Brown Motors - What Can the 2026 Ford Super Duty F-350 Safely Tow for Weekend and Work in Petoskey, MI?
The right answer to what you can tow starts with how you plan to use your truck. The 2026 Super Duty F-350 is engineered around real-world towing, offering best-in-class diesel-powered maximum available gooseneck towing up to 40,000 pounds and an outstanding maximum available payload of up to 8,000 pounds when properly configured. The key is choosing the engine, axle ratio, rear-wheel configuration, and towing technologies that align with your trailer type and terrain around Petoskey, MI.
If you regularly tow large fifth-wheel campers, horse trailers, or equipment on a gooseneck, the available 6.7L High Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel B20 puts 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque to work at low rpm for easier launches and steadier highway pulls. Conventional boat and utility trailers are well matched to gas V8 options that deliver confident torque and a relaxed, predictable drive. Either way, the TorqShift® 10-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in the most effective part of the power band, while selectable drive modes adjust the truck’s behavior to your load and conditions.
Beyond raw numbers, the F-350 integrates towing technology that reduces stress and improves repeatability. Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ lets you turn a dial in the direction you want your trailer to go while the system helps manage steering. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ can streamline lining up the hitch. Trailer Reverse Guidance uses cameras to give you multiple perspectives, and the 360-Degree Camera helps with situational awareness in tight ramps and marinas. Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch can estimate payload weight and help you load more accurately within the truck’s limits, providing another layer of confidence before you roll.
Choosing single rear wheel or dual rear wheel matters. If you plan to tow heavy 5th-wheel or gooseneck loads frequently, dual rear wheel improves lateral stability and supports higher pin weights. Single rear wheel configurations offer easier maneuverability and daily drivability while still delivering robust towing for moderate trailers. Your route matters, too. Northern Michigan’s rolling grades and crosswinds favor payload and suspension choices that promote stability, and that is where our advisors can help you select the right axle ratio and towing package.
- Define your heaviest trailer and how often you tow it
- Choose engine output to match hills, wind, and highway speeds
- Decide on single or dual rear wheel for stability needs
- Add tow tech to ease hitching and backing
- Validate payload and weight distribution with Onboard Scales
Inside, the available SYNC® 4 system with a 12" center display and an available head-up display keeps vital information in view without distraction. Combine that with PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors and the 360-Degree Camera for a more complete picture of your surroundings. If your weekends include power-hungry tools or campsite setups, available 2kW Pro Power Onboard™ delivers plug-in flexibility right from the bed.
For shoppers mapping out a specific towing scenario, a quick discussion about trailer type, lengths, wind profile, and payload can help finalize the build. Your towing goals do not need to be complicated. With the 2026 F-350, the engineering is already in place; it is simply a matter of tailoring it to your life. Brown Motors is here to guide you through that process, serving Cheboygan, Petoskey, and Charlevoix with practical, hands-on expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the F-350 tow a large fifth-wheel camper?
Yes, when properly configured. The F-350 supports 5th-wheel and gooseneck towing with best-in-class diesel-powered maximum available ratings. Dual rear wheel builds are often preferred for heavy, high-pin-weight fifth-wheels due to added stability.
Do I need the 6.7L High Output Power Stroke® for heavy towing?
If you consistently tow near the top of the capacity range or on long grades, the high-output diesel’s 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft provide reassuring reserve. For moderate trailers, the gas V8s deliver confident performance and reduced complexity.
Which tow technologies should I add?
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ simplify key tasks. Trailer Reverse Guidance and the 360-Degree Camera bolster visibility, while Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch help verify payload and trailer tongue or pin weight.
Is single rear wheel or dual rear wheel better for me?
Choose dual rear wheel if you regularly haul heavy 5th-wheel or gooseneck loads and want maximum stability. Choose single rear wheel for easier everyday maneuvering and strong towing with moderate trailers.