Hi all... Newbie here to the forum and Im looking for some input from experienced SD owners.

Ive had 2 F150's over the last 8 years and Im thinking about stepping up to a SD. We recently upgraded our travel trailer to a 30' , 6800# rig. After towing it home on labor day in 20 mph wind, the pucker factor got a little too high for my taste! I know im pushing my max capacity once were loaded up as my 09 F150 is rated at 8200#

My first thought was to go with a diesel, looking at the 6.4L would be in my price range. But then I did some reading, and since this is also my daily driver, and I only drive about 7 miles to work every day. From what Ive read, this can cause trouble in itself. So, now I am thinking the 6.2L would be a good fit for me. Oh, we probably put 2,000 miles or so a year towing. That may increase in the future.

My main question to you guys is....Would it probably be accurate that a gasser would be the way to go for me?

Also, is the 6.2 a pretty reliable engine? I did not seem to find major issues with it in my quick search of the internet.

Look forward to your comments!

 

My diesel is my daily driver. I live 2 miles from work.

I think, given what you have said, that either fuel would work for you. The gas trucks tend to be a little easier on the wallet up front.

 

Have you had that 30' trailer on a scale? Don't be surprised if it is more like 7,500 lbs.

 

I have 60,000 miles on my 2011 6.2l - no issues. Very smooth and stong engine. Biggest towing I've done with it is about 4 tonss on a 5 ton trailer; handled it very well.

 

I'm in the process of switching from diesel to gas; I pick up my 04 F350 tomorrow. It has the V10, and will do everything that I am used to with the diesel. It will cost me more in fuel, but that is relative to how much I drive a year- 6,000-7,000 miles. So, given that gas is cheaper than diesel, I won't spend that much more in fuel. Factor in maintenance costs (I do my own maintenance, but supplies sure do add up), 1 less battery, going from an auto to a manual, etc., I am anticipating that I won't spend much more a year operating this gas truck. The 6.2 does better of fuel (I assume from what I understand), so that may put it ahead as far as fewer costs are concerned.
I believe that it boils down to how much you drive. A diesel makes more sense if you tow real heavy, drive a lot of miles, or do both. Years ago, it was easier to justify a diesel. Today, gas engines can't be discounted as a better choice. I am excited to get this V10 truck.

 

The delivery sticker on the trailer is just under 6900 pounds. The brochure listed it at 5600 lbs I believe so that was a little deceiving.

Is there anything particular to look for in a used 6.2L. Anything that could be a sign of a problem?

 

I just switch from a 08 with the 5.4 to an 11 with the 6.2. This 6.2 is day and night. And if the computer in the dash MPG read-out is correct I'm averaging 13-14 MPG. It will go to 15 or 16 if I'm at a steady 55-60 mph. Of course that's not towing. The faster I go on the highway the better the MPG (unloaded). The 08 would average 11.5 down hill with a tail wind empty.
I towed a new 6x12 enclosed trailer home with the 5.4 empty and it struggled some. The 6.2 doesn't even know its there loaded.
Of course the diesel will tow even better with the torque. If I had a real heavy load Id think about diesel.
The SD ride is a bunch harsher than the 150 unloaded. But loaded it will ride as nice as the 150 IMO.

 

Haven't towed with my 6.2, but towed a LOT with my V10, and the gasser will more than get the job done.

 

So are these 6.2's built to go the distance? One I am looking at has 70k on it. Another has 42 but he won't come down to my price! I plan on driving it til the wheels fall off....which is hopefully a long time! No spark plug issues with these like the 5.4s?

 

I would go with the gasser too. You will be pleased with both the power and reliability