6.8 lighter towing 4.30 vs 3.73?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 2
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From: Pacific Northwet
6.8 lighter towing 4.30 vs 3.73?
Howdy All-
I am looking at getting a 6.8 xl stx. Hopefully ordering new but on the lookout for used ('23+) as well.
Initial use will be towing a light fiberglass trailer (Casita 17 ~3000lbs) with some gear in the bed. If this was the only use I would be looking at an F150. Planning on some some mild off pavement trips with this trailer (blm land, etc)
In a few (3-5) years I plan on pulling a 28' pilothouse boat that should come in around ~8500 lbs max with trailer. The intention would be to do quite a bit of towing around the country, camping in the boat on land and doing some long-term trips on the water. Doing this safely with minimal stress is why I am going with the SD instead of trying to max out an F150.
It would still be used for "truck stuff" at home but this will not be a daily driver.
The STX comes with 275/70Rr18 (33.2") Bridgestone dueler tires. Will likely upgrade to 295/70r18 (34.3") or possibly 285/75R18 (34.8") after the stock tires were done. May stick with the Bridgestones for the light weight but will have to see how they do (open to suggestions).
It seems like for my use the 6.8 will be plenty. I have read as much as I can on the 3.73 vs. 4.30 debate and I am considering going with 4.30 just due to the future tire change. Hoping for the best towing MPG's I can get but I realize there is only so much that can be done. In the past I have been ok at 60-65 mph when towing (faster when traffic "forces" it). I know I am shooting myself in the foot here with increasing the tire size...hoping it would not be too bad.
It seems like for my use either ratio would work...definitely not towing heavy here. Appreciate any thoughts on this.
I am looking at getting a 6.8 xl stx. Hopefully ordering new but on the lookout for used ('23+) as well.
Initial use will be towing a light fiberglass trailer (Casita 17 ~3000lbs) with some gear in the bed. If this was the only use I would be looking at an F150. Planning on some some mild off pavement trips with this trailer (blm land, etc)
In a few (3-5) years I plan on pulling a 28' pilothouse boat that should come in around ~8500 lbs max with trailer. The intention would be to do quite a bit of towing around the country, camping in the boat on land and doing some long-term trips on the water. Doing this safely with minimal stress is why I am going with the SD instead of trying to max out an F150.
It would still be used for "truck stuff" at home but this will not be a daily driver.
The STX comes with 275/70Rr18 (33.2") Bridgestone dueler tires. Will likely upgrade to 295/70r18 (34.3") or possibly 285/75R18 (34.8") after the stock tires were done. May stick with the Bridgestones for the light weight but will have to see how they do (open to suggestions).
It seems like for my use the 6.8 will be plenty. I have read as much as I can on the 3.73 vs. 4.30 debate and I am considering going with 4.30 just due to the future tire change. Hoping for the best towing MPG's I can get but I realize there is only so much that can be done. In the past I have been ok at 60-65 mph when towing (faster when traffic "forces" it). I know I am shooting myself in the foot here with increasing the tire size...hoping it would not be too bad.
It seems like for my use either ratio would work...definitely not towing heavy here. Appreciate any thoughts on this.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 27
Likes: 17
From: Seattle
I have (ordered) a 2024 f250 SCSB 6.8, 4wd, 3.73 gear. I have no intentions of installing taller tires on and never plan on towing over 11k lbs. and for this reason I ordered with the 3.73 gears. If I had the intention of using truck as you described in your post I would definitely want 4.30 gears, especially going to taller tires. I was on the fence when ordering my truck and worked the numbers for my use scenario, 5000lb TT, 4500lb boat and planning for an 8000lb TT down the road. Had a 2018 F150 5.0 4wd 3.73 gears, that I towed with prior that did the job, but towing with the F250 is just flat out more comfortable and safer.
Last edited by HudmanNW; Feb 16, 2026 at 03:06 PM.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 2
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From: Pacific Northwet
Yeah, I think road trips without towing will be rare for me. I am just wondering if I should try to optimize for towing the small trailer as that will probably be more frequent for the near future. Another thought was to try and find a smaller vehicle (suv maybe) that could handle the casita and also be used as a daily driver. Then I look at all the cargo we bring camping and it pushes me to an 1/2 ton truck. I could wait on getting the SD in a few years when we really need it for the boat but it is hard to deprive myself of having a truck again...got rid of a '91 F250 IDI a few years ago. Don't regret that but I do miss it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 113
Likes: 109
Really isn’t a perfect answer. I do wonder how my 3.73s would deal with heavy 35”s.
I will say that if you are in the hills, the 3.73 locked into 8th gets you around 2.7k at 80ish. That’s my deal running with no trailer. I run loaded with 1k+ of electrical gear, and the 3.73 is prefect with stock hoops.
However, if towing was more than 50%, I’d lean 4.30s. Assuming, the lockout to 8th will allow you to climb most grades without a downshifts at 65-70ish - safe towing speeds.
So, big hoops or loaded 4.3, stock hoops lightly loaded 3.73. I think….
I will say that if you are in the hills, the 3.73 locked into 8th gets you around 2.7k at 80ish. That’s my deal running with no trailer. I run loaded with 1k+ of electrical gear, and the 3.73 is prefect with stock hoops.
However, if towing was more than 50%, I’d lean 4.30s. Assuming, the lockout to 8th will allow you to climb most grades without a downshifts at 65-70ish - safe towing speeds.
So, big hoops or loaded 4.3, stock hoops lightly loaded 3.73. I think….
Last edited by Blueridge73; Feb 19, 2026 at 04:44 AM. Reason: Mistake
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 417
Likes: 141
From: Kerrville, Texas
My daily driver is a 2024 F350 SRW reg cab 4x4 with 6.8 and 4:30's.
With the stock 34 inch tall 275/65R20 tires and cruise control set at 82 mph, my tach sits just under 2300 RPMs. Cruise set at 90mph keeps the RPM at slight hair over 2500. Cabin is quiet and conversation is as if we were at the dinner table.
I have since went up to 35 inch tall 295/65R20 tires and honestly don't notice a difference in power or gas milage. My reg cab only weighs about 6500 lbs and I occasionally pull a 4500 lb travel trailer. On the open highway it's easy to forget the camper is back there.
Most people that just want a stock truck will be happy with 3:73's. Personally, I wish 4:56 or 5:13's were a factory option but I'll make do with 4:30's... for now.
With the stock 34 inch tall 275/65R20 tires and cruise control set at 82 mph, my tach sits just under 2300 RPMs. Cruise set at 90mph keeps the RPM at slight hair over 2500. Cabin is quiet and conversation is as if we were at the dinner table.
I have since went up to 35 inch tall 295/65R20 tires and honestly don't notice a difference in power or gas milage. My reg cab only weighs about 6500 lbs and I occasionally pull a 4500 lb travel trailer. On the open highway it's easy to forget the camper is back there.
Most people that just want a stock truck will be happy with 3:73's. Personally, I wish 4:56 or 5:13's were a factory option but I'll make do with 4:30's... for now.
Last edited by Texas78028; Feb 20, 2026 at 07:47 AM.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
Anyone remember when they invented the first overdrives for the 3 speed transmissions? People wouldn't think twice about coming out of overdrive to climb hills or tow a heavy load. With the current transmissions going down a couple of gears is not a bad thing, don't be scared of it.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 417
Likes: 141
From: Kerrville, Texas
When I drive around town, I always lock out the 3 overdrives up to about 55-60 mph. I stay in Tow/Haul mode pretty much 100% of the time and I don't even haul anything. I just prefer it to hit all gears from a dead stop and it downshifts way quicker at higher speeds. Kind of like Sport mode in the F150's.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 75
Likes: 48
My use is a lot like the OP's. I actually ordered mine in 2022 and got the then available 3.55 rear end. I tow up to around 10,000 pounds is all but didn't want to strain a half ton. The 7.3, 3.55 combo has been perfect for me. And I get reasonable mpg when not towing. I am sure a 3.73 would be great for the same use.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 1,660
From: Bighorn Basin, NW Wyoming
It would still be used for "truck stuff" at home but this will not be a daily driver.
Will likely upgrade to 295/70r18 (34.3") or possibly 285/75R18 (34.8") after the stock tires were done.
Hoping for the best towing MPG's I can get but I realize there is only so much that can be done. In the past I have been ok at 60-65 mph when towing (faster when traffic "forces" it).
Will likely upgrade to 295/70r18 (34.3") or possibly 285/75R18 (34.8") after the stock tires were done.
Hoping for the best towing MPG's I can get but I realize there is only so much that can be done. In the past I have been ok at 60-65 mph when towing (faster when traffic "forces" it).
3.73 are only better when driving empty at higher speeds.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 927
From: Kaufman TX
Really isn’t a perfect answer. I do wonder how my 3.73s would deal with heavy 35”s.
I will say that if you are in the hills, the 3.73 locked into 8th gets you around 2.7k at 80ish. That’s my deal running with no trailer. I run loaded with 1k+ of electrical gear, and the 3.73 is prefect with stock hoops.
However, if towing was more than 50%, I’d lean 4.30s. Assuming, the lockout to 8th will allow you to climb most grades without a downshifts at 65-70ish - safe towing speeds.
So, big hoops or loaded 4.3, stock hoops lightly loaded 3.73. I think….
I will say that if you are in the hills, the 3.73 locked into 8th gets you around 2.7k at 80ish. That’s my deal running with no trailer. I run loaded with 1k+ of electrical gear, and the 3.73 is prefect with stock hoops.
However, if towing was more than 50%, I’d lean 4.30s. Assuming, the lockout to 8th will allow you to climb most grades without a downshifts at 65-70ish - safe towing speeds.
So, big hoops or loaded 4.3, stock hoops lightly loaded 3.73. I think….
Last edited by seijirou; Apr 8, 2026 at 08:20 PM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
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The STX comes with 275/70Rr18 (33.2") Bridgestone dueler tires. Will likely upgrade to 295/70r18 (34.3") or possibly 285/75R18 (34.8") after the stock tires were done. May stick with the Bridgestones for the light weight but will have to see how they do (open to suggestions).
It seems like for my use the 6.8 will be plenty. I have read as much as I can on the 3.73 vs. 4.30 debate and I am considering going with 4.30 just due to the future tire change. Hoping for the best towing MPG's I can get but I realize there is only so much that can be done.
It seems like for my use the 6.8 will be plenty. I have read as much as I can on the 3.73 vs. 4.30 debate and I am considering going with 4.30 just due to the future tire change. Hoping for the best towing MPG's I can get but I realize there is only so much that can be done.
