Currently I have a 06 F250 5.4L 6 speed stick, have used it solely to tow 5th wheel weighing in about 7200# plus "stuff", it towed well, not winning any races but never an issue. Just upgraded 5th wheel to one which weighs about 1800# more and the truck knows it...more shifting and a bit of a challenge on bigger hills. Truck only has 30K on it and I really like the stick and wish the new ones came with a manual, but wondering if moving up to a new 6.2 w/4.30's would be the way to go? Would it really be a night and day difference? Or would I say, ah, it's better but not worth the $$ to make happen?

Would appreciate your opinions....(don't want a diesel)

 

I agree with the manual transmission.. first auto for me in 50 years..

manual mode on the 6.2L is real nice.. like a manual without a clutch.

4.30 is great for heavy towing...
3.73 is not bad also.. I tow 2 or 3 times a year.. so 3.73 is fine... I tow 2,000 miles each way..
my truck, trailer, motorcycle and Gear is 17,000 pounds... I have no issues .
1,500 pounds in truck bed, and 1,100 tongue weight..

the 6.2 has 385 hp and 400 torque... so it does well at most all jobs.

 

my first truck had the 2v 5.4 triton. it was a 4-speed auto though, so more sluggish than the manual. i have driven a few 3v 5.4 tritons as well.

I have driven a 2014 f-350 SRW at work a few dozen times. it has a utility bed that adds about 2500lbs over stock. i have towed very heavy with it. mini excavators, skidsteers, air compressors, etc.

The 6.2 tows phenomenally for a gasser. It pulls harder than a lot of the older diesels. it's no 6.7 powerstroke, but it holds its own pretty well. the manual shift mode works great for ascending and descending steep hills.