How much can a F-250 7.3 tow?

The short answer: a Ford F-250 with the 7.3-liter V8 can typically tow about 12,000–15,000 pounds with a conventional bumper hitch, and considerably more for specialized trailers when properly equipped. Exact figures depend on drivetrain, axle ratio, tow package, cab/bed configuration, and hitch type. Always verify the rating for your specific truck using Ford’s official towing charts.

The question matters because towing capacity isn’t a single number for every F-250. Ford’s Super Duty line uses a combination of engine output, transmission, axle gearing, and available towing equipment to determine how much trailer weight a given truck can safely haul. With the 7.3L V8—commonly paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission—the engine’s torque and peak power support heavier loads, but the final rating will vary by build configuration.

Engine context and how it affects towing numbers

Power and torque

The 7.3-liter V8, often nicknamed the Godzilla engine in Ford trucks, delivers about 430 horsepower and roughly 475 lb-ft of torque. This substantial low-end torque helps with moving heavy trailers from a stop and maintaining momentum on grades, which is a key factor in towing performance. However, horsepower alone does not determine the tow rating; the drivetrain, gearing, and hitch equipment matter just as much.

What determines your exact tow rating

Before listing typical numbers, it’s important to understand the factors that shape the official rating for a given F-250. The following elements can shift the permissible towing weight significantly:

• Axle ratio options (e.g., 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.30) and how they interact with the transfer case and tires


• Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4WD) and traction needs


• Tow package availability and the hitch class (Class IV vs higher)


• Cab and bed configuration (SuperCab vs. SuperCrew, bed length)


• Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing capability, which uses separate ratings


• Trailering equipment such as integrated trailer brake controller, sway control, and trailer-tire considerations

In practice, this means your exact tow rating is a function of how your truck is built and equipped. Always consult Ford’s official towing guide or your vehicle’s door sticker and VIN-based configuration to know the precise figure.

Conclusion: The towing figure you see on one F-250 may not be the same on another with a different axle, gear, or tow package. The safe approach is to use the rating published for your exact build and trailer type.

Conventional towing with the 7.3L V8

Before listing typical numbers, note that “conventional” towing refers to bumper-pull towing with a standard hitch. The rating in this category is generally lower than gooseneck or fifth-wheel setups.

• Commonly rated around 12,000–14,000 pounds for typical configurations with the 7.3L and standard towing equipment.


• With certain tow packages, higher axle ratios, or specific trim configurations, the rating can approach 15,000 pounds or slightly more.

Bottom line: most everyday bumper-pull trailers fall into the roughly 12–15k range, but exact numbers depend on your truck’s build. Verify with Ford’s official charts for your exact configuration.

Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing

Gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups generally allow higher towing ratings than bumper-to-bumper towing, but they are still configuration-dependent. The official gooseneck/fifth-wheel rating for an F-250 with the 7.3L V8 varies by axle gearing, tow package, and other equipment.

• In many top configurations, gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings are higher than conventional towing, often landing in the low- to high-20,000s of pounds range depending on gearing and equipment.


• Some setups publish ratings in the mid-20,000s to upper-20,000s, with exact numbers determined by the factory configuration.

Note: Always confirm the exact gooseneck/fifth-wheel rating in Ford’s official towing documents for your truck and trailer combination. These figures are highly sensitive to axle ratio, tow package, and frame hardware.

How to verify your truck’s exact tow rating

To avoid guessing, use these steps to confirm the precise rating for your F-250 with the 7.3L engine:

• Check the door placard on the driver’s side for GVWR, rear axle ratings, and maximum trailer weight if listed


• Look up your vehicle’s exact configuration using the VIN on Ford’s official site or owner portal to pull the build sheet


• Consult the owner’s manual and Ford’s official towing guide for your model year and package


• Account for trailer type (bumper-pull, gooseneck, fifth-wheel) and accessory equipment such as an integrated brake controller


• Consider payload vs. towing: your payload capacity affects how much weight you can safely tow, especially with larger trailers

In short, for the safest towing practice, rely on Ford’s published numbers for your exact configuration and ensure you equip the truck accordingly (hitch, brakes, and weight distribution as needed).

Summary

The Ford F-250 with the 7.3L V8 offers solid towing capability, generally placing conventional bumper-pull ratings around 12,000–15,000 pounds depending on configuration. Gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing can be substantially higher, typically in the low- to high-20,000s pounds range in the most capable builds. Because ratings vary by axle ratio, tow package, cab/bed choice, and hitch type, always verify the exact figure for your truck using Ford’s official towing charts and your VIN-based configuration. With the right equipment and adherence to published limits, the 7.3L F-250 remains a capable hauler for many heavy-duty towing tasks.

How much can a 2002 F-250 7.3 tow?

A 2002 Ford F-250 with the 7.3L engine can tow a maximum of 12,500 to 14,500 pounds, depending on the specific configuration like cab and bed size, and drivetrain. For a fifth-wheel trailer, the capacity can reach up to 14,500 pounds for certain configurations. It is crucial to check the specific vehicle's rating and consider the importance of proper trailer brakes and driving carefully, as stopping is a significant factor. 
Towing capacity by configuration

• Standard towing: Many configurations can tow up to 12,500 pounds. 
• Fifth-wheel towing: Some configurations can handle up to 14,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel setup. 
• Manual vs. automatic: A manual transmission may offer better control in some towing situations. 

Important considerations

• Always check your specific truck: Your truck's specific GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) will be on the door jamb sticker and is the most accurate source for its maximum towing capacity. 
• Trailer brakes are essential: Proper trailer brakes are crucial for safe stopping, especially when towing heavy loads. 
• Drive cautiously: The truck may be capable of pulling a heavy load, but stopping power is a major safety factor. Be especially careful with heavy loads and anticipate stops. 
• Consider upgrades: Some owners add upgrades like airbags, a transmission cooler, or an exhaust brake to improve handling and safety when towing heavy loads, says Reddit user u/worksafereads and Facebook users. 

How much can a F-250 7.3 powerstroke tow?

The towing capacity for an F-250 with a 7.3L V8 engine depends on the model year, but for recent models, it is around 17,200 to 19,500 pounds for conventional towing, and up to 17,200 to 19,500 pounds with a gooseneck or 5th-wheel hitch. It's crucial to check the specific year and configuration, as maximum capacities vary based on drivetrain and other options. 
2024 F-250 with 7.3L V8 

• Conventional towing: Up to 17,200 pounds
• Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing: Up to 17,200 pounds 

2025 F-250 with 7.3L V8 

• Conventional towing: Up to 18,200 pounds
• Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing: Up to 19,500 pounds 

Key factors that affect towing capacity

• Year: Towing capacities can differ between model years. 
• Drivetrain: Two-wheel drive (2WD) vs. four-wheel drive (4WD) can impact capacity. 
• Hitch type: Conventional towing capacity is typically different from gooseneck or 5th-wheel towing capacity, which is generally higher. 
• Specific options: Other available options and packages can also affect the maximum towing capacity. 

What is the 80% rule for towing?

The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
 
How it works

• Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. 
• Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds. 
• Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit. 

Why it's important

• Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops. 
• Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan. 
• Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load. 

How many miles per gallon does a Ford f250 7.3 L V8 get?

An F-250 with the 7.3L engine typically gets about 14-18 mpg highway when unloaded, with combined city/highway averages often ranging from 11-15 mpg. Towing can drop the mileage significantly, with some users reporting 7-12 mpg or lower depending on the weight of the load and terrain. Factors like axle ratio, driving habits, and modifications all influence the final fuel economy. 
This video shows an MPG test of the 2023 Ford F-250 with the 7.3L gas engine: 1mDaily MotorYouTube · Mar 29, 2024
Highway and city

• Unloaded: Expect around 14−1814 minus 1814−18 mpg on the highway, while city driving may result in 11−1411 minus 1411−14 mpg. Some users report getting as high as 18.518.518.5 mpg on the highway. 
• Towing: When towing, especially with heavy loads or large trailers, fuel economy can drop to 7−127 minus 127−12 mpg or even lower. 

Factors that influence MPG

• Axle ratio: Trucks with higher numerical axle ratios (like 4.304.304.30 vs 3.553.553.55) will typically get worse gas mileage. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving, speeding, and hard acceleration can significantly lower mpg. Driving at a steady, lower speed (around 656565 mph) can help maximize efficiency. 
• Modifications: Adding a performance tune, larger tires, or other modifications will likely impact your fuel economy. 
• Towing conditions: Pulling a large, flat-fronted trailer will create more aerodynamic drag and reduce fuel economy more than a smaller, more streamlined trailer.