Hi, I'm looking at getting a 2016 F-350 crew cab long bed dually. I've been looking at the high capacity trailer tow package, and I see that it comes with a wide track front axle and 4.30 gears. I think the wide track front axle would really come in handy especially since it will be a daily driver, but I'm concerned about the fuel economy comparing to 3.73s. Most towing will be in the teens, but I will occasionally be towing dozers and heavy equipment that will be in the low to mid 20's. Is the wide track front axle worth getting with the 4.30 gears? Or is it better to go with 3.73s for better fuel economy?

How many MPGs have you gotten city/highway/loaded with 3.73s?
How many MPGs have you gotten city/highway/loaded with 4.30s?

Thanks!

 

I really love the tighter turning circle with the wide track front end. 4:30's run 2150 rpm @ 70 MPH

 

We have had ours for 18 months. Empty depending on where we are driving it can be 15-16 mpg and 10.5 towing fifth wheel thru mountains and flats. But going up hill. We can pass everything towing 14K. you'll love the wider front axle as it turns very sharply for tight areas.

 

Seems to me the pleasure of towing your big stuff will outweigh the higher rpms and unloaded driving time. I just have a SRW with 3.55 and at 72mph I'm turning 1600-1700 revs and when towing I'm between 8-10 with my tall trailer. I can work hard to average 17mpg driving empty.

Sounds to me the 4.30 and wide track front end would be great for you and you're not giving up all that much.

 

with you towing 20K. I would consider this. if towing max weight with 373 and straining trans and other components. vs not towing max an having a buffer weight with 430. I opted because of keeping vehicle for a long time for the 430.

 

I wanted the tighter turning capability and knew I would take a hit on fuel mileage with the 4.30 gears. Don"t care. Won't go back to the 'standard turning radius' truck.
Absolutely love the turning ability I have now.
I went from a 2011, Crew Cab Dually, 2wd to a 2015, Crew Cab Dually, 4wd.
Mileage hit has been about 2 per gallon, loaded or empty.
rw

 

The only thing that annoys me about the 4:30 is that it will sometimes shift three times going across an intersection. Sometimes in heavy stop and go (unloaded) I lock it into 3rd which minimizes shifting. I would never buy another ford truck without the wide track front end

 

Whodat,

I have had both 350 duallys, (the 2011 450 was really a 350 high capacity, not a true 450) and a true 450. For my money, the bigger everything on a 450 cannot be beat.

With 5ers, the wheels are 10+ feet from the rear of the camper. If this is true with the low boy you use for your dozer, you definitely want the wide front axle. If your low boy wheel are closer to the rear, not so much.

Crew cab 8 foot bed with no trailer can do u-turn in 3 lanes with wide track. Without it, you are happy if you can make it in 4.

All mileage is full 60 Gallon Titan tank all-day runs hand calculated of 60k plus miles in each rig, not instant mileage screen. Running empty at highway speeds I get 2 mpg better with the 3.73 than I did with the 4.30's easy 16.5 not 14.5 at 68-70. Around town 12 if it stays warm, 10 if if does not. Axle makes no difference.

Towing heavy (high profile 17k) at highway speeds I get 1/2 mpg better with the 3.73. Dependably 9.5 not 9.0, but I have seen 7.5 with wind on the nose for a whole tank, and 12.0 with a tail wind, but those never last for whole tank.

Around town loaded I keep 6th, and sometimes 5 and 4 locked out. These engines really soot up if rpm's aren't above 1,200 preferably 1,500. With 4.30 I would lock out one less gear and probably end up with the same mileage.

I live on the flats, and mostly run at sea level. If I lived in PA, WV, NH or the Rockies, or at any elevation above 3,000 feet where HP begins to fall off, I would definitely stick with 4.30. A lot less down-shifting with 10k, let alone 17k loads.

You will definitely need air bags with the 350; not so with a 450. Brakes and monster rear axle are incredible on the 450, but current engine brake on all 6.7's is really incredible.

Strictly talking the 350 now, the 4.30 will definitely pull better off the line if in a hurry, especially towing 17k plus. So, if you do a lot of around town towing 17-20k dozer, get the 4.30.

You don't really notice a 10k trailer behind a 3.73 at all. Once rolling, I don't think you notice the difference with, 17k until you hit elevation, a big head wind, or a decent hill. Mountain passes aren't an issue in either rear end, it is the constant shifting in rolling hills that is the negative with a 3.73.

 

Thanks for all the great information! It looks like I'm going to go with the high capacity trailer tow package especially for the wide track front axle.

 

I hope you're looking for a '15/'16 F350 because the new '17 F350 can't be had with the High Cap. Trailer Tow wide front axle...... this is what I've read. By the way, I absolutely love my 2016 F350 wide track "Tow Boss".

 

An option I was looking forward to when it comes time to order in the spring

 

"IF" what I read is indeed true I would like to know why Ford has dropped this option on the '17 Dually. Like everyone that has the the wide track on their F350 and of course the F450 guys comment about ..... the turning radius is outstanding and then you have the looks. Whats not to love!