A couple interesting things to me.

In generalization, I think 4.30 gears using only 2nd through 6th is comparible to 3.73. I.e 2nd with the 4.30 = 1st with the 3.73.

The other nuance that comes into play is the G vs std torqueshift. In the 250, you get deeper trans gears giving the effect of 3.9-4.0 rear end. In the 350 you get the std torqueshift, which I think makes more sense to go with 4.30.

I think with the 250, going with 3.73 makes sense, but in the 350, I think you should go with 4.30 due to the 6R140

 

I couldn't agree more, well said!

 

Towed my travel trailer up to our camp at 8000 feet elevation, there are several 8 and 9% grades. Now my combined load of 7500k was no where near capacity but the 2017 6.2l F250 handled it like a champ. Such an upgrade from my 99 V10 f350. 3.73 gears don't seem to be a problem for me.

 

Are you carrying Fort Knox in that thing? My 30'er loaded up for a weeks vacation and a golf cart in the bed with 4 spares a jack and tools barely weighed that.

 

The TT is a 99 and weighs 5300, I added 3 group 29 batteries. I have it plumb full of gear, think of it as a gigantic bug out bag on wheels. Add all my tools, chain saw, generator, ice chests, dogs, firewood and it doesn't take long for the weight to add up.

I know the new trailers are substantially lighter than the older rigs. They want everything to be 1/2 ton towable these days. I have a hard time believing your 30 footer is that light weight.

 

It was, because I CAT scaled it on that trip. My new camper is 37', and stickers at 8500 with 3 slides. I haven't scaled it yet, and only towed it once, from the dealer to the campground, where it's been all year. Sure felt all of 8500.

 

Is it a "lite"? We very nearly pulled the trigger on a new 30 footer last year, we didn't find any that we're that light. At the time I had my 99 V10 f350 rated for 10k and most were in that ball park of being at the max.

 

It wasn't advertised as a "lite". It was a very basic bunk house with no slides.it sat low, which sucked with dragging in the back, but combine that with the lower roof line, it pulled like a dream.

 

Scale a trailer and the rig. know the Real Numbers.

my Coachman (fiberglass sided) 2005... 32 foot (29FKCS) is tagged at 2 locations on body... at 7,500 pounds.. but EMPTY is 8,300...

F 250, me & wife, motorcycle, stuff, Trailer is 17,000 rolling pounds.

 

There's hardly a difference between the 2 tranny gearing:

 

Short answer:

If you’re on an enthusiast forum, you want the 4.30s.

Everybody defending the 3.73s is only doing it so that they can feel better about settling for the 3.73s because it’s what was on the lot.

 

I disagree, people who don't tow often probably don't require the 4.30 gears.

However, I did settle for what was on the lot, mainly because the discount was to good to pass up. Could do a gear swap and still be money ahead.

 

You 100% just proved my point.. Lol

 

I had been bouncing back and forth between getting a new F150 or 250. Guys like GF with the YouTube videos of real time towing have helped me with feeling good about deciding on the 250 w/6.2 and going with the 4.30 gears. Thanks GF for the informative videos. They really helped me with knowing that the 6.2 w 4.30 gears will do me just fine. TT will be right around 7k lbs so your video’s show me exactly what I will see in new truck. I know when I go over the Blue Ridge or head out west, we’ll be in good shape.

 

nonrev,
glad you were able to get something out of the videos. I've got another trip report that I need to put up at some point. Maybe that'll be my project for the weekend.

If you wanna see anything else then let me know. I should be back over in the Blue Ridge area myself in the next 5-6 months.

all the best
GF