I have a draft VOC for a 2016 F250 waiting for me to sign off on. Here are the details: 6.2 2WD Crewcab 603A; shortbed; console front seat; XLT value pkg; powerscope mirrors; chrome tube steps; and roof lights. Blue Jeans with adobe interior.

The truck comes standard with the non-limited slip 3.73s. I tow a 8k lb travel trailer loaded. I never go off-road or drive aggressively. Truck is a daily driver as well. Any reason to go to the electronic locker? Or even 4.30s?

 

If ordering/ building a truck for the little extra I would order 4:30 with the E locker. Right now you might think you don't need them but down the road its nice to have the option.

 

4.30 e locker!

 

I have a 2 Wheel Drive 2011 F250 6.7 diesel with the electrical locking differential and 3.31:1 rear axle, gets between 18 and 20 MPG. The electrical locking differential is real nice to have, it locks up both rear tires if your in soft sand, mud, or snow situations. Myself I pull out trees that I have cut down in my back property that are in really soft sand. A nice alternative to the expensive 4X4 option. On the gear ratios, the lower the number the taller the gearing, my 3.31:1 gears give me the lowest RPM's at freeway speeds which give you the best gas mileage, if you go to 3.73 or or even lower geared 4.30:1 you'll have great pulling power, but your engine will turning more RPM's on the highways and you'll be burning more fuel to go the same speed. I'd recommend for the 6.2 gas motor (because I've heard that it doesn't get the best gas mileage), I'd go with the tallest gear ratio you can get, definitely not 4.30:1

 

4.30s

 

I tow a 9k travel trailer with my F250 6.2 I have the 3.73 rear with the e-locker. My truck is 2wd. I am happy with the 3.73, pulled some 5 and 6% grades no problem.

I would suggest the e locker, it may come in handy in some campgrounds. It may save you one day from getting stuck.

 

If traveling with a TT you won't be racing anyway. I will pay dividends on the grades.

 

Get the 4.30 e-locker, you won't regret it.

 

Don't fear the gear.

 

another vote for 4:30

 

I tow a 12000 lb 35 ft. TT with my F250 with 3.31:1 gears with ease. At 65 MPH she's turning only 1600 RPM, at 80 she's turning 1800 RPM.
FACT: Lower RPM equates to better mileage and longer engine life.

 

3.73's are ok...get the e locker for sure...

 

The OP is asking with a gas engine not the diesel. 3.31 & 3:55 are ok with the diesels though. There is enough torque to let the monsters go with higher gears.

 

I ordered a new 2011 XLT CCLB SRW with 6.2l, 3.73 with e locker and had no trouble with it is why i answered as i did. It pulled the trailer just fine with no problems.

http://services.forddirect.fordvehic...&FallBack=true

 

If you are going to drive this truck every day to and from work than 4.30's are stupid to have. when towing they may be a little better but depends on how much towing he does versus daily driving. Also with 4.30 the motor will be screaming going down the road. It will also limit the top end speed over the 3.73's. Sure you can get off the line faster but its a truck not a race car. Personally the decision for me was how much my trailer weighed and how much I will tow with the truck. I only have 4,000 on my truck but have towed the trailer 1,000 miles of that. I pulled the trigger on the 6.7 for that very reason. I also have the locking rear with 3.31's and get 11 to 12 when towing a 5th wheel at 13,000 lbs. With gas expect to get around 6 or 7 towing. I do hope you enjoy your truck as much as i enjoy mine.