Ford has retaken the crown for the most towing capacity ever with its 2023 Super Duty trucks. With a massive 1,200 lb-ft of torque, the F-350 can haul up to 40,000 lbs when equipped with Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine and fifth-wheel. For comparison, the Ram 3500 HD can handle up to 37,050 lbs, while the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 comes in third at 36,000 lbs. Those are impressive numbers for sure, but 40,000 lbs are the most towing capacity for any pickup truck ever. 

What towing aids does the Super Duty have?

Gone are the days when heavy-duty pickups meant flat vinyl seats, rubber mats, and no radios. Even passenger-side sun visors were an option. Now, the F-Series trucks have 5G wi-fi, over-the-air software updates, and a long list of trims and options. 

Besides its towing capacity, the F-350 has an 8,000 lb payload. And getting into the bed is a lot easier with Ford’s bedside and rear corner bumper steps. Plus, there is a gang of electronic towing aids nobody had even five years ago.

Ford offers convenient features like its new Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. This lets the driver get the truck’s hitch into the general vicinity of the bummer, gooseneck, or fifth wheel, and then let the truck line it all up. The system initially asks the driver about the type of hitch, trailer length, etc. 

What is “Trailer Navigation?”

Another feature that assists the driver in hooking up to tow is the optional camera and four ultrasonic sensors when the tailgate is down. The camera is located at the top of the tailgate. When down, it can be especially instructive for gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailer towing. 

To help with the ups and downs of the tailgate, remote-control fob powers it down, for viewing the towing receiver. Then the tailgate is powered back up from the confines of the cab. 

Ford’s Trailer Navigation can program specialized routes when towing things like tall trailers. It finds a route so you don’t have to find detours around low bridges. Also, it helps avoid things like narrow passages or corners too tight to maneuver. 

Can you legally drive a Ford Super Duty with 40,000 lbs?

The Long Trailer Blind-Spot Detection feature includes sensors that the driver applies to the trailer itself. These are wired into the seven-pin trailer harness, which power mirror warning detectors. They warn drivers of obstacles close to the trailer. 

A 360-degree Trailer View gives drivers five cameras to position around or inside the trailer. These monitor everything around it plus an inside camera for things like horse trailers. The cascade of images is viewed on the Ford infotainment screen one at a time. 

One thing we should note is that the Department of Transportation allows anyone with a driver’s license to drive vehicles weighing under 26,000 lbs loaded. Over that, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license in most, but not all, states. And some states require that vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs must stop at weigh stations. Restrictions for hauling, towing, and RVs vary from state to state, so the best practice is to check the laws for the states you are driving in or through.