Ford 7.3 Godzilla Tow Test

[Grey Wolf 26RR]

The Fast Lane Truck conducts a tow test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HiR9dxvGLY

Pretty impressive - what do you think about their testing approach?

I found the electric steering very interesting.

[Chief T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrhe9KO8Z1Y

[The Evil Twin]

I think their test (all of them) are pretty much subjective. Especially the uphill portion. The mpg relies in the EVIC which we all know is not highly accurate. That said, I do like their reviews and all information is good information if looking for the next new TV for your stable.
The steering set up is nice. If you have ever driven a car that turns off the power steering at highway speeds you know it makes the experience so much better when there is less assist as speeds increase.

[goduc]

What I don't get is what do these tests prove. If all 3 brands reach the speed limit (60) and they have to back off then how is a race to the top?
The only way one truck sets it's self apart from another is at the start. The truck thats fastest to 60 wins the whole enchilada.
Traffic up the Ike interferes too many times to make these tests viable as well.

[jdbunch1630]

The 2020 gas 6.6 GMC could not hold the speed limit pulling the same trailer, dropped to 40 mph during the climb. Almost a 3 minute difference pulling same trailer. I really like the new tailgate on the GMC and was seriously thinking about one, but might have to re-think the Ford.

[ronheater70]

If I ever went back to a gasser for some reason that 7.3 would be it..
Wonder how the Hemi 6.4 with the new 8 speed did..
I liked that Motor, hated the transmission. The new 8 speed supposedly worked wonders with that setup now.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by goduc

What I don't get is what do these tests prove. If all 3 brands reach the speed limit (60) and they have to back off then how is a race to the top?
The only way one truck sets it's self apart from another is at the start. The truck thats fastest to 60 wins the whole enchilada.
Traffic up the Ike interferes too many times to make these tests viable as well.

The 6.4 Ram also couldn't hold 60 mph, not even close. It was terrible, the truck refused to downshift after a few times and was barely going 25 mph by the top.

[MT Biker]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

The 6.4 Ram also couldn't hold 60 mph, not even close. It was terrible, the truck refused to downshift after a few times and was barely going 25 mph by the top.

That was the older version (2016/17?).
They are doing the new 2020 RAM 6.4 8-speed in March I believe is what they said, it was the earliest RAM will give them the truck to test.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by jdbunch1630

The 2020 gas 6.6 GMC could not hold the speed limit pulling the same trailer, dropped to 40 mph during the climb. Almost a 3 minute difference pulling same trailer. I really like the new tailgate on the GMC and was seriously thinking about one, but might have to re-think the Ford.

Before you buy a GM product with that tailgate, put an insert into the hitch with a ball on it and see how well it works . . . . . it doesn't . . .

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by Grey Wolf 26RR

The Fast Lane Truck conducts a tow test.

Pretty impressive - what do you think about their testing approach?

I found the electric steering very interesting.

I'm a Ford guy. I've owned about 20+ of them in my lifetime and currently own a Ford Fusion and an F-350. I tend to disregard any of these brand-sponsored tests as they aren't objective. Just like the one with a Ford pulling a train. Any of the top three brands could do that as the co-efficient of friction on steel rails is much different than asphalt.

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Before you buy a GM product with that tailgate, put an insert into the hitch with a ball on it and see how well it works . . . . . it doesn't . . .

Somebody posted in a different forum the other day a negative comment about the new tailgates. I'm wondering if somebody here can enlighten my idle curiosity?

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by sfsgm

Somebody posted in a different forum the other day a negative comment about the new tailgates. I'm wondering if somebody here can enlighten my idle curiosity?

Mainly, the saltiness for the new GM tailgates comes from the fact that their preferred brand didn't think of it first.

Tim

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by Grey Wolf 26RR

The Fast Lane Truck conducts a tow test.

Pretty impressive - what do you think about their testing approach?

I found the electric steering very interesting.

Here's another, more recent example of disingenuous advertising on the resurrection of the Hummer (and don't forget the Volkswagen debacle):

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...ign=nl19342543

[Stovebolt]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Before you buy a GM product with that tailgate, put an insert into the hitch with a ball on it and see how well it works . . . . . it doesn't . . .

I love the idea of the GMC tailgate but the engineers crapped the bed on this.

[Semperfi24]

10 years ago GM had a good laugh about the "man step" ...until they could create their own. Then GM created one, so now its a cool idea. Hahahaha. Take it away Howie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGI8IRXRqpo

[goduc]

Originally Posted by Cowracer

Mainly, the saltiness for the new GM tailgates comes from the fact that their preferred brand didn't think of it first.

Tim

So it either works with a hitch or it doesn't. Brand preference doesn't matter. So I guess if someone likes a Ford they can't say a truthful negative about a different brand?

[Slow Moon]

Originally Posted by Semperfi24

10 years ago GM had a good laugh about the "man step" ...until they could create their own. Then GM created one, so now its a cool idea. Hahahaha.

--video omitted--

How true, like attacking use of aluminum in trucks.

FWIW, my take on the so-called "Multipro" tailgate is that is adds money, weight & complexity to address minimal utility issues (non-issues for me). Is it a "cool factor" marketing (clearly emphasized in the commercials) gimmick? Maybe...

On the other hand, if you need whatever it does, it's great, right?

It's no indication of who makes better trucks. It's just an option. I hate it, others love it. It's good to have choices.

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by goduc

So it either works with a hitch or it doesn't. Brand preference doesn't matter. So I guess if someone likes a Ford they can't say a truthful negative about a different brand?

With a hitch installed, it will work exactly as any other tailgate, with the exception that you can do this.



or this:



I fail to see how that is a negative.

Tim

[Semperfi24]

Originally Posted by Slow Moon

How true, like attacking use of aluminum in trucks.

FWIW, my take on the so-called "Multipro" tailgate is that is adds money, weight & complexity to address minimal utility issues (non-issues for me). Is it a "cool factor" marketing (clearly emphasized in the commercials) gimmick? Maybe...

On the other hand, if you need whatever it does, it's great, right?

It's no indication of who makes better trucks. It's just an option. I hate it, others love it. It's good to have choices.

I tend to agree with you. I think its actually pretty awesome. Over engineered? Probably. Awesome? Yes. I am curious how much it costs. When you buy it new, how much price is added for you to have that, and then when it gets smashed (as many tailgates seem to do), how much does it cost to replace? Just waiting for the stories on the news about how thieves are stealing the new GMC tailgates...

[linedriver]

Originally Posted by jdbunch1630

The 2020 gas 6.6 GMC could not hold the speed limit pulling the same trailer, dropped to 40 mph during the climb. Almost a 3 minute difference pulling same trailer. I really like the new tailgate on the GMC and was seriously thinking about one, but might have to re-think the Ford.

If you watched both videos will see that they filled the chevy with 85 octane when it rated for 87, the chevy had a 373 rear end, they ordered the ford with a 430. The ford was $64,000 and the chevy was $48,000. At $64,000 you are getting up in the diesel price range. The chevy also had a thousand pound heavier cargo rating. Just some food for thought. I bought the chevy and love it, but I am not pulling a fourteen thousand pound trailer.