Buying new 6.2 truck, need axle ratio opinions for towing!
 

Buying new crew short bed 6.2 4x4 truck. newbie here. need opinions on my 5ver weight and recommendation for axle ratio and if a 250 is going to squat back of truck more than a 350 will. I live in Indiana where terrain is rolling. We travel thru Kentucky and Tennessee camping 20% and 80% daily driver. what would be best opinion on axle ratio and which truck a 250 or 350. thanks.

Heartland Sundance 5ver,

loaded up empty tanks 11,000 lbs
dry weight 9900 lbs
hitch weight 1910 lbs
GVWR 13,910 lbs.

I would go with the 350, not much more in price, plus it's always better to have more then you need rather then need more then you have. It seems to be a matter of preference on the gearing. From what I have been reading the MPG's are about the same empty. But you should be better towing with the 4.23 gear though. But you could get away with either the 250 or 350, and with either gear. I have the 3.73 gear and have no problems towing at all, but I do have a TT.

I'm doing this as my 4 month old F250 2011 6.7 diesel has left me stranded waiting for tow truck the last time. I'm leaning towards the 350 because my 250 squatted a bunch when trailer hooked up. I also plan on doing 18" or 20" tires/wheels from ford on truck so I'm guessing the 4:30 is way to go

Yeah...you'll def want to go with the 4.30 gears. The 6.2L is low on torque (IMHO)...and the weight you are towing with the 20" tires...will make it easier with the 4.30.

The 250 or 350 is just preference. A lot of folks get air bags to keep the truck level while towing. My vote is still with the 350.

Good luck with the new SD...and post pics when you get her!


biz
:-wink

I am a fan of the 4.30 gears and the F350. The 6.2 L will not have any issues pulling your 5ver at 11klbs

Here is our f350 with 5ver its slightly smaller than yours at 10k lbs loaded up.
Its slightly touching the overload spring but 5ver and truck sits pretty level.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U...rge%252529.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9.../Photo0051.jpg

My camper is 9960 loaded with a 1780 pin weight. My truck sat down about 3 inches in the rear with the camper hooked up. I got Timbrens, now it only sits down an inch.

You might be better off with a 350. I have 3.73 gears and have no problems. 4.30's would probably be better for your application.

As others have said, F350 with 4.30 gears would be a home run.

thanks. The dealer let me drive the only 6.2 gas crew cab truck he had home tonight. Its a 250 4x4 with 3.73 gears. I don't really like driving it as the front sits higher than the back end does. It drives almost like a boat! It does have a camper package on it and snow plow package on it so I'm guessing the front springs are much stiffer and that is why the front of truck sits higher? When I get mine, I think all I want is the FX4 package on it. The 350 with 4.30 gear is what I'm leaning towards.

The 250's seem to come almost level from what I've read, so depending on what packages it has, it'll effect the overall height. The 350's have a larger block in the back so no matter what you get, this truck has a good amount of rake.

Oh yeah, my vote is for the 4.30's as well.

The "camper package " option will give you a rear sway bar and beefed up front end foor an extra 140 bucks. The front end with this package sits level, on mine anyway. Good deal at 140 .

I have it on mine as well. Go 4.30's.

I know I'm out of step with the rest of the world (my wife said so and she's always right!) but if I were only towing 20% of the time I would go with the 3.73 gear, It will give a little better mpg. I have a 2012 250 with the 6.2 and have a place east of Johnson city Tn. I don't tow a camper but my truck dosn't even downshift when I go over Sam's gap on I-26 just before Erwin Tn. Just use tow haul, if you feel the need, thats what its for.

Big difference between going up a hill empty and pulling 11 or 12 thousand pounds behind you. That is why I have them. I probably tow 20% or less a year as well but when I do I need that power. You only lose about 1 mpg with the 4.30 gears. :)

I agree with nycsteve. With going with the Camper Package. It also adds the rear overload springs...which will help with squat issues.

If you go with the FX4 package...which is overall good...just be aware the Rancho shocks that come with it...are pretty disappointing...to say the least.


biz
:-X22

thanks, I was not aware of that. The more and more I keep hearing about Ford and their customer service with warranty issues, makes me think about looking for a GM Vortec. I hate to say this but.....I think Ford is getting to think their crap just doesn't stink because they survived without gov. assistance.