Short answer: Ford has the higher published 2026 diesel gooseneck maximum—40,000 pounds for a high-output 6.7L Power Stroke Super Duty with the required 40K Gooseneck Tow Package. Chevrolet publishes up to 36,000 pounds for a Duramax-equipped Silverado 3500 HD, but only in a narrowly specified configuration. That does not make every Power Stroke truck a better tow vehicle than every Duramax. The right choice depends on your loaded trailer, pin or tongue weight, payload, axle ratings, hitch and the truck’s exact equipment.
2026 towing ratings at a glance
The current U.S. model-year figures are headline maximums, not universal capacities for every truck in either family. Ford’s maximum applies to the high-output diesel and a required package. Chevrolet’s maximum is tied to a particular 3500 HD body, drivetrain, axle and hitch combination.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Specification | Ford Super Duty Power Stroke | Chevrolet Silverado HD Duramax |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel engine | 6.7L V8 Power Stroke, standard-output or high-output | 6.6L V8 Duramax |
| Published engine output | Standard-output: 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft; high-output: 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft | 470 hp and 975 lb-ft |
| Transmission listed by manufacturer | 10-speed TorqShift automatic | 10-speed Allison automatic |
| Maximum available diesel towing | Up to 40,000 lb gooseneck with the high-output engine and 40K Gooseneck Tow Package | Up to 36,000 lb trailering for a specifically equipped Silverado 3500 HD |
| Configuration behind the maximum | Rating varies with cargo, passengers, accessories, vehicle configuration and hitch type; the required package applies | 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed WT, 2WD, dual rear wheels, Duramax, Max Trailering Package and a gooseneck hitch |
These are 2026 U.S. specifications from Ford’s model-year towing material and Chevrolet’s Silverado HD specifications. A truck that looks similar in a dealer listing can have a different cab, bed, axle, drivetrain, package or door-label rating.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat the engine numbers tell you
Ford offers two diesel outputs
The 6.7L Power Stroke is listed in two outputs. The standard-output version produces 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The high-output version raises that to 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft. The 40,000-pound gooseneck figure belongs to the high-output engine with the specified 40K Gooseneck Tow Package; it should not be applied to a standard-output Super Duty by assumption.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Inline 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine Scale Model】Explore this highly detailed diesel engine scale model and its powerful performance. It features transparent cylinder head, movable pistons, air valves, exhaust pipes, turbochargers details, precisely replicating the operation of a true inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, making it an ideal choice for any mechanic diesel enthusiast or model collector
- 【Rechargeable Motor for Endless Operation】Experience endless, smooth-running demonstrations with rechargeable dual-speed motor, powered by an included USB cable (NO Battery Required). Simply flip the switch to bring the mechanical assembly to life. Observe the rhythmic motion of internal components, providing a captivating visual lesson in diesel engine cycles and mechanical principles
- 【Perfect Gift for Diesel Car Enthusiast】An impressive and unique gift for any diesel engine enthusiast, car enthusiast, or aspiring engineer. Whether for a birthday, holiday, Christmas, or a STEM-themed event, this model is more than a toy—it's a display-worthy piece that celebrates craftsmanship and inspires curiosity about powertrain technology
- 【STEM Hands-On Engineering Educational Toy】Encourages learning in mechanical design, physics, and logical problem-solving. This building kit offers a practical introduction to diesel engine technology and engineering fundamentals, making it an ideal STEM resource for classrooms, workshops, or family projects
- 【High-Quality & Durable Construction】Made from durable, non-toxic ABS material that meets ASTM and CPSIA safety standards. Including step-by-step color instructions. Each of the 1029 pieces is precision-engineered for a secure fit and long-lasting stability, providing a rewarding and safe building experience for teens and adult hobbyists
The Duramax has one listed output in this comparison
Chevrolet lists its 6.6L V8 Duramax at 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft. That is slightly less peak power and torque than either Power Stroke output on paper. Peak figures do not by themselves predict acceleration with a particular trailer, grade performance, cooling margin or drivability. Gear ratios, axle ratio, tire size, truck weight and the trailer’s aerodynamic load also affect what you feel on the road.
Both use 10-speed automatic transmissions
Ford identifies a 10-speed TorqShift automatic, while Chevrolet identifies a 10-speed Allison automatic. The shared gear count does not make the transmissions interchangeable or establish an on-road winner. Use the transmission, axle and cooling specifications for the exact vehicle when checking a heavy-duty towing build.
Why the biggest tow number is not your truck’s capacity
A maximum trailering number is a comparison point for a fully specified configuration. It is not permission to attach that weight to any truck in the model line. Chevrolet’s official 2026 Silverado HD specifications page says, “Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only,” and directs buyers to the trailering section of the owner’s manual before purchase or use.
Ford’s 2026 towing guidance makes the same practical point through its weight limits. The loaded truck and trailer must remain within the combination’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR). Tongue or king-pin load, people, luggage, tools, hitch hardware and aftermarket equipment must also fit within the truck’s payload, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR).
That is why a trailer’s advertised dry weight is a poor buying comparison. Water, propane, batteries, cargo, spare tires and accessories can add substantial weight before a trip begins. The number that matters is the expected loaded trailer weight, together with the loaded tongue or pin weight.
How to match either diesel to your trailer
Use this sequence before selecting an engine or signing a purchase order. It prevents a high model-line maximum from masking a payload or axle problem.
- Identify the towing method. Decide whether the trailer will be attached with a conventional receiver, a fifth-wheel hitch or a gooseneck ball. The published 40,000- and 36,000-pound figures discussed here are gooseneck-oriented maximums, not automatic conventional-tow ratings.
- Find the trailer’s loaded numbers. Record the trailer’s expected travel weight, its gross vehicle weight rating and the manufacturer’s expected tongue or pin load. Include cargo, fluids and equipment that will actually be carried.
- Choose the exact truck configuration. Write down cab, bed length, two- or four-wheel drive, single- or dual-rear-wheel axle, engine output, axle ratio and every towing package. Do not compare a Regular Cab 2WD dual-rear-wheel work truck with a heavier crew-cab 4WD truck as if their ratings were identical.
- Read the door label. Use the truck’s stated payload, GVWR and front and rear GAWR. The label belongs to that individual truck and accounts for its equipment; a brochure maximum does not.
- Check GCWR and calculate the remaining trailer allowance. Ford’s owner’s manual describes subtracting the truck’s curb weight, hitch hardware, driver and passengers, cargo and aftermarket equipment from GCWR to determine maximum loaded trailer weight. Apply the same logic to the actual truck and manual for a Chevrolet combination.
- Check payload against pin or tongue weight. A fifth-wheel or gooseneck pin load sits in the truck bed and consumes payload. Ford’s general guide uses 10% of loaded trailer weight as a conventional-tow tongue-load guide and 15% for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing, subject to the truck’s ratings and manual.
- Verify the hitch and axle limits. The receiver, fifth-wheel or gooseneck hardware must be rated for the intended load and installed according to the truck and hitch manufacturers’ instructions. Rear GAWR and tire ratings can become the limiting factor even when a brochure’s maximum trailer number appears sufficient.
- Weigh the completed combination. A public scale or portable vehicle/trailer scale can show actual axle weights and combination weight after loading. Weighing is a measurement aid, not a substitute for the door label, owner’s manual or hitch rating.
Understanding tongue and pin weight with an example
Ford’s general guidance gives a starting point of 10% loaded tongue weight for conventional trailers and 15% for fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers. Those percentages are not a guarantee; the trailer design and the truck’s ratings control.
Rank #2
- Exquisite Mechanical Decoration: The ingeniously designed mini OHV inline four-cylinder diesel model, with premium quality & extremely textured metal parts, briefs you on the wonderful world of mechanical engineering in an immersive environment.
- All Included For Building This Engine Model: The engine consists of 300+pcs parts and comes with a paper English instruction manual. You will personally experience the whole process of assembling from small parts to the finished product and build a shocking engine model.
- Superb STEM Activity: The wonderful activity allows adults to cooperate with children for assembly to spend their leisure time, which enhances parent-child interaction, walks children through popular industrial knowledge, increases their knowledge and imagination, develops mental and logical thinking as well as improves innovation and creativity.
- Special Gifts: This engine will make great industrial technology in the form of inheritance in the hands of every owner. Packed in a high-end gift box, the product makes a perfect gift for children or adults that is irresistible and satisfying.
- Applicable age:14+
For illustration, a 20,000-pound loaded gooseneck at 15% would place about 3,000 pounds on the truck’s hitch. That 3,000 pounds is part of the truck’s payload, before adding passengers, tools, fuel-related cargo or the hitch itself. If the trailer is loaded differently, its actual pin weight can differ from the simple percentage. The owner’s manuals and scale readings govern the final decision.
What it takes to reach each published maximum
Ford’s 40,000-pound gooseneck claim
Ford’s 2026 guide assigns the 40,000-pound maximum to a high-output 6.7L Power Stroke Super Duty fitted with the required 40K Gooseneck Tow Package. The guide also cautions that maximum ratings vary with cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, passengers and hitch type. A standard-output diesel, a different body style or a truck without the required package should not be represented as having the 40,000-pound capacity.
Chevrolet’s 36,000-pound claim
Chevrolet’s 36,000-pound maximum is for a Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed WT with 2WD, dual rear wheels, the Duramax, Max Trailering Package and a gooseneck hitch. Changing to a crew cab, four-wheel drive, a different bed, single rear wheels or another trim can change the rating. Chevrolet also tells buyers that passengers, cargo and accessories reduce available capacity and that the Silverado HD owner’s manual must be consulted.
Gooseneck, fifth-wheel and conventional towing are different jobs
Gooseneck trailers
A gooseneck couples inside the pickup bed and transfers a substantial vertical load to the rear axle. This layout is common for livestock, equipment and large enclosed trailers, and it is the method used for the headline maximums in this comparison. Confirm that the truck has the correct bed preparation or ball system, that the ball and safety-chain attachments are rated for the trailer and that the loaded pin weight stays within payload and rear GAWR.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fifth-wheel trailers
A fifth-wheel hitch also places its load in the bed, but the hitch design and mounting requirements differ from a gooseneck. Ford’s towing material distinguishes fifth-wheel and gooseneck equipment. Verify bed length, hitch-rail or puck compatibility, clearance between the trailer and cab, hitch rating and the trailer’s pin weight before choosing hardware.
Conventional receiver towing
A receiver hitch transfers tongue weight behind the rear axle and uses a different set of hitch and weight-distribution limits. Do not use a gooseneck maximum as a conventional-tow rating. Check the exact conventional-trailer table in the owner’s manual, including any requirement for a weight-distributing hitch or trailer brakes.
Do body style and drivetrain really change the answer?
Yes. The 36,000-pound Chevrolet figure is not simply a Duramax-engine rating; it is tied to a Regular Cab, long bed, 2WD, dual-rear-wheel WT with the Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. Additional cab length, four-wheel-drive hardware, trim equipment and passengers add weight that uses payload and can alter the certified rating. Ford likewise states that cargo, accessories, passengers, vehicle configuration and hitch type affect its maximum.
Rank #3
- 【Heavy Truck Engine with Transmission 】This model building block kit compatible with mainstream building blocks, based on the prototype of V8 Engine, as a total of 3236+ pieces bricks.
- 【REALISTIC MODEL THAT WORKS】 Mould King Mini Engine set contains many realistic details. Such as simulate piston motion, turbocharger and refined exhaust system. By pushing the gear lever, the speed can be adjusted. Designed specifically for engine fans. The perfect gift for truck lovers and future engineers!
- 【Premium Quality Material】Mould King 10200 Model Engine Kits made from ABS materials and tested for quality control to ensure compliance with safety standards. No smell, no burr, smooth and eco-friendly.
- 【Building Science Educational STEM Toys】Equipped with an engine and a battery box, its compact design allows for high power output in the limited engine compartment. The drive train works with precise piston movements.
- 【Follow the steps】This toy set contains many building blocks, all components are sorted and carefully packaged so that they are not lost. Installation instructions are included so you can start with each step. Compatible with most similar building blocks on the market, with strong scalability.
Dual-rear-wheel trucks can provide a different payload and axle-rating envelope than single-rear-wheel versions, but the presence of dual wheels alone does not authorize the published maximum. Check the individual truck’s label, tires, axle ratings and manual. Treat a dealer’s generic “up to” description as a starting point, then verify the VIN-specific equipment and certification label.
Recommended Free Tools
Common buying mistakes
- Comparing dry trailer weight with a maximum tow number. Use the expected loaded weight and loaded pin or tongue weight.
- Assuming every 6.7L Power Stroke is the 40,000-pound truck. The cited maximum requires the high-output engine and 40K Gooseneck Tow Package.
- Applying Chevrolet’s 36,000-pound figure to any Duramax Silverado. It requires the listed 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed WT, 2WD, DRW, Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch.
- Ignoring people and equipment. Passengers, tools, fuel-related cargo, bed accessories and hitch hardware reduce available payload.
- Checking only GCWR. GVWR, rear GAWR, tire capacity and hitch ratings can impose lower limits.
- Using a gooseneck headline for a receiver trailer. Hitch method has its own rating table and equipment requirements.
- Installing hardware without checking compatibility. Confirm bed preparation, mounting points, ball or puck system, clearance and the hitch manufacturer’s rating.
- Skipping a loaded scale check. A scale can reveal an overloaded axle or unexpected pin weight before a long trip.
Which engine is better for common towing situations?
When the highest published gooseneck capacity is the priority
The high-output Power Stroke has the higher published ceiling in the 2026 figures: 40,000 pounds versus Chevrolet’s 36,000-pound maximum. That advantage matters only if your trailer is a gooseneck, the truck has the 40K package and every payload, axle, GCWR and hitch calculation also works. It is not a reason to buy a high-output truck for a trailer that is well below the limits.
When the Chevrolet configuration fits the job
A Duramax Silverado 3500 HD can be the appropriate choice when the specified 3500 HD configuration meets the trailer’s loaded weight and pin load. The 36,000-pound figure is substantial, and the 6.6L engine’s 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft are designed for heavy-duty towing. Buyers should compare the actual Chevrolet door label and manual rather than relying on the model-line maximum.
When payload, not trailer weight, is the constraint
Large fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers can consume payload quickly through pin weight. A lighter trailer behind a heavily optioned crew-cab truck may run out of payload before it reaches the advertised trailer rating. In that situation, compare the specific truck’s available payload and rear GAWR first; engine output is secondary to staying within those limits.
When the trailer is conventional
For a receiver-hitch trailer, use the conventional-towing rating for the exact truck. The gooseneck headlines do not answer the question. A trailer’s frontal area, tongue-weight percentage, brake controller requirements and weight-distribution setup can be more important than the diesel’s peak torque figure.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A practical buying checklist
- Confirm the model year is 2026 U.S. specification data; ratings can differ in other markets or years.
- Match the engine output: Ford standard-output and high-output Power Stroke ratings are not the same.
- Match the trailer type: conventional, fifth-wheel or gooseneck.
- Record loaded trailer weight, not only dry weight.
- Calculate expected tongue or pin weight and subtract it from available payload.
- Check truck GVWR, front and rear GAWR, GCWR, tire capacity and hitch rating.
- Confirm required packages, axle configuration, cab, bed, drive wheels and rear-wheel layout.
- Read the individual truck’s door label and the current owner’s manual.
- Scale the loaded combination before a long trip or a major change in cargo.
What the published figures do not establish
The 2026 specifications establish rated output, transmission descriptions and maximum available towing figures. They do not establish comparative real-world fuel economy while towing, long-term reliability, maintenance cost, resale value or independent road-test performance. Those outcomes vary with trailer aerodynamics, terrain, load, driving style, service history and configuration. A decision on those dimensions requires evidence beyond the manufacturer ratings listed here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently asked questions
Is the Power Stroke always better because it is rated to 40,000 pounds?
No. The 40,000-pound figure applies to a high-output Power Stroke Super Duty with the required 40K Gooseneck Tow Package and a qualifying configuration. A different Ford truck can have a lower rating, and a Duramax can be the better match if its individual payload, axle and hitch ratings suit your trailer.
Rank #4
- Revell Model Kit #14565, Skill Level 5, Contains 205-Parts, Recommended for ages 13 and up
- Includes two complete 1/25-scale kits, a ’29 Ford Model A pickup hot rod and a custom-styled street chopper.
- Choice of roadster or closed cab bodies, a hopped-up four-banger engine with vintage speed equipment, and five-spoke mag wheels.
- The chrome-plated and period-perfect street chopper includes a detailed engine, springer front forks, “ape hanger” handle bars, spoke-style wheels with soft black tires, and upswept “fishtail” custom exhaust.
- Molded in white and chrome with soft black tires and a clear plastic window sheet. Paint and glue required(not included).
How much can my Duramax or Power Stroke tow?
Start with the exact truck’s certification label and owner’s manual. Identify whether you are towing conventionally, with a fifth-wheel or with a gooseneck, then check the applicable trailer table, GCWR, GVWR, GAWR, payload and hitch rating. The model-line maximums are not a substitute for those figures.
Does the 36,000-pound Duramax rating apply to a crew cab?
Not automatically. Chevrolet ties that maximum to a 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed WT, 2WD, dual-rear-wheel truck with the Duramax, Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch. A crew cab, four-wheel drive, another bed or a different trim can change the certified capacity.
What is the difference between tongue weight and pin weight?
Tongue weight is the load a conventional trailer places on the receiver. Pin weight is the vertical load a fifth-wheel or gooseneck places in the bed. Both consume truck payload; pin weight commonly represents a larger share of a loaded trailer. Ford’s general guide uses 10% as a conventional-tow guide and 15% for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing, subject to the vehicle and manual.
Can I use a gooseneck hitch with any heavy-duty pickup?
Use only hardware compatible with the exact bed, mounting system and truck rating. Confirm the ball, safety-chain attachments, hitch capacity, installation instructions, trailer clearance and the truck’s payload and rear GAWR. A hitch installation does not increase the truck’s certified limits.
Should I choose single- or dual-rear wheels?
Choose based on the required payload, rear GAWR, tire capacity and trailer stability for the specific build. Dual-rear-wheel equipment is part of Chevrolet’s cited 36,000-pound configuration, but dual wheels alone do not guarantee that rating. Verify the complete truck rather than selecting by axle appearance.
Do horsepower and torque predict towing performance by themselves?
No. Ford lists 475 hp/1,050 lb-ft for its standard-output diesel and 500 hp/1,200 lb-ft for the high-output version; Chevrolet lists 470 hp/975 lb-ft. Axle ratio, transmission calibration, truck weight, tires, cooling specifications, trailer aerodynamics and grade all influence the result. The published figures do not establish a real-world road-test winner.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Is there a proven fuel-economy or reliability winner?
The cited 2026 specifications do not establish comparative towing fuel economy, long-term reliability, maintenance cost, resale value or independent road-test performance. Do not treat the tow-rating table as evidence for those ownership questions.
Best Value
- V10 Mechanical Engine Model: This building set showcases intricate gear-driven operation replicating the core mechanical systems of a high-performance V10 engine through interlocking gear mechanisms
- Multi-Speed Transmission: Features multiple gear ratios that can be shifted to demonstrate different rotational speeds and power transfer efficiency
- Advanced Gear System Assembly: With 1834 components this complex kit focuses on precision gear alignment and mechanical synchronization for technical building enthusiasts
- Comprehensive Technical Guide: Includes a detailed instruction manual with exploded diagrams and sequential steps for accurate assembly of the gear train and drive mechanisms
- Dimensions: The completed model measures 16.4 inches (41.6 cm) long 8.3 inches (21.0 cm) wide and 7.3 inches (18.5 cm) high
Bottom line for a 2026 buyer
Choose the high-output Power Stroke if your priority is the highest published diesel gooseneck rating and you will buy the exact Super Duty configuration with the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package. Choose a Duramax Silverado 3500 HD when its specific configuration, payload and axle ratings satisfy your loaded trailer and the 36,000-pound maximum is sufficient. For either engine, the winning truck is the one whose individual ratings accommodate the loaded combination—not simply the one with the larger number in a brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher 2026 diesel gooseneck rating, Duramax or Power Stroke?
Ford’s high-output 6.7L Power Stroke Super Duty is published at up to 40,000 pounds with the required 40K Gooseneck Tow Package. Chevrolet publishes up to 36,000 pounds for a specifically equipped Silverado 3500 HD Duramax.
Does the 40,000-pound Ford rating apply to every Super Duty diesel?
No. It requires the high-output engine, the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package and a qualifying vehicle configuration. Standard-output and differently equipped trucks can have lower ratings.
What Chevrolet configuration reaches 36,000 pounds?
A 2026 Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab Long Bed WT, 2WD, dual rear wheels, Duramax, Max Trailering Package and gooseneck hitch.
What should I check besides maximum trailer weight?
Check loaded trailer weight, tongue or pin weight, truck payload, GVWR, front and rear GAWR, GCWR, tire capacity and hitch rating using the individual truck’s door label and owner’s manual.
Can I compare these maximums with a conventional trailer?
No. The cited 40,000- and 36,000-pound figures are gooseneck-oriented. Use the exact conventional-towing table and hitch requirements for your truck.
How much pin weight should I estimate?
Ford’s general guide uses 15% of loaded trailer weight as a fifth-wheel or gooseneck starting point and 10% for conventional towing. Actual loading and the owner’s manual control.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Bottom Line
For the highest published 2026 diesel gooseneck rating, Ford leads at 40,000 pounds versus Chevrolet’s 36,000 pounds. Buy either only after the exact truck’s payload, GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch and loaded trailer weights all check out.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
