Looking to upgrade our '08 and have found a few F350's with the 3.31's and 18" rims. Anyone have that combo and towing around 20Klbs in hills and mountains?

Any 6.7L problems with buying a left over '14 over a '15. I haven't kept up with how this engine is doing and any problems year to year.

 

I have heard from many that are very happy with the 3.31/18 combo. I chose the 3.55/18 combo for my 12 and for my new 15 because I do get out in the boonies and tow about 10K bumper pull. May be overkill for me, but I really like the combo. Others can speak to what they have experienced with the 3.31s, I think you will not hear from any unhappy owners of 6.7s with any combo, they just flat love to tow....
As far as the 14 vs 15, it is a choice. I chose to order exactly what I wanted, so got a 15. I think you would be happier with the new gen 2 engine with engine brake if you tow as heavy as you say in the Mtns.
Best of luck with your decision.
Pat

 

Is the engine brake an option in the '15s or standard? Have a buddy with a Dodge that has it and it is pretty nice. I assume the truck will still down shift in conjunction with the brakes in tow/haul mode though.

So far I have found a '14 and a '15 both on lots with all the options I need, will just be a matter of if the '14 gets discounted enough to go that route unless the '15's are that much better.

 

THe engine brake on the 15s in standard for the 6.7. It alone is worth the jump to the 15 with the weight you tow in the Mtns....
Personally I would opt for the 3.55 gears and 18" wheels as well, heck I did and am about to go pick up the new truck.
Hopefully others will chime in as well, best of luck with your decision, your new truck will be night and day better than you 08!
Pat

 

I run the 3:31 and 18" combo. I do not tow as heavy as you indicate but I do pull about 13K fiver.


I never once have regretted this combo. pulls hard and has never disappointed me. I get 10.5 mpg towing my '5er.


The engine brake on the '15 is improved from that of the 11-14, but again I have never had an issue where I thought I needed more engine brake than what my '11 provided.

 

My truck is the '12 F250, 3.31, 18" CCSB and I bumper pull 9000 lbs in the mountains of the 4 corners region. Many highway grades are 7%-8%. And she doesn't have a problem up or down. A few dirt grades that I use are 11%-12% and here is where I wish exhaust brake were better. Depending on the dirt road condition going down hill, I will be in 1st gear, tow/haul, and maybe help it with the brakes periodically, or just start out in low range (tow/haul is disabled) and use the gears. On a relatively flat route towing I get 11-12 mpg. Unloaded (not towing) 19-21 mpg. I love working this truck!

 

Looks like the '14 with those options won't happen. Got the numbers back and deal isn't really any better than buying a '15. It is cheaper but mainly only because the options were a bit less in '14 so the MSRP was less but still it is about $10K off MSRP which is what I can get on a '15. I'll ask them if they truly want to move it and go maybe $15K off which would put it right around $35K otherwise no reason not to go with a '15 and probably why this '14 has sat for almost a year.

The '15 I am looking at has 17" rims and 3.55's.

 

The 15 would have 18" rims and 3.55. 17" are for dual rear wheel only.
I just picked up my 15 today with 18" wheels and 3.55 gearing. Got a total of 11K off, so good deals are out there. I had $750 customer cash and $500 Police Officer Union cash that helped the $4500 normal rebates around here. I also got $500 under invoice without any fight.
Get what you want and you won't find yourself in my position trading in after 3 years.....
Unless you choose to like me.
Pat

 

20K is waaay over recommended tow rating on any SRW truck. If you're going to buy a new truck, why not just buy a dually that's meat to handle the load you intend to tow?

 

My 13 DRW is rated for 22.5K I believe on the 5th/gooseneck.


Maybe the 20K figure is GCVWR?

 

The 2015 I have on order has the 355 elctronic locking with 20"wheels.

 

Galaxie......
1-- I was towing a 5th wheel at 17,500 lbs. 2011 F-350 SRW 18" LB CC 3.55.....The truck did great in the rockies of Montana and the Cascades in Oregon...... EXCEPT.......The truck needs an Exhaust Brake !!! Go the 2015!!

I discovered not long ago.....I was overweight for the SRW F-350. I just sold mine and ordered a 2015 F-350 DRW LB CC 3.73 (I would have stayed with the 3.55....But Ford won't let you.

2-- I would suggest that you look at the weights that you tow...Gross trailer weight...Pin weight.....and check Ford's specs.

Have Fun...

 

Towing 20K trailer in the mountains with a SRW & 3.31s? I'd definitely go for DRW and 3.73 ratio. You'll have far more stability with the DRW pulling that much weight.

 

^^^ what he said...
I think G.Bob has the two benefits of the DRW over my 6.7L, 6 speed, 3.55 CCSB with 20" tires...
1) Stability in the worst conditions - while mine does GREAT 98% of the time towing a heavy 5er, there are some times when the bad roads make for some pucker power

2) More available rear axle weight rating allows for heavier pin weights and no need to keep an eagle eye on 'extra' loading up front in the 5er.

BUT, in my case, the SRW with judicious loading and full awareness when towing works here in the southeast,
and the DRW still has a few drawbacks that won't let me make the change,
namely the hips, the length, and the loss of utility as a 2nd vehicle around a busy city...

 

I would definitely go with a DRW towing that much weight. Remember that their are other families lives at stake out there on the road than just yours. And if you do flatten someone's car out there and your insurance discovers you being that overweight they could choose to decline any claim you may submit. And I personally drive my DRW for work and personal use. Oh and they look cool too.