We just finished our 3219 mile 7 state trip to Yuma AZ and it just purred along and used 0 oil even after going through the mountian grades in WY, MT, ID, OR, northern CA, NV AZ on mostly 2 lane roads and a lot head winds and very little tail winds. Overall it averaged 8 with very little none pulling miles and they were in town. One thing I verified again is the fuel on the west coast states is crap because of the way they blend it and the mileage drops when I'm using it. Figured in that 8 mpg is one fill that we got 6.7 in Nebraska pulling into a very nasty headwind but I set the cruise and lock into 4th and it did fine. I still love the manual mode and have a love hate relationship with the TH mode, it works great slowing down when going through small towns but going down grades and the way it upshifts going up grades in my opinion is less than desirable.

Denny

 

You mean to tell me that you used your 6.2 to tow anything?

All the internet forums scold guys like you (and me) stating that a real tow vehicle must be equipped with turbos and a full tank of urea.

And, to think our ancestors crossed the continental divide with their wagons that were pulled by oxen...not even 1 horsepower!

HAHAHA!!!

I'm always impressed with the little 6.2 that could. It's a great engine....no frills, no problems. Sounds like you had very safe travels.

 

My experience has been the same as yours Denny. Love that Manual Mode. Thanks to you for getting me to try it a few years ago. Won't pull without it now. It also seems like any winds are either straight on head winds, or 90 degree side gusts. Never seem to get a tail wind towing. Lol.

I also love all the internet experts that say it can't be done with a gas engine.

Keep the shiny side up, and keep hosing the bugs off the front wall.

If I ever trade mine in, it will be to upgrade to a dually, but still with a gas engine.

 

I've only have 59600 miles on it and I'm maintaining it for the long run because I would like to get 8 more towing years out of the beast and with good maintance on the whole truck shouldn't be a problem. The only thing I'm not happy with is the door panels because they are fading and it's in a garage all summer, the front brakes were gone a 29K because of misaligned slide pins, and I'm not really happy with the paint on my rear fenders because it's chipping way to much for not seeing gravel roads but the running gear has been flawless.
I'm running Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads on the original rotors now and just like on my last DRW they are great and don't make a sound and never fade.

Denny

 

Mine is getting it done as well and couldn't be happier with the 6.2. I am only at 4300 miles though through the first 13 months. I work from home and really only use it to tow or for weekend errands. Planning to get a solid 20 years out of it based on my lower anticipated annual mileage. I suspect this thing may outlast me.....

 

Denny - how many miles on your truck now? I assume the bulk of them are towing, correct?

I've read on here that there's potential the 6.2L will be killed off (closing that plant). I can understand that; they really don't need a 6.2L engine when the 7.3L is the "future" for gas trucking. Shame though, to see the 6.2L end, if that is indeed their intent.

 

We have 59692 miles with 39371 towing, 7 months out of the year it's are only transportation but when we are at our home base it's parked in the building with the trailer. I have a 03 F150 I use when home unless it can't handle what I'm doing.

Denny

 

I agree... the manual mode is Great... I don't use "TH".. it sucks..

 

Thanks.
What's your average trailer weight and pin weight? (Not Gross rating, but the typical actual weights across the scales?)

 

The trailer averages 16K when loaded for the winter, it can be 400 lbs either side of that depending how much water and other stuff is on board. My pin wieght goes between 3200 to 3400 depending again on water and what tanks its in, we always have at least 1/2 tank of fresh in our 100 gal tank when traveling. Last time I weighed the whole combination with the trailer full of water my truck full of fuel including the 50 aux tank and all my tools it scaled at 24400 but thats a moving target because of the liquids that are burned and drained off.

With the DRW truck and 13" disk brakes with 17.5 load range H tires on the trailer it's a pleasure to drive.

Denny

 

Very impressive. I realize that your rig probably isn't quite as quick off the line as a 6.7L under that load, but then again your combo is reliable and proven, and if she's getting the job done, that's what truly matters.

 

You would be surprised just how good it comes off the line if you really get your foot into it but also remember it's a DRW with 17 wheels and 30.4 dia tires so it has the lowest stock gearing at the pavement.

Denny