Looking to buy a 2011 or newer F350 within the next year to pull a 5th wheel trailer.

Trailer weight is 11,600 lbs. Maximum loaded weight is 15,500 lbs but we don't anticipate getting near that weight, probably more a maximum of 14,000 lbs.

Our debate is between the 6.2 gas engine and the 6.7 diesel. Our intentions are to travel all around the country so we'll be on flat land as well as mountains. The primary concern is towing ability but a close second is gas mileage.

What is your experience/opinion?

 

Good job on describing your intended purpose. That info is critical. And based on your info, DIESEL, and it is a no-brainer.

Experienced heavy RV'rs would laugh at your mistake when they see your gasser.

Incidentally, that is a heavy fiver. In CA, you would need a class A license to pull that, whether you load it up to the rated GVWR or not. It is the rating of over 15k that puts you into class A.

 

x2 on the Diesel.
While not the 6.2 I had the 2010 v-10. Ran out of torque when it came to the hills here in PA (14K toy hauler). I switched this year to a 2011 diesel.
The mpg on the on the 6.2 is suppose to be better than the v-10. I got better mpg on secondary roads with the diesel than I got on the highway with the v-10.

 

I'm normally the guy that tells people they don't need a Diesel, but buying a truck specifically to pull a trailer that big there's no question. Get the Diesel.

 

Agreed on the Diesel. Especially if money isn't an issue and with a trailer that heavy. Regardless of fuel economy and such the diesel will most likely pull it better. My truck is rated to tow a 14k trailer.............maybe on flat land, and lower speed roads. I took the V10 because money was an issue and the truck I found was cheap for the options it had. I've never owned a diesel but check out the thread "Ohio Truck Meet" and get a perspective on how the different trucks run. That 6.7 diesel really shined getting the load moving.

 

Bill do you have a link to that information? Id like to save it.

 

Well I may be the first to post in this thread regarding the 6.2 and pulling... but I wouldn't count it out. Take a look at 2000silverbullet's run at the Ohio Truck Meet at the end of August. It pulled 15,300 just fine - in fact it was quite surprising coming from a v8.

That having been said, you will NOT get the gas mileage with it. If you spend a lot of time in mountains you will want a diesel. The diesel also has engine breaking capability. This will help you out when descending hills. the 6.7 is a strong engine.

 

Trey, here is a good summation:
Commercial Driver License Handbook Section 1

 

Thanks, I knew the CDL info for commercial drivers, which is 10,000lbs. But I knew that was wrong because lots of RV trailers are over 10k, But I had never been able to find the rules for non commercial drivers. Thanks

 

Weight + terrain = diesel (in your case)

 

+1 for the diesel. Sure, the gas motor will do it. But the diesel will do it comfortably.

 

I think this is a classic application for a diesel engine.

 

Thanks for all the input! (Especially the info about the Class A requirement)

I'm glad to know we're on the right track. Now it's time to pinch pennies & look for the deal of the century! -kc

 

Just to be clear, that is in California. I cannot say about Texas.

 

I agree, and I buy V10's.