I’ve not towed in the mountains, but a buddy runs an excursion with the V-10 when we go snowmobiling and want more room than the truck gives. We pull a 7000 pound enclosed snowmobile trailer and it does fine. It likes rpms but other than that it’s been going strong since 2003. I had a newer v-10 f350 briefly but never really towed much with it. Only problem was it was geared low (bought it used) and felt like it went gas station to gas station. I hear great things about the 7.3, but not sure you’re looking for that new. I loveMy diesel, but my truck lives to tow, I agree for that infrequent off towing I’d be looking at gas.

Have you seen this TFL video? Highlights a 7.3 F-250 gasser.

Jim - Over at the other place I have a thread on the 7.3 Godzilla (Ford) Towing reports are pretty good so far. Gas mileage seems to be OK. I am strongly considering one in my next truck. I too have the 6.0 currently. The thread I started here on the subject a while back did not go very far, I can PM you a link if you need it.

My nephew has an Imagine 2600RB which has a GVWR of close to 8,000 lbs and 30 ft long. He lives in Reno and tows with a 2016 Silverado crew with the 6.2. We've been all over the CA and Oregon coast and through the Tetons and Yellowstone and he does great. No problems and easily keeps up with me. Just for comparison.

Jim Guest as mentioned the 7.3 gasser godzilla blue oval is getting some favorable press on other forums I also frequent. What can you share on the new 6.6 GM gasser relative to towing and anything else you can provide ? I do recall (I think?) you sharing that do not be fooled by the fewer cubic inches of the 6.6 vs the 7.3 since the the GM platform may be more advanced in some key and important aspects as you briefly communicated some time ago in another thread.

Dan

It's interesting. My son has been looking at specifications on Gassers from the big three for 2019 and 2020. Most of them have more torque than his old 6.0 Ford diesel!

Jim

Jim - probably very true. 2004 6.0 specifications, 325 HP 560 torque. New 2020 7.3 gas 430 HP torque of 475 ft. -lb. If I remember correctly Torque gets you moving, but HP keeps you moving. Even the new 6.7 is only 475 HP. Its that 1000 ft-lbs they feel in their hiney though.

Dan,

There are differences obviously in the basic displacement of both engines where both are pushrod engines which operate much more efficiently at the low end where torque is needed in a heavy hauling truck. The differences mainly are in the type of fuel system. Ford uses a PFI (port fuel injection) strategy which is old school but is also cheaper to produce. The GM 6.6L uses a DI (direct injection) system where high pressure fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. The difference? The PFI system injects in the intake runner and just on top of a closed valve (typically) which helps to vaporize the fuel charge. When the valve opens, the inrush will also help to atomize and promote mixing. Combustion chamber design will dictate further how this mixing is done where even though these chambers are designed with the latest CFD tools, a PFI engine has traditionally been somewhat knock limited. That is spark knock where spark must be retarded to prevent engine damage. We've all heard knock.

The DI system in the GM engine atomizes the fuel directly into the chamber at very high pressures. This atomization improves the in-cylinder mixture motion and aids in additional turbulence in the combustion chamber. There are also some secondary advantages due to evaporation which provides some cooling of the fuel charge. This higher level of mixing will allow the GM engine to run higher spark advance toward a term referred to as MBT (minimum spark for best torque) spark.
So as an example in how these two technologies stack up, the GM L83 5.3L DI engine will exhibit the near identical torque and power to the old L96 6.0L PFI engine. To compare the Ford to the GM the results under identical conditions will result in very similar power and torque. The Ford uses the limited PFI system for fueling but exhibits larger displacement. The GM uses smaller displacement but achieves higher power and torque for each liter of displacement. If I were a betting man, I would give GM the edge on fuel economy with the modern DI system over the older PFI system since that added spark advance and the ability to have a higher compression ratio increases efficiency. There are other comparisons in dilution (internal EGR) that the larger displacement engine must overcome but I will save that for another day.

I believe both trucks would be fine examples of a tow vehicle where folks can look for features, price, tow ratings, brand loyalty, etc.

Jim

The only problem with that post, Jim, is I can only hit the "Like" button once. Glad you're a part of this forum!

Keith,

Torque is a measure of work in the twisting force of the crankshaft. Power is the rate in how fast work is being done. Torque is a measured value and Power is calculated based on torque and RPM. Its interesting how peak power and torque gain a great deal of attention where the important information is in the entire curve and not just the peak numbers.

Jim

Jim - thank you, so much for the excellent information ! This is really good factual detail to help understand some important aspects of each engine. As Howard shared X2 on your forum contributions plus getting the opportunity to meet and socialize with you last August at the National Rally. When I test drive the a new 2020 or 2021 Duramax I will have to test the gasser too.

Dan

Thanks for sharing this information Jim. Very informative.

Great stuff Jimbo. I shared it with my son.

Jim (another one)

Dan,

Thanks to you and all the folks here for the kind words. I'm really looking forward to the day when we move into the new-new normal and look forward to the next rally.

Jim