Hello Everyone,

I have been a lurker for a long time here, but this is my first post. Thanks to all the members who have posted that I gained a lot of insight to.

Right now I own a 2011 F350 SRW Crew Cab XLT with the 6.7 Diesel. I haul a 32ft 5th wheel camper, a 40ft gooseneck flatbed for ATV's and a 20ft cargo trailer. The truck hauls fine, but I don't actually haul a lot for a long way. I am from Wisconsin and rarely move out of state. This is all for work purposes.

I looked into the 2013 gas engines and noticed they are rated only 1,000lbs less than the diesels.

I love diesel engines (loved them more prior to 2007), but fuel prices, repairs and maintenance costs are not so loved.

Anyway, for those who have the 6.2, would you see the need for the diesel for only casual use pulling max of 15k? I pulled a lot with the diesel, don't get me wrong, but the gas engine seems more appealing to me now days.

Also, for going from diesel to gas I can go from XLT to Lariot which makes me happier. My dad has a F150 platinum and man, I wasn't one for decked out interiors, but I am after I ride in his truck (he is upgrading from the 150 to the 350 to match my truck, and we are doing this at the same time). I'm also getting the CNG prep kit in case I can find someone to build me a CNG tank system. We have them in Wisconsin and it'd be nice to run $1.25 over $3.60ish. Plus I hear CNG is better for the engine.

I only worry that the 6.2 isn't going to perform like I want it to. I don't have many friends who are Ford fans, so I don't have much input there!

 

I have a F250 with 6.2 and 4.30 gears. I pulled an 8000lb trailer the other day and I could barely tell it was back there. I think the 6.2 could handle the 15k trailer, but my guess is fuel mileage would be horrible. how far are the trips you take with the trailers? If they are less than 30-40 miles one way then I'd maybe consider the gas over diesel, but would probably go with the diesel anyway since the type oftrairs you pull are what a diesel is built for.

 

If you go gas then please get the 4:30 gears. Don't let the dealer talk you into 3:73. You probably will have to order a truck with 4:30's but it will be worth it.

 

It always cracks me up whenever someone says this. An empty flatbed semitrailer can be as light as 8,000 lbs, and with a 1,650 ft-lb diesel in my Kenworth I could most certainly feel it back there. I believe it handled it well though.

+1, you would be best served with 4.30s.

I think the 6.2L will serve you well for your use as long as you understand that it will behave far differently under load. My V10-powered Excursion has towed 16,000 lbs through the mountains of Vermont with no issues, and on the highway I was able to hold overdrive for the majority of the time. The 6.2L engine has far more power and a MUCH better transmission.

 

4.30 gears and you will be fine. You aren't gonna hurt the engine, just keep the RPMs up. Don't lug it and don'expect it to pull quite like your diesel and you will be plenty satisfied. My 2013 6.2 with the 4.30 gears moved like a freakin missile until I put my 37s on it.

 

OP stated fuel prices are a concern. If that truly is the case, wait 'til you get the 6.2, that thing loves to stop for a drink.

There was mention that pulling would be casual, but that you towed alot with the diesel. Are you driving habits changing? Not sure, sorry, trying to get a read on what it'll be used for. A casual pull of 15k, sure no problem. More frequent pulling that heavy (daily/weekly stuff), then I think you're in for a rude awakening after owning the 6.7. I love my 6.2, but if you're towing heavy alot, the diesel will do it easier.

Do a search here in the SD forum as well for "Ohio meet". Some good stuff there...

 

Thanks for the input everyone.

I take my camper out about 4-5 times a year (I wish more).
We take a work related flatbed out about 4-5 times a year.
We take a work related 20ft enclosed out a lot. Not so concerned with the enclosed as my father pulls that with an 11' F150.

I am really leaning on keeping the diesel. The setup I have is I own the truck personally but am compensated to make up the truck payment. A perk for working the job I do.

I wanted the thrills of the Lariot however I don't think im ready to give up the diesel. I am not very knowledgeable on trucks (I'm more a computer geek than anything but I am learning more as I read up here)...

Again, I don't think the gas is what I want to go to. I don't want the low MPG even though gas is cheaper. The warranty of the diesel is far better as well.

Here is what I usually tow:

 

Stick with your current ride and you will be farther ahead

 

the trailer I pulled was an 18ft flatbed with a 773 bobcat on top of it, total weight was around 8000k. I could tell I had something back there, but it barely gave the engine a workout.

 

I agree, I'm getting right at 13mpg unloaded with my 6.2/4.30 combo and i have to drive like I have an egg under my foot and keep the cruise set around 55-58mph.

 

I'm at about 8.5 or so (93 tune), and drive like I have a dozen eggs ON my foot.

 

My experience with the 6.2 3.73 has been fairly positive. My rig on the CAT Scale is: Front Axle 4440 Rear Axle 4960 5th Wheel Trailer 8880 without the atvs or water. My truck pulls the load really well but the MPG drops from 11.5 unloaded to 8.5 loaded. I average 62MPH. This is hand calculated and is mostly mountain driving. What I do find is it mostly stay in 5th unless on flat terrain where it will drop to 6th.
I agonized over the whole diesel/gas question and settled on the 6.2. It seems to have the gut but I will say that if I were to be towing more than I do I would have to go with the 6.7. That extra maintenance cost is a scary proposition though.
The question I have is knowing the trannys are the same, does the diesel run in mostly 5th as mine does and does it really hurt to run in 5th most of the time while towing? The tach seems pretty steady around 22-2400 unless it drops into 4th then it might go to 28-3000 until it drops back into 5th.
Thanks to all the good folks on this forum who provide their insight and experience.

 

I have a '13 6.2 with the 4.30 gearset.
Based on what you tow, keep the oil burner.

 

I could not agree more. You'll be taking a huge step backwards after what you're used to. The 6.2 would be ok, but at that weight frequently...no.

 

I am a former diesel owner (Cummins). I love my V10, no regrets WHATSOEVER in going from oil burner to gasoline. But...based on the weight you're pulling, the frequency that you're pulling it around, AND the fact that your work pays for your rig, keep the 6.7.

By the way...is your employer hiring???