New F-150 with 13,200 lb tow rating!

Super_Dave wrote:
I wonder if the new zillion speed transmissions are increasing tow ratings?

Of course they are. This is how it's done. If you look at the big trucks, class 8 tractors. Most now have 10 speeds, but those that haul really heavy loads still use 15 and 18 speed transmissions.

The problem in towing IS PRIMARILY one of overcoming the initial forces that keep the load static. Once rolling it's a much easier proposition.

Now this F150 has proved what I have maintained for a very long time. That our pickups are underrated purposely and can tow much much more than the manufacterer claims.

In addition to the fact that there is a 1.5X safety factor built in if you look at the horsepower and torque ratings and the weight percentage between the class 8 tractor and it's max load (GCVW) the math will reveal the physics at play. Compare that to the weight of your pickup to the overall GCVW you tow. You will find that your pickup and trailer has a much much larger percentage differential.

Our pickups are now at almost Half of the torque of a class 8 truck designed to haul a GVCW of 80k lbs the horsepower is even closer. My Ram TDSL making 385HP Vs class 8 engines putting out a range between 400 and 500HP.

Frames are the next most important factor and the average pickup frame is, despite being designed with FEA (finite element analysis) to maximize strength where necessary and lighten the structure, are still much much stronger than needed for the Tow and Haul ratings.

Of course there is a limit, but in real terms we are not anywhere near what our trucks can realistically safely haul.

What we have is a marketing tool for carmakers that drive buyers up market to ever bigger and more powerful (Read Expensive and profitable)trucks. Ford is taking a swipe at this paradigm and it's about time.