One BIG question about the new 7.3 engine! I need a HEAVY towing assessment of the Godzilla. I've seen so much feedback as well as many real life performance reviews of Ford's 7.3 liter gasoline engine. However, I've not found a single review with anyone towing REALLY heavy: 15,000 pounds is the max I've seen. Assuming it's configured properly, this combination can pull well over 20,000 pounds. What I'm seeking is a review of the 7.3 powerplant's towing capability when hooked to a 20,000 pound 5th wheel. I KNOW the 6.7 diesel is a monster and would be optimal for towing my 42 foot, 20,000 pound 5th wheel; however, the gas engine still has some advantages that I THINK will make it right for me (easier maintenance, a better daily driver when not towing, no DEF, no regens, lower cost up front). I'm thinking 7.3 is the way to go (for me) as I build a 2021 F350 DRW.

So, does anyone have real world performance feedback after towing 20,000 pound 5th wheels with the 7.3 engine?

Thanks!

Darrin

 

I have over plenty of experience in this department. The 7.3 does have good power, I don't consider it a "Monster" by any means. This engine fits a niche market and works well in the segment. The sensation I get when grossing 35k with the 7.3 is decent acceleration but you MUST plan on ramp merges carefully. You will be WOT trying to merge at speed. The fuel economy I get is right about 5.5 to 6 mpg which is par for the course at this weight. My struggle is on grades, on 6% sustained grades I can manage 40 mph which is actually impressive. The old 3v v10's would be 30 mph at this weight.

I can say after 100k of driving my 20 F-550 the 7.3 and 10 speed are reliable enough for this work. The only true negative I have on this combo is the grade braking. I don't think the grade braking is aggressive enough. This is fine if you plan your decent and have functional trailer brakes. Do I think its a 150k or 200k engine in this application absolutely not. At 100k my 7.3 doesn't sound like it did new, it developed a rough idle early on and has exhaust leaks at the manifolds. The engine is also cheap enough to replace and costs less than a 6.7 fuel system refresh.

I think if you go into knowing what to expect you will not have unrealistic expectations. I have a 2020 6.7 as a personal truck and there is advantages. For the company I work for the 7.3 is the cost efficient advantage. Figure out your long term goals for the truck and what type of user you are and the trucks duty cycle. Thats the best I can offer, others will have different opinions.

 

Great breakdown, thanks!

I think at my expected duty cycle of occasionally towing a 10k travel trailer plus a tractor every now and then, this could well be a lifetime engine for me. However, I am anxious to see longevity reports at similar duty cycles. But I also expect slight improvements to the power train in the next couple of years as they continue to work the bugs out.

 

I too am curious on the 20k pulling. I pull 12k to 15k daily on short trips. Occasionally up to 20k. Maximum 30 miles.my 6.2 with 4.30 srw is ok for this. Barely

 

Great info from someone with 100k of heavy use.

Are you aware that there have been issues with the spark plug wires? That may be the reason for your rough idle.

I would say that 100k towing that heavy with no issues other than exhaust manifolds isn't too bad for a brand new engine. Have you had any other problems?

Thanks!

 

The truck was relatively problem free, it did have spark plugs replaced due to a misfire at 50k because they plugs were eroded badly. The wires were replaced but that never fixed the rough idle. The transfercase was replaced twice and the rest was general maintenance. The truck went through 5 sets of tires and brakes which is normal on these trucks. I am now in my new F650 with the 7.3 and I much prefer how the 6 speed shifts under load over the 10 speed. We will see how this one shakes out, hopefully this will be my last company truck before I get to retire.

 

I wonder is that the 6 speed that is in the F250 with the 6.2 or a heavier one?

 

https://www.ford.com/commercial-truc...as-pro-loader/
TorqShift® HD 6-Speed Automatic Double Overdrive Less PTO Provision and Tow/Haul



What gears are in that F650 most likely just like an RV 5.38 maybe

 

Does your company always turn the trucks over for new ones at 100k?

 

No normally its 60k, but covid really pushed us to the limits this year. We struggled for new trucks and had to run old equipment longer. We do keep our heavy specialty trucks longer.

 

It's the 6R140HD, the small 6R100 is suitable for only the F250.

 

The truck has 6.5:1 ratio.

 

just wanted to check in too see how your 7.3’s are doing? Any common issues?

thanks!

 

This popped up on YouTube. 32K gross, 24K trailer, F250, 7.3L with 3.55's. The 7.3L is a pullin' beast.

 

That’s good performance for a 3.55.