Latest Super Duty makes massive torque
Truck has best in class towing and payload limits
Ford has just announced the highlights of the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty power, towing, and payload. We expected big numbers, but we’re not sure we expected this. Up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque and a class-crushing 40,000 lbs of towing when properly equipped.
Yup, that’s 40,000 lbs of towing capacity. The astonishing figure applies to an F-450 regular cab truck equipped with the Max Tow Package, the high-output version of the Powerstroke diesel, and only with a gooseneck trailer, but those caveats are common on the big truck ratings.
More apples to apples, a Ford F-350 single-cab 4×2 dual rear wheel with the tow package and HO diesel can handle 38,000 lbs. A Ram 3500 can do up to 37,090 and a 2024 Silverado HD claims 36,000 lbs.
Top towing with a fifth wheel is 35,000 lbs for F-450 buyers, and max conventional towing is 30,000 lbs for F-450 and 28,000 lbs for F-350. Ford calls all the numbers best in class. Switch to a gas truck and you can tow up to 22,000 lbs with the right F-350.
Max payload on the right truck is 8,000 lbs, measured on an F-350 regular cab 4×2 with a gas engine.
Moving all that weight takes horsepower and torque, so Ford has upped those too. The base 6.8L gas V8 makes 405 hp and 445 lb-ft, but the 7.3L gas makes a best-in-class 430 horses and 485 lb-ft. GM makes 401 and 464 from its 6.6L gas, Ram 410 and 429 from its 6.4.
Two diesel options start with the 475 hp 6.7L Power Stroke V8 that makes 1,050 lb-ft. The second High Output version of the engine makes 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft, both tops in the class. Ford hasn’t said how much availability there will be for the HO version, but Ram has a similar two-engine offering and makes the HO available only in 3500-class trucks.
The 2023 Ford Super Duty trucks will have loads of tow tech too, like hitch assist steering, smart hitch weight distribution help, and more cameras than a gas station. The trucks should go on sale soon.
