6 speed trans vs 10 speed
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
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6 speed trans vs 10 speed
We are in the market for a 5th wheel toy hauler. Its likely going to be a 39-40 ft with a 16k GVRW. I have decided to go with a F450 purely to have the added turning radius. My truck budget puts me right at the cusp of a 2019 with a 6 speed or a 2020-21 with a 10 speed. My question is, Do the 4 added gears make that much of a difference? We would probably be on the road a lot throughout the country living full time in the RV unless we find a decent price on a house or piece of land before then. Based on what we have seen so far in North Carolina, that's not going to happen anytime soon. We have 14 months until I retire but would obviously like to make our purchase way before that.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 420
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From: South Texas
I had a 6 speed in my previous truck (2015 f 250) and my new truck 2022 F350 DRW (4.10 Gears). Kind of apples and oranges. The 10-speed skips gears unloaded (I was taught the same on a semi without load, back in the day). The six speed would drop a gear on a hill pulling a 10K trailer (in Texas) the 10-speed does not. The new truck gets 1 mpg better. In my opinion, both are proven dependable transmissions and a 6 speed would not be a deal breaker.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 757
Likes: 220
We've got the 10sp in our 350 for pulling our Grand Design 5er. It's been pretty good. As mentioned it'll skip gears unloaded. Mine also limits power in the first 3 gears I believe while a 450 gives you the full boat all the way. Sometimes the first three gears can be a little clunky for me if I'm on the throttle more. Wouldn't surprise me if the dually's without that power limitation don't have that problem.
I think you'll like the 10sp if you get it. It's been extremely comfortable towing for us. We've probably got about 15k mi pulling the rig around with this truck.
I think you'll like the 10sp if you get it. It's been extremely comfortable towing for us. We've probably got about 15k mi pulling the rig around with this truck.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 463
Likes: 43
From: COLORADO, USA
Great choice on a 450. The 10 speed is more efficient and will save you some $ at the pump. Personally, I would try to avoid the 2020 first year models as some were reported to have transmission bug issues they were working out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
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Your looking at about a $10K difference between a 2019 and a 2020-21 since not only does it have the newer 10 speed, but the newer Gen2 6.7. Hard to do a comparison since the engine puts out more power than the 2019 does. The 6speed is true, trusted, bullet proof reliable equipment, the 10 speed being 2 years in for what you are looking is not. For a little bit empty MPG the 10 speed is a better choice, but towing MPG will be the same regardless of transmission. Drove mine with my 43' 5th from WI/IL border to Texas via Alabama and bad and towed great up to 80 MPH. Truck didn't even feel like it was pulling hard.
If you can find a 2022 MY, that would be the better choice due to having the 12" screen, 3rd year for the engine and trans so bugs are worked out.
If you can find a 2022 MY, that would be the better choice due to having the 12" screen, 3rd year for the engine and trans so bugs are worked out.
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2nd Gear
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