I'm in the market for a fifth wheel trailer and a truck. The 5er I want has a GVWR of about 14,300 lbs

One truck I'm looking at that fits my budget is a 2006 Ford F-350 DRW 4x4 6.0L diesel. It has an axle code of "37" which translates to "3.73 non-limited slip"

Is that bad?
Do I want a truck with limited slip or without?

I looked up on Ford's specs for the 2006 F-350 Super Duty DRW 4x4 and it says that both the 3.73 and the 4.10 axle gear ratio for that truck have the same GCWR of 23,500 lbs and 5er towing limit of 15,600 lbs

(see the screen capture)

So why get a 4.10 vs 3.73 when they both have the exact same limits? My only guess is that it's a tradeoff of higher speed fuel economy vs low speed torque.

(I posted this question on a RV forum, but I think it makes more sense to ask here)

 

Personally, the axle ratio would be the least of my concerns. The 6.0 motor would have me running away! Lots and lots of info about that motor!

 

The 6.4L (2008-2010) is one motor I wouldn't be interested in. The 6.0L (2003-2007) has issues too but if bulletproofed should last a long time, is my understanding. I'm looking for the 2005-2007 6.0L and to get it bulletproofed.

 

I'm only going to post once here.
There is no such thing as a bulletproof 6.0
They are a money pit, and now they're at least a 10 yr. old + money pit.
Here's a silly but very accurate teaching video to enjoy....

 

That's awesome! Hillarious!

 

Great video!

 

That was hilarious.

 

Funny but I like my 6.0 200,000 & still running strong

 

The 6.0 is a fantastic engine. Address a few items and you will have zero problems with it. Im sure you probably know what they are. ARP Head Studs, BPD EGR cooler and I also recommend a BPD air/oil cooler. Also take care of the service bulletin items.
As stated above, T diesel is only posting once here, so this shouldn't turn into a urinating match. Now you have both our opinions. BUT, I actually own one :-)
But I do love that video too.

 

OP, If you are going to tow often then you might want to look for the 4.11 gearing. No additional legal towing capacity, however it will get you moving a little easier. I have 3.73 and pull about 14K through a lot of harsh mountance terrain here in Arizona. Pulls great. The difference between the two ratios is actually very small and not very noticeable.

 

I've personally never owned a 6.0, but drove them every day for many years as med units. Lots of problems as they were worked on by people who didn't know what to do with them and owned by counties that didn't want to spend money on them to make them reliable. I will say this though in reference to the GVWR that you have mentioned, by the time you buy a camper weighing 14k and then adding weight to it by stocking it, with a LWB CC dually, you will most likely be over that weight limit IF that matters to you. My 6.4L was overweight with just truck and trailer('12 Sandpiper 365SAQ). Will it pull it? Without a doubt. Will it stop it? with good trailer brakes, no problem. I am only mentioning this IF those weights matter to you. I am BY FAR not the weight police, but had those concerns with my 6.4. Take a look around at the '12 and a half year model 6.7s and up. They are coming down in price since the '17s came out. Best of luck to you and post up a pic when an if you get the combo.

 

I had a 6.0 for 10 years. The engine never gave me one bit of trouble. Got rid of it because the Garret turbo was good for about 20,000 miles. After 4 turbos and 10 years Ford finally bought it back.