Looking to replace my E350 6.8l 4.10:1
Typical use is towing a travel trailer, 7500 to 8500lbs depending on how full I have it stuffed.
I believe I have it narrowed down to the F250 6.2l. I really do not want to go with diesel.
So, here are my questions...

Super Cab or Extended Cab? I won't have rear seat passengers often but when I do they will be adults. Will the SC be too cramped?

3.73 or 4.30 locking axle? The specs look like the 3.73 will do it but real world experience may be different. I do plan on driving to the coasts so I'll have to get over the mountains.

4wd or 2wd? Is gas mileage effected much? I know the 4wd will be nice in the snow. On the other hand, I have never gotten the van stuck.

Any other advice you'd be willing to share?

Thanks in advance

 

If your largest trailer is only 8500 pounds, then the 3.73 gearing is adequate with the 6.2L V-8. Only you would know if you need a locking differential.

A Crew Cab is much more comfortable for an adult compared to a Super Cab, but neither is super comfortable for an adult on long trips. I have a Super Cab. but I don't ride in the back. If someone has to ride in the back seat of my truck, then they should be thankful for the ride. If they complain, they walk. I didn't buy the truck for the purpose of me being comfortable in the back seat.

Yes, 4x4 trucks do get worse fuel mileage, slightly lower towing ratings and have higher maintenance costs. You are hauling around an extra 500 pounds of hardware to make the front tires spin.

 

Sounds like a Crewcab with the 156" wheelbase would be better for your situation. The 4x2 with an e-lock...and the 4.30 gears. However...if you cannot find a truck with the 4.30's (probably won't)...then the 3.73 should do the job.

The big difference with the 6.2L is the 6R140 tranny. It really is amazing...with locking out higher gears while in Drive...and using Manual mode for the mountain passes.

The same applies as the V10 and high revs...the 6.2L likes to rev high...and can run at 3500 thru 4500+ all day long.

Good luck...


biz

 

I'm pretty set on the F250 due to the frame and brakes. But just out of curiosity, how do you think an F150 with the 6.2 and 3.73:1 deal with an 8,000 lb trailer?

 

It'll do it, but I think the larger platform of the SD will provide more stability when towing. TT's are not fun to tow when the winds pick up... The stability control with the newer SD's I hear is pretty nice when towing.

I'd go for the 4.30's, mpg's are fairly close between the gear sets.

 

I wouldnt worry about the gears unless you plan to jump up in size with tires. With driving through snow I would buy the 4x4 but that's just me.

 

If you were only towing occasionally and staying local, you could get an Ecoboost or 6.2 F-150 that would handle it. Going cross country, you'll definitely want the Super Duty. The diesel would be better suited for cross country travel, but if you don't want one the 6.2 will work just fine. You'll want the crew cab, especially if you are going to have adult passengers. Also, I would get an F-350, not a 250. The difference in price is minimal, and the 350 has a lot more payload capacity. You'll max out the GVWR on the 250 pretty quick once you start adding up the tongue weight of the trailer, passengers, and cargo.

 

1.Crew cab, very roomy even if you're alone.
2. 4.30 gearing


Great choice. If I were getting a new truck it's what I'd get.

 

An F-150 Super Cab (2 wheel drive) with a 6.2L and 3.73 gears is rated to tow 11,200 pounds.

 

CrewCab!

Even without passengers, the extra space is amazing. 4x4 vs. 4x2 is a personal choice. I won't buy a 4x2, but that's me. Whatever floats your boat. Just remember that a F-250/350 has alot less weight over the rear axle than the E-250/350 does. Unloaded they have less traction. A locking diff would be nice
problem with the F-150 and the 6.2 is $$$$

you can only get the 6.2 in an F-150 if you get the high end trim packages. By the time you pay for that, you are looking at a decent CrewCab F-250/350. Heck, some of those F-150's reach past the $50,000 mark

 

$50k + for an F-150? Yikes. Even with $2k + in factory accy's (5er hitch, bed mat, etc) and the Lariat Ultimate pkg, I didn't pay that for my truck.

 

Check out the Ford web site and try building an F-150 with a 6.2L engine. I can build an F-150 using the Build and Price tool with a 6.2L, 4x4, 3.73 locking diff, Super Cab XLT with 6 3/4 foot bed, max tow package for $42675.

 

Why would you pay $43k for a 1/2 ton XLT Scab?

 

i wouldnt be buying anything but a superduty for that price.
and why not go with a diesel thats more power and better gas
treat it right and it will treat you the same.

 

Good question. I would hope he could actually get it for more like $35k depending on incentives, but still, good lord.

I paid $47k for my F250 CC 6.7L Lariat FX4 (everything but sunroof and nav). Between the two, I'd definitely plunk down the extra 4 grand...