What is the towing capacity of 3.73 axle ratio?

The towing capacity of a vehicle with a 3.73 axle ratio can vary depending on several factors, including the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as its overall configuration and weight. In general, a 3.73 axle ratio is considered a mid-range ratio that provides a balance between fuel efficiency and towing power.

What is an Axle Ratio?

An axle ratio refers to the number of times the driveshaft rotates compared to the number of times the wheels rotate. A higher axle ratio, such as 3.73, means the driveshaft rotates fewer times per wheel revolution, resulting in more torque and better towing capacity. However, this also leads to lower fuel efficiency.

Factors Affecting Towing Capacity

The towing capacity of a vehicle with a 3.73 axle ratio can be influenced by several factors:

• Vehicle Make and Model: Different manufacturers may have different towing capacities for the same axle ratio, depending on the overall design and engineering of the vehicle.


• Engine Size and Power: Vehicles with larger, more powerful engines generally have higher towing capacities.


• Transmission Type: Vehicles with automatic transmissions may have slightly lower towing capacities compared to those with manual transmissions.


• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and the trailer or towed load.

It's important to consult the manufacturer's specifications or the vehicle's owner's manual to determine the exact towing capacity for a specific make, model, and configuration with a 3.73 axle ratio.

Example Towing Capacities

As an example, a 2022 Ford F-150 with a 3.73 axle ratio and a 5.0L V8 engine has a maximum towing capacity of up to 13,000 pounds when properly equipped. In contrast, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 3.73 axle ratio and a 5.3L V8 engine has a maximum towing capacity of up to 11,500 pounds.

It's important to note that these are just examples, and the actual towing capacity for a specific vehicle can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications or the vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What is a 3.73 gear ratio good for?

A 3.73 gear ratio is a good all-around choice for improving a vehicle's acceleration and towing performance without sacrificing too much highway drivability. It's considered a balance between gears focused on maximum fuel economy (lower numbers, like 3.55) and gears optimized purely for quick acceleration (higher numbers, like 4.10).
 
What a 3.73 gear ratio is good for

• Better acceleration: It provides more torque to the wheels, resulting in quicker off-the-line performance and a more responsive feel. 
• Improved towing: The extra torque makes it easier to tow heavier loads, as the engine doesn't have to work as hard. 
• Compensation for larger tires: It can help a vehicle with larger tires regain lost performance and acceleration. 
• Good for street/strip use: It offers a good compromise for performance applications like street trucks or drag strip use. 

What a 3.73 gear ratio sacrifices

• Fuel economy: The engine will have to spin at a higher RPM to maintain the same speed as a vehicle with lower gears, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
• Top-end speed: It can result in a lower top-end speed compared to higher gears because the engine will reach its redline at a lower vehicle speed. 

How it compares to other ratios

• vs. 3.55: A 3.73 ratio offers better acceleration and towing than a 3.55. A 3.55 is generally better for highway cruising and fuel economy. 
• vs. 4.10: A 4.10 ratio provides even quicker acceleration and more torque but at the cost of higher RPMs at highway speeds and reduced fuel economy. A 3.73 is often preferred for better highway comfort. 

What size truck do I need to pull a 15000 lb camper?

If you want to tow a 5th wheel weighing 15,000 lbs, you must check what trucks can haul that load. Some F250 SuperDuties, Silverado 2500HDs, and some Sierra 2500HDs will be able to tow them, but not all. If you are closer to 20,000 lbs, you will want to look at even bigger trucks like an F350 or F450.

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. 

Is a 3.73 axle ratio good for towing?

Yes, a 3.73 axle ratio is good for towing, as it provides a good balance between towing power and fuel economy, and is considered a strong choice for those who tow regularly but also drive their trucks daily. It offers more torque for pulling heavy loads than lower ratios like 3.55, and is better for fuel efficiency and a quieter ride on the highway than higher ratios like 4.10 or 4.30. 
This video explains the relationship between gear ratios and towing: 50sFISHER’S OFF-ROADYouTube · Jan 23, 2025
Benefits of a 3.73 axle ratio for towing

• Increased torque: A 3.73 ratio provides more torque than lower ratios, making it easier to accelerate with a heavy trailer and climb hills. 
• Good for occasional to frequent towing: It's a popular and versatile choice for owners who tow regularly but don't need the extreme towing capacity of higher ratios. 
• Better fuel economy than higher ratios: When cruising on the highway, the engine will be at lower RPMs compared to a truck with a higher axle ratio (like 4.10 or 4.30), resulting in better fuel economy. 
• Strong all-around performance: It offers a good compromise for a daily driver that is also used for towing, providing quicker acceleration around town compared to lower gear ratios. 

When a 3.73 ratio might not be enough 

• Very heavy loads: If you frequently tow very heavy loads, especially in mountainous terrain, a higher ratio like 4.10 or 4.30 may provide a better experience by keeping the engine out of lower gears. 
• Large off-road tires: Adding larger tires can decrease the effective gear ratio, so if you plan on installing oversized tires, a higher starting ratio like 3.73 may be necessary to compensate for the larger tire diameter.