINE | AXLE RATIO | GCWR | TOWING CAPACITY |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,700 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.8L SOHC V10 | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 17,300 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,900 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 25,900 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,700 lbs |
| 4×2 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 25,700 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.10 | 26,000 lbs | 16,500 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.30 | 35,000 lbs | 25,500 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 26,000 lbs | 16,400 lbs |
| 4×4 DRW | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 4.88 | 35,000 lbs | 25,400 lbs |
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Towing Features on 2012 Ford F550
The 2012 Ford F550 boasts a wide range of towing capabilities that set it apart from other vehicles in its class. Of particular note is its exceptional Standard Trailer Sway Control feature. This feature, when combined with the AdvanceTrac system, has the ability to detect and effectively counteract trailer sway thanks to the advanced Roll Stability Control system.
Another notable feature of the F550 is its Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), which adjusts brake performance based on feedback from both the truck and the trailer. This controller is seamlessly integrated into the truck’s brake system and is programmed to sound an alarm at the slightest indication of an accidental trailer detachment.
Additionally, the F550 is equipped with Standard Hill Start Assist, which regulates brake pressure when starting on an incline to prevent the truck from rolling backward.
The 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package, standard on all F550 models, includes hardware mounted beneath the bed for securing a hitch in the pickup bed. This package also enables a greater proportion of the trailer’s weight to be placed over the tow vehicle, ensuring optimal towing stability.
Lastly, the F550 is fitted with Tow/Haul Mode and an Integrated Exhaust Brake, which work together to provide superior control when navigating steep downhill grades. The engine brake modifies the vanes on the exhaust side of the turbocharger to produce engine back pressure, effectively reducing the need for manual brake application and minimizing brake fade and wear.
Overall, the 2012 Ford F550 is a robust and capable towing vehicle with a host of advanced features that make it a standout choice for towing needs of all kinds.
Some Safety Tips for Towing with the 2012 Ford F550
Towing can be dangerous if not done correctly. Here are some towing safety tips to keep in mind when towing with your 2012 Ford F550:
- Always make sure that the trailer is properly hitched to the truck and that all safety chains and electrical connections are secure.
- Check the weight distribution of the trailer to ensure that it’s balanced and that the weight is evenly distributed.
- Adjust your driving habits to account for the extra weight and length of the trailer. Take wider turns, leave more space for braking, and avoid sudden movements.
- Check your brakes, tires, and lights before towing to ensure that they’re in good working condition.
- Never exceed your truck’s towing capacity or the capacity of the hitch.
Conclusion on 2012 Ford F550 Towing Capacity
The 2012 Ford F550 is a powerful truck that’s capable of towing heavy loads with ease. However, it’s crucial to know your truck’s towing capacity and to follow proper towing safety measures to avoid accidents and damage to your truck and trailer. Regular maintenance of your truck is also essential to ensure that it’s in good working condition and can handle the strain of towing. By following these tips, you can safely and efficiently tow with your 2012 Ford F550.
Thank you for reading this article on the 2012 Ford F550 towing capacity. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
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 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 2012 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.