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I won't get into an internet argument over this but [...]
You're arguing with a guy who continues to believe that Power Stroke is one word. So, good luck with that.
But, on the main topic, I think we all agree. Huge trailer + mountain passes = diesel. The only question that several have brought up is SRW vs DRW. That's probably a better question than gas vs diesel for this specific scenario.
Exactly. I laugh every time someone brings the "better resale value" justification when it comes to gas vs diesel. It makes it easier to spot who slept through basic economics in school.
OP, with that much weight and towing that often, you will want the extra torque of a diesel. You will likely also want a DRW just for the added weight if you upsize in the future. Just know that operating costs are higher and they are certainly not as reliable as they use to be. This is one major reason why the number of folks who keep them over 100K miles has dropped considerably and the used market is flooded. The other is the cost to repair is considerably more than a gas engine where that whole "resale value" argument goes out the window.
i find it crazy that 2015/2016's around me with 100,000+ miles on each of them are still for sale at 58,000$ canadian, and when they bought them they likely paid around the 80,000$ mark.
i have looked at multiple used 17/18/19 f250s in the last few weeks with varying mileage, and they are all the exact same price as buying brand new (lower finance rates on new vehicles)
a used 2016 platinum f150 is less then half of what was paid for it originally and those have over 75000 miles on them, i would be more worried about those then the diesel.
but i guess thats just different parts of the world. I do know that lots of americans will buy used f250/350s from canadian auctions because the dollar is so high for you guys. its hard to find them here because they are usually shipped out of country within a few weeks of them not selling
I normally don't advocate for diesel engines, but in your case OP, I would definitely suggest the 6.7l in a DRW truck. Just get rid of it before the warranty runs out. The 6.7 is basically all new for 2020, with a brand new transmission as well...so you will be a guinnea pig.
I finally got rid of my 04 6.0 last year. Had it for 14 years and it was a great truck. I downsized trailers a few years back so it was an easy decision to go with a 18 6.2 and save the dough I’d have otherwise spent on the diesel upgrade. If I still had a heavy trailer or was considering getting one, I wouldn’t have hesitated to go with a 6.7. If you’ve kept your 6.0 on the road all these years then I’m guessing you’re pretty religious about maintenance so if you treat that 6.7 with the same care, it’ll last a looooong time! For the weights and miles you’re talking about, I’d go 6.7 without stopping to think about it.
I would not want to tow 17K ish up mountain passes with a SRW. I would definitely go with a DRW. If you can afford it a F450 makes for an ultimate tow rig. Not to mention the awesome turn radius. I have 1K miles now on my 2020 F450 with some light towing. The power puts a smile on your face.
+1 Definitely go DRW & 6.7L all the way.
Gas Burners are great but they CONSTANTLY DOWNSHIFT towing light OR heavy.
Personally I can’t stand a gasser screaming at WOT & downshifting 2 & 3 gears on light hills. Probably more on slower / steeper Mtn Passes
I just traded my 2016 F-350 ccsb with 6.2 and 4.30 axle for a leftover 2019 F-450. I tow a Montana fifth wheel weighing approx. 14,000#’s. Wife and I decided we were gonna start venturing further from home on camping trips and I wanted a better tow vehicle to do it. Plus I got a smokin deal on my new truck.
the 2016 gasser did get the job done but always felt like it was just enough. The fuel range was horrible and as mentioned above getting gas could sometimes be challenging as most gas pumps aren’t set up for big rigs.
with the about of mileage you tow and the fact that you are looking to upgrade your trailer, you should future proof by purchasing the truck based off your future plans.
either way, good luck.
The 6.7l is obvious for power, but it it worth the extra costs in the long run?
You'll have to figure that out based on how long you keep it, how much you use it, what you pay for it as well as what you use it for.....
Not knowing all those variables start with price. Lower is better. Then look at use and factor in general maintenance costs, cost of ownership finance rates which will be affected by cost. Unless you are towing houses around and moving mountains I'd venture a guess that the 7.3 would be a great selection....my two cents.
I guess I am past the analysis to paralysis phase of my life. I will buy what makes me happy. The kind of weight you are talking about in the mountains, the diesel is a easy choice. Yes hands down.the gasser will do it but which one will put a smile on your face while doing it. I cleared property for a friend and put in a boat slip 100+ miles away last year. Towed equipment 2k miles and used both my gas and diesel trucks and the gas trucks did the job but the diesel did it without effort and put a smile on my face at every hill! I kept the loads under 12k with the gas rigs and the diesel was 14k+ all the time. So my new rig is a 6.7. Cj
That 7.3L gasser will be pumping out ~330 hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque going over those passes. Heavy load + mountain passes = something that is turbo or supercharged. Normally aspirated engines lose 3% per 1,000' above nominal (typically around 500 feet). So, if you're at 11,500', then you're losing ~25-30% off your power numbers ((11,500 - 500)/1000 * 3%). Passes around here are 11,000 - 12,000'. I wouldn't tow that much weight with a normally aspirated engine.
So, if you're seeing lots of mountain passes with a >12K load, I'd skip the gasoline engines.
For a 5er that big, I'd be considering DRW and the F-450.
I have a 14' ccsb f250 w/3.31 gears and 35" tires. I work pipeline construction and travel all over the US and am in the mud a bunch for work. The diesel es excellent at towing. Our old 5th wheel was a mobile suite and weighed 17.5k. My truck pulled it with no problems after some good airbags were added. before the airbags it couldn't get off the bump stops. This diesel also sucks in the mud compared to the 03' f250 w/5.4 I had before it. I plan on my next truck being a sc dually w/7.3 because the diesel is great for towing, but for everything else the gasser just beat it. This truck is high dollar on maintenance, and repairs are just plain stupid on the diesels. not to mention that you just about need a shop to work on them. whereas on the gasser repairs were cheap, less frequent, and I could do them in a parking lot or the rv park after work. If it doesn't have enough power then I will add forced induction. This will be a truck I plan to keep for 20 years or more so the added convenience and cheaper cost to own of the gasser is a big factor to me. yeah getting fuel may suck but I will live with it. It will be nice to have a pushrod big block. As far as the downshifting on hills goes, I run a pretty loud exhaust so it helps me stay awake late at night. besides gassers like to rev haha.
ultimately it is up to you. if you get the gasser go with 4.30 gears.
When towing ~17k pounds obviously a diesel is the ticket and you probably should be considering a DRW like others have mentioned depending on pin weight. As for reliability comparing to a 6.0PSD either engine should be a joy to own.
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