
Differences Among Medium-Duty Trucks: Ford vs. Chevy
For businesses searching for a dependable work vehicle, comparing the differences between Ford F-650 vs. Chevrolet Silverado 6500 is an important step toward choosing the right tool for the job. These medium-duty trucks offer impressive strength, durability, and payload capabilities designed to support demanding industries. Whether your priority is towing performance, chassis versatility, or overall refinement, the Ford F-650 vs. Chevy Silverado 6500 each bring something unique to the table. Understanding their distinctions helps truck owners match the right model to their daily workflow. When you’re ready, visit Preston Ford Commercial Vehicle Center to make a decision!

Why These Trucks Matter
Medium-duty trucks deliver essential capability for businesses that rely on consistent performance. The F-Series Ford truck and Chevy Silverado 6500 are engineered for commercial use, offering strong frames, powerful engines, and configurations that suit everything from construction to towing to delivery. They support a wide range of upfits, including box trucks, flatbeds, and even hooklift truck configurations that enable rapid attachment swaps. With options like crew cab layouts for transporting work teams and heavy equipment, the Ford F-650 vs. Chevy Silverado 6500 provide the versatility companies expect. Built for long days and heavy use, they remain trusted choices for organizations needing reliability and long-term durability.
How Ford & Chevy Compare
Before getting into detail about the Ford F-650 vs. Chevy Silverado 6500 comparison, let’s look at each of them on the surface.
The Ford F-650 is widely regarded as one of the strongest competitors in its class, thanks to exceptional strength, broader configuration options, and a reputation for engineering consistency across new vehicles in the commercial segment. As part of the F-Series, it benefits from Ford’s decades of medium-duty expertise, offering best-in-class payload numbers and multiple setups designed for businesses requiring flexibility. For industries that frequently tow equipment, handle heavy cargo, or require complex upfits, the Ford F-650 often stands out.
The Chevy Silverado 6500 is a rugged, easy-to-operate model with straightforward functionality. It performs well for basic hauling and commercial tasks but has fewer advanced options, fewer upfit-ready configurations, and less flexibility for towing setups such as a 5th wheel arrangement.
Individual Comparisons
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the Ford F-650 vs. Chevy Silverado 6500. Knowing the exact specs and applications will help you determine which is right for you.

Ford F-650
The Ford F-650 continues to impress truck owners with its blend of strength, adaptability, and modern engineering. Businesses appreciate its robust frame, high towing and payload capabilities, front end, and suitability for demanding work environments. Whether transporting construction materials, towing equipment, or supporting municipal operations, the Ford F-650 is built to accommodate a wide range of roles. Its compatibility with 5th wheel towing and specialized applications like a hooklift truck setup further strengthens its appeal for industries that require heavy-duty hauling or rapid-swap platforms. When properly equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel engine, it has a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 29,000 lbs. This translates to a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of up to 50,000 lbs.
Chevy Silverado 6500
The Chevy Silverado 6500 delivers dependable performance and is easy to maintain, making it appealing for companies seeking simplicity. Its durable build supports daily commercial work, and its straightforward layout benefits organizations looking for reliability without complex configurations. It achieves a maximum GVWR of up to 23,500 lbs. and a GCWR up to 37,500 lbs. when properly equipped. Its customization range is also more restricted, and features needed for advanced industrial applications, like 5th wheel towing options, are generally absent. For companies requiring higher levels of adaptation, particularly in industries needing specialized equipment, the Chevy Silverado 6500 may feel limited.
Making the Right Commercial Choice
Now that you have a better understanding of the Ford F-650 vs. Chevy Silverado 6500 comparison, choosing one of them depends on your business needs. The Chevy Silverado 6500 offers reliable performance for companies with simpler requirements, while the Ford F-650 consistently rises to the top thanks to its broad versatility, advanced engineering, and strong performance across demanding industries. For companies prioritizing strength, adaptability, and long-term reliability, the Ford F-650 remains the standout solution among medium-duty competitors. Visit Preston Ford Commercial Vehicle Center today to compare these trucks in person and see why the Ford F-650 is the ideal choice for operations that require serious capability and proven performance.

