In the category of HD or Heavy Duty trucks, we are witnessing a never-ending arms race, particularly when it comes to towing capacity. In an adult version of the old ‘my daddy is strong than your daddy’ schoolyard boasts, the big American automakers offer up ever-greater capabilities with each new edition, always enough to beat the other guy’s latest offering.
Who knows where this will end…
A few months back, you might recall, Chevrolet trumpeted the best towing capacity in the segment at 35,000 lb from its new Silverado HD. Today Ford has one-upped its rival, with the announcement that its 2020 Ford Super Duty truck will have a 37,000-lb capacity when with a gooseneck setup. With a fifth-wheel type connection, that capacity is at 32,500 lb, while with a normal hookup the maximum is 24,000 lb.
Those who do big work with their trucks won’t complain, that’s for sure.
These maximum capacities are attained when the truck is configured with a 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 engine, the most powerful unit ever produced by Ford with its 475 hp and incredible 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A 7.3L V8 is also available and promises the best capacity in its category. That unit delivers 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
The base engine for the Super Duty is a 6.2L V8, with which the truck can pull up to 7,850 lb.
Ford thus retakes the title of strongest daddy… for now.
