What is the towing capacity of the 7.3 Godzilla?
The 7.3 Godzilla is Ford’s 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine used in the Super Duty lineup. It does not carry a single, fixed towing rating; the vehicle it’s mated to determines how much can be towed. In general, conventional towing with this engine is in the mid-teens of thousands of pounds, while gooseneck or 5th‑wheel setups can reach well into the 30,000-pound range with the right configuration.
What is the 7.3 Godzilla?
The 7.3-liter “Godzilla” is Ford’s big gasoline V8 introduced for the Super Duty family starting in 2020. It produces about 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque and is designed for heavy-duty work in F-Series Super Duty trucks, including the F-250 and F-350. The engine is paired with Ford’s heavy-duty transmissions and towing-focused options to support demanding towing applications.
How towing capacity is determined
Towing capacity is not tied to the engine alone. It depends on the full vehicle specification, including the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), axle ratio, bed/cab configuration, drivetrain (drive two- or four-wheel drive), and whether the truck is equipped with the Max Tow package or other towing enhancements. The engine’s torque helps with pulling weight, but the overall rating is set by the chassis and suspension as a system.
Key factors that influence rating
Several elements determine the exact tow rating for a given 7.3L-equipped Super Duty:
- GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and payload capacity
- Rear axle ratio (e.g., 3.55, 3.73, or 4.30) and drivetrain
- Max Tow/Heavy-Duty Tow packages or equivalent equipment
- Configuration: cab size, bed length, and whether the trailer is bumper-hitch, gooseneck, or 5th-wheel
- Wheelbase and suspension tuning for stability and braking performance
Because these variables vary by model year and trim, the exact number for your specific truck should come from the door sticker or the official Ford window sticker for that vehicle.
Representative ranges for common configurations
The following ranges reflect typical factory ratings seen on common 7.3L-equipped Super Duty configurations. They illustrate how ratings can vary, but exact numbers must be checked on your vehicle’s documentation.
- Conventional towing (bumper hitch) on a Ford F-250 with the 7.3L gas engine: approximately 14,000–15,000 pounds
- Conventional towing on a Ford F-350 with the 7.3L gas engine: approximately 15,000–20,000 pounds
- Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing (where equipped): commonly around 25,000–32,000+ pounds in typical configurations, with higher numbers possible in select, highly equipped setups
These ranges show the general scale of towing capability with the Godzilla engine, but the exact figure for any given truck depends on the specific configuration and options selected by the manufacturer.
What to check for your own vehicle
To confirm the precise towing capacity for your 7.3L-equipped Super Duty, verify the official specifications listed for your exact truck. Use these steps to ensure you’re towing within safe limits.
- Consult the door placard on the driver’s side—this shows the GVWR and the recommended tow rating for your vehicle.
- Review the owner’s manual or the official Ford window sticker for your exact configuration (cab/bed, axle ratio, and tow package).
- If you’re towing a trailer, ensure the combined weight (tow vehicle plus trailer) does not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) listed for your truck.
- Consider professional ballast and braking requirements for heavy-tow setups, including trailer brakes, hitch type, and weight distribution.
If you’re unsure, contact a Ford dealer or consult Ford’s official towing guides for your model year and configuration to avoid overloading your vehicle.
Summary
- The 7.3 Godzilla engine does not have a single towing rating; the tow capacity depends on the specific Super Duty configuration.
- Conventional towing with the 7.3L gas engine is typically in the mid-teens of thousands of pounds, varying by axle ratio, cab/bed, and towing package.
- Gooseneck/5th-wheel towing ratings are higher (often in the 25,000–32,000+ pounds range) for well-equipped setups.
- Always verify the exact rating on the vehicle’s door placard or official window sticker, and use it as the binding limit for any tow plan.
In short, if you’re considering towing with a Ford Super Duty powered by the 7.3 Godzilla, the best approach is to check your specific truck’s documentation and plan based on its exact configuration rather than relying on a generic figure. This ensures safe, compliant towing aligned with Ford’s guidelines.
