How much can the 7.3 gas tow?
The Ford 7.3L gas engine, also known as the "Godzilla" engine, has become a popular choice for truck enthusiasts due to its impressive towing capabilities and reliability. Whether you're hauling a trailer, a boat, or heavy equipment, understanding the towing capacity of this engine is crucial for safe and efficient transportation. In this article, we’ll break down the towing capabilities of the 7.3 gas engine and what factors influence its performance.
Understanding the 7.3L Gas Engine
The 7.3L gas engine is a V8 engine introduced by Ford in 2020 as part of their Super Duty lineup. It was designed to provide a powerful yet cost-effective alternative to diesel engines, offering robust performance without the added expense of diesel fuel and maintenance. With 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, this engine is built to handle heavy loads with ease.
Towing Capacity of the 7.3L Gas Engine
The towing capacity of the 7.3L gas engine depends on the specific configuration of the truck it is installed in. Factors such as the truck's axle ratio, cab style, bed length, and whether it is equipped with a towing package all play a role in determining its maximum towing capacity. Here are some general guidelines:
- Ford F-250 Super Duty: When equipped with the 7.3L gas engine, the F-250 can tow up to 15,000 pounds with a conventional hitch and up to 19,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
- Ford F-350 Super Duty: The F-350 offers even greater towing capabilities, with a maximum conventional towing capacity of 21,000 pounds and up to 24,200 pounds with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
- Ford F-450 Super Duty: While the 7.3L gas engine is less common in the F-450, it can still tow impressive loads, often exceeding 24,000 pounds depending on the configuration.
Factors That Affect Towing Capacity
Several factors can influence the towing capacity of a truck equipped with the 7.3L gas engine. It’s important to consider these variables to ensure safe towing:
- Axle Ratio: A higher axle ratio (e.g., 4.30) can increase towing capacity but may reduce fuel efficiency.
- Towing Package: Trucks equipped with a factory towing package often include features like upgraded cooling systems, trailer sway control, and integrated trailer brake controllers, which enhance towing performance.
- Truck Configuration: The cab style (regular, extended, or crew cab), bed length, and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD) all impact the truck's towing capacity.
- Payload Capacity: The weight of passengers, cargo, and additional equipment in the truck bed must be subtracted from the maximum towing capacity to determine the actual load you can safely tow.
Tips for Safe Towing
To ensure a safe and efficient towing experience with the 7.3L gas engine, follow these tips:
- Always check the truck's owner's manual for specific towing guidelines and weight limits.
- Use the appropriate hitch type for your load (conventional, fifth-wheel, or gooseneck).
- Distribute the weight of your load evenly to prevent trailer sway.
- Perform regular maintenance on your truck, including brakes, tires, and suspension, to ensure it is in optimal condition for towing.
- Practice safe driving habits, such as maintaining a safe following distance and reducing speed when towing heavy loads.
Conclusion
The Ford 7.3L gas engine is a powerhouse when it comes to towing, offering impressive capabilities for a variety of applications. By understanding the factors that influence towing capacity and following best practices for safe towing, you can make the most of this engine's potential. Whether you're hauling for work or recreation, the 7.3L gas engine is a reliable choice for heavy-duty towing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, 7.3 gas or 6.7 power stroke?
Simply put, the PowerStroke option destroys the gas engine in every department where it matters. The turbodiesel 6.7-liter PowerStroke generates 475 horsepower according to Ford and a fairly astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Comparatively, the 7.3-liter gas engine puts out 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque.
Is the 7.3 gas engine a big block?
With a 7.3L displacement and 445 cubic inches, many might jump to the conclusion that the Godzilla engine is a big block Ford. However, because bore spacing dictates what is a big block or small block configuration, the Godzilla's 4.53˝ bore spacing makes it more a small block setup than big block.
Is the 7.3 gas motor good?
While the 7.3 Ford engine certainly packs plenty of punch, it has proven less durable and resilient than the time-tested 6.7L Power Stroke. The 7.3 gas engine is not necessarily all bad; that said, like all newer designs, it has experienced more frequent problems than well-established motors.
Which is better, 7.3 gas or 6.7 PowerStroke?
Simply put, the PowerStroke option destroys the gas engine in every department where it matters. The turbodiesel 6.7-liter PowerStroke generates 475 horsepower according to Ford and a fairly astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Comparatively, the 7.3-liter gas engine puts out 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque.
How many MPG does a 7.3 gas get?
Efficiency. The latest 6.7 Powerstroke gets a combined average fuel efficiency between 12-18 MPG, giving it a narrow win. The Ford 7.3 gas engine is comparable, getting 8-14 miles out of every gallon, with some drivers getting up to 17 MPG on the highway.
What is the towing rating of the f250 Godzilla?
In the realm of towing capabilities, the 2024 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks stand out with impressive strength. The new Ford F-250 boasts a 5th-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity of up to 22,900 lbs with the 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel or up to 22,700 lbs with the 6.7L V8 High-Output Turbo Diesel.
How much can a Ford 7.3 L gas engine tow?
For the 7.3L Gas V8, the towing capacity increases to 17,200 lbs. The 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel and 6.7L High Output Power Stroke Turbo Diesel both offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 20,000 lbs. With Gooseneck towing, the Regular Cab can tow up to 23,000 lbs.
Did Ford fix the 7.3 gas engine?
Overall, it appears that Ford has made an effort to find and fix several Ford 7.3 gas problems. However, some issues don't manifest right away, so it will take a few years to see whether Ford has actually resolved the motor's more significant concerns.
How many miles will a 7.3 gas engine last?
To answer your question a ford HD truck with the 7.3, which runs a very stout drivetrain should easily run 300,000-400,000 thousand miles. I have 45k on my 21 also, I will keep it until 100k, then I'll buy another one. No real reason, other than around that point I'll be ready for a new one.
How many miles per gallon does a 2024 Ford f250 7.3 gas engine get?
15-18 miles per gallon
The gas-powered 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty with the 7.3L V8 engine typically achieves an estimated 15-18 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. MPG totals are estimates based on typical performance. Contact an expert at AutoNation Ford Katy for more specific details.
