7.3l gas towing 5er

[LERD]

I posted this question on a different forum. I got lots of great comments and advise. But, I didn't receive any responses from people who actually use this combination. And maybe, there's not too many who do. I'm sure I titled my post wrong.

I'm wanting to order our new TV. Our future upgraded 5er will max out between 15k -16,350 lbs, but that's not till the new truck is here.

We plan to full-time for about 4 years, then we would switch to being longtimers. I'm looking at the Ford CCLB, probably a dually, with the 7.3l gas motor and 4:30 axle ratio. Ideally, we will travel, and bed down for 1 to 2 weeks, rinse and repeat. I'm just looking for full timers who are using this engine right now to give their thoughts on it. Good and bad. I'm really hoping to find out about mountain grades, fuel range and your driving experience. Most of all, was it a good decision, or do you regret it?
I received lots of good info from the other post for going diesel, just looking at the other side of the coin.

Thanks and happy trails to all!

[jsb5717]

Your GVWR is about 2k lbs more than mine. I can't advise on experience with the gas motor but will say that I can't imagine wanting to haul steep grades pulling that kind of weight with anything but diesel.

Perhaps Danny (Sourdough) will speak into this for you. He currently hauls his rig, at about 14,300 GVWR, with a gas motor.

[sourdough]

I've not seen many folks using the 7.3 towing what you are describing. I would be interested as well as I'm debating between my normal Ram 6.4, a diesel or the 7.3 on my next truck. Have you seen the link below on the 7.3?

https://tfltruck.com/2020/02/2020-fo...-it-did-video/

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I've not seen many folks using the 7.3 towing what you are describing. I would be interested as well as I'm debating between my normal Ram 6.4, a diesel or the 7.3 on my next truck. Have you seen the link below on the 7.3?

https://tfltruck.com/2020/02/2020-fo...-it-did-video/

I didn't yet watch the video (gotta work you know!) but I did catch the 2.2 MPG going up that hill. Wish they had mentioned the Chevy MPG on the same hill. Maybe they should go back to my ol' 460 CID pig as it got better than that (not by much).

[Roper46]

My 5er GVWR is 12200# and I can't imagine pulling anything at this weight or higher with anything but a diesel. The diesel exhaust brake in my opinion is worth it's weight in gold.

I know the OP stated he already has feed back ref the diesel pullers, but just my opinion.

[LERD]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I've not seen many folks using the 7.3 towing what you are describing. I would be interested as well as I'm debating between my normal Ram 6.4, a diesel or the 7.3 on my next truck. Have you seen the link below on the 7.3?

https://tfltruck.com/2020/02/2020-fo...-it-did-video/

Yes, I've re-watched several times, and the RAM and Chevy too. The Chevy did better on fuel ( so to speak) 2.4. I forget the RAM's mpg. Truthfully in the gas motor, only the Ford stayed close to the speed limit. I also realize your not driving that pass everyday. That's why I'm mulling it over. I have driven the 7.3l before pulling a trailer. But not pulling that kind of weight. I have thousands of miles pulling a 8k lb trailer with a V-10. Yeah, no thank you. This new motor is way better than that one.

[NH_Bulldog]

I have done quite a bit of research for my next truck and I am pretty much sold on the 7.3. However, for your situation I think diesel is the way to go. I watched the towing video and 2.2 mpg on that hill doesn’t concern me. We all go up hills, down hills, and across flats. The average MPG is what counts.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by LERD

Yes, I've re-watched several times, and the RAM and Chevy too. The Chevy did better on fuel ( so to speak) 2.4. I forget the RAM's mpg. Truthfully in the gas motor, only the Ford stayed close to the speed limit. I also realize your not driving that pass everyday. That's why I'm mulling it over. I have driven the 7.3l before pulling a trailer. But not pulling that kind of weight. I have thousands of miles pulling a 8k lb trailer with a V-10. Yeah, no thank you. This new motor is way better than that one.

I don't worry about mpg in anything I drive. There are many other factors I think about. Like you I don't intend to be running passes like that all the time, occasionally but not frequently, and it did pretty well for that load.

My trailer runs 13k +/- scaled and has a gvwr of 14300. I tow with a Ram 6.4, 4.10 8speed. I do fine ("OK") going where we go including some pretty good grades. The new engine/tranny combos can't be compared to the older "gas" engines - even through 2014 or so and certainly not "back when" - apples and oranges. Those V10s? I had a fleet of trucks that had many V10s (that was a mistake) - junk IMO and I agree...no thank you.

I know you wanted to hear from folks with the combo you're looking at and I don't have it. I am however a "gas guy" and fully versed on gas engines, performance and capabilities. The 7.3 will have a little edge over the 6.4 in power plus it has that 10 speed tranny. For me and my weight I think it might be a good match (except I don't like Fords) but at your proposed 16k I just can't see how a gas engine (or 7.3) could traverse this country as you want to do, in all kinds of weather, traffic etc. and not leave you wanting. That exhaust brake with that kind of load would be invaluable.

Sorry to repeat what has been said about a diesel but here I am, THE gas guy, selling myself on a diesel. Guess that's not a bad deal; I'd rather buy a new truck than a new set of tires and I get rid of them at 40k - which won't be too long. Good luck on your decision but for me I would think long and hard about that 7.3 - then go with the diesel. It's just too much weight. Hopefully someone with that combo, or close, will chime in with some candid thoughts.

[LERD]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I don't worry about mpg in anything I drive. There are many other factors I think about. Like you I don't intend to be running passes like that all the time, occasionally but not frequently, and it did pretty well for that load.

My trailer runs 13k +/- scaled and has a gvwr of 14300. I tow with a Ram 6.4, 4.10 8speed. I do fine ("OK") going where we go including some pretty good grades. The new engine/tranny combos can't be compared to the older "gas" engines - even through 2014 or so and certainly not "back when" - apples and oranges. Those V10s? I had a fleet of trucks that had many V10s (that was a mistake) - junk IMO and I agree...no thank you.

I know you wanted to hear from folks with the combo you're looking at and I don't have it. I am however a "gas guy" and fully versed on gas engines, performance and capabilities. The 7.3 will have a little edge over the 6.4 in power plus it has that 10 speed tranny. For me and my weight I think it might be a good match (except I don't like Fords) but at your proposed 16k I just can't see how a gas engine (or 7.3) could traverse this country as you want to do, in all kinds of weather, traffic etc. and not leave you wanting. That exhaust brake with that kind of load would be invaluable.

Sorry to repeat what has been said about a diesel but here I am, THE gas guy, selling myself on a diesel. Guess that's not a bad deal; I'd rather buy a new truck than a new set of tires and I get rid of them at 40k - which won't be too long. Good luck on your decision but for me I would think long and hard about that 7.3 - then go with the diesel. It's just too much weight. Hopefully someone with that combo, or close, will chime in with some candid thoughts.

I've been reading lots of your threads from the past. Because I did remember you have a gasser.. I also remembered you were that "RAM GUY". Actually I'm not opposed to RAM at all. I just like my Fords. GM's on the other hand have treated me very poorly. The last good GM I had, that was a good vehicle was a '73 Lemans Sport Coupe. I wish I still had it! I don't hate diesels, not at all. I just want better simplicity in an engine. I know that motor can definitely handle that size trailer no problem. But, I'm not going to be just a weekend RV'er. I read some other posts with gassers as well. I'm not sure they're full-timers. Maybe I'm looking for a unicorn, I don't know. But the 7.3l has been out for 2 years now, so sombody owns one ...... and a 5er.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I don't worry about mpg in anything I drive. There are many other factors I think about. Like you I don't intend to be running passes like that all the time, occasionally but not frequently, and it did pretty well for that load.

My trailer runs 13k +/- scaled and has a gvwr of 14300. I tow with a Ram 6.4, 4.10 8speed. I do fine ("OK") going where we go including some pretty good grades. The new engine/tranny combos can't be compared to the older "gas" engines - even through 2014 or so and certainly not "back when" - apples and oranges. Those V10s? I had a fleet of trucks that had many V10s (that was a mistake) - junk IMO and I agree...no thank you.

I know you wanted to hear from folks with the combo you're looking at and I don't have it. I am however a "gas guy" and fully versed on gas engines, performance and capabilities. The 7.3 will have a little edge over the 6.4 in power plus it has that 10 speed tranny. For me and my weight I think it might be a good match (except I don't like Fords) but at your proposed 16k I just can't see how a gas engine (or 7.3) could traverse this country as you want to do, in all kinds of weather, traffic etc. and not leave you wanting. That exhaust brake with that kind of load would be invaluable.

Sorry to repeat what has been said about a diesel but here I am, THE gas guy, selling myself on a diesel. Guess that's not a bad deal; I'd rather buy a new truck than a new set of tires and I get rid of them at 40k - which won't be too long. Good luck on your decision but for me I would think long and hard about that 7.3 - then go with the diesel. It's just too much weight. Hopefully someone with that combo, or close, will chime in with some candid thoughts.

I will back what Danny has to say. One thing you will see mentioned in gas towing guides is frontal area. Both my 2001 and 2016 Ram CTD there is no mention of frontal area in the owners manual in the towing section. In my earlier gas trucks it was always mentioned.
This is where towing in a head wind comes into play, the torque of the diesel makes towing into a headwind much more relaxed.
The 7.3 is rated to tow about 18,000# with 4.30’s, our 2016 is rated to tow 25,225# with 3.73’s also adds to the relaxed driving experience.

If you are ok with or want a gas engine the the 7.3 will do ok, but in my opinion diesel will make for more relaxed towing.
If getting a diesel don’t get a Ford, they insist on sticking with the Bosch 4.2 HPFP that when it fails contaminates the entire fuel system. Ram and GM use different pumps that don’t have that issue.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by LERD

I posted this question on a different forum. I got lots of great comments and advise. But, I didn't receive any responses from people who actually use this combination. And maybe, there's not too many who do. I'm sure I titled my post wrong.

I'm wanting to order our new TV. Our future upgraded 5er will max out between 15k -16,350 lbs, but that's not till the new truck is here.

We plan to full-time for about 4 years, then we would switch to being longtimers. I'm looking at the Ford CCLB, probably a dually, with the 7.3l gas motor and 4:30 axle ratio. Ideally, we will travel, and bed down for 1 to 2 weeks, rinse and repeat. I'm just looking for full timers who are using this engine right now to give their thoughts on it. Good and bad. I'm really hoping to find out about mountain grades, fuel range and your driving experience. Most of all, was it a good decision, or do you regret it?
I received lots of good info from the other post for going diesel, just looking at the other side of the coin.

Thanks and happy trails to all!

I remembered this video that popped up on my YouTube feed ..this guy likes it but is towing a tt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ-xroKooC8

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by LERD

I've been reading lots of your threads from the past. Because I did remember you have a gasser.. I also remembered you were that "RAM GUY". Actually I'm not opposed to RAM at all. I just like my Fords. GM's on the other hand have treated me very poorly. The last good GM I had, that was a good vehicle was a '73 Lemans Sport Coupe. I wish I still had it! I don't hate diesels, not at all. I just want better simplicity in an engine. I know that motor can definitely handle that size trailer no problem. But, I'm not going to be just a weekend RV'er. I read some other posts with gassers as well. I'm not sure they're full-timers. Maybe I'm looking for a unicorn, I don't know. But the 7.3l has been out for 2 years now, so sombody owns one ...... and a 5er.

My memory ain't what it used to be but I do believe we have (had) a member with the 7.3, 5th wheel or not I don't recall. Like you I think one of the reasons I like my gassers is the "simplicity" (knowing them) as opposed to a diesel. Yet these days a new gas engine is anything but simple. I've pulled, tore down, rebuilt various gas engines in the past; I won't touch a modern gas engine or the tranny.

My Ram will pull that weight as will the 7.3. If you were to be an occasional tower it would probably be OK. My thought, with you full timing, going and doing all the time is that the strain of 16k on that engine/tranny in all kinds of terrain will cause you problems. No matter how you cut it a gas engine is not built nearly as strong as a diesel...which is meant for hard work.

I'm sorry for sort of misdirecting your question which is for anyone with the combo you proposed (not a diesel). I hope someone with that combo can come on and provide the info you are looking for and if you get that 7.3 be sure and post back with your thoughts.

[flybouy]

I've not commented as I don't tow a large, heavy 5 th wheel wiith a gas engine and never would. It sounds like you've heard this elsewhere. My only relevant comment is yes, I think you're looking for a unicorn (someone that tows that much with a gas engine) and I think that alone speaks volumes.

JMHO

[LERD]

Originally Posted by jasin1

I remembered this video that popped up on my YouTube feed ..this guy likes it but is towing a tt

I did see several of his videos. He had a gasser, went to diesel, then back to gas. But your right, he's pulling a 6-7k lb TT. He didn't hate his diesel, it was just overkill for his needs. He absolutely loves that setup, but even he did comment back to me that he is a weekender.

[dutchmensport]

I never owned a Ford, so I can't answer about their performances. But I have been a GM / Chevy owner all my life.

A few trucks ago (actually, my first dually), was a 3500 dually crew cab, long bed gasser. We towed a 31 foot travel trailer with it. We traded for our first 3500 dually crew cab long bed diesel. Both truck were purchased used but still well less than 50,000 miles when we purchased them. We traded the gasser because the frame itself was rusting and didn't feel it was safe towing anything any more.

When we switched from the gas to the diesel, the difference was incredible. The diesel had no issues pulling a 10,000 pound travel trailer up and down the mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina, where the gasser version on previous trips (same roads) seemed to struggle.

Well, since then, we stayed with diesel and never looked back. We traded the second truck because it had an all fiberglass body and the fat fenders on both sides were spiderweb cracking. It would have cost over $4000 a side to replace them, and that was just too much to pay. Otherwise, the truck was a towing beast. But the truck still had good value in it, and at the time, still got over $20,000 in trade in value. Third truck we purchased brand new (the current one in my signature below), It's not a fiberglass body, and work hard to keep it in great shape.

Bottom line, there is no comparison between a gasser and a diesel. If you tow a trailer, diesel is the way to go.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by jasin1

I remembered this video that popped up on my YouTube feed ..this guy likes it but is towing a tt

Originally Posted by LERD

I did see several of his videos. He had a gasser, went to diesel, then back to gas. But your right, he's pulling a 6-7k lb TT. He didn't hate his diesel, it was just overkill for his needs. He absolutely loves that setup, but even he did comment back to me that he is a weekender.

Lerd, glad you noticed the size to the trailer and the fact he is a weekender. I was ask at the park I am hosting to take the F350 dump bed V10 six speed manual and flat bed trailer to pickup some equipment. I took a flat bed about 18' long to pick up a bucket for a John Deer 5000 series tractor, and a mowing flail, total weight guessing around 6 to 7K. This is an 2008 truck, I knew the weight was back there, but not terrible. The road back to the park is mostly up hill. There were a couple tight corners where I was down to 3rd, really like 2nd, as the manual has a granny low for getting heavy loads moving.

My point is towing 6K to 7K gas with deep gears will do fine, you are looking at towing twice that with a BIG SAIL right behind the cab get a diesel.

[sourdough]

It appears this thread is digressing in the direction of the first thread the OP mentioned. In his other thread he received all the commentary he received about diesel trucks, he specifically asked for input on the gas 7.3 in this thread. Before we head into a dozen pages of how great a diesel is lets keep that in mind.

[jsb5717]

Has the OP stated WHY he would prefer a 7.3 gasser over diesel? With the high number of arguments for a diesel to pull that kind of weight, I'm just curious what the hesitation is. Not that he owes anyone an explanation...just curious.

[sourdough]

Here's a link to another conversation with the OP about a 7.3 and why/why not. Looks like we're having the same conversation from about a year and a half ago.

https://www.keystoneforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=44474

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I don't worry about mpg in anything I drive. There are many other factors I think about. Like you I don't intend to be running passes like that all the time, occasionally but not frequently, and it did pretty well for that load.

My trailer runs 13k +/- scaled and has a gvwr of 14300. I tow with a Ram 6.4, 4.10 8speed. I do fine ("OK") going where we go including some pretty good grades. The new engine/tranny combos can't be compared to the older "gas" engines - even through 2014 or so and certainly not "back when" - apples and oranges. Those V10s? I had a fleet of trucks that had many V10s (that was a mistake) - junk IMO and I agree...no thank you.

I know you wanted to hear from folks with the combo you're looking at and I don't have it. I am however a "gas guy" and fully versed on gas engines, performance and capabilities. The 7.3 will have a little edge over the 6.4 in power plus it has that 10 speed tranny. For me and my weight I think it might be a good match (except I don't like Fords) but at your proposed 16k I just can't see how a gas engine (or 7.3) could traverse this country as you want to do, in all kinds of weather, traffic etc. and not leave you wanting. That exhaust brake with that kind of load would be invaluable.

Sorry to repeat what has been said about a diesel but here I am, THE gas guy, selling myself on a diesel. Guess that's not a bad deal; I'd rather buy a new truck than a new set of tires and I get rid of them at 40k - which won't be too long. Good luck on your decision but for me I would think long and hard about that 7.3 - then go with the diesel. It's just too much weight. Hopefully someone with that combo, or close, will chime in with some candid thoughts.

Originally Posted by sourdough

It appears this thread is digressing in the direction of the first thread the OP mentioned. In his other thread he received all the commentary he received about diesel trucks, he specifically asked for input on the gas 7.3 in this thread. Before we head into a dozen pages of how great a diesel is lets keep that in mind.

Danny, unfortunately when a 5er gets to the 16K range gas MAY work, but it sometimes is just working. You more or less said that yourself with what seemed as a half hearted "it tows ok" .
When towing a 16K 5er having a TV that is rated to tow 25,225# as opposed to one rated to tow 18,000# makes a big difference in hill country. I am talking ablity to move the load not carry, I hardly notice our 13,000# 5er, either leaving the line or in the hills.
I think the diesel owners are just presenting to the OP that being close to max TOW, is not for all. That and once bought, finding he is not happy with a $70,000 truck, the difference in cost between a 7.3 and diesel is only about $8K, as the 7.3 is about a $2,500 option.
Danny, I am with you don't get a Ford diesel.