Towing Limits of 7.3 Powerstroke
As my wife and I look at making the transition from a Truck Camper to a 5th wheel, the question about the suitability of our truck for the job comes into question. Someday a new truck with all the bel...
Forum Discussion
Wadcutter wrote:cummins2014 wrote:
As said I towed nearly 16 years with the the early 99 Superduty 7.3 350 short bed. I wouldn't say I had a problem towing in the rockies considering I live here in the west. The most I towed was just over 13K , 38' fifth wheel. Have talked to many many people towing with a 7.3 over the years. Just curious occasionally I hear comments similar to yours , never had a problem, as said neither did I , but hopefully you were are a grade with a passing lane or you were holding up traffic :)
Driving on grade with the 7.3 and 5er is no different than any other vehicle. You adapt to the vehicle and conditions. As you know there are a bunch of semis that creep up the grades. Too many drivers think because the speed limit is 70 mph that they need to keep going 70 mph up a 6+% grade. Then wonder why at the top of the pass their temp gauge is well into the red and others are sitting there with their hoods up and water on the ground.
Same with going down the grade. Just because the speed limit is 70 mph doesn't mean you have to run 70 mph downhill and ride the brakes. But we've all seen too many pulling trailers who do it. Not only seen them but smelled them when they went by.
It's not rocket science. It's knowing how to adapt to the conditions and vehicle. Doesn't matter if the vehicle has a 7.3 or a Detroit diesel or a 1.6L gas.
Thanks for the explanation, but yes I did adapt. Did you not see the smiley face. I knew what I had ,and 70 downhill or uphill was NOT something I wanted to do. I don't do it now, and I have the power to do so.
Lets put it this way its nice to be able run 60-65 on some of the long grades instead of 30-35, plus set the cruise for a long downhill grade at a safe speed ,and let the truck do its thing with exhaust brake ,and never have to touch the brakes . I have adapted well to that also .
The 7.3 was great in its day. I don't miss the noise ,the smell, the lack of power ,and no exhaust brake . Other then that ,yes its a great truck :)
