Towing with 7.3 diesel

[deltakilo]

I have a 2001 F250 7.3 diesel AT 4x4 I presently have a 30ft. Arctic Fox
I am thinking of getting a 2009 3000RKL (10,770lb.) How satisfactory will my truck be as a tow vehicle?

[Art-n-Marge]

Your truck has a bumper tow rating of 10,000lbs and a fifth wheel rating of 13,500lbs. I believe you also have a 20,000 lb Gross combined weight rating for the Ford. You must look at the Gross trailer weight of the 3000RK and I believe it's over 14,000 and therefore too heavy at several points especially the rear axle. Never use just the shipping weight. After driving off the lot, your trailer will NEVER weigh that again since you'll be loading it up with stuff to keep in there. Then you'll occasionally have full tanks, extra gear or other stuff and this weight will be carried by your truck even if it's temporary.

The diesel engine won't be the problem. I know 7.3 owners who towed heavy and had transmission boil over problems even with a trans cooler. Other concerns would be all the suspension components over time. Besides the engine and trans, you must also think about the U-Joints, drive shaft, differential, gears, brakes, springs, shocks, etc., etc.

[Hooker]

As stated above, that empty weight is no good at all. The 3000 RK has a GW of around 14k, you should use that weight for planning purposes since most of us are/were close to max weight. If your GCWR is 20,000, subtract the weight of your truck (fully loaded ready to camp, including the Montana's pin weight) and your answer is the tow rating.

IMHO, your vehicle is not enough truck for that RV...you need more truck or less RV.

[scductman]

I have a friend that pulls a MS with a 95 7.3 dually. he seems to pull fine probally not in big mountains. some folks will some folks won't!! I would want a DRW.
Bobby

[mlh]

The 7.3 was the tow vehicle a few years ago. I had one. Yours will work just fine. Go for it.
Lynwood

[awaywego]

I also have a 2001 7.3 with a F350 and pulled a Montana 3280 for 9 years, covered 35 states including up into the Rockies and had no problems. I now pull a Big Sky and it pulls just like the 3280.
I do not see a problem with towing with the 7.3 but you may want a diesel brake or exhaust brake when you go downhill.
Happy travels.

[c214dick]

All interesting observations on the 7.3 but check this one out. My friend is pulling a 19,000 lb GVWR SOB with his 7.3 1 ton. Previously he pulled it with a 3/4 ton V10 or at least tried. He returned from Florida this Spring trying to avoid any steep grades as he did when he left for Florida. He did avoid Mount Eagle on I 75 and took I 65 and than I 10 across. I don't know what happened, but his wife announced that something did and he is going to sell both the SOB and the truck. It's probably best for all concerned including the other drivers.

[dieselguy]

I have a 2000 7.3 ... only reason I went with a dually is peace of mind. The old 7.3 is almost indestructible, doesn't have the dual turbos to contend with, doesn't have the DPF headaches, and taxes are lower. You'll consistently get 10 - 11 mpg towing. It's down on HP/torque from the new ones, but I've pulled a 2980RL and my current 3150RL both with my squirt boat in tow with no worries. I added a Super Chips tuner and a US Gear exhaust brake to make her even better. Some may fear with the 3/4 ton, you're nearing the max numbers as far tow capacity, but she'll pull the 3000RK just fine.

[LonnieB]

The GVWR of the 3000RK is 12725 pounds, at least my 2006 model is. I pull it with a 2003 F250 with the 7.3 and a standard transmission. I have never felt like the truck was underpowered, nor have I ever felt like I was unable to control the weight, even in an emercency stop situation.

[RickW]

Pulling will not be an issue. The SOB we had before the Monty was 10k. The 7.3L F250 I have did just fine with it.

[Hooker]

quote:Originally posted by RickW

Pulling will not be an issue. The SOB we had before the Monty was 10k. The 7.3L F250 I have did just fine with it.

True, pulling is not the issue with any diesel pick up. It's the ability to carry the weight with a 250/2500 series truck that is the issue.

[CORattler]

Hey Art, Your comment has me thinking about my 3150RL and my 2500CTD Dodge Ram. According to your signature, you're pulling your rig with a 2500 as well. How close are you on your numbers?

quote:Originally posted by Art-n-Marge

Your truck has a bumper tow rating of 10,000lbs and a fifth wheel rating of 13,500lbs. I believe you also have a 20,000 lb Gross combined weight rating for the Ford. You must look at the Gross trailer weight of the 3000RK and I believe it's over 14,000 and therefore too heavy at several points especially the rear axle. Never use just the shipping weight. After driving off the lot, your trailer will NEVER weigh that again since you'll be loading it up with stuff to keep in there. Then you'll occasionally have full tanks, extra gear or other stuff and this weight will be carried by your truck even if it's temporary.

The diesel engine won't be the problem. I know 7.3 owners who towed heavy and had transmission boil over problems even with a trans cooler. Other concerns would be all the suspension components over time. Besides the engine and trans, you must also think about the U-Joints, drive shaft, differential, gears, brakes, springs, shocks, etc., etc.

[Bob Pasternak]

There are a select few that will come here and tell you that Rick's truck is a little light for the job. I'd not sweat it. The pic is what we had 'til a couple years ago when we had to give it up. The truck is bone stock from factory with tow package. The only additions are cosmetic. Full of fuel, 2/3 tank of fresh water, and packed for a 2-3 month trip it weighed 18300 lbs with a 2460 lb pin weight. It is 4X2 2500 CTD and no airbag. It is a '06 3000RK.

[RickW]

quote:Originally posted by Hooker

True, pulling is not the issue with any diesel pick up. It's the ability to carry the weight with a 250/2500 series truck that is the issue.

Our 10k# SOB and the F250 where a good match. The truck was in the numbers and did a good job all the way around. When we got the 3400 it was too much trailer for the truck.