Manuals+

2021 Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab

HARD LINE CAPABILITY.

The 2021 Super Duty Chassis Cab models are engineered for demanding tasks, built on Ford's Built Ford Tough® heritage with next-level capability. Featuring powerful engines, a heavy-duty 10-speed automatic transmission, and available driver-assist technologies, the F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cabs offer enhanced intelligence and capability. They are designed to handle challenging towing jobs, aggressive payloads, and conquer the most demanding tasks.

Image: F-600 XL Regular Cab in Antimatter Blue.

Key Features and Packages

CNG/Propane Gaseous Engine Prep Package: Available for 6.2L V8 and 7.3L V8 engines. This package includes hardened valves and valve seats to prepare your Super Duty for alternative-fuel upfits.

STANDARD, HEAVY-DUTY TORQSHIFT 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FEATURES

  • Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Tow/Haul, Eco, and Deep Sand/Snow.
  • SelectShift® capability and Progressive Range Select.
  • Live-Drive power takeoff (PTO) provision: Standard on diesel models, featuring mobile mode and up to 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

For more information, visit your Ford Dealer or www.ford.com.

Required Equipment

Certain items must be installed for optimal performance. Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided if you tow without them. Consult your dealer for specific requirements, restrictions, and warranty details.

  • For 37,000/40,000-pound GCWR on F-550; 35,000-pound GCWR on F-450: High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535).

Frontal Area Considerations

Frontal Area is the total square footage a moving vehicle and trailer expose to air resistance. Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce towing performance.

Frontal Area Limitations/Considerations
Model Frontal Area Limitations/Considerations Application Type
F-250/F-350/F-450/F-550/F-600 Super Duty 75 sq. ft. All 5th-Wheel and Gooseneck Applications
F-250/F-350/F-450/F-550/F-600 Super Duty 60 sq. ft. All Other Applications

Rear Axle Ratio Codes

To find your axle ratio, check the Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's side door jamb. Look for the word AXLE followed by a two-digit code.

Rear Axle Ratio Codes
Rear Axle Ratio Non-Limited Slip Limited Slip Electronic Locking
3.73 37 3L 3E
4.10 41 4N/4W1 Not Available
4.30 Not Available 4L/4X22 4M
4.88 48 8L Not Available
1 Wide rear axle on F-350 DRW Chassis Cab with Ambulance Package and 6.7L diesel engine.
2 Wide rear axle on F-350 DRW Chassis Cab with Ambulance Package and 7.3L gas engine.

Available Trailer Towing Packages

Available Trailer Towing Packages
Model (Option Code) Trailer Brake Wiring/Feed Kit Upgraded Rear Axle Increased GCW (6.7L)
F-350/F-450/F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab (531)3 X
F-450/F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab (535)4 X5 X X
3 XL model only. 4 Requires 6.7L diesel engine. 5 Not included if Trailer Brake Controller is ordered.
Notes: Content may vary by model, trim, and powertrain. Trailer Towing Package is recommended for all light trucks used for towing to ensure proper trailer light connection.

F-350 Super Duty Chassis Cab Towing Capacities

Image: F-350 SuperCab in White.

Conventional Towing

F-350 Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS CREW CAB CHASSIS
4x2 SRW 145.3" WB4x4 SRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 SRW 167.9" WB4x4 SRW 167.9" WB4x2 DRW 167.9" WB4x4 DRW 167.9" WB4x2 SRW 179.8" WB4x4 SRW 179.8" WB4x2 DRW 179.8" WB4x4 DRW 179.8" WB
6.2L SOHC V8 3.73 19,500 13,200/13,1003 12,700/12,5002 13,000 12,800 12,600 12,400 12,900/12,8003 12,400/12,2002 12,7002 12,3003 12,600/12,5003 12,2002 12,5002 12,1002
6.7L V8 Diesel 3.73 30,000 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500
4.10 31,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500
7.3L V8 3.73 22,500 15,500 15,300 15,100 14,900 15,200 14,800 15,200 14,800 15,000 14,600 15,000 14,600 15,000 14,600
4.30 26,000 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500

5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing

F-350 Super Duty Chassis Cab - 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS CREW CAB CHASSIS
4x2 SRW 145.3" WB4x4 SRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 SRW 167.9" WB4x4 SRW 167.9" WB4x2 DRW 167.9" WB4x4 DRW 167.9" WB4x2 SRW 179.8" WB4x4 SRW 179.8" WB4x2 DRW 179.8" WB4x4 DRW 179.8" WB
6.2L SOHC V8 3.73 19,500 13,100/12,9002 12,700/12,6003 12,800/12,6002 12,400/12,3003 12,600/12,5003 12,200/12,1003 12,9002 12,6003 12,5002 12,3003 12,5003 12,2002 12,4002 12,0002
4.30 23,000 16,600/16,4002 16,200/16,1003 16,300/16,1002 15,900/15,8003 16,100/16,0003 15,700/15,6003 16,4002 16,1003 16,0002 15,8003 16,0003 15,7002 15,9002 15,5002
6.7L V8 Diesel 3.73 30,000 22,7002/19,0003 22,2002/16,1003 22,3002/16,7003 21,9002/13,8003 22,1002/15,1003 21,3002/12,3003 18,000 15,100 15,700 12,800 14,100 11,300 15,000 14,600
4.10 31,500 23,700 23,500 23,500 23,300 23,400 23,000 23,200 23,000 23,400 23,100 23,200 22,800 23,000 22,800
7.3L V8 3.73 22,500 15,500 15,300 15,100 14,900 15,200 14,800 15,000 14,600 15,000 14,600 15,000 14,600 15,000 14,600
4.30 26,000 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500
1 Super Duty Chassis Cab does not offer a conventional hitch receiver as a factory-installed option. 2 18" Tires. 3 Available 10,000-lb. GVWR Package (68D).

F-450 Super Duty Chassis Cab Towing Capacities

Image: F-450 XL Crew Cab in White.

Conventional Towing

F-450 Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS CREW CAB CHASSIS
4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 DRW 193.3" WB4x2 DRW 205.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 193.3" WB4x4 DRW 205.3" WB4x2 DRW 167.9" WB4x2 DRW 191.9" WB4x4 DRW 167.9" WB4x4 DRW 191.9" WB4x2 DRW 179.8" WB4x2 DRW 203.8" WB4x4 DRW 179.8" WB4x4 DRW 203.8" WB
7.3L V8 4.88 28,000 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500
6.7L V8 Diesel 4.10 32,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500
4.30 35,0002 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500

5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing

F-450 Super Duty Chassis Cab - 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS CREW CAB CHASSIS
4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 DRW 193.3" WB4x2 DRW 205.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 193.3" WB4x4 DRW 205.3" WB4x2 DRW 167.9" WB4x2 DRW 191.9" WB4x4 DRW 167.9" WB4x4 DRW 191.9" WB4x2 DRW 179.8" WB4x2 DRW 203.8" WB4x4 DRW 179.8" WB4x4 DRW 203.8" WB
7.3L V8 4.88 28,000 20,400 20,200 19,800 19,700 20,100 19,800 19,500 19,400 20,100 19,700 19,700 19,400 19,900 19,600 19,600 19,300
6.7L V8 Diesel 4.10 32,500 24,100 23,900 23,600 23,400 23,800 23,600 23,300 23,100 23,800 23,500 23,500 23,100 23,700 23,400 23,400 23,100
4.30 35,0002 26,600 26,400 26,100 25,900 26,300 26,100 25,800 25,600 26,300 26,000 26,000 25,600 26,200 25,900 25,900 25,600
1 Super Duty Chassis Cab does not offer a conventional hitch receiver as a factory-installed option. 2 Available with High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535) only.

F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab Towing Capacities

Image: F-550 Regular Cab in White.

Conventional Towing

F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS CREW CAB CHASSIS
4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 DRW 193.3" WB4x2 DRW 205.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 193.3" WB4x4 DRW 205.3" WB4x2 DRW 167.9" WB4x2 DRW 191.9" WB4x4 DRW 167.9" WB4x4 DRW 191.9" WB4x2 DRW 179.8" WB4x2 DRW 203.8" WB4x4 DRW 179.8" WB4x4 DRW 203.8" WB
7.3L V8 4.88 28,000 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500
6.7L V8 Diesel 4.10 32,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500
4.30 37,0002 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500
4.88 32,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500
4.88 40,0002 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500

5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing

F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab - 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS CREW CAB CHASSIS
4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 DRW 193.3" WB4x2 DRW 205.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 193.3" WB4x4 DRW 205.3" WB4x2 DRW 167.9" WB4x2 DRW 191.9" WB4x4 DRW 167.9" WB4x4 DRW 191.9" WB4x2 DRW 179.8" WB4x2 DRW 203.8" WB4x4 DRW 179.8" WB4x4 DRW 203.8" WB
7.3L V8 4.88 28,000 20,400 20,200 19,800 19,700 20,100 19,800 19,500 19,400 20,100 19,700 19,700 19,400 19,900 19,600 19,600 19,300
6.7L V8 Diesel 4.10 32,500 24,100 23,900 23,600 23,400 23,800 23,600 23,300 23,100 23,800 23,500 23,500 23,100 23,700 23,400 23,400 23,100
4.30 37,0002 28,600 28,400 28,100 27,900 28,300 28,100 27,800 27,600 28,300 28,000 28,000 27,600 28,200 27,900 27,900 27,600
4.88 32,500 24,100 23,900 23,500 23,400 23,800 23,500 23,200 23,100 23,800 23,400 23,400 23,100 23,600 23,300 23,300 23,000
4.88 40,0002 31,600 31,400 30,900 31,300 31,000 30,700 30,600 31,300 30,900 30,900 30,600 31,100 30,800 30,800 30,500
1 Super Duty Chassis Cab does not offer a conventional hitch receiver as a factory-installed option. 2 Available with High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535) only.

F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cab Towing Capacities

Image: F-600 Regular Cab in White.

Conventional Towing

F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cab - Conventional Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS
4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 DRW 193.3" WB4x2 DRW 205.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 193.3" WB4x4 DRW 205.3" WB
7.3L V8 4.88 30,000 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500
6.7L V8 Diesel 4.88 43,000 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500 18,500

5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing

F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cab - 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
Engine Axle Ratio GCWR (lbs.) Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Trailer weights shown assume 400-lb.-800-lb. second-unit body weight.
REGULAR CAB CHASSIS SUPERCAB CHASSIS
4x2 DRW 145.3" WB4x2 DRW 169.3" WB4x2 DRW 193.3" WB4x2 DRW 205.3" WB4x4 DRW 145.3" WB4x4 DRW 169.3" WB4x4 DRW 193.3" WB4x4 DRW 205.3" WB
7.3L V8 4.88 30,000 22,200 22,000 21,700 21,500 21,900 21,700 21,400 21,200
6.7L V8 Diesel 4.88 43,000 34,5001 34,3001 33,9001 33,8001 34,2001 33,9001 33,6001 33,5001
1 Gooseneck tow rating shown. 5th-wheel tow rating limited to 5th-wheel hitch rating of 32,500 lbs.

Towing Basics and Tips

Cargo And Weight Distribution

For optimum handling and braking, the load must be properly distributed. Keep the center of gravity low for best handling.

  • Approximately 60% of the allowable cargo weight should be in the front half of the trailer and 40% in the rear (within limits of tongue load or king pin weight).
  • Load should be balanced from side-to-side to optimize handling and tire wear.
  • Load must be firmly secured to prevent shifting during cornering or braking, which could result in a sudden loss of control.

Before Starting

  • Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and backing up your trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.
  • Know the clearance required for your trailer roof.
  • Check equipment (make a checklist).

Backing Up

  • Back up slowly, with someone spotting near the rear of the trailer to guide you.
  • Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go.
  • Make small steering inputs; a slight movement of the steering wheel results in a much greater movement in the rear of the trailer.

Braking

  • Allow considerably more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
  • Remember, the braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR, not GCWR.
  • If your tow vehicle is an F-150, F-Series Super Duty®, Transit, or Expedition and your trailer has electric brakes, the optional Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) assists in smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer's electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes with proportional output based on the towing vehicle's brake pressure.
  • If you are experiencing trailer sway and your vehicle is equipped with electric brakes and a brake controller, activate the trailer brakes with the brake controller by hand. Do not apply the tow vehicle brakes, as this can result in increased sway.

Turning

  • When turning, be sure to swing wide enough to allow the trailer to avoid curbs and other obstructions.

Towing On Hills

  • Downshift the transmission to assist braking on steep downgrades and to increase power (reduce lugging) when climbing hills.
  • With TorqShift® transmission, select tow/haul mode to automatically eliminate unwanted gear search when going uphill and help control vehicle speed when going downhill.

Parking With A Trailer

  • Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However, if it is necessary, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels, following the instructions below:
  • Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
  • Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the downgrade side.
  • Once the chocks are in place, release the brake pedal, making sure the chocks will hold the vehicle and trailer.
  • Apply the parking brake.
  • Shift automatic transmission into park, or manual transmission into reverse.
  • With 4-wheel drive, ensure the transfer case is not in neutral (if applicable).

Starting Out Parked On A Grade

  • Apply the foot service brake and hold.
  • Start the engine with the transmission in park (automatic) or neutral (manual).
  • Shift the transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
  • Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to free the chocks.
  • Apply the brake pedal while another person retrieves the chocks.

Acceleration And Passing

  • The added weight of the trailer can dramatically decrease the acceleration of the towing vehicle – exercise caution.
  • When passing a slower vehicle, be sure to allow extra distance. Remember, the added length of the trailer must clear the other vehicle before you can pull back in.
  • Signal and make your pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance.
  • If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration.

Driving With An Automatic Overdrive Transmission

  • With certain automatic overdrive transmissions, towing – especially in hilly areas – may cause excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lower gear.
  • To eliminate this condition and achieve steadier performance, overdrive can be locked out (see vehicle owner's manual).
  • If excessive shifting does not occur, use overdrive to help enhance performance.
  • Overdrive may also be locked out to obtain engine braking on downgrades.
  • When available, select tow/haul mode to automatically eliminate unwanted gear search and help control vehicle speed when going downhill.

Driving With Cruise Control

  • Turn off the cruise control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The cruise control may turn off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. Use caution while driving on wet roads and avoid using cruise control in rainy or winter weather conditions.

Tire Pressure

  • Underinflated tires get hot and may fail, leading to possible loss of vehicle control.
  • Overinflated tires may wear unevenly and compromise traction and stopping capability.
  • Tires should be checked often for conformance to recommended cold inflation pressures.

Spare Tire Use

A conventional, identical full-size spare tire is required for trailer towing. Mini, compact, and dissimilar full-size spare tires should not be used; always replace the spare tire with a new road tire as soon as possible.

On The Road

After about 50 miles, stop in a protected location and double-check:

  • Trailer hitch attachment.
  • Lights and electrical connections.
  • Trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
  • Engine oil – check regularly throughout your trip.

High Altitude Operation

Your vehicle may have reduced performance when operating at high altitudes and when heavily loaded or towing a trailer. While driving at elevation, in order to match driving performance as perceived at sea level, reduce GVWs and GCWs by 2% per 1,000 ft. elevation.

Powertrain/Frontal Area Considerations

The charts in this Guide show the minimum powertrain needed to achieve acceptable towing performance for the listed GCW of tow vehicle and trailer. Under certain conditions, however (e.g., when the trailer has a large frontal area that adds substantial air drag or when trailering in hilly or mountainous terrain), it is wise to choose a vehicle with a higher rating.

Selecting A Trim Series

Your specific vehicle's tow capability could be reduced based on the weight of the selected trim series and option content. For additional trailering information pertaining to your vehicle, refer to the vehicle owner's manual.

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