2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Towing Parts

Towing on the 2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

The 2015 refresh was a powertrain update on the same steel-body Super Duty, and towing is where you feel it. The 6.7L Powerstroke went to 440 hp and 860 lb-ft, with a larger Garrett GT3788V variable-geometry turbo that also brings more exhaust braking. Properly equipped, Ford rated the 2015 F-250 at 16,800 lb, the F-350 at 26,700 lb and the F-450 at 31,200 lb. For 2016 the F-250 and F-350 dipped to 16,600 and 26,500 lb. GCWR runs 23,500 lb on the F-250, 35,000 lb on the F-350 and 40,000 lb on the F-450, or 40,400 lb for 2016. The F-350's 35,000-lb figure needs the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package, which pairs the Crew Cab DRW 172-inch 4x4 diesel with a 4.30 limited-slip axle, max front springs and a wide-track front axle; without it, GCWR is 31,900 lb. Those maximums assume the right hitch. What you can actually pull is the lowest of the truck's rating, the hitch's rating and the trailer's own. Ford also built in trailer sway control, hill start assist, a pre-towing checklist on the LCD productivity screen and, for 2016, dynamic hitch assist in the rear camera view.

What fails and why

The documented problem here is not a part that wears out. It is loading past the numbers. Receiver class on these trucks is tied to wheelbase: SRW diesels on the 137- or 142-inch wheelbase get a 12.5K 2-inch receiver, SRW diesels on the 156-, 158- or 172-inch wheelbase get a 14K 2.5-inch receiver, DRW trucks on 156 or 158 inches get 15K, and the F-350 DRW 172-inch diesel and the F-450 get 18.5K for 2015 and 19K for 2016. A short-wheelbase F-250 cannot be brought up to F-350 DRW numbers by swapping a ball mount. Overload shows up as rear sag, sway and a hitch working past its label. The F-450 is its own case: its 2015 jump to 31,200 lb came with a new rear axle, springs, U-joints, bigger brakes and 19.5-inch tires, and 2011-2014 F-450s are rated 24,400 to 24,700 lb. Those numbers do not transfer to an F-350 DRW either.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Build from the factory equipment and what you tow. A bumper-pull equipment trailer or camper needs the right ball mount and drop, plus a weight distribution hitch when tongue weight squats the rear. A heavy 5th-wheel or gooseneck belongs in the bed, using Ford's 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Tow Prep Package pucks if your truck has them. Air springs level the truck under pin or tongue weight; Air Lift's documented rear kits for 2011-2016 F-250, F-350 and F-450 are the LoadLifter 5000 (88396) and LoadLifter 7500 XL (57596). If your SRW truck came without the integrated trailer brake controller, the factory-style unit is worth adding. None of these raise Ford's ratings.

What we carry

B&W Trailer Hitches covers the bumper and the bed. At the bumper you get Tow & Stow adjustable ball mounts in 2-, 2.5- and 3-inch shanks with drops from 2.5 to 9 inches, in standard, pintle and MultiPro/MultiFlex versions, plus a triple tow ball mount, heavy-duty ball mounts, hitch balls, reducer sleeves and a WDHK4500 weight distribution hitch. In the bed, there is the RVK3300 Companion 5th-wheel hitch for the Ford OEM prep and the GNRK1111 Turnoverball gooseneck. Big Hitch Products builds 2.5-inch receiver hitches for the stock bumper and for trucks with a roll pan, plus 2- and 2.5-inch adjustable pulling hitches. Air Lift covers load leveling: WirelessONE and WirelessAIR compressor systems, tank kits, single and dual load controllers, a replacement compressor, air spring spacers and the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus stainless upgrade. Lucas Oil 5th Wheel & Slider Lube is made for the hitch plate and slider. An SPE Motorsport Stage-2 Strike VGT turbo is also listed here for 2011-2019 trucks; the turbo setup changed in 2015 and again in 2017, so confirm it by VIN. Browse more on our hitches page.

Fitment notes

• Wheelbase: it sets your receiver class and fuel tank size. Know whether yours is 137, 142, 156, 158 or 172 inches before you choose a receiver or ball mount.
• Reducer: factory 2.5-inch receivers come with a 2-inch reducer sleeve.
• Bed length: Ford's 5th-wheel kit requires the 8-ft box.
• Wiring: a 7-/4-pin connector is standard at the bumper, and the prep package adds a 7-pin in the bed wall.
• F-450: its ratings rest on 19.5-inch wheels and a Dana S110 rear axle, and the B&W Companion listing names the F-250 and F-350, so F-450 owners should confirm before ordering.

Verify by VIN before you order.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a 2015 F-350 with the 6.7L tow?

Ford rated the 2015 F-350 at up to 26,700 lb properly equipped, and 26,500 lb for 2016. That is the top of the range, not every truck. Your number depends on how the truck was built: cab, wheelbase, axle ratio, SRW or DRW, and the hitch you use. The 35,000-lb GCWR needs the High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package.

What receiver did Ford put on my truck?

It depends on wheelbase and model. SRW diesels on the 137- or 142-inch wheelbase have a 12.5K 2-inch receiver. Longer SRW diesels have a 14K 2.5-inch receiver, DRW trucks on 156 or 158 inches have 15K, and the F-350 DRW 172-inch diesel and F-450 have 18.5K (2015) or 19K (2016).

Do air bags raise my towing capacity?

No. Air springs level the truck and keep it riding flat under tongue or pin weight. Ford's GVWR, GCWR and receiver ratings stay the limit, and loading past them is the documented problem on these trucks, not a part failure.

Can I run a 5th-wheel hitch with the short bed?

Ford's 5th-wheel kit for these trucks requires the 8-ft box. If you run the 6.75-ft box on a SuperCab or Crew Cab, call us before you buy a 5th-wheel hitch so we can check what fits your truck and trailer.

What changed for towing in 2016?

Ratings shifted a little. The F-250 went to 16,600 lb and the F-350 to 26,500 lb, the F-450's GCWR rose to 40,400 lb, and the top receiver went from 18.5K to 19K. Ford also added dynamic hitch assist to the rear camera view.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.