I don't think the engine and transmission were ever the weak points. I think it's the bigger tires, wheels, brakes, frames etc. that make it able to tow heavier. It probably won't tow that weight any faster than a 2500, just more legal.

 

And stop it faster...

 

While I agree that they are much better trucks for heavier weights, I'd like to see them with motor and tranny upgrades. I don't think that a lower gear, heavier suspension, frame and brakes justifies a 10,000 GCW difference.

I've been as high as 19,000 GCW and I feel that adding 7,000-14,000 more is not gonna make for a nice tow up grades.

 

Heavier axles...that with the bigger springs,brakes, lower gear ratio, etc is exactly what is needed to have a GCWR 10,000#'s higher. This is a formula that is as old as trucks themselves....the Cummins 5.9 was still available until recently in an F750 and maybe a F850 and could be custom ordered in a F650. I know the engine is good for it and I know a 48re can be build for it cause I towed alot from 33k to 38k combined and with the exhaust brake I felt I had a good reliable hauler that was safe.....I scaled selectively and never had a single problem (choose scales with 100% axle tolerances). The Rear springs didn't like me but a set of air bags would have probably punished the axle more so I let the springs take the burden. With a 4.56 gearset I could have towed a semi trailer if the truck had an extra rear axle and some bigggg air bags. ks

 

Standard diesel exhaust brake. Got to like that.

 

We've got plenty a power. Just needed more truck under it.

Here's 30,000 GCWR. With a mighty 160hp doing the pulling. Years ago a lot of road tractors didn't even have 200hp............................

 

These are all points well taken from those with more experience than me, but how well are these trucks towing grades and starting and such? I would think that more power would be the real deal with these heavier trucks.

 

More Power is always better as long as you can put it through the trans and gears and to the pavement...... More Power allows for faster acceleration and such but there is a limit to where the power becomes useless in a diesel for towing because of EGT's. Our Cummins that is!! Larger CAT's. Cummins, Detroits, can handle the juice!

 

Towing Grades='s you have to see for yourself...... Much better than the DMax and PowerStroke at pulling Grades for sure!!!

 

The trucks we have today, do not need more power. They have plenty to do everything they need to do for a truck of their size. Besides, with the new 6-speed auto transmissions and the lower gear ratios these trucks will have they will get the power to the tires, no problem.