2023 Ford Super Duty… 500 hp and 1200 ft lbs torque… Can it really tow 40k pounds?

The specs for the new Ford Super Duty are wild—500 horsepower and 1200 ft/lbs of torque with max towing up to 40,000 pounds. What do you all think? Is this realistic for a pickup?

Why do people actually think these trucks will handle that kind of weight day in and day out without breaking?

Willoughby said:
Why do people actually think these trucks will handle that kind of weight day in and day out without breaking?

It’s not realistic. Most buyers just like the bragging rights. They’ll never even come close to using it for that kind of load.

@Finnley
Some of us actually use these trucks as work vehicles. I haul lumber, skid steers, and equipment regularly. At 83,000 miles, all I’ve needed is basic maintenance like tires and oil changes.

Wren said:
@Finnley
Some of us actually use these trucks as work vehicles. I haul lumber, skid steers, and equipment regularly. At 83,000 miles, all I’ve needed is basic maintenance like tires and oil changes.

You’re right. Trucks used for actual work seem to hold up better than the ones used as mall crawlers.

Wren said:
@Finnley
Some of us actually use these trucks as work vehicles. I haul lumber, skid steers, and equipment regularly. At 83,000 miles, all I’ve needed is basic maintenance like tires and oil changes.

That’s fair. I think the issue is when people push them as if they’re semis. Pickups just aren’t built for that kind of abuse long-term.

@Willoughby
Totally agree. These trucks can handle a lot, but they’re not replacements for semis. People just see the numbers and get excited.

Wren said:
@Finnley
Some of us actually use these trucks as work vehicles. I haul lumber, skid steers, and equipment regularly. At 83,000 miles, all I’ve needed is basic maintenance like tires and oil changes.

We use these in our tree service, and they handle tough jobs well. Plus, they make grocery runs just fine too!

@Finnley
Like most things, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

Willoughby said:
Why do people actually think these trucks will handle that kind of weight day in and day out without breaking?

Back in the day, we had engines like the 8V-92s and 12V-71s. It’s crazy to see what pickups are doing now.

I’ve got a base model with 370hp and 800 ft/lbs torque, and I’ve never felt underpowered towing. I wonder if they improved the exhaust brake on this new model. That’s always been a weak spot for Power Strokes.

For those wondering: 38,000 lbs towing is for the F350. The F450 single cab can hit the 40k mark using a gooseneck.

Akira said:
For those wondering: 38,000 lbs towing is for the F350. The F450 single cab can hit the 40k mark using a gooseneck.

Wouldn’t you need a CDL to tow those kinds of weights?

@Arden
In most states, yes. Any combo over 26,000 lbs typically requires a CDL. Weirdly, RVs are often exempt from these rules though.

Pax said:
@Arden
In most states, yes. Any combo over 26,000 lbs typically requires a CDL. Weirdly, RVs are often exempt from these rules though.

Here in WA, you need a CDL for any trailer rated over 10k lbs. I’m glad I got mine; it makes things easier at work.

@Corey
So what’s the cutoff for CDL exemptions in your state?

Willoughby said:
@Corey
So what’s the cutoff for CDL exemptions in your state?

10k is the limit for trailers unless you have a CDL. It’s dumb, but those are the rules.

Pax said:
@Arden
In most states, yes. Any combo over 26,000 lbs typically requires a CDL. Weirdly, RVs are often exempt from these rules though.

Sounds like Pennsylvania. We’ve got some strict CDL rules too.

@Arden
The key word is ‘commercial.’ If you’re not making money with it, CDL rules often don’t apply.

1200 ft/lbs? Finally, I can haul all my girlfriends at once… if I can get them all in the same vehicle without them finding out about each other.