I owned a 1997 F-350XL 4x4 SRW 7.5L 5sp. manual with 4-10 gears. 4” factory lift, high boy. I could pass anything and everything other than a gas station. Ford recommended 93 octane and that’s all I ever used in it. 7.5mpg is the best I could get. I once towed an equipment trailer with a 743 Bobcat on it. Steep hills were crazy, back tires would spin out even though I had correct weight on receiver and axles. Just bought a 2015 F-250 6.2 because I don’t need a diesel to pull a 14’ dump trailer and Kubota U27-4. Thank you for making these videos.
I have a diesel for one main reason. It’s nearly impossible to fuel up at a regulate gas station when pulling a 40 plus foot fifth wheel. You almost always have to go through the truck stops.
Many states charge more taxes for heavy truck diesel than light truck diesel (same fuel, different pumps). Something to consider when refueling. That is why Loves has an RV island in many states, so the RV drivers don't pay the extra fuel taxes the state charges for the HD truck's fuel
I switched to a gas too.....traded in 12 months. Back to 6.7. Only half the fuel range (7mpg times 35 gal vs 12 mpg times 48 gal Gm 3500 vs Ford 350 long beds)and fifth wheels, cattle and equipment trailers don’t mix at gasoline pumps
@@briangc1972 there’s this credit/fuel card that truckers use called EFS put out by TSD Logistics that can be used by RVrs. It gives you huge discounts at the truck stops pumps. I’ve got as much as 50cents pg off the pump pg price. It also allows you to pump your fuel without prepaying, which is what most RVrs have to do. You might find it cheaper.
@@rlewislanier4250 I just signed up for the Chevron credit card, they are giving $.55 rebates on fuel right now. Their pump prices are lower than the pump prices at the big name truck stops around here.
Guess it comes down to drive what you want, spend your money on what you want. Doesn't really matter what other people think if you are happy with what you have and if it works for you that's all that matters.
First rule of towing is: Type trailer and load. Once you determine that, you can begin deciding on an appropriate truck for your needs. I pull several types of horse trailers on my ranch. For example, one is an older torpedo type trailer we use to get our cowboys and horses quickly to site on our ranch. Or other ranches when helping out. About 7 horses tacked up, ready to go. For this job, we use our F350 dually. Regular drive gas engine. It has plenty of power and torque, but the real concern for me based upon actual experience is best summed up in one word: STABILITY As in, a dually truck is far more stable when towing any type trailer vs a standard two wheel rear setup. Horses sometimes get ornery and kick, buck, move around and sometimes one will get the others going. Then the trailer starts wobbling or going side to side. Now an F250 can pull the load easily, but if the trailer starts shifting on the ball, this creates a very dangerous situation no one wants. Quick story. Followed a Chevy 2500 diesel with a roughly 36 foot horse trailer. I noticed the trailer started bucking. Horses inside were moving or trying to move and this created the wobbling motion. Driver tried to slow it down, but it was too late. Truck and trailer both went off the side and tipped over. Driver not seriously hurt. One horse out of 5 had to be put down then and there. Sad. Very sad. The trailer was only 1 year old. The Chevy 2500 nearly new. The driver, a female horse owner, like me, had 30 plus years behind the wheel hauling horses and cattle. The Chevy's rear axle was designed for the weight on the ball/ axle, but the single wheels couldn't handle the sudden shifting because the horses were moving really hard against the trailers walls. The truck was a total loss. The trailer was a total loss. The horse that got put down, priceless. The point: I'm not trying too tell anyone their business or what they should or shouldn't drive when towing a trailer, but in my 40 plus years ranching, hauling horses too and from, I always use a dually with a big engine and only rear wheel drive. Reason for that is a somewhat lower center of gravity and better on gas. I have a brand new F250 with the 7 plus in it. Supercab. I use that truck for personal reasons, errands and two horse trailers on the rear hitch. Towing boats, rv's, construction equipment is one thing, but live animals! That commands respect for them as well as the operator of the vehicle. I once hauled twelve quarter horses up to Wyoming from Texas by myself. I used my F450 for that job because its the most stable platform I own. Its a " Hoss " truck. Very stable on the ball. Absolutely no shifting even under windy conditions. Power is important, but torque is equally as important. However, in my view, STABILITY is by far the single greatest factor when hauling any type trailer.🐎🇨🇱🇺🇲
Your story helps clarify why so many ranchers use a dually. My brother had a couple of horses and a lot of cows for his one person operation. He did have a stake truck with duals which he used a lot of the time, especially when hauling hay. I don't have horses or cows or steers. I do raise pecans so a single would do me fine. I use a truck camper which has worked find on my 3/4 ton but I had to add a lot of extra stuff to keep it stable. My next truck will be a Ford F350 DRW 4x4 crew cab long bed, with the 7.3 l gas engine. This will allow me to avoid the costs of the diesel fuel, the DEF, and the costly maintenance. I currently drive a Dodge Quadcab 4x4 2500 which has worked fine. Now it is getting older so the maintenance costs are going up. The real challenge is finding a real good mechanic shop to perform needed work. Diesels are a PITA to find qualified mechanics and gas mechs are almost as challenged. Regardless, I'll save the money the diesel would have cost me and buy a newer camper.
@@Harry-zz2oh If I may Harry, be aware that a brand new F350 dually is well over 70 thousand dollars. Even a gas version with the 7.3 engine. Also, diesel is actually a better choice because they do last considerably longer. Some diesel trucks go well into the 350,000 range on up to a million miles so long as they're routinely managed maintenance wise. Things like oil and fuel filters must be absolutely on the list to make sure they run perfectly. The rest is minor. Tires, brakes, exhaust, belts etc, but the engine must be maintained perfectly. I have routine maintenance on all my trucks because I cannot afford breakdowns. They do occur, but I'm on a sort of special program with my Ford dealership. As far as stability, all dually trucks are way more stable in towing vs single wheel. Plus, if a tire blows, at least there is another too support the weight safely until the truck can be pulled over. I've experienced just about everything that one can throw at my F Series trucks. GMC's are also way better today vs the past. Though I love the look of Dodge duallys, I don't trust the brand. As for Chevrolet, I've never had any luck with them. Especially the electronics. It's whatever you feel is right for you and your business, but be prepared for sticker shock. I get deals, but I've bought so many trucks from my dealership, they're pretty darn generous. Like I said, most duallys today no matter make, model or gas or diesel are well into the high 60's to low 70's starting. And add to that, this chip nonsense makes finding the right rig even harder now. Sure one can find the right one, but those pesky chips are hurting everyone. Shop around. Be absolutely sure of what you're buying and good luck....... KB🇺🇸🇺🇦
@@kitbailey6963 Excellent info. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, my uncle would rave about his ford 460 duellies. He bought a 1992 scarlet red 1ton long box crew cab with the 460 and converted it to propane. Then drove it for over 10 years. It never seemed to lack power for what he was pulling with it. It went end to end here in canada a few times and could pull long trailers up and down the Rockies like no-ones business. It later went to his brother in law, who still owns it to this day, though it has had an easier life since he picked it up, but its still served him well. I am a diehard diesel guy but the 7.3 has impressed me. And it seems to have made the niche of diesels a little smaller.
@@kitbailey6963 I'm well aware of the elevated prices for trucks. In the past ten years, the prices have doubled. My 2008 Dodge 2500 cost me about $35,000 in 2008 but a dually will cost me $74,000 if they don't add anything else to the price. COVID seems to be the challenge for dealers since many now charge a "COVID surcharge" of anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. To me, any surcharge is highway robbery. I've been saving my spare change to buy a newer truck and currently have enough to pay cash for the truck; I won't but I'll finance it for 36 months to improve my FICO score.
I traded my 2016 ram 2500 Cummins in on a new 2020 F250 Lariat crew cab short box 7.3 gas and 10 speed transmission a week ago. The ford is performing well so far. I really enjoyed my cummins, but i did not use it enough to justify keeping it. As you have stated before maintenance is very costly. Also repairs can break the bank. I am happy with my new purchase as this truck is gorgeous inside and out. Ford has really done a great job with these new trucks.
@scramjet4610 I got rid of it for a powerstroke. I had a lot of problems, unfortunately, with the truck. The transmission never shifted right, had torque converter and flywheel replaced, drive shaft replaced, a vibration that was never found, spark plug wires replaced twice, front axle seal replaced. All before 18k miles. I really wish I didn't have the issues but the diesels I have had great luck with.
I have the 7.3 in the F250 Tremor with 4.30 gears. Pulls my 8500 pound TT with ease through the mountains going from Tucson to Flagstaff without a sweat. Love it.
We love our gas f250 (6.2), just couldn't make a 6.7 diesel work. We are just weekenders. We have been camping / working at Stone Mountain Park all last week and the rest of this week. We will be back home for less than a week and back on the road to Florida. Our 6.2 MPG is about the same as yours. We are pulling a Grand design 337rls. No problems.
I have a 2017 ford 6.2L gas as well. I pull my 32ft. Travel trailer weighing in at approximately 9,000 lbs. fully loaded. As he stated in the video, it does the job. In the flats up in the interstate, it does well. Now, when we get into the mountains, I do wish I had a little more power. It still does it, just have to go a little easier in speed up the grades. With that being said, I still love my 6.2 gasser.
Many years ago my in-laws towed an HR 42’ trailer with an ‘86 F150, 5.0, AOD and a 3.73 diff. Louisiana to California to BC to Alberta and back home. Never a problem with the truck for years. Gas goes.
My dad had the same setup. 86 F150 w/ a 302 v8 and the old AOD. His probably had 3.55 gears, though. Anyway, the 28' travel trailer he pulled with that thing was heavy as hell, and had the aerodynamics of a brick. The old truck did great pulling it. Never a complaint. My grandpaw had a mid 80s dodge ram 150 prospector with a 318 V8 and a 3 spd automatic. I think he was pumping out 140hp, but he pulled that 35' gooseneck camper with ease. 55mph was all he asked of it, and it delivered. Trucks these days are less about needs, and far more about wants. The diesel pickup is now just a status symbol. I had 2 diesels, both Fords with 7.3L IDIs. They got 23 mpg with zero modification. The 460 v8 that rivalled them at the time were far better in terms of HP, but the old 7.3L was just a bulletproof beast.
My grandad was the same. People then pulled what they pulled with what they had. If it was a bumper pull then the half ton was pulling it. Period. Might take a little longer. But we gettin there baby!
I have a 19 ram three-quarter ton with a 6.4 hemi. It does great over the mountains I pull a trailer a little bit heavier than yours bumper pole. I think gas is the way to go if you’re not pulling over 16,000 pounds. All gas trucks are pretty good now.
The gas trucks we have today are SOOOO much better than we had 30 years ago. I am the 2nd owner of a 1989 GMC Sierra SLX 2500HD . I've had this truck 22 years. It is still driven regularly and in good condition for its year. In 1989 if you owned a 30' travel trailer this is the truck you wanted. I bought a 26' RV 2 years ago, 6800 gvwr. I towed it home with my GMC and grew VERY frustrated anytime I would encounter a hill. Mostly down to 25 mph with the pedal floored. 2 months later a 2018 Silverado 2500hd found a home in my garage. The differences in power and towing ability don't even compare. Technology is a wonderful thing. Now the old GMC sits outside, makes me sad .
Definately disagree. What you tow and terrain is just as important as weight. If you are towing travel trailers/5ers over 10k lbs through mountains. your going to want a diesel and it's not close. Power, exhaust brake, and better cooling capacity that diesels offer that make them superior for heavy weight and mountain terrain. Now if you are a flat lander/rolling hills and take it short distances outside of town then maybe a gas truck works for you towing a 15k travel trailer, but alot of people it's a no go.
@@spin0491 around town it's fine or a few miles outside of town to a lake or something I wouldn't hesitate with a modern max tow 6.6/6.4/7.3 HD gasser.
@@czwarlord9243 true I cold see around town..... I can’t stand towing with my gasser it’s like double the gas..... pulling a hill is no where the same..... and how much harder the tranny works.... when pulling that kind of weight
I went from a 6.7 Cummins to a 6.4 Hemi 3500 drw, i don't regret buying a gasser. Does everything I've asked it to do with plenty to spare. As far as payload, its my understanding payload is a combination of occupants, cargo, and tounge weight. Which is why a gas truck has a better payload than the same truck with the diesel. The engines are much lighter. I'm no expert but thats what I've found in my research. Enjoy you Godzilla, sounds like Ford has a gem there.
I have a 2019 6.7PS, that I got in 2020. The truck was a lot less money than the 2020 truck with the 7.3 gas. I am very happy with my truck, but I like the info you gave.
I wish the 7.3 was around when I made the switch to Diesel, I had a 6.2 L and my trailer is 9.400 lbs with a F250 and was very under powered. I Moved to a 350 6.7 and am very happy with the move but your story would have made me think about the choices!
I was in the same situation as you when I traded my 2015 6.2 gasser for my current 2018 6.7 which I love and has treated me well. Had there been a 7.3 gasser option with a 10 speed though, that would have been a serious contender to test drive and consider over the diesel. I will say 1 thing for sure though...my 1 ton 350 crew cab, long box rides nicer than all the short box’s. Very noticible ride difference.
Thanks for the information I'm driving F150 FX4 09 5.4 pulling a 30 foot travel trailer. Been trying to make an educated decision on my next truck. Looking to get something in the next year so thanks.
October, we towed our 7K GVWR travel trailer, round trip from Georgia to Colorado 5,000 miles, crossing 3 mountain passes over 10,000 ft with our new F250 ST/FX4 7.3 Lt. Godzilla. We bought travel trailer: 5400 lbs empty, GVWR 6995 lbs, Grand Design Imagine 22MLE. Then we traded in our Tacoma: 1,000 lb payload, 6,000 lb tow cap. for a F250 ST/FX4 with 7.3 Lt. Godzilla: 10,000 lb GVWR, 3,254 lb payload, 14,700 lbs tow capacity. Avg. MPGs: 11 local, 16 Interstate. Avg. MPGs Towing: 9-10 Interstate, 7 into wind. Interstate towing in automatic, deselect 10th gear. Secondary roads, deselect 9th & 10th gears. In mountains switch to manual after starting out in automatic. I wish I had POWER retractable mirrors!
You’ll love towing with the 7.3. We’ve got the same set up...F250 7.3L towing the GD 2800bh. Took it through the mountains in Colorado this summer and the truck was great. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Outstanding! I just made the same move, hadn’t had gas in 20 years. No longer pulling stock and horse trailers so dropped down to gas. I’ll pull camper soon and hope for your experience. Thanks.
Actually I pulled multiple tractors to jobs as a contractor with a 1995 f250 7.3 power stroke which at the time had 290hp and maybe 400fpt I then went to a 2016 duramax 3500 drw...now I switched to a 2017 chevy 3500 drw with a 6.0 vortec and I love it for even towing a flatbed with a tractor
Glad you like your 7.3. My boss has one and pulled a 40FT toyhauler from Minnesota to Arizona this past winter. Got back and the first thing he said was he's trading for a diesel. And last month he put in his order for a 2022 ford limited one ton. He's 20 one ton is going by by! He likes the pickup but didnt like working the snot out of it pulling that camper and the 5mpg!
Great video, I feel the same way, I live in SC and I tow a 30’ travel trailer that weighs about 8500 lbs, a 24’ equipment trailer with my 75 hp tractor and a 24’ enclosed trailer for work sometime. I am rarely over 10,000 lbs with any of my trailers. I traded a diesel for a few years older F250 that has a V10 with manual 6 speed transmission, I have been extremely happy. Next truck will be the 7.3. Even with the V10 (which has less HP but similar torque to the 7.3) I can drop down out of 6th gear into 5th and the mountains aren’t an issue at all, if I’m going 70 mph when I hit a grade, I’m going 70 when I get to the top. I love it.
Looking back, the 5.4/6.4 - 6.7 era for ford those were some lowsey engines. I have an 05 5.4 and it runs for us but we don’t tow more than 3-6k with it. Those two diesels from ford were nightmares…. But now it seems you can’t go wrong. I love my 6.2, towing up to about 12,000 lbs with it and it’s done very well. A 7.3 I’m sure would be awesome but the 6.2 is plenty for my business
I got my diesel in 2003 one of the last 7.3 l have towed a rv for 15 years I have 250000 miles on her now and is my daily driver sometimes a pain to park I am 75 and do not see changing soon .
You made the right choice IMO. We were in a similar boat not long ago. We were in need of a tow rig moving from a 1500 to a 2500 (we went Chevy route). We looked at a diesel but could not justify paying the extra coin. Went with a 2016 2500 with the Vortec 6.0. Does all we need and more to tow our 9k pound travel trailer. With the extra upfront and maintenance costs the gasser was the way to go.
I own an older Ram with a Cummins but I'd say one huge postive of the gas engine is you don't have to replace any EGR coolers or dump a tons of DEF into the damn thing just to get it to pass smog.
From my research the problem isn't the acceleration in the mountains with the mountains with a gas 73 but it's actually down swooping there's no engine break like a diesel has
Love your videos. My tow vehicle is a 18 Ram 2500 4X4 6.4L. I have a 2021 GD Imagine 3110BH. I towed from Cali to Colorado Springs last month and round trip averaged 9mpg. I struggled in the mountains on some of those huge inclines and watched diesels tow right past me with 5th wheels. That is the only time I wish we had a diesel.
No offense but the power numbers and torque curve of the 6.4 aren’t exactly all that impressive. You’ll have to rev the 6.4 pretty good to get the same torque this 7.3 has at 1500rpms. Apples to oranges comparison. Granted they’re both gassers but the low end torque makes this power plant stand out.
@@WanderingWeekends Oh I completely agree the 7.3L is a beast and no where compares to the 6.4L Hemi. My comment was more directed for those who are looking at diesel vs gas. But hey the wife saw a video of a HDT towing a GD Momentum and now she is in love because you can put a Fiat 500 on the HDT........WTF 😆
Im towing with a 2015 Ram 2500 with the 6.4. I'm happy with everything but the mpg while towing. Just ordered an intake and exhaust to help a little with that
I drove a Penske 16 ft box truck 1300 miles towing a trailer and car. It had the 7.3. I was very impressed. No issues over smaller mountains. Box trucks have a lot of wind resistance. I owned a 91 f250 with the 7.5L for 10 years and that was very capable. This new motor takes it up a huge step. I do have to mention downshifting. So many people see it as bad. No. That's what transmissions do. Keep the motor in the power band. If you have a 10 speed you can't expect it not to use the gears.
2020 350 srw long bed. I pull 37ft tt with a golf cart in the bed. In love with my 7.3 gasser. I did the same as you diesel dually to gas srw, absolutely no regrets.
You went from a dually to a single wheel and say it’s better for towing???? Lol no single wheeel nothing will tow better than a dually dude I ain’t even talking about engines
I have just entered the RV world, in fact I pick up my trailer next Saturday. It is similar specs to yours 28.8 ft long and 7500 GVWR. I fell into an F250 Lariat, 7.3 gas engine, picked it up last Saturday. Thanks for the video. I have nothing to compare it to, but I am super excited.
I got 14.5 mpg on my last tank driving to Bullhead/Laughlin and back from the high desert, roughly 434 miles round trip on one tank with 50 miles to go before empty, some in town driving but mostly interstate 40 @76mph avg with breezy conditions back. 2022 7.3L gas 10spd, XL, STX appearance package fx4 standard bed with camper shell and 34 gallon tank. I was surprised on the milage, wasn't trying to conserve, just normal driving with passing big rigs etc. Thanks for the video, very informational. I love this truck! Best one yet and really love the exhaust tuning. I haven't had to really get into it yet, but I've heard the horses are saddled and ready, but want to avoid driving it hard for now. I've owned mine for a year today and have 3500 miles. It's a keeper. I'm looking at towing same size TT as well.
I bought a 2020 F-250 with the 6.7. I do my own maintenance and buy the (full synthetic) oil and filters at a discount (in bulk). So far, the maintenance cost isn't killing me as compared to my F-150. The F-250 fuel economy averages 18.5 mpg mixed driving/towing as compared to 19 mpg with the F-150 mixed driving/towing. I don't tow heavy with either of them. So far, towing usually is 7500 lbs with both trucks typically.
Thanks for this video. Right now I'm towing our TT (almost identical specs to yours) with my old 2002 Duramax LB7. The only reason still using it is 'It's paid for'... Seriously considering the 7.3 gas when the time comes. I like-- no, love-- diesel, but they are getting to be just too expensive and troublesome with all the EPA crap on them now. I think you've made up my mind.
Thankyou, as a lady with no to minimal knowledge of towing or diesels and wanting to finally get a truck to pull the 7K+ travel trailer I want this is finally the video I needed to help me make an informed decision. Thanks 😊
I had an rv with a chevy 454 7.4 liter. Fully loaded for vacation and all tanks full, that thing ripped off the line. All the big displacement engines have crazy power. It also got 9 mpg no matter if you are towing or not.
For me the biggest difference in performance when towing with the current 7.3 compared to the older gas engined trucks I've towed with is going to be the 10 speed transmission. When you only had 4 or 5 gears, it was pretty common to end up in 2nd gear towing on a slight gradient and with a headwind and that was horrible both in terms of noise/rpms and fuel mileage, 3rd would be too high and second too low. With 10 gears there ought to be pretty much the correct gear for every situation, so you can stay in the sweet spot to have adequate pulling power and have the engine at comfortable rpm's. With the high torque at low rpm's with a turbo diesel, the gaps between the gear ratios is far less noticeable than with the gas engines, so the multi speed transmission will make a huge difference to the refinement when towing.
the gaps between the gear ratios isn't far less noticeable on diesel- i own both. the gasser is dropping 500 rpms between shifts while maintaining 400-450 torque- the power is consistent, especially with the 4.33 rear
@@sly9263 Agreed it isn't with the new transmissions with 10 or so gears, but my diesel is massively different to the 4 and 5 speeds of old. Also with 800 ft lbs of torque at 1600 rpm I rarely drop out of 6th gear towing my travel trailer and only as far as 5th on steep climbs.
I'm replacing a 2002 F550 7.3 diesel dump truck with a 2020 f550 7.3 gas dump truck. We tow 14-15,000 pounds occasionally. We get the truck this week and I can't wait to do some comparisons.
I have a gasser Ford, and a diesel GMC. I like them both. The Duramax pulls great. The Ford (EcoBoost) pulls really well, I've been impressed with how well it actually does. Been considering trading the GMC off on a new 7.3 Ford gas truck, but the best part about the GMC I have already is that it's paid for. Best truck in the world to own at that point...
I recently picked up three 6.2L’s and they’re great for what they are used for, namely payload capacity. We have a couple diesels also and I would always choose them to tow over a gas job but that doesn’t mean the gas job wouldn’t do it. Difference being they’re just more pleasant to drive with 10,000k + behind you and the fuel milage is much better. Where’s the fuel milage on the 6.2L with a bunch of stuff in the bed doesn’t seem to differ much, it’s just a bit of a pig at twice as poor milage pulling the same loads towing as the other trucks.
I have a 2020 F350 Lariat with the 7.3 L., srw, 11300 GVWR. I haul a slide in truck camper which weighs approximately 3800 lbs fully loaded. I live in Western Colorado and I’ve driven my rig over 11000 foot passes with no problems. Plenty of power to spare. My mpg fully loaded is around 11.5 to 12.5 mpg. Love this truck!
Impressive mileage. I have the same build on order and will hold off ordering my slide in until I can figure out what the actual payload will be. I originally ordered it with 3.73 but read enough reviews that recommend gearing the lowest possible with a gasser so i switched to 4.30s. I am hoping for the payload to be close to 4,000 but would be fine if it was 3,500+. With this build the GCVW is more than plenty at 27,500.
I just bought a 20 F350 crew cab Lariat, 8’ bed, with a 7.3L. I’m very happy with it pulling hay, but I haven’t purchased a trailer yet. I’m hoping to get something in the 10 to 12K range. My payload is 4,105 lbs, GVWR of 11,500. Thanks for the video. Just what I was looking for.
Most of what you have is what I want. The challenge is finding one. Most F350/3500 trucks sold in my region are diesel powered. I'm trying to get away from the diesel since I don't drive it enough or hard enough to warrant keeping the diesel. I really like all the safety features on the new Fords but to get exactly what I want will require a special order. I'm not in a hurry, but I do want to get one before June 2121. In the meantime, I'll drive my current truck (an 08 Dodge QC 4x4 with 6.7 Cummins)
Thanks for the videos, i almost got a diesel b4 watching these. I dont need the diesel towing power, plus the 12k price difference now for a diesel truck. Thanks again for your time in making the videos man.
Great to hear. I just bought the 7.3 F250 and was a little worried I made a mistake not getting the diesel.We ordered a 27’ Airstream that weighs 5800lbs empty max 7600lbs. I figured the gas engine would be fine since we are only about half capacity of the truck. Thanks
I hv a 7.3 250 with 3:55 axel n it will pull a 11000 lbs RV with no problem. Average gas mileage thru some hills it averages bout 8-9 MPG. After 16000 lbs I wud go to diesel. ~L
Glad it’s working out for you. I drive a GMC 3500 diesel Denali HD SRW, towing my 41’ Montana fifth wheel at 16,000 lbs I get 11.1 mpg highway and as a daily driver 19 mpg with best of 22. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I haven’t a single bad comment I could make. Good luck with the new truck!
@@lieutenant7870 she towed like a dream! I use an 20K slider hitch and have No sway or chucking and I can turn beyond 90 degrees if needed. She squatted down about 1 1/2” at most and ran 1800 rpms the whole trip even in the mountains! Best truck ever and so relaxing to trailer!
The power these engines are putting out is amazing. I'm still driving my '02 7.3 Powerstroke with 525 lb-ft of torque. The new 7.3 gasser isn't that far behind. My loaded toy hauler weighs 10,500 lbs.
@@roynichols5212 The torque curve of the 7.3l is included in the video; it is very flat and makes ~400ft lbs at 1500RPM. That's over 90% of its max torque. Gas engines have come a long way.
7.3 gas is literally light years ahead of the 7.3 ps in terms of overall power to the ground. You just can’t argue with a 10spd and 100 hp more, nearly the same torque
Wife and I went to see a Tremor F250 with the 7.3 truck rode comfortable and had some guts let me tell you, but dealer had a 10k markup on it and another $2,495 fee for vin # etching on the windshield, nitrogen filled tires and tint. We walked out. So I put in a order through another dealer for a redesigned superduty. Time will tell if the order is fulfilled. Thanks for the video
I have the 2015 F350 6.2l lariat 4:30 single axle. People ask me all the time about why I didn’t get a diesel. I simply honestly tell them, I never cared for a diesel. I don’t need a diesel because I only pull my lawn care trailer. Plus I’ve purchased what I wanted to. If gas mileage crossed my mind then I don’t need a large truck period. To every one, buy what you want and need not what they want you to get.
What sold me on this truck is the TFL Ike Gauntlet tow test. 40’ Gooseneck trailer that was 16k lbs. It made that 8 mile, 11k ft., 7% grade run in 8 minutes beating out the Chevy gasser by 3 minutes. It had 9 break applications on the downhill which isn’t great but still good and the squat issue with the Fords is still prevalent, but that can be fixed with aftermarket airbags. Sounds like the sweet spot for this truck (250, 7.3, 4.30) is the 7000-15000 pound tow range. Reliability is probably going to be good as well since it’s based on the old tried and true push-rod! Port injected, iron-block.
@@adamant7146 The point: When you're driving your new 7.3 Ford and feeling like a badass, if you see a Duramax 3500 with a hood scoop (L5P), don't fuq with him. In spite of your quite significant weight advantage, your 7.3 liters to his 6.6 liters, your much higher rev ceiling, and your short gearing... you'll get your ass handed to you on a platter. I did it yesterday in my bone stock GMC 3500 weighing 8850 lbs, and the Ford at least had exhaust because it was LOUD. If you're gonna work the truck, the diesel is night and day better to drive. I have a Cummins in a 2500 and a Duramax in a 3500 and even my wife says, "Holy crap! The diesels have POWER!" and both trucks average 20+ mpg in mixed driving/commuting. You do you, boo. It's diesels all day for me.
@@HalfCrazy520 again what's your point?nobody is even talking about drag racing..that's like saying my 7.3 tremor will beat my moms ford escape in a drag race...who cares?..everyone here so far has agreed that the diesel has more power, u diesel guys just have to run your mouths about something..i once read a comment, "real trucks have 8 lugs"..really? get over yourselves..
Great advice. I was sure I needed a diesel. I spent many nights thinking I made a big mistake. But, now I feel good about getting the 7.3 gas F-250. I too pull a Grand Design Imagine. We own some property in Eagle Nest, NM and plan to build a second home so we can enjoy the mountainous west. I currently live in Texas. But, plan to vacation in Yellowstone and Glacier. New Mexico is a great starting point. Thanks. I can finally rest again.
Thanks for the update. I am thinking about that truck for my 5th wheel. 11900 max. I am towing with a 2000 f250 with the V10. 8-8.5 mpg . Will upgrade sometime soon. Pulled down the east coast this past summer with no problems. I am with you on the gas engines.
I have a 35’ 10,000 travel trailer and originally towed it with a 1/2 ton 6.7L gasser but was getting blown around the interstate every time a semi passed by me. I ended up getting a 3/4 ton gently used 6.6L diesel and can’t believe the difference. To spice things up I just installed a Bank performance tuner and gas pedal controller. Best decisions I could have made. I feel like I’m driving a completely stable rocket ship now. When towing I always travel at 62-64 mph and I’m getting 13-16 mpg. When trucks pass me I am rock solid stable now and have massive power to spare. Very happy.
Jumped from eco boost F-150 to 5.0 V8 F-150 to F-250 Lariat Godzilla 3K miles ago. Have towed 7ton dump trailer and 8K lb Rv and love this new truck. Leave in a couple weeks for 3 month snowbird trip with new 10k lb Reflection tow behind RV. I feel pretty comfortable that all will go well.
My brother bought a 2008 Super Duty new, with the 6.4L Power Stroke. Even with mature driving and proper maintenance, the 6.4L Power Stroke engine was always in the shop, so much so, that the truck became a Lemon Law Buyback. After that, we've never bought another diesel truck, and our breakdowns stopped, after switching to gassers.
My 1999 F350 V10 ate 3 transmissions in 110k.We now have 2016 F350 Powerstroke with over 15k in repairs due to a fuel system situation but we no longer have to constantly fill up.I get almost 18 mpg towing and about 13 mpg without towing.
I agree, there are many people buying diesels that could definitely get away with the 7.3 Godzilla probably including myself. However, we bought a Ram 3500 dually with the 6.7 Cummins and love it. I couldn't imagine enjoying the 7.3 or any gas engined truck as much even though we could get by with the 7.3 for our truck camper.
Im pulling a 28ft travel trailer at about 8600lb with a 2500 Ram with a 6.4 Hemi. Hit my expectations as far as maintaining speed on a 3k mile road trip through the western US. Had no problem maintaining the speed limits while towing. Only thing i wasnt excited with was my mpg at those speeds while running 89 or 91 fuel. Been contemplating getting a cummins but cant really justify buying a newer truck with current prices
How was your experience with the 6.2 gasser? I love that engine for its durability and large scale big block type of design. They are kind of dogs in the steel bodies, but in the newer alumidutys the new tuning is much better.
Love an old school truck... but if you think they’re superior performance-wise you’d be in for a rude awakening. They look good and are fun to drive but don’t ask it to do too much and definitely don’t get in an accident. Keep on keeping on. 🍻
This girl is steal much more safe than an explosive bag...as I watch a new tundra that pulled out in front of me being towed off and my old Ford has a scratch on the bumper. You sir are just a talking head....
I have had powerstroke and cummins and now run a 6.2 ford. Sometimes i miss my diesels but not enough to deal with the maitenance headaches and emissions. Gets me from job to job pulling my 8k lb water tanks and pressure washer unit good enough
Nice video and surprisingly.....I tow a 7500# trailer with a 2500 7.3 gas in the mountains of VA/WV and have been elated. I now fill up the fresh water tank before each trip, truck doesn't care.
What gears on the hemi I definitely can tell a difference in my 8400lb trailer from my 2016 ram 3.21gears(struggled at speed vs takeoff) to my 21 Titan much better towing. Ram had better turning radius also.
I have a 2023 F350 with the 7.3 and 3.72 rear end. Pull a 33’ 11000 lb 5th wheel and really like it. Last trip was almost 500 miles and averaged 9.4 with it. So much more stable than my F150 pulling a 7000 lb trailer.
I got my 7.3 in July and I already had a check engine light. Turned out to be a spark plug wire. Easy fix but annoying. Seems to be a chronic problem with this 7.3 already. Otherwise I’m very happy with mine. Check out TFL truck as they did a video on the spark plug wire issue. Safe travels.
I recently bought a 6.2 gmc. I studied and stewed about diesel or gas for a year. I pull a 25 ft travel trailer but in the long run I couldn’t justify the additional $10,000.00. I have plenty of power and torque the fuel mileage isn’t as good but you know I really feel I made a good decision. Thanks for the video
I'm a gasser owner as well and your 100% right. A camper around 7500-15k that truck will do awesome. Diesel trucks do have there place but your camper weight a gasser 7.3 is perfect.
Unless you haul heavy and haul often, then diesels aren't worth it anymore. Thanks alot emissions. I will be interested to see how this motor does in the long run.
I had a 3.5 ecoboost pulling 2800lb trailer at 55mph on flat terrain, 10mph under the speed limit and couldn't quite get 9mpg. Was sooooo disappointed I couldn't do any better with so little load. I could baby it to 23mpg empty, but not when using it as a truck. It had enough power for 10k, but mileage was in the toilet. Seems like you did right for your needs.
Good info! I towed 2- big John Deere zero turns, one stand up zero turn, and assorted lawn equipment and 4 more crew guys on a HEAVY steel trailer with a Ram 6.7 hemi. fine for moving but hated stop lights. I have a 6.7 F250 for our 41' fifth wheel and wouldn't go back to gas for that but thinking of down sizing the camper and good to know there is now a gasser that will handle it. Mileage sounds identical to the diesel but gas is cheaper!
Lol dude f250 weather gas or diesel shouldn’t be pulling a 41ft fifth wheel that’s 1 ton territory I’m pretty sure legally your over weight.... I pulll a 44ft toy hauler with my f450..... but for landscape trailer gas anything is good
I just picked up a 2020 F450 commercial truck for my business. It weighs 16,500 lbs empty. The 7.3 handles this beast with no issues. I pass cars on the uphill freeway on-ramp if they're not tying too hard!. Better gas mileage than my F250 with 6.2 and 37" tires. I get 11.0 on the 7.3 and 10.9 on the 6.2
Turbo diesels make sense for professional pulling and mountain pulling. I have a diesel parked now because of fuel cost. 99 % of the time a gas serves just fine.
I see some comments on the 10 spd vs. 6 speed. I've had both and imho is that the 10 spd. would jump around looking for the right gear by jumping multiple speeds at a time giving a jerkier shift. The six spd. may stay somewhere longer, but give you what it has for more confident shift.
@@WanderingWeekends no worries, we all have our opinions. I've had both and noticed my 10-speed jumping around a bit more giving me slightly rougher shifts than you would otherwise think it would.
Loved the video! To me, the debate is between do you climb hills or not? if you climb hills a diesel is what you want and conversely if you are in Nebraska and its all flat... Gasser is just fine and cheaper to operate. It's just a quality of life issue, how much easier/better do you want it to be.
Very useful information. I'm just having too many mechanical issues with my EcoBoost. Sounds like the power and fuel economy are all on-par between the 3.5l and the 7.3l. I'm still at a sticking point that I tow Colorado mountains (11kft+), when the EcoBoost is running right, those turbos make such a difference up here.
I have an F350 with the 7.3 engine. 4.3 rear diff ratio. I pull a 12,000 lb fifth wheel. My gas mileage average is 8.5. I live in KY and no issues with the mountains in TN, NC. This summer we went to the Grand Tetons. Went to over a 10,500 foot pass. Had plenty of power, but stayed under 4500 rpms. Probably slowed down to 50 mph near the top, but I could have pushed it to 60 mph if I wanted. No real issue with the altitude in WY. Most of the time above 6000 ft. Very pleased with the gas performance. Not sure if I would pull more than 15,000 lbs ( my setup is rated at 20,000 lbs). Payload is 3985 lbs with a Lariat package.
Our family tows a trailer with a very similar size and weight to yours. The first truck we had was a 2009 ram 2500 6.2 gas and for knowing nothing about towing it did really well with our trailer. My dad was getting tired of the rough ride and gas mileage and bought a 1999 Ford f250 7.3 Turbodiesel. On paper this truck was definitely a downgrade in terms of power. And there was a learning curve to learn how to tow with it. But the long-term benefits have been amazing. Towing at 75 miles an hour the truck averages around 13mpg. At 65 almost 16mpg. The trucks not fast but it has torque and that's all you really need for most towing situations.
In regards to the max payload. Read the section on slide in truck campers. It gives you the max weight of a truck camper with all seating positions full. Truck + passengers + camper = 10000 gvwr. You can not go over the 10k gvwr all in. it's all in the owners manual, no need to contact an engineer. Good luck with the new truck
The type of driving is a huge factor as well. For myself, I operate my business over a few small mountain towns, speed limits primarily 45 or less with the exception of a few main routes at 55. We are constantly up and down hills, some switch backs and our heaviest are generally in the 10-12k range. With all that considered, my gas truck gets up to 45 just fine, all day every day. However if I was towing on the thruway at 65+ for distances with 10-12k pounds then I think the gas engine will be working significantly harder than for my purposes. That type of travel may push me towards a diesel. Kind of glad I don’t feel even the slightest need or itch for one. This 2022 6.2 6 speed has been great
Simple. Look at the yellow Tire & Loading sticker on your driver side door jam. It is nearly Spot on for actual unloaded vehicle weight with a full tank of gas. Don't believe me, take it to a scale with nothing in it, get out of the truck, and weight it with the axles on different slabs so you can then determine how much payload each axle can support from the GAWR standpoint. Take your GVWR which is 10K for the F-250, minus the number from the scale reading, and you will find it is nearly spot on matching your T&L sticker.
I have been waiting or my F-350 7.3L since October when I placed my order. Your video made me even more excited to get our new truck. We have a similar GD trailer as you and I'm currently pulling it with a 3.5 Eco boost. Thanks for your video, really enjoyed it. Kraig form Eden Prairie, MN
Good stuff. The CP4's being used in all of the big trucks (Ford, Chevy, and Ram) is making me think of joining you on the 7.3. I pull a 5er that is roughly 9000lbs with a 2019 Ram 3500 High output.
For true payload. look up the GVW weight rating on the door information tag. Get your truck scaled at a truckstop or truck scale somewhere with a full gas tank and the difference will be your payload ( and you already have your driver weight included. ) Good Review. I like gas trucks and I'm not a diesel hater. I just don't need the diesel.
I love this discussion. I first went to a super duty in 2002. I bought a 5.4 gasser, then a 6.4 diesel, and back to a 6.2 gas. Currently I’m driving a 6.7 diesel, but now I’m in the market for a new one and thinking about the possibility of a 7.3
I did the math at one point and a diesel only makes sense from the aspect of using the truck to make money (hotshot hauling, business, towing frequently for work, very heavy towing, or farm use for hauling equipment). With gas engine hd trucks getting mid teen mileage without towing (the 99 Silverado 4x4 1500 i used to own got 13-15 on a good day) and towing better than ever it only makes sense to get a gas engine for most people. The $10,000 cost of entry for a diesel is also disappointing.
I did the math comparing my Cummins (19mpg no trailer hwy/ 11 mpg towing) to the averages quoted by the various you tubers and on the truck forums. The diesel break even point is at 133,000 miles based upon gas and diesel at $2.50 (In Phoenix, they are within a dime of each other) Add the extra repair/ maintenance costs of the diesel and the gas 7.3 wins every time. Up to 19k towing, 7.3 gas wins, over 19k towing you have to buy diesel.
@@briangc1972 yeah that’s about it, overkill for most people and not worth the extra cost. Folks are free to spend and waste their money as they see fit. I chose not to on my truck lol.
@@briangc1972 By far the largest costs of ownership of any vehicle is depreciation. Second largest cost is fuel. With the the notable exception of the 6.4 powerstroke, diesels depreciate far less than gas trucks. So that 5-8% cost premium grows as the vehicle ages. Repairs and maintenance aren't that big of the cost of ownership pie and don't come anywhere near offsetting fuel savings and decreased depreciation.
@@erikkovacs3097 I've heard people say that, but other than the recent surge in the used diesel truck prices in the past 3 years, I've never seen it here in Arizona. Every diesel truck I traded did not return the premium upcharge to me. In fact, in 2007 and 2009, the used diesel trucks were selling for less than the gas models. Quality control issues and reliability issues plagued all three brands during that period. In 2 or 3 years, we will see a downturn in the value of the diesels because of taxes on diesel fuel. The progressives want to push the big diesels out of the market to save the planet.
@@briangc1972 For sure certain years won't return the same premiums (2008-2010 Ford 6.4's) but on average the resale value of diesels is higher and the spread increases as they age, smaller geographical used makets not withstanding.
I owned a 1997 F-350XL 4x4 SRW 7.5L 5sp. manual with 4-10 gears. 4” factory lift, high boy. I could pass anything and everything other than a gas station. Ford recommended 93 octane and that’s all I ever used in it. 7.5mpg is the best I could get. I once towed an equipment trailer with a 743 Bobcat on it. Steep hills were crazy, back tires would spin out even though I had correct weight on receiver and axles.
Just bought a 2015 F-250 6.2 because I don’t need a diesel to pull a 14’ dump trailer and Kubota U27-4.
Thank you for making these videos.
I have a diesel for one main reason. It’s nearly impossible to fuel up at a regulate gas station when pulling a 40 plus foot fifth wheel. You almost always have to go through the truck stops.
Many states charge more taxes for heavy truck diesel than light truck diesel (same fuel, different pumps). Something to consider when refueling. That is why Loves has an RV island in many states, so the RV drivers don't pay the extra fuel taxes the state charges for the HD truck's fuel
I switched to a gas too.....traded in 12 months. Back to 6.7. Only half the fuel range (7mpg times 35 gal vs 12 mpg times 48 gal Gm 3500 vs Ford 350 long beds)and fifth wheels, cattle and equipment trailers don’t mix at gasoline pumps
Jeeeesus what are you towing?!
@@briangc1972 there’s this credit/fuel card that truckers use called EFS put out by TSD Logistics that can be used by RVrs. It gives you huge discounts at the truck stops pumps. I’ve got as much as 50cents pg off the pump pg price. It also allows you to pump your fuel without prepaying, which is what most RVrs have to do. You might find it cheaper.
@@rlewislanier4250 I just signed up for the Chevron credit card, they are giving $.55 rebates on fuel right now. Their pump prices are lower than the pump prices at the big name truck stops around here.
Guess it comes down to drive what you want, spend your money on what you want. Doesn't really matter what other people think if you are happy with what you have and if it works for you that's all that matters.
T R U T H
That 7.3 is a very strong engine. I’ve driven several large RVs with that engine through the mountains and it marches up them with no problems at all.
Good to hear!
First rule of towing is: Type trailer and load. Once you determine that, you can begin deciding on an appropriate truck for your needs. I pull several types of horse trailers on my ranch. For example, one is an older torpedo type trailer we use to get our cowboys and horses quickly to site on our ranch. Or other ranches when helping out. About 7 horses tacked up, ready to go.
For this job, we use our F350 dually. Regular drive gas engine. It has plenty of power and torque, but the real concern for me based upon actual experience is best summed up in one word:
STABILITY
As in, a dually truck is far more stable when towing any type trailer vs a standard two wheel rear setup. Horses sometimes get ornery and kick, buck, move around and sometimes one will get the others going. Then the trailer starts wobbling or going side to side. Now an F250 can pull the load easily, but if the trailer starts shifting on the ball, this creates a very dangerous situation no one wants.
Quick story. Followed a Chevy 2500 diesel with a roughly 36 foot horse trailer. I noticed the trailer started bucking. Horses inside were moving or trying to move and this created the wobbling motion. Driver tried to slow it down, but it was too late. Truck and trailer both went off the side and tipped over. Driver not seriously hurt. One horse out of 5 had to be put down then and there. Sad. Very sad. The trailer was only 1 year old. The Chevy 2500 nearly new. The driver, a female horse owner, like me, had 30 plus years behind the wheel hauling horses and cattle. The Chevy's rear axle was designed for the weight on the ball/ axle, but the single wheels couldn't handle the sudden shifting because the horses were moving really hard against the trailers walls. The truck was a total loss. The trailer was a total loss. The horse that got put down, priceless.
The point: I'm not trying too tell anyone their business or what they should or shouldn't drive when towing a trailer, but in my 40 plus years ranching, hauling horses too and from, I always use a dually with a big engine and only rear wheel drive. Reason for that is a somewhat lower center of gravity and better on gas. I have a brand new F250 with the 7 plus in it. Supercab. I use that truck for personal reasons, errands and two horse trailers on the rear hitch.
Towing boats, rv's, construction equipment is one thing, but live animals! That commands respect for them as well as the operator of the vehicle. I once hauled twelve quarter horses up to Wyoming from Texas by myself. I used my F450 for that job because its the most stable platform I own. Its a " Hoss " truck. Very stable on the ball. Absolutely no shifting even under windy conditions.
Power is important, but torque is equally as important. However, in my view, STABILITY is by far the single greatest factor when hauling any type trailer.🐎🇨🇱🇺🇲
Excellent information Kit.
Your story helps clarify why so many ranchers use a dually. My brother had a couple of horses and a lot of cows for his one person operation. He did have a stake truck with duals which he used a lot of the time, especially when hauling hay. I don't have horses or cows or steers. I do raise pecans so a single would do me fine. I use a truck camper which has worked find on my 3/4 ton but I had to add a lot of extra stuff to keep it stable. My next truck will be a Ford F350 DRW 4x4 crew cab long bed, with the 7.3 l gas engine. This will allow me to avoid the costs of the diesel fuel, the DEF, and the costly maintenance. I currently drive a Dodge Quadcab 4x4 2500 which has worked fine. Now it is getting older so the maintenance costs are going up.
The real challenge is finding a real good mechanic shop to perform needed work. Diesels are a PITA to find qualified mechanics and gas mechs are almost as challenged. Regardless, I'll save the money the diesel would have cost me and buy a newer camper.
@@Harry-zz2oh If I may Harry, be aware that a brand new F350 dually is well over 70 thousand dollars. Even a gas version with the 7.3 engine. Also, diesel is actually a better choice because they do last considerably longer. Some diesel trucks go well into the 350,000 range on up to a million miles so long as they're routinely managed maintenance wise. Things like oil and fuel filters must be absolutely on the list to make sure they run perfectly. The rest is minor. Tires, brakes, exhaust, belts etc, but the engine must be maintained perfectly. I have routine maintenance on all my trucks because I cannot afford breakdowns. They do occur, but I'm on a sort of special program with my Ford dealership.
As far as stability, all dually trucks are way more stable in towing vs single wheel. Plus, if a tire blows, at least there is another too support the weight safely until the truck can be pulled over. I've experienced just about everything that one can throw at my F Series trucks. GMC's are also way better today vs the past. Though I love the look of Dodge duallys, I don't trust the brand. As for Chevrolet, I've never had any luck with them. Especially the electronics. It's whatever you feel is right for you and your business, but be prepared for sticker shock. I get deals, but I've bought so many trucks from my dealership, they're pretty darn generous. Like I said, most duallys today no matter make, model or gas or diesel are well into the high 60's to low 70's starting. And add to that, this chip nonsense makes finding the right rig even harder now. Sure one can find the right one, but those pesky chips are hurting everyone.
Shop around. Be absolutely sure of what you're buying and good luck.......
KB🇺🇸🇺🇦
@@kitbailey6963 Excellent info. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, my uncle would rave about his ford 460 duellies. He bought a 1992 scarlet red 1ton long box crew cab with the 460 and converted it to propane. Then drove it for over 10 years. It never seemed to lack power for what he was pulling with it. It went end to end here in canada a few times and could pull long trailers up and down the Rockies like no-ones business. It later went to his brother in law, who still owns it to this day, though it has had an easier life since he picked it up, but its still served him well.
I am a diehard diesel guy but the 7.3 has impressed me. And it seems to have made the niche of diesels a little smaller.
@@kitbailey6963 I'm well aware of the elevated prices for trucks. In the past ten years, the prices have doubled. My 2008 Dodge 2500 cost me about $35,000 in 2008 but a dually will cost me $74,000 if they don't add anything else to the price. COVID seems to be the challenge for dealers since many now charge a "COVID surcharge" of anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. To me, any surcharge is highway robbery. I've been saving my spare change to buy a newer truck and currently have enough to pay cash for the truck; I won't but I'll finance it for 36 months to improve my FICO score.
I traded my 2016 ram 2500 Cummins in on a new 2020 F250 Lariat crew cab short box 7.3 gas and 10 speed transmission a week ago. The ford is performing well so far. I really enjoyed my cummins, but i did not use it enough to justify keeping it. As you have stated before maintenance is very costly. Also repairs can break the bank. I am happy with my new purchase as this truck is gorgeous inside and out. Ford has really done a great job with these new trucks.
Is the Ford 7.3 gas still doing ok?
@scramjet4610 I got rid of it for a powerstroke. I had a lot of problems, unfortunately, with the truck. The transmission never shifted right, had torque converter and flywheel replaced, drive shaft replaced, a vibration that was never found, spark plug wires replaced twice, front axle seal replaced. All before 18k miles. I really wish I didn't have the issues but the diesels I have had great luck with.
@@anthonyc993 Do you like the PowerStroke better than the Cummins?
@scramjet4610 I like them both. The cummins has a better exhaust brake. I like the ford for the aluminum body and the looks.
I have the 7.3 in the F250 Tremor with 4.30 gears. Pulls my 8500 pound TT with ease through the mountains going from Tucson to Flagstaff without a sweat. Love it.
@@MichaelJArg some people already have issues, look at TFL.
I had a 94 F250 7.5 460 I put 814,000Mi on gasser before it blew up I hauled Rvs Commercially with it for 9 yrs but of course it sucked on mpg.
that's a lot of miles! @@paulc3455
I can't wait to get my hand on a 7.3 crate motor to do a hotrod swap.... Plus you can fix anything on that gasser for what a injector cost on a diesel
We love our gas f250 (6.2), just couldn't make a 6.7 diesel work. We are just weekenders. We have been camping / working at Stone Mountain Park all last week and the rest of this week. We will be back home for less than a week and back on the road to Florida. Our 6.2 MPG is about the same as yours. We are pulling a Grand design 337rls. No problems.
I have a 2017 ford 6.2L gas as well. I pull my 32ft. Travel trailer weighing in at approximately 9,000 lbs. fully loaded. As he stated in the video, it does the job. In the flats up in the interstate, it does well. Now, when we get into the mountains, I do wish I had a little more power. It still does it, just have to go a little easier in speed up the grades. With that being said, I still love my 6.2 gasser.
We just bought a 337 RLS as well with the same truck as you have, we have not towed on mountains yet what is your thought on 6% grades?
Many years ago my in-laws towed an HR 42’ trailer with an ‘86 F150, 5.0, AOD and a 3.73 diff. Louisiana to California to BC to Alberta and back home. Never a problem with the truck for years. Gas goes.
My dad had the same setup. 86 F150 w/ a 302 v8 and the old AOD. His probably had 3.55 gears, though. Anyway, the 28' travel trailer he pulled with that thing was heavy as hell, and had the aerodynamics of a brick. The old truck did great pulling it. Never a complaint.
My grandpaw had a mid 80s dodge ram 150 prospector with a 318 V8 and a 3 spd automatic. I think he was pumping out 140hp, but he pulled that 35' gooseneck camper with ease. 55mph was all he asked of it, and it delivered.
Trucks these days are less about needs, and far more about wants. The diesel pickup is now just a status symbol.
I had 2 diesels, both Fords with 7.3L IDIs. They got 23 mpg with zero modification. The 460 v8 that rivalled them at the time were far better in terms of HP, but the old 7.3L was just a bulletproof beast.
My grandad was the same. People then pulled what they pulled with what they had. If it was a bumper pull then the half ton was pulling it. Period. Might take a little longer. But we gettin there baby!
I have a 19 ram three-quarter ton with a 6.4 hemi. It does great over the mountains I pull a trailer a little bit heavier than yours bumper pole. I think gas is the way to go if you’re not pulling over 16,000 pounds. All gas trucks are pretty good now.
The gas trucks we have today are SOOOO much better than we had 30 years ago. I am the 2nd owner of a 1989 GMC Sierra SLX 2500HD . I've had this truck 22 years. It is still driven regularly and in good condition for its year. In 1989 if you owned a 30' travel trailer this is the truck you wanted. I bought a 26' RV 2 years ago, 6800 gvwr. I towed it home with my GMC and grew VERY frustrated anytime I would encounter a hill. Mostly down to 25 mph with the pedal floored. 2 months later a 2018 Silverado 2500hd found a home in my garage. The differences in power and towing ability don't even compare. Technology is a wonderful thing. Now the old GMC sits outside, makes me sad .
Definately disagree. What you tow and terrain is just as important as weight. If you are towing travel trailers/5ers over 10k lbs through mountains. your going to want a diesel and it's not close. Power, exhaust brake, and better cooling capacity that diesels offer that make them superior for heavy weight and mountain terrain. Now if you are a flat lander/rolling hills and take it short distances outside of town then maybe a gas truck works for you towing a 15k travel trailer, but alot of people it's a no go.
@@czwarlord9243 I wouldn’t tow more then 9/10 thousand pounds with a gasser period
@@spin0491 around town it's fine or a few miles outside of town to a lake or something I wouldn't hesitate with a modern max tow 6.6/6.4/7.3 HD gasser.
@@czwarlord9243 true I cold see around town..... I can’t stand towing with my gasser it’s like double the gas..... pulling a hill is no where the same..... and how much harder the tranny works.... when pulling that kind of weight
I went from a 6.7 Cummins to a 6.4 Hemi 3500 drw, i don't regret buying a gasser. Does everything I've asked it to do with plenty to spare. As far as payload, its my understanding payload is a combination of occupants, cargo, and tounge weight. Which is why a gas truck has a better payload than the same truck with the diesel. The engines are much lighter. I'm no expert but thats what I've found in my research. Enjoy you Godzilla, sounds like Ford has a gem there.
Yeah I havea 6.4 2500 and its done everything I've asked it too. With i had the 4.10 though!
Glad the new truck is working out. Seems like the perfect tow vehicle.
I have a 2019 6.7PS, that I got in 2020. The truck was a lot less money than the 2020 truck with the 7.3 gas.
I am very happy with my truck, but I like the info you gave.
I wish the 7.3 was around when I made the switch to Diesel, I had a 6.2 L and my trailer is 9.400 lbs with a F250 and was very under powered. I Moved to a 350 6.7 and am very happy with the move but your story would have made me think about the choices!
I was in the same situation as you when I traded my 2015 6.2 gasser for my current 2018 6.7 which I love and has treated me well. Had there been a 7.3 gasser option with a 10 speed though, that would have been a serious contender to test drive and consider over the diesel.
I will say 1 thing for sure though...my 1 ton 350 crew cab, long box rides nicer than all the short box’s. Very noticible ride difference.
Love the FAIR review on gas vs Diesel. GREAT VIDEO SIR. Good common sense review here people. Listen to his every word.
I appreciate that!
Thanks for the information
I'm driving F150 FX4 09 5.4 pulling a 30 foot travel trailer. Been trying to make an educated decision on my next truck. Looking to get something in the next year so thanks.
i'm driving an fx4 with the 3.5 turbo and will be stepping up into an f-250 with the 7.3 gas motor but in the tremor package...
October, we towed our 7K GVWR travel trailer, round trip from Georgia to Colorado 5,000 miles, crossing 3 mountain passes over 10,000 ft with our new F250 ST/FX4 7.3 Lt. Godzilla.
We bought travel trailer: 5400 lbs empty, GVWR 6995 lbs, Grand Design Imagine 22MLE. Then we traded in our Tacoma: 1,000 lb payload, 6,000 lb tow cap. for a F250 ST/FX4 with 7.3 Lt. Godzilla: 10,000 lb GVWR, 3,254 lb payload, 14,700 lbs tow capacity. Avg. MPGs: 11 local, 16 Interstate. Avg. MPGs Towing: 9-10 Interstate, 7 into wind. Interstate towing in automatic, deselect 10th gear. Secondary roads, deselect 9th & 10th gears. In mountains switch to manual after starting out in automatic. I wish I had POWER retractable mirrors!
Man what????? Lol all these dear selecting and stuff geezzzz you may need something with alittle more torque man
I JUST RETURNED home from a 3000 mile trip down south with my 2021 class c,it has the new 7.3 gas . I liked the engines great power .👍👍😊
You’ll love towing with the 7.3. We’ve got the same set up...F250 7.3L towing the GD 2800bh. Took it through the mountains in Colorado this summer and the truck was great. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Mike, I’m shopping now for a new 7.3 and a GD what rear end gears did you get?
Outstanding! I just made the same move, hadn’t had gas in 20 years. No longer pulling stock and horse trailers so dropped down to gas. I’ll pull camper soon and hope for your experience. Thanks.
Actually I pulled multiple tractors to jobs as a contractor with a 1995 f250 7.3 power stroke which at the time had 290hp and maybe 400fpt I then went to a 2016 duramax 3500 drw...now I switched to a 2017 chevy 3500 drw with a 6.0 vortec and I love it for even towing a flatbed with a tractor
Glad you like your 7.3. My boss has one and pulled a 40FT toyhauler from Minnesota to Arizona this past winter. Got back and the first thing he said was he's trading for a diesel. And last month he put in his order for a 2022 ford limited one ton. He's 20 one ton is going by by! He likes the pickup but didnt like working the snot out of it pulling that camper and the 5mpg!
Diesel territory... but he’ll still only get 8-9mpg towing that monster.
If you're happy with your gasser that's great. Gotta love the diesel for the hills up and down.
Great video, I feel the same way, I live in SC and I tow a 30’ travel trailer that weighs about 8500 lbs, a 24’ equipment trailer with my 75 hp tractor and a 24’ enclosed trailer for work sometime. I am rarely over 10,000 lbs with any of my trailers. I traded a diesel for a few years older F250 that has a V10 with manual 6 speed transmission, I have been extremely happy. Next truck will be the 7.3. Even with the V10 (which has less HP but similar torque to the 7.3) I can drop down out of 6th gear into 5th and the mountains aren’t an issue at all, if I’m going 70 mph when I hit a grade, I’m going 70 when I get to the top. I love it.
Looking back, the 5.4/6.4 - 6.7 era for ford those were some lowsey engines. I have an 05 5.4 and it runs for us but we don’t tow more than 3-6k with it. Those two diesels from ford were nightmares…. But now it seems you can’t go wrong. I love my 6.2, towing up to about 12,000 lbs with it and it’s done very well. A 7.3 I’m sure would be awesome but the 6.2 is plenty for my business
I got my diesel in 2003 one of the last 7.3 l have towed a rv for 15 years I have 250000 miles on her now and is my daily driver sometimes a pain to park I am 75 and do not see changing soon .
I've wanted a diesel for years. Ended up in a Ram 2500 with the 6.4 hemi and it has pulled everything I've towed or hauled without issue.
Cyverion, I've been looking at a 2500 6.4. Mind sharing how heavy you're hauling? Any thoughts on 3.73 vs 4.10 rear end? Thanks
You made the right choice IMO. We were in a similar boat not long ago. We were in need of a tow rig moving from a 1500 to a 2500 (we went Chevy route). We looked at a diesel but could not justify paying the extra coin. Went with a 2016 2500 with the Vortec 6.0. Does all we need and more to tow our 9k pound travel trailer. With the extra upfront and maintenance costs the gasser was the way to go.
I own an older Ram with a Cummins but I'd say one huge postive of the gas engine is you don't have to replace any EGR coolers or dump a tons of DEF into the damn thing just to get it to pass smog.
From my research the problem isn't the acceleration in the mountains with the mountains with a gas 73 but it's actually down swooping there's no engine break like a diesel has
Love your videos. My tow vehicle is a 18 Ram 2500 4X4 6.4L. I have a 2021 GD Imagine 3110BH. I towed from Cali to Colorado Springs last month and round trip averaged 9mpg. I struggled in the mountains on some of those huge inclines and watched diesels tow right past me with 5th wheels. That is the only time I wish we had a diesel.
No offense but the power numbers and torque curve of the 6.4 aren’t exactly all that impressive. You’ll have to rev the 6.4 pretty good to get the same torque this 7.3 has at 1500rpms. Apples to oranges comparison. Granted they’re both gassers but the low end torque makes this power plant stand out.
@@WanderingWeekends Oh I completely agree the 7.3L is a beast and no where compares to the 6.4L Hemi. My comment was more directed for those who are looking at diesel vs gas. But hey the wife saw a video of a HDT towing a GD Momentum and now she is in love because you can put a Fiat 500 on the HDT........WTF 😆
Thank you for sharing. We just made the switch from diesel to a new 6.4L Hemi with the 8spd.
Im towing with a 2015 Ram 2500 with the 6.4. I'm happy with everything but the mpg while towing. Just ordered an intake and exhaust to help a little with that
I drove a Penske 16 ft box truck 1300 miles towing a trailer and car. It had the 7.3. I was very impressed. No issues over smaller mountains. Box trucks have a lot of wind resistance. I owned a 91 f250 with the 7.5L for 10 years and that was very capable. This new motor takes it up a huge step. I do have to mention downshifting. So many people see it as bad. No. That's what transmissions do. Keep the motor in the power band. If you have a 10 speed you can't expect it not to use the gears.
2020 350 srw long bed. I pull 37ft tt with a golf cart in the bed. In love with my 7.3 gasser. I did the same as you diesel dually to gas srw, absolutely no regrets.
You went from a dually to a single wheel and say it’s better for towing???? Lol no single wheeel nothing will tow better than a dually dude I ain’t even talking about engines
@@spin0491 when did he say better?
@@stevenfoster5737 he said no regrets means better setup right??
@@spin0491 I’d say no regrets means he’s happy with it...not better.
I have just entered the RV world, in fact I pick up my trailer next Saturday. It is similar specs to yours 28.8 ft long and 7500 GVWR. I fell into an F250 Lariat, 7.3 gas engine, picked it up last Saturday. Thanks for the video. I have nothing to compare it to, but I am super excited.
You’re going to be A-OK!!
@@WanderingWeekends Thank you. Really looking forward to it.
What gears did you get?
We have 79 f350 with a built 460 back on the farm. Have no clue how much power it makes, but itll roast tires even with 2 tons on the tongue.
I got 14.5 mpg on my last tank driving to Bullhead/Laughlin and back from the high desert, roughly 434 miles round trip on one tank with 50 miles to go before empty, some in town driving but mostly interstate 40 @76mph avg with breezy conditions back. 2022 7.3L gas 10spd, XL, STX appearance package fx4 standard bed with camper shell and 34 gallon tank. I was surprised on the milage, wasn't trying to conserve, just normal driving with passing big rigs etc. Thanks for the video, very informational. I love this truck! Best one yet and really love the exhaust tuning. I haven't had to really get into it yet, but I've heard the horses are saddled and ready, but want to avoid driving it hard for now. I've owned mine for a year today and have 3500 miles. It's a keeper. I'm looking at towing same size TT as well.
I bought a 2020 F-250 with the 6.7. I do my own maintenance and buy the (full synthetic) oil and filters at a discount (in bulk). So far, the maintenance cost isn't killing me as compared to my F-150. The F-250 fuel economy averages 18.5 mpg mixed driving/towing as compared to 19 mpg with the F-150 mixed driving/towing. I don't tow heavy with either of them. So far, towing usually is 7500 lbs with both trucks typically.
Thanks for this video. Right now I'm towing our TT (almost identical specs to yours) with my old 2002 Duramax LB7. The only reason still using it is 'It's paid for'... Seriously considering the 7.3 gas when the time comes. I like-- no, love-- diesel, but they are getting to be just too expensive and troublesome with all the EPA crap on them now. I think you've made up my mind.
My 6.2 pulls a 12k 5er like a dream. 3 years in all over the country not 1 issue. Its more the driver.
Thankyou, as a lady with no to minimal knowledge of towing or diesels and wanting to finally get a truck to pull the 7K+ travel trailer I want this is finally the video I needed to help me make an informed decision. Thanks 😊
Glad to help
I test vehicles for 1 of the big 3. Gvwr includes all passengers.
I had an rv with a chevy 454 7.4 liter. Fully loaded for vacation and all tanks full, that thing ripped off the line. All the big displacement engines have crazy power. It also got 9 mpg no matter if you are towing or not.
For me the biggest difference in performance when towing with the current 7.3 compared to the older gas engined trucks I've towed with is going to be the 10 speed transmission. When you only had 4 or 5 gears, it was pretty common to end up in 2nd gear towing on a slight gradient and with a headwind and that was horrible both in terms of noise/rpms and fuel mileage, 3rd would be too high and second too low. With 10 gears there ought to be pretty much the correct gear for every situation, so you can stay in the sweet spot to have adequate pulling power and have the engine at comfortable rpm's. With the high torque at low rpm's with a turbo diesel, the gaps between the gear ratios is far less noticeable than with the gas engines, so the multi speed transmission will make a huge difference to the refinement when towing.
the gaps between the gear ratios isn't far less noticeable on diesel- i own both. the gasser is dropping 500 rpms between shifts while maintaining 400-450 torque- the power is consistent, especially with the 4.33 rear
@@sly9263 Agreed it isn't with the new transmissions with 10 or so gears, but my diesel is massively different to the 4 and 5 speeds of old. Also with 800 ft lbs of torque at 1600 rpm I rarely drop out of 6th gear towing my travel trailer and only as far as 5th on steep climbs.
I'm replacing a 2002 F550 7.3 diesel dump truck with a 2020 f550 7.3 gas dump truck. We tow 14-15,000 pounds occasionally. We get the truck this week and I can't wait to do some comparisons.
That will be interesting!
I have a gasser Ford, and a diesel GMC. I like them both. The Duramax pulls great. The Ford (EcoBoost) pulls really well, I've been impressed with how well it actually does. Been considering trading the GMC off on a new 7.3 Ford gas truck, but the best part about the GMC I have already is that it's paid for. Best truck in the world to own at that point...
Agree 100%... the best truck is a paid off truck!!
@@WanderingWeekends But if it is a 6.7 diesel which has all the emission control stuff then it gets very expensive to maintain.
I recently picked up three 6.2L’s and they’re great for what they are used for, namely payload capacity. We have a couple diesels also and I would always choose them to tow over a gas job but that doesn’t mean the gas job wouldn’t do it. Difference being they’re just more pleasant to drive with 10,000k + behind you and the fuel milage is much better. Where’s the fuel milage on the 6.2L with a bunch of stuff in the bed doesn’t seem to differ much, it’s just a bit of a pig at twice as poor milage pulling the same loads towing as the other trucks.
Great new truck. Have 6.2l, tow 27 ft FW at approx 7200lbs, does well. Safe travels.
I have a 2020 F350 Lariat with the 7.3 L., srw, 11300 GVWR. I haul a slide in truck camper which weighs approximately 3800 lbs fully loaded. I live in Western Colorado and I’ve driven my rig over 11000 foot passes with no problems. Plenty of power to spare. My mpg fully loaded is around 11.5 to 12.5 mpg. Love this truck!
This is great to hear!
Impressive mileage. I have the same build on order and will hold off ordering my slide in until I can figure out what the actual payload will be. I originally ordered it with 3.73 but read enough reviews that recommend gearing the lowest possible with a gasser so i switched to 4.30s. I am hoping for the payload to be close to 4,000 but would be fine if it was 3,500+. With this build the GCVW is more than plenty at 27,500.
I just bought a 20 F350 crew cab Lariat, 8’ bed, with a 7.3L. I’m very happy with it pulling hay, but I haven’t purchased a trailer yet. I’m hoping to get something in the 10 to 12K range. My payload is 4,105 lbs, GVWR of 11,500. Thanks for the video. Just what I was looking for.
Great setup!
Most of what you have is what I want. The challenge is finding one. Most F350/3500 trucks sold in my region are diesel powered. I'm trying to get away from the diesel since I don't drive it enough or hard enough to warrant keeping the diesel. I really like all the safety features on the new Fords but to get exactly what I want will require a special order. I'm not in a hurry, but I do want to get one before June 2121. In the meantime, I'll drive my current truck (an 08 Dodge QC 4x4 with 6.7 Cummins)
Thanks for the videos, i almost got a diesel b4 watching these. I dont need the diesel towing power, plus the 12k price difference now for a diesel truck. Thanks again for your time in making the videos man.
You’re welcome! I’m still in the 7.3. Still very happy.
Great to hear. I just bought the 7.3 F250 and was a little worried I made a mistake not getting the diesel.We ordered a 27’ Airstream that weighs 5800lbs empty max 7600lbs. I figured the gas engine would be fine since we are only about half capacity of the truck. Thanks
You’ll be more than fine!!
I hv a 7.3 250 with 3:55 axel n it will pull a 11000 lbs RV with no problem. Average gas mileage thru some hills it averages bout 8-9 MPG.
After 16000 lbs I wud go to diesel.
~L
Glad it’s working out for you. I drive a GMC 3500 diesel Denali HD SRW, towing my 41’ Montana fifth wheel at 16,000 lbs I get 11.1 mpg highway and as a daily driver 19 mpg with best of 22. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I haven’t a single bad comment I could make.
Good luck with the new truck!
Can a SRW tow that trailer
@@lieutenant7870 she towed like a dream! I use an 20K slider hitch and have No sway or chucking and I can turn beyond 90 degrees if needed. She squatted down about 1 1/2” at most and ran 1800 rpms the whole trip even in the mountains! Best truck ever and so relaxing to trailer!
The power these engines are putting out is amazing. I'm still driving my '02 7.3 Powerstroke with 525 lb-ft of torque. The new 7.3 gasser isn't that far behind. My loaded toy hauler weighs 10,500 lbs.
yes, but your 7.3 makes the torque at much lower rpms.
@@roynichols5212 The torque curve of the 7.3l is included in the video; it is very flat and makes ~400ft lbs at 1500RPM. That's over 90% of its max torque. Gas engines have come a long way.
7.3 gas is literally light years ahead of the 7.3 ps in terms of overall power to the ground. You just can’t argue with a 10spd and 100 hp more, nearly the same torque
Wife and I went to see a Tremor F250 with the 7.3 truck rode comfortable and had some guts let me tell you, but dealer had a 10k markup on it and another $2,495 fee for vin # etching on the windshield, nitrogen filled tires and tint. We walked out. So I put in a order through another dealer for a redesigned superduty. Time will tell if the order is fulfilled. Thanks for the video
Yep, our dealer has the same “market adjustment” BS going on. Funny thing is those trucks are sitting there gathering water spots. We will see.
With a 7500lb trailer I will absolutely agree with you. Get into a 11000 to 15000 lb trailer, I think the differences would be more pronounced.
I have the 2015 F350 6.2l lariat 4:30 single axle. People ask me all the time about why I didn’t get a diesel. I simply honestly tell them, I never cared for a diesel. I don’t need a diesel because I only pull my lawn care trailer. Plus I’ve purchased what I wanted to. If gas mileage crossed my mind then I don’t need a large truck period. To every one, buy what you want and need not what they want you to get.
You have to save a lot on diesel to compensate the higher upfront costs and maintenance costs as well
What sold me on this truck is the TFL Ike Gauntlet tow test. 40’ Gooseneck trailer that was 16k lbs. It made that 8 mile, 11k ft., 7% grade run in 8 minutes beating out the Chevy gasser by 3 minutes. It had 9 break applications on the downhill which isn’t great but still good and the squat issue with the Fords is still prevalent, but that can be fixed with aftermarket airbags. Sounds like the sweet spot for this truck (250, 7.3, 4.30) is the 7000-15000 pound tow range. Reliability is probably going to be good as well since it’s based on the old tried and true push-rod! Port injected, iron-block.
Did you see TFL drag race the Chevy Duramax against the "Godzilla" 7.3 gas Ford? Spoiler, the diesel won easily.
@@HalfCrazy520 this is the stupiest fuckin comment ive seen
@@HalfCrazy520 so, what's your point?
@@adamant7146 The point:
When you're driving your new 7.3 Ford and feeling like a badass, if you see a Duramax 3500 with a hood scoop (L5P), don't fuq with him.
In spite of your quite significant weight advantage, your 7.3 liters to his 6.6 liters, your much higher rev ceiling, and your short gearing... you'll get your ass handed to you on a platter. I did it yesterday in my bone stock GMC 3500 weighing 8850 lbs, and the Ford at least had exhaust because it was LOUD.
If you're gonna work the truck, the diesel is night and day better to drive. I have a Cummins in a 2500 and a Duramax in a 3500 and even my wife says, "Holy crap! The diesels have POWER!" and both trucks average 20+ mpg in mixed driving/commuting.
You do you, boo. It's diesels all day for me.
@@HalfCrazy520 again what's your point?nobody is even talking about drag racing..that's like saying my 7.3 tremor will beat my moms ford escape in a drag race...who cares?..everyone here so far has agreed that the diesel has more power, u diesel guys just have to run your mouths about something..i once read a comment, "real trucks have 8 lugs"..really? get over yourselves..
Great advice. I was sure I needed a diesel. I spent many nights thinking I made a big mistake. But, now I feel good about getting the 7.3 gas F-250. I too pull a Grand Design Imagine. We own some property in Eagle Nest, NM and plan to build a second home so we can enjoy the mountainous west. I currently live in Texas. But, plan to vacation in Yellowstone and Glacier. New Mexico is a great starting point. Thanks. I can finally rest again.
Thanks for the update. I am thinking about that truck for my 5th wheel. 11900 max. I am towing with a 2000 f250 with the V10. 8-8.5 mpg . Will upgrade sometime soon. Pulled down the east coast this past summer with no problems. I am with you on the gas engines.
Right on... this thing will handle 11900 no problem...
My 7.3 had no problem pulling 11000 lbs RV in Colorado. It has a 3:55 axel. I owned diesel b4.
~L
I have a cummins , Ive also driven the 7.3 . You'll be fine , those 7.3s are a powerhouse !!!
I have a 35’ 10,000 travel trailer and originally towed it with a 1/2 ton 6.7L gasser but was getting blown around the interstate every time a semi passed by me. I ended up getting a 3/4 ton gently used 6.6L diesel and can’t believe the difference. To spice things up I just installed a Bank performance tuner and gas pedal controller. Best decisions I could have made. I feel like I’m driving a completely stable rocket ship now. When towing I always travel at 62-64 mph and I’m getting 13-16 mpg. When trucks pass me I am rock solid stable now and have massive power to spare. Very happy.
3/4 is definitely the way to go with that trailer! Appreciate you watching!
Jumped from eco boost F-150 to 5.0 V8 F-150 to F-250 Lariat Godzilla 3K miles ago. Have towed 7ton dump trailer and 8K lb Rv and love this new truck. Leave in a couple weeks for 3 month snowbird trip with new 10k lb Reflection tow behind RV. I feel pretty comfortable that all will go well.
Very nice!
My brother bought a 2008 Super Duty new, with the 6.4L Power Stroke. Even with mature driving and proper maintenance, the 6.4L Power Stroke engine was always in the shop, so much so, that the truck became a Lemon Law Buyback. After that, we've never bought another diesel truck, and our breakdowns stopped, after switching to gassers.
Well to be fair the 6.7’s are much more reliable but yes... when a diesel breaks it sucks.
My 1999 F350 V10 ate 3 transmissions in 110k.We now have 2016 F350 Powerstroke with over 15k in repairs due to a fuel system situation but we no longer have to constantly fill up.I get almost 18 mpg towing and about 13 mpg without towing.
I agree, there are many people buying diesels that could definitely get away with the 7.3 Godzilla probably including myself. However, we bought a Ram 3500 dually with the 6.7 Cummins and love it. I couldn't imagine enjoying the 7.3 or any gas engined truck as much even though we could get by with the 7.3 for our truck camper.
Im pulling a 28ft travel trailer at about 8600lb with a 2500 Ram with a 6.4 Hemi. Hit my expectations as far as maintaining speed on a 3k mile road trip through the western US. Had no problem maintaining the speed limits while towing. Only thing i wasnt excited with was my mpg at those speeds while running 89 or 91 fuel. Been contemplating getting a cummins but cant really justify buying a newer truck with current prices
How was your experience with the 6.2 gasser? I love that engine for its durability and large scale big block type of design. They are kind of dogs in the steel bodies, but in the newer alumidutys the new tuning is much better.
The 6.2 did everything I asked of it!! I wouldn’t shy away from one. The 7.3 is worth the up-charge if you’re buying new (In my opinion of course).
Love my 6.2 in the aluminum body it’s much quicker than my duramax I had. I gained a thousand pounds of payload as well
What size tires were you running and what gear ratio is it 3.73 or 4.10?
Been running a 79 f250 460 Sence 81 she still pulls what I back up to..
Keep your new plastic ...old school rules
Love an old school truck... but if you think they’re superior performance-wise you’d be in for a rude awakening. They look good and are fun to drive but don’t ask it to do too much and definitely don’t get in an accident. Keep on keeping on. 🍻
I love my '78 f250 with the 460. 8mpg no matter what
This girl is steal much more safe than an explosive bag...as I watch a new tundra that pulled out in front of me being towed off and my old Ford has a scratch on the bumper. You sir are just a talking head....
I have had powerstroke and cummins and now run a 6.2 ford. Sometimes i miss my diesels but not enough to deal with the maitenance headaches and emissions. Gets me from job to job pulling my 8k lb water tanks and pressure washer unit good enough
Loved my 2020 7.3l I run it in eco mode without trailer got 15.9 in mountains. 16.5 highway. Been averaging 11.2 hauling
Nice video and surprisingly.....I tow a 7500# trailer with a 2500 7.3 gas in the mountains of VA/WV and have been elated.
I now fill up the fresh water tank before each trip, truck doesn't care.
I tow 8000 lbs with the 5.7L ram, does just fine, even in the hills. Great breakdown! Former diesel owner here too.
What gears on the hemi
I definitely can tell a difference in my 8400lb trailer from my 2016 ram 3.21gears(struggled at speed vs takeoff) to my 21 Titan much better towing.
Ram had better turning radius also.
@@jshapiro34 3.92 gears. It's a basic Bighorn with airbags in the the rear springs for better front traction under load.
I have a 2023 F350 with the 7.3 and 3.72 rear end. Pull a 33’ 11000 lb 5th wheel and really like it. Last trip was almost 500 miles and averaged 9.4 with it. So much more stable than my F150 pulling a 7000 lb trailer.
I got my 7.3 in July and I already had a check engine light. Turned out to be a spark plug wire. Easy fix but annoying. Seems to be a chronic problem with this 7.3 already. Otherwise I’m very happy with mine. Check out TFL truck as they did a video on the spark plug wire issue. Safe travels.
I recently bought a 6.2 gmc. I studied and stewed about diesel or gas for a year. I pull a 25 ft travel trailer but in the long run I couldn’t justify the additional $10,000.00. I have plenty of power and torque the fuel mileage isn’t as good but you know I really feel I made a good decision. Thanks for the video
I'm a gasser owner as well and your 100% right. A camper around 7500-15k that truck will do awesome. Diesel trucks do have there place but your camper weight a gasser 7.3 is perfect.
I’m going from a 7.3 diesel to a 7.3 gasser, I can’t wait to get it.
Unless you haul heavy and haul often, then diesels aren't worth it anymore. Thanks alot emissions. I will be interested to see how this motor does in the long run.
I had a 3.5 ecoboost pulling 2800lb trailer at 55mph on flat terrain, 10mph under the speed limit and couldn't quite get 9mpg. Was sooooo disappointed I couldn't do any better with so little load. I could baby it to 23mpg empty, but not when using it as a truck. It had enough power for 10k, but mileage was in the toilet. Seems like you did right for your needs.
That is net to haul your groceries ho
If you want to tow you need a bid v8
Good info! I towed 2- big John Deere zero turns, one stand up zero turn, and assorted lawn equipment and 4 more crew guys on a HEAVY steel trailer with a Ram 6.7 hemi. fine for moving but hated stop lights. I have a 6.7 F250 for our 41' fifth wheel and wouldn't go back to gas for that but thinking of down sizing the camper and good to know there is now a gasser that will handle it. Mileage sounds identical to the diesel but gas is cheaper!
Lol dude f250 weather gas or diesel shouldn’t be pulling a 41ft fifth wheel that’s 1 ton territory I’m pretty sure legally your over weight.... I pulll a 44ft toy hauler with my f450..... but for landscape trailer gas anything is good
Here in Michigan gas is 1$ more then diesel
I just picked up a 2020 F450 commercial truck for my business. It weighs 16,500 lbs empty. The 7.3 handles this beast with no issues. I pass cars on the uphill freeway on-ramp if they're not tying too hard!. Better gas mileage than my F250 with 6.2 and 37" tires. I get 11.0 on the 7.3 and 10.9 on the 6.2
Yeah, Ken. I've been wondering how they are doing in the 450/550 chassis. Are they 4.30 rears? Probably standered in that rig?
I think they are 3.73 or higher (3.53?). I have 4.30s in my f250 it came with 3.73
Turbo diesels make sense for professional pulling and mountain pulling. I have a diesel parked now because of fuel cost. 99 % of the time a gas serves just fine.
I agree with the mountains and rolling hills. The turbo of the diesel helps on the hills to produce it's own atmosphere.
There’s always room for improvement on the 7.2 L. You can do a custom tune. Or even a pro charger/super charger kit, to add more bottom end torque.
I don’t think that would be good pulling 15k for long hauls over time.
But then again I run a diesel and am happy.
It will be fine. 25-30 years ago, anyone pulling 15K was using 454 and 460 gas engines.
@@bradbain1099 seems like everybody forgets what we used to pull with less horsepower right.
@@bradbain1099 o
I see some comments on the 10 spd vs. 6 speed. I've had both and imho is that the 10 spd. would jump around looking for the right gear by jumping multiple speeds at a time giving a jerkier shift. The six spd. may stay somewhere longer, but give you what it has for more confident shift.
I’ll respectfully disagree. The 10 speed uses what it has well in my experience.
@@WanderingWeekends no worries, we all have our opinions. I've had both and noticed my 10-speed jumping around a bit more giving me slightly rougher shifts than you would otherwise think it would.
Loved the video! To me, the debate is between do you climb hills or not? if you climb hills a diesel is what you want and conversely if you are in Nebraska and its all flat... Gasser is just fine and cheaper to operate. It's just a quality of life issue, how much easier/better do you want it to be.
Very useful information. I'm just having too many mechanical issues with my EcoBoost. Sounds like the power and fuel economy are all on-par between the 3.5l and the 7.3l. I'm still at a sticking point that I tow Colorado mountains (11kft+), when the EcoBoost is running right, those turbos make such a difference up here.
I have an F350 with the 7.3 engine. 4.3 rear diff ratio. I pull a 12,000 lb fifth wheel. My gas mileage average is 8.5. I live in KY and no issues with the mountains in TN, NC. This summer we went to the Grand Tetons. Went to over a 10,500 foot pass. Had plenty of power, but stayed under 4500 rpms. Probably slowed down to 50 mph near the top, but I could have pushed it to 60 mph if I wanted. No real issue with the altitude in WY. Most of the time above 6000 ft. Very pleased with the gas performance. Not sure if I would pull more than 15,000 lbs ( my setup is rated at 20,000 lbs). Payload is 3985 lbs with a Lariat package.
Thanks for that feedback. We'll be pulling a 11K 5er. Have a 7.3 with 4.30's on order.
@@bobnelson2828 I have an F350 on order with the 3.73 gear ratio. It's a dually so I'll have plenty of load capacity as well as trailering.
Our family tows a trailer with a very similar size and weight to yours. The first truck we had was a 2009 ram 2500 6.2 gas and for knowing nothing about towing it did really well with our trailer. My dad was getting tired of the rough ride and gas mileage and bought a 1999 Ford f250 7.3 Turbodiesel. On paper this truck was definitely a downgrade in terms of power. And there was a learning curve to learn how to tow with it. But the long-term benefits have been amazing. Towing at 75 miles an hour the truck averages around 13mpg. At 65 almost 16mpg. The trucks not fast but it has torque and that's all you really need for most towing situations.
I never tow over 65 or so... be careful, some trailer tires aren't rated for 75mph. Safe travels!
@@WanderingWeekends yes thank you! We had them upgraded for higher speeds. I definitely would love to drive a 7.3 gas just to compare the trucks.
In regards to the max payload. Read the section on slide in truck campers. It gives you the max weight of a truck camper with all seating positions full. Truck + passengers + camper = 10000 gvwr. You can not go over the 10k gvwr all in. it's all in the owners manual, no need to contact an engineer. Good luck with the new truck
Don’t forget fuel. That can add 200 pounds or more.
The type of driving is a huge factor as well. For myself, I operate my business over a few small mountain towns, speed limits primarily 45 or less with the exception of a few main routes at 55. We are constantly up and down hills, some switch backs and our heaviest are generally in the 10-12k range. With all that considered, my gas truck gets up to 45 just fine, all day every day.
However if I was towing on the thruway at 65+ for distances with 10-12k pounds then I think the gas engine will be working significantly harder than for my purposes. That type of travel may push me towards a diesel. Kind of glad I don’t feel even the slightest need or itch for one. This 2022 6.2 6 speed has been great
Simple. Look at the yellow Tire & Loading sticker on your driver side door jam. It is nearly Spot on for actual unloaded vehicle weight with a full tank of gas. Don't believe me, take it to a scale with nothing in it, get out of the truck, and weight it with the axles on different slabs so you can then determine how much payload each axle can support from the GAWR standpoint. Take your GVWR which is 10K for the F-250, minus the number from the scale reading, and you will find it is nearly spot on matching your T&L sticker.
I have been waiting or my F-350 7.3L since October when I placed my order. Your video made me even more excited to get our new truck. We have a similar GD trailer as you and I'm currently pulling it with a 3.5 Eco boost. Thanks for your video, really enjoyed it. Kraig form Eden Prairie, MN
Fellow Minnesotan here! You happy with the 7.3?
Good stuff. The CP4's being used in all of the big trucks (Ford, Chevy, and Ram) is making me think of joining you on the 7.3. I pull a 5er that is roughly 9000lbs with a 2019 Ram 3500 High output.
Gm switched to the denso injection pump on the l5p . Ford and ram still use the Bosch time bomb
There is a aftermarket company that makes a cp4 to cp3 conversion kit, not super expensive...fyi
@@bullnpcola cummins uses the cp4.2 I believe. Haven't heard of any problems yet.
Not the GM’s.
For true payload. look up the GVW weight rating on the door information tag. Get your truck scaled at a truckstop or truck scale somewhere with a full gas tank and the difference will be your payload ( and you already have your driver weight included. )
Good Review. I like gas trucks and I'm not a diesel hater. I just don't need the diesel.
I love this discussion. I first went to a super duty in 2002. I bought a 5.4 gasser, then a 6.4 diesel, and back to a 6.2 gas. Currently I’m driving a 6.7 diesel, but now I’m in the market for a new one and thinking about the possibility of a 7.3
I did the math at one point and a diesel only makes sense from the aspect of using the truck to make money (hotshot hauling, business, towing frequently for work, very heavy towing, or farm use for hauling equipment). With gas engine hd trucks getting mid teen mileage without towing (the 99 Silverado 4x4 1500 i used to own got 13-15 on a good day) and towing better than ever it only makes sense to get a gas engine for most people. The $10,000 cost of entry for a diesel is also disappointing.
I did the math comparing my Cummins (19mpg no trailer hwy/ 11 mpg towing) to the averages quoted by the various you tubers and on the truck forums. The diesel break even point is at 133,000 miles based upon gas and diesel at $2.50 (In Phoenix, they are within a dime of each other) Add the extra repair/ maintenance costs of the diesel and the gas 7.3 wins every time. Up to 19k towing, 7.3 gas wins, over 19k towing you have to buy diesel.
@@briangc1972 yeah that’s about it, overkill for most people and not worth the extra cost. Folks are free to spend and waste their money as they see fit. I chose not to on my truck lol.
@@briangc1972 By far the largest costs of ownership of any vehicle is depreciation. Second largest cost is fuel. With the the notable exception of the 6.4 powerstroke, diesels depreciate far less than gas trucks. So that 5-8% cost premium grows as the vehicle ages. Repairs and maintenance aren't that big of the cost of ownership pie and don't come anywhere near offsetting fuel savings and decreased depreciation.
@@erikkovacs3097 I've heard people say that, but other than the recent surge in the used diesel truck prices in the past 3 years, I've never seen it here in Arizona. Every diesel truck I traded did not return the premium upcharge to me. In fact, in 2007 and 2009, the used diesel trucks were selling for less than the gas models. Quality control issues and reliability issues plagued all three brands during that period. In 2 or 3 years, we will see a downturn in the value of the diesels because of taxes on diesel fuel. The progressives want to push the big diesels out of the market to save the planet.
@@briangc1972 For sure certain years won't return the same premiums (2008-2010 Ford 6.4's) but on average the resale value of diesels is higher and the spread increases as they age, smaller geographical used makets not withstanding.