From payload calculation to delivery — everything a business owner needs to know before buying a Ford work truck in 2026. Skip the guesswork and buy right the first time.
Calculate the actual weight you'll carry — crew, tools, materials, and body weight. Add 20% safety margin. This number determines whether you need an F-250, F-350, F-450, or F-550.
What's the heaviest trailer you'll pull? Include trailer weight plus load. If you're over 22,000 lbs, you need at minimum an F-350. Over 35,000 lbs moves you to an F-450.
Regular cab for solo operators; SuperCab for 2–3 people; Crew Cab for 4–5. If upfitting with a service body, flatbed, or dump bed, you likely want a chassis cab configuration.
High mileage (>25,000/yr) and heavy towing point to diesel. Lower mileage and budget-conscious buyers often choose the 7.3L gas. See our diesel vs gas guide for the full breakdown.
Service body, flatbed, dump, or stock pickup? Get quotes from upfitters before finalizing the chassis order — body weight affects payload available for cargo.
Fleet pricing, Ford Motor Credit commercial financing, and Section 179 deductions can significantly reduce your net cost. Peoria Ford handles delivery to any US dealer.
| Truck Configuration | Base Price | Typical Upfit | Equipped Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-250 Crew Cab, Gas | $46,495 | Ladder rack + tool boxes (~$3,000) | ~$50,000 |
| F-350 Chassis Cab, Diesel | $51,000 | Knapheide service body (~$12,000) | ~$63,000 |
| F-450 Chassis Cab, Diesel | $58,355 | Hydraulic dump body (~$15,000) | ~$75,000 |
| F-550 Chassis Cab, Diesel | $61,145 | Large flatbed or crane (~$18,000) | ~$80,000 |
| Transit Cargo Van | $44,730 | Adrian Steel shelving (~$4,000) | ~$49,000 |
Prices are approximate. Fleet pricing, incentives, and upfit costs vary. Section 179 allows 100% first-year deduction on qualifying commercial vehicles.
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