7.3l gas towing 5er

[dalamarjj78]

We recently upgraded our truck from a 5L F150 to a 2022 F350 XLT CCSB SRW w 7.3L and 4.30 gears with 3991lbs payload capacity. But we tow a 7600lb TT, not a 5er (and aren't full timers) which is why I felt this engine was overkill enough and couldn't justify the extra cost of a diesel.

We haven't had the truck long and have only towed once back and forth to the shop (about 2 hours round trip) and I couldn't be happier with the performance. I found myself having to watch my speed and the 7.3 pulled our TT like our F150 pulled a utility trailer.

We also added the camper package and 5th wheel prep since our configuration offers up to 19k lbs towing for a 5th wheel in case we want to upgrade later.

That being said, if I were in your shoes I'd probably splurge on the diesel. I already learned the hard way that it's better to have too much truck than not enough.

[bcintx]

Originally Posted by LERD

What fortuitous timing. This review is very different from the other one I found. I've seen a few of their older episodes, and I didn't realize they had switched to a 5th wheel. I think it's really going to depend on whether we break that 14-15k lb mark. The fueling issue is one I have now, so we'll see.

They just recently split their youtube channel into a news only and a podcast channel. I enjoy their content even though I don't agree with them sometimes. They do a good job of reporting National Park news and reviews of parks and other places that they visit. When I watched this episode last night I immediately thought of this thread.

[wesaysoracing]

I have a 2020 F350 SRW super crew long bed, 7.3 gas, 3.73 , 10 speed, My 5er is a 2021 Montana high country 331 RL, grosses about 15,000, I pulled it from Illinois to Arkansas with no problems, truck seems to have plenty of power , the transmission wants to keep the RPMs around 1750 on level ground averaging around 6.5 Mpg ,
When I am hauling hay , the trailer and hay weighs approximately 22,000, truck has no problem running 70 miles an hour on the interstate
The engine will rev up to where it needs to run to go up hills but it maintains the speed

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

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.

My 7.3L F35 with a 4.3 axle, DRW / 4WD is rated for 22,000. I tow at 80% of that. Been all out west - way ups and way downs - and I got as good a tow as I did with my 1999 7.3 turbo-diesel, which I loved at the time.

[Mike1954]

I bought my F-250 XLT Super Duty 7.3 gasser new in March of 2021. I pull a Cougar 28SGS 5th wheel. Took it from Phoenix Arizona to Hart Michigan for 3.5 months last summer. Great trip, averaged 10 mpg pulling the 5ver. Absolutely not a lick of problems with any mountain grades between the two locations. Surprisingly the 7.3 10 spd automatic has a built in tranny brake and handled coming down any mountain with ease. Had plenty of power to get up and over all mountain ranges. The OP stated his trailer was going to be 15k or more. My 7.3 has the 3.55 rear end with the tow package and the factory 5th wheel prep kit. I use a PullRite 20k single point hitch (love it). I never have to worry about breaking my rear window when backing up. With the right rear end and a dually, should be more than capable of pulling his trailer.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by dalamarjj78

We recently upgraded our truck from a 5L F150 to a 2022 F350 XLT CCSB SRW w 7.3L and 4.30 gears with 3991lbs payload capacity. But we tow a 7600lb TT, not a 5er (and aren't full timers) which is why I felt this engine was overkill enough and couldn't justify the extra cost of a diesel.

We haven't had the truck long and have only towed once back and forth to the shop (about 2 hours round trip) and I couldn't be happier with the performance. I found myself having to watch my speed and the 7.3 pulled our TT like our F150 pulled a utility trailer.

We also added the camper package and 5th wheel prep since our configuration offers up to 19k lbs towing for a 5th wheel in case we want to upgrade later.

That being said, if I were in your shoes I'd probably splurge on the diesel. I already learned the hard way that it's better to have too much truck than not enough.

That 19k towing spec is towing a flat bed with blocks on it and not a camper. Max tow ratings from published specs are more salesmanship and are not realistic as payload is the main limiting factor. With a 4K payload, you will be looking at max a 14K gross weight fifth wheel to stay within your 4K payload.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by adeakins

My 7.3L F35 with a 4.3 axle, DRW / 4WD is rated for 22,000. I tow at 80% of that. Been all out west - way ups and way downs - and I got as good a tow as I did with my 1999 7.3 turbo-diesel, which I loved at the time.

Tony, just curious... what is the payload of your truck? If a gas engine is lighter, you should be pushing 6K lbs?

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by adeakins

My 7.3L F35 with a 4.3 axle, DRW / 4WD is rated for 22,000. I tow at 80% of that. Been all out west - way ups and way downs - and I got as good a tow as I did with my 1999 7.3 turbo-diesel, which I loved at the time.

So it only took 23 years to make a gas engine the equal to a 23 year old diesel.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

So it only took 23 years to make a gas engine the equal to a 23 year old diesel.

But they've already, in 2 years, built an electric truck that has as much HP/torque... Only problem is the length of the extension cords and voltage drop after the first mile...

[wegone]

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.

Ain't that the truth....

I am a greenie as to pulling, lightweight and gas, but if I had to say if one common thread exists to pulling a trailer is..."more is better"
By that I mean don't pull on the edge of TV ability, it will add more uncertainty, if not more risk, to your adventure.
You appear to be making a HUGE life change, as if you have worked up to this moment, I would suggest you don't minimize it with guessing, will it pull it OK...
It could really be a costly mistake.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

So it only took 23 years to make a gas engine the equal to a 23 year old diesel.

Yes equal to the 23 year old diesel but still nowhere near the new diesels for towing heavy loads, horsepower & torque.

[BP68]

My 2020 F-250 7.3L gas replaced my 2017 F-250 6.7L diesel. Both trucks with Air Lift bags in the rear. I had a SuperChips tuner for the 6.7L (this helped a bit). I've not tried a tuner for the 7.3L

We tow a Cougar 359 MBI, 14,000# and 40'.

The 7.3L has 900# more towing capacity than the 6.7L. The truck is more than capable of handling our 5th wheel and I have no complaints. On the road, I think I actually have a smoother ride in the 2020 vs 2017 - not sure if this is suspension or engine weight.
Admittedly, I had more torque with the 6.7L - but I'm not uncomfortable with the power offered from my 7.3L.

Overall, cost of the 7.3L was ~$9K less than the 6.7L option WITH more tow capacity. Even with a lower MPG from the 7.3L, the cost of ownership is lower than the 6.7L AND doesn't require DEF or expensive service related to a diesel.

I plan fuel stops meticulously and haven't had issues filling up while I'm towing.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by BP68

My 2020 F-250 7.3L gas replaced my 2017 F-250 6.7L diesel. Both trucks with Air Lift bags in the rear. I had a SuperChips tuner for the 6.7L (this helped a bit). I've not tried a tuner for the 7.3L

We tow a Cougar 359 MBI, 14,000# and 40'.

The 7.3L has 900# more towing capacity than the 6.7L. The truck is more than capable of handling our 5th wheel and I have no complaints. On the road, I think I actually have a smoother ride in the 2020 vs 2017 - not sure if this is suspension or engine weight.
Admittedly, I had more torque with the 6.7L - but I'm not uncomfortable with the power offered from my 7.3L.

Overall, cost of the 7.3L was ~$9K less than the 6.7L option WITH more tow capacity. Even with a lower MPG from the 7.3L, the cost of ownership is lower than the 6.7L AND doesn't require DEF or expensive service related to a diesel.

I plan fuel stops meticulously and haven't had issues filling up while I'm towing.

Well while you may be happy you keep confusing towing capacity with payload.
The only possible way you 7.3 gas would have more pulling capacity than your 6.7 diesel is if the 7.3 had a 4.30 rear gear with 10 speed and the diesel had a 3.42 rear gear and 6 speed.
Even then the gas tops out at 19,000# and diesels start around 20,000#.

[notanlines]

BP, what rhagfo said. You aren’t anywhere inside the envelope with your F250, and are completely confused where tow capacity and cargo capacity are concerned.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by BP68

My 2020 F-250 7.3L gas replaced my 2017 F-250 6.7L diesel. Both trucks with Air Lift bags in the rear. I had a SuperChips tuner for the 6.7L (this helped a bit). I've not tried a tuner for the 7.3L

We tow a Cougar 359 MBI, 14,000# and 40'.

The 7.3L has 900# more towing capacity than the 6.7L. The truck is more than capable of handling our 5th wheel and I have no complaints. On the road, I think I actually have a smoother ride in the 2020 vs 2017 - not sure if this is suspension or engine weight.
Admittedly, I had more torque with the 6.7L - but I'm not uncomfortable with the power offered from my 7.3L.

Overall, cost of the 7.3L was ~$9K less than the 6.7L option WITH more tow capacity. Even with a lower MPG from the 7.3L, the cost of ownership is lower than the 6.7L AND doesn't require DEF or expensive service related to a diesel.

I plan fuel stops meticulously and haven't had issues filling up while I'm towing.

I'm not "piling on" (or at least not intentionally) but having owned diesels since the 1980's, the part I highlighted in your post has not been my experience. If you've got time, what "expensive service related to a diesel" do you mean??? For me, it's been a wash in oil changes, tires/transmission/rear end service has been the same as a gas truck and the engine service (oil/filter changes) have been essentially the same. On gas engines, it's a $40 oil/filter change every 5K miles, on a diesel, it's a $79 oil/filter change every 10K miles. As for DEF, $7 every oil change. That equates to about 7/100ths of a penny per mile or increases the oil change from $79 to 86.

What other increased service costs have you encountered ???

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by BP68

My 2020 F-250 7.3L gas replaced my 2017 F-250 6.7L diesel. Both trucks with Air Lift bags in the rear. I had a SuperChips tuner for the 6.7L (this helped a bit). I've not tried a tuner for the 7.3L

We tow a Cougar 359 MBI, 14,000# and 40'.

The 7.3L has 900# more towing capacity than the 6.7L. The truck is more than capable of handling our 5th wheel and I have no complaints. On the road, I think I actually have a smoother ride in the 2020 vs 2017 - not sure if this is suspension or engine weight.
Admittedly, I had more torque with the 6.7L - but I'm not uncomfortable with the power offered from my 7.3L.

Overall, cost of the 7.3L was ~$9K less than the 6.7L option WITH more tow capacity. Even with a lower MPG from the 7.3L, the cost of ownership is lower than the 6.7L AND doesn't require DEF or expensive service related to a diesel.

I plan fuel stops meticulously and haven't had issues filling up while I'm towing.

Not piling on but attempting to explain. Your truck has sticker on the driver's door that has the tire pressures and a statement that reads "all passangers and cargo shall not exceed xxxx pounds". That is the payload capacity of the truck as it left the factory. ANYTHING YOU ADD DECREASES THAT PAYLOAD, including the air baggs.

The 5 th wheel trailer pin weight is generally estimated at about 23% of the trailers weigh which. You liist as 14k. So estimated pin weight would be 3,220 lbs. That alone is likely over or close to your truck's load capacity. Add another 200 lbs. for the hitch and you're pushing 3,500 lbs strappped to the back of that truck. Now you've reduced the payload by using up ~3,500 lbs. of it. Now subtract from that remainder the weight of yourself over 170 lbs., full weight of your wife, kids, pets, snakks, drinks, tools, flashlight and EVERYTHING else you put in or on that truck after it rolled off the assembly line.

If you want to know exactly where you stand take the rig as it is going camping and visit a CAT Scale. Their website, catscales.com, has all the info and instructions as well as a nice phone app. I'm not not a gambling man but I'll bet your truck is overloaded, and likely by a lot. I hope you find this info useful for everyonesafety, including others on the road near you.

[wegone]

I tried to ask this question before in a new thread, after reading this thread, but it seems a "hot topic" and was removed.

I hope I might find an answer to my question because I might need to decide on a future TV with what others say/input.

I feel its relevant to this forum.

Does one fuel have an advantage over the other, with future refining and availability concerns?

Play nice guys, I want honest input please, not politics, etc. OK?

My 2011 F-250 6.2 gasser FX4 SD runs great at 140K.
But who knows what might happen on the next tow?
I would consider ALL options to maintaining our towing life, which I imagine will be till my last breath, and I know it comes a point when you have to get a new pony, as age can never go backwards.

HOPEFULLY, thank you

Note: Thanks to those who do own real life experience with the set up the OP asked about. Nice to get firsthand testimony.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by flybouy

Not piling on but attempting to explain. Your truck has sticker on the driver's door that has the tire pressures and a statement that reads "all passangers and cargo shall not exceed xxxx pounds". That is the payload capacity of the truck as it left the factory. ANYTHING YOU ADD DECREASES THAT PAYLOAD, including the air baggs.

The 5 th wheel trailer pin weight is generally estimated at about 23% of the trailers weigh which. You liist as 14k. So estimated pin weight would be 3,220 lbs. That alone is likely over or close to your truck's load capacity. Add another 200 lbs. for the hitch and you're pushing 3,500 lbs strappped to the back of that truck. Now you've reduced the payload by using up ~3,500 lbs. of it. Now subtract from that remainder the weight of yourself over 170 lbs., full weight of your wife, kids, pets, snakks, drinks, tools, flashlight and EVERYTHING else you put in or on that truck after it rolled off the assembly line.

If you want to know exactly where you stand take the rig as it is going camping and visit a CAT Scale. Their website, catscales.com, has all the info and instructions as well as a nice phone app. I'm not not a gambling man but I'll bet your truck is overloaded, and likely by a lot. I hope you find this info useful for everyonesafety, including others on the road near you.

Marshall, two things that are changing, first GM and Ford both started increasing the GVWR of their 250/2500 past the Class 2 limit of 10,000#. The second the 7.3 is about 900# lighter giving that 900# back in payload, so they could’ve within GVWR and rear axle rating.
I love the fact that they feel the need to put Air Bags on the TV to support the load.
Even with the old 2001 Ram 2500, carrying a 2,700# pin that put us 1,700# over the GVWR of 8,800# never had a need for Air Bags. We were just under the rear axle rating of 6,084#.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Island Eddie

I tried to ask this question before in a new thread, after reading this thread, but it seems a "hot topic" and was removed.

I hope I might find an answer to my question because I might need to decide on a future TV with what others say/input.

I feel its relevant to this forum.

Does one fuel have an advantage over the other, with future refining and availability concerns?

Play nice guys, I want honest input please, not politics, etc. OK?

My 2011 F-250 6.2 gasser FX4 SD runs great at 140K.
But who knows what might happen on the next tow?
I would consider ALL options to maintaining our towing life, which I imagine will be till my last breath, and I know it comes a point when you have to get a new pony, as age can never go backwards.

HOPEFULLY, thank you

Note: Thanks to those who do own real life experience with the set up the OP asked about. Nice to get firsthand testimony.

If answers to your question become political, they will ALL be deleted....

That said, I'm 74, my daughter is 50, grand daughter is 24 and great-great grand daughter is 3.

If I need to buy a new truck, it'll be diesel. I'd suspect my DD and DSIL will be driving gas/diesel when they die, my DGD will probably be driving "fossil fuel vehicles" when she dies and my DGGD may or may not be driving "fossil fuel vehicles" through most of her lifetime.....

So, if I were you, I'd stop worrying about whether diesel and gas engines will be outlawed during your "breathing days"... I'd suspect they won't even be "competetively challenged" by alternative power sources until long after everyone reading this is "a distant memory"......

Granted, there may be some "amazing breakthrough in battery technolgy" as soon as tomorrow, I'd suspect with all the other problems our world is facing from cancer to how to feed the growing population to how to transition from "oil based fabrics (pleather) to natural fabrics (leather)" in upholstery to methane production in the beef and leather industry, that the priority isn't going to be on alternative fuel vehicles, rather it'll remain focused on "cleaner current fuel vehicles".....

Just as O2 sensors, lead free gas and catalytic converters was a "first step in cleaning up gas engine exhaust in the 70's, DEF is a "first step in cleaning up diesel engines today" (50 years later)....

Fossil fuel will be around long after you're dead and gone......

[sourdough]

We will be using fossil fuels long after myself and 3 more generations of my family are gone - we have no reasonable, viable alternative and won't for a long, long time. Since we will be using fossil fuels it won't be important whether you use diesel or gas as they both will be there. The only considerations one should have about gas or diesel from anyone old enough to type are the same ones that have been discussed forever; cost, power, best towing engine etc. not whether fuel will be there to power them.....unless you're trying to preorder a 3124 electric tow vehicle....and I doubt you will get that either unless you're content with a 50 mile range per 24hr. period. There are FAR too many priorities that need to be addressed other than this.