Towing question
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2021
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Towing question
Looking to build a truck for my son. He wants a F350 lariat. He would like the 7.3 SRW. Plans on towing a fifth wheel weighing in at 16000 loaded. Can he get away with the 3.73 or should he go with the 4.30 would like to use it as a daily driver also. Any insights would be helpful
Thanks
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,620
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From: Black Hills of SD
Looking to build a truck for my son. He wants a F350 lariat. He would like the 7.3 SRW. Plans on towing a fifth wheel weighing in at 16000 loaded. Can he get away with the 3.73 or should he go with the 4.30 would like to use it as a daily driver also. Any insights would be helpful
Thanks
Thanks
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2021
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yea that’s not going to happen
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2017
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I love these towing questions as they certainly create opinions. But is excellent you are looking at the issues before your son purchases the new truck.
I will answer your stated question first. Should I get the 3.73 gears or the 4.30 gears? (Can he get away with the 3.73 or should he go with the 4.30)
The 4.30 will up the towing numbers as they will be able to get the truck/trailer going easier. It will also increase your gas mileage a bit.
But the real question should be, can I tow safely with this truck for a 16,000 lb fifth wheel?
The payload numbers (not the towing limit) are something that many do not look closely at. The experts say that the the payload transfer of a 16,000 (at 23%) will be 3680lbs. The next question should be, what will be the payload of the new truck? And what other "stuff" including people are you putting into the truck?
As you get a heavier trailer to tow, even if you are within the numbers, do you want to be safe? A long bed truck is more stable and also a Dual Rear Wheel is more stable.
I hope this helps you think about your son's truck, and I will assume his family will be in the truck when towing this trailer.
Good luck on the new truck.
I will answer your stated question first. Should I get the 3.73 gears or the 4.30 gears? (Can he get away with the 3.73 or should he go with the 4.30)
The 4.30 will up the towing numbers as they will be able to get the truck/trailer going easier. It will also increase your gas mileage a bit.
But the real question should be, can I tow safely with this truck for a 16,000 lb fifth wheel?
The payload numbers (not the towing limit) are something that many do not look closely at. The experts say that the the payload transfer of a 16,000 (at 23%) will be 3680lbs. The next question should be, what will be the payload of the new truck? And what other "stuff" including people are you putting into the truck?
As you get a heavier trailer to tow, even if you are within the numbers, do you want to be safe? A long bed truck is more stable and also a Dual Rear Wheel is more stable.
I hope this helps you think about your son's truck, and I will assume his family will be in the truck when towing this trailer.
Good luck on the new truck.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2021
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I know that every truck has a different payload number. If he is looking at a f-350 4x4 with no other options other than the ultimate lariat package. Does anyone out there have a similar truck and what is your payload rating.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Chaz
I would probably go with a slightly lighter 5th wheel if he pulls it a lot. 7.3/4.30, no experience myself but I ordered one to tow 15,900gvwr goosenecks with (occasionally), looked ok on paper. It still isn’t in production.
I only ordered the gas because I am in town mostly short trips all day. Only tow occasionally but can be quite heavy.
If you order it the way you want and add the 8ft bed it offers 11,900 gvwr (if you get the 20s or 18at tires).
I only ordered the gas because I am in town mostly short trips all day. Only tow occasionally but can be quite heavy.
If you order it the way you want and add the 8ft bed it offers 11,900 gvwr (if you get the 20s or 18at tires).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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Even if he's going to be just camping a few weekends a year, 7.3/4.30's is the way to go. The mileage doesn't drop off that drastically from 3.73's, you get the higher tow rating, and it won't be as stressful on the truck.
FIL just got an F250 with the 7.3/3.55's, and he's...less than pleased. Yes it's got all kinds of power, and gets decent mileage, but he complains that it downshifts too easily with the 3.55's even when empty. I rode with him in it going over one of the taller bridges around here, and yes, it does downshift...from 10th to 9th. It's not really a problem, more something he's got to get used to...but he didn't exactly buy it to tow a lot either.
FIL just got an F250 with the 7.3/3.55's, and he's...less than pleased. Yes it's got all kinds of power, and gets decent mileage, but he complains that it downshifts too easily with the 3.55's even when empty. I rode with him in it going over one of the taller bridges around here, and yes, it does downshift...from 10th to 9th. It's not really a problem, more something he's got to get used to...but he didn't exactly buy it to tow a lot either.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
Long bed or short bed. Regular cab, super cab, crew cab? Most # will be with in a few hundred pounds or so.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 111
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I have a 2020 crew cab long bed Lariat 7.3L 4X4 with 4.30s 11,900 GVWR (about 4,200 lbs. payload rating) Almost 30,000 miles on it and just over 10,000 miles pulling my 5th wheel weighing between 11-12,000 lbs. Overall I'm very happy with the performance of the truck. I would absolutely go with the 4.30s, AT tires and the camper package for the 11,900 GVWR. Make sure you do your research before you order. I get the feeling that the salesmen are not very knowledgeable when it comes to building a truck to suit your needs. Take a look at this guide.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/d...owingGuide.pdf
https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/d...owingGuide.pdf