I too have considered this. My 17 is paid for and works fine with only 42k miles on it. The crazy used prices have me considering selling and ordering a new one though. I just don’t want to go back to a truck payment but the used prices and 7.3 have me really looking.

 

I got a Pedal Commander. Works really well, it’s unbelievable the difference it makes, the acceleration is really amazing…

 

You probably won't have much of a truck payment. Contact your local dealers, CarMax, carvana, vroom, etc. See what they will give you and then price out a new one.

 

Back the question... Our 5er is at 14K max gross. For a camping trip it comes in around 12K, with 3100lbs ish pin weight and it tows fine. Pulling grades I like to be at 4500-5500prm and I can go as fast as I want too. I've also towed the trailer at just over 14K and it towed fine too. Your truck will do it but you might be over on payload depending on pin weight with a 250.

 

I'd appreciate hearing more about comments on 5 Star or other super tunes and how they help towing.

My experience is much like acsdianbob's. I have a 2019 Lariat, 6.2, 4:30 towing a 12,500# Montana 5er. I have towed it 20,000 miles in every type terrain, including major mountains. Yes, I just don't get in a hurry and let the truck do its job. I don't run the crap out of it. Downhills are my biggest concern. I average 8.5 MPG in heavy mountains and 9.5 MPG on flat terrain. Wind is a factor for everyone.

It's a great truck. Personally, I wouldn't want to tow (particularly in mountains) more than I have with a 250 or any gasser, although it could do it. My truck has the slide-in camper package, snow plow package, air bags, and RanchoXL adjustable rear shocks. It tows stable. I'm right at max payload, which is my biggest concern. I'd probably go deezul if I towed heavier, but a 250 deezul cannot handle my payload.

A friend has been towing a similar 5er with a 7.3, 4:30. It pulls well but not night-and-day difference.

Bottom line, IMO, payload is your biggest limitation.
I'm not likely to trade up, but IF I did, my most important features would get a 350 (for payload), 8 ft bed (48 gallon gas tank), 10 speed trans (especially mountains), and 4:30. I'd probably pay for a 7.3, but the above listed items would be my most desired.

I HATE the 34 gallon gas tank.

 

I think we might be long lost twins because that’s exactly the conclusion I am arriving on what I am going to order at some point, which I suppose will arrive some time 2023, lol : 350 SRW CCLB for the long range and payload. I too might still order a 6.2 while I wait for long term reliability on the 7.3 to be known.

 

I’m with you fella’s. The 11,900gvwr and 48 gallon tank are too good to pass up. I ordered an XLT with the 7.3 and 4.30 gears, and expect to have a 4300lb payload capacity. My 2016 6.2/3.73 pulls my 10,000lb trailer very well, but I’m looking forward to hitting the same hills at 4000-4500 rpms instead of 5500.

 

Our, just arrived, F350 with 7.3 and 4.30's is a Lariat with extras; payload is 4,185. Our F250 6.2 payload was 3,109. So, an F350 is probably a good idea.

It rides great by the way.

 

I just bought a 2018 f-350 short bed with the 6.2/4:30 combo. Looking forward to pulling with it and comparing it to my diesels I’ve had. Tired of all the emissions on the newer diesels so I figured I’d try the gasser this round. Definitely would like more info on either 5star or the banks pedal command.

 

Had a 2018 F250 CC longbed with the 6.2 litre. It was fine for a daily drive and for plowing but when I went south to pick up a trailer and return with it... an aluminum cargo trailer that weighed a mere 1500 lbs, it felt like brakes were being applied all the way back north. The trailer has a V-front and mileage went from 16 to 9, with the trailer empty. I have to say I was disappointed in the engine's performance... it needed a turbo on it. Granted my previous trucks had the 7.3 litre diesel engines and they were divine. I'm not really going to need an F250 anymore and was so unhappy with the 6.2 engine that I sold the truck and ordered an F150. I'll probably miss not having a "real" truck... but I guess I'll just get used to it.

 

On The Sandlot there is a shot of Denis Leary's car in the driveway and you can see the old school hitch. It was just clamped to that massive steal bumper and they towed Uhaul trailers and campers with those.

 

We tow > 12,000 lbs of Airstream and “stuff”. No problem at all through mountains of New England. Average ~ 11.5 mpg. No doubt the new ten speeds help, but sounds like you had something wrong with your setup. I tow more than 1500 lbs with my Wife’s Subaru no issues. Maybe you need a Subaru.
p.s. I towed/hauled with diesel for 15 years before this truck.