6.2 or 7.3 for slide-in camper?
 

We just placed an order for a slide-in camper and need to buy a truck. My best guess is that the camper will weigh ~2500-3000 lbs "wet" with two passegers and our gear factored in. We will primarily be using it to access remote, offroad campsites in the mountains (Sierra) and deserts, but will have long drives on pavement to get there. The camper is designed for an 8-foot bed, so we are looking at a F350 SCLB. The truck will be pretty much dedicated for this use - we plan to keep the camper loaded on the truck for a quick escape, and the rear seat area will be used for gear, not passengers. The place I'm stuck at the moment is choosing the 6.2L vs 7.3L gas engine (we have ruled out diesel for a variety of reasons). We rented a similar camper on a 2015 F350 with the 6.2, and not surprisingly it handled the load just fine (although we didn't do any mountain driving on that trip). So, we would probably be just fine with the 6.2. However, before we commit, I would be interested in thoughts folks might have about this. I am a little hesitant to buy a first year engine, but early returns on the 7.3 seem to be positive. If the 7.3 would perform significantly better under this kind of load in the mountains or offroad, or get better mileage (which translates to range), then I would certainly consider going this route.

I vote for 7.3.

For that load I think either engine will do just fine. My 6.2 handles our 5000lb trailer with ease. If you’re going to use the truck almost exclusively for hauling the TC I think it’s worth your time to consider a dually. Our trailer is a Lance so I hang out on the Lance forum quite a bit. That forum is a good mix of Lance TC and TT owners and one thing I see a lot is TC owners wishing they’d bought a DRW instead of a SRW. Just something to think about.....

I assume you’re also looking at a 4x4.

The 6.2 would probably do fine, especially with a 4.30 axle ratio. However, the 7.3 & 4.30 & LT275/70R18E A/T tire options allows you to increase the SCLB’s GVWR from 11,500 lbs to 11,800, and, everything else being equal, official payload is increased by 200 lbs.

Doing the same thing with the CCLB increases the GVWR from 11,500 lbs. to 11,900, and increases payload by 310 lbs.

The SCLB comes with a 34 gallon fuel tank, and the highest available trim level is Lariat + the optional Value Package. The CCLB come with a 48 gallon fuel tank.

Either way, you’ll probably want to order the optional camper package.

The big 240 A alternator is (usually?) optional with the 6.2. It’s standard with the 7.3, with dual alternators optional.

Tell us more about your proposed TC!

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

Thanks - the truck camper we ordered is a fairly lightweight pop-up camper (a Four Wheel Camper). So, I think the 1-ton SRW will be fine (plus I wouldn't be wild about the dually on some of the offroad trails). However, if we ever upgraded to a hard side like the Lance, I would definitely consider also upgrading to a dually.

Definitely 4x4 with 4.3 axle ratio. If i didn't need a long bed, I would probably also be considering the Tremor package. The camper is a Four Wheel Camper Grandby pop-up. Dry weight is ~1800 pounds, but I tend to travel heavy with photo equipment, etc, so looking at F350 for a safe payload margin. Supercrew over crew cab for a little shorter wheelbase offroad.
Thanks,
-Scott

6.2 with 10 speed will easily handle that load . . . if you order a truck . . . . get 4.30's . . . . .

I don't believe there is a 6.2 & 10 speed combo available ..

Quick question, what is your handle over on LOA.

Its the stock motor trans combo in the F350.

6.2 with 10 speed will work just fine.


If you have plans to install larger tires at any time get the 4.30. Not needed necessarily but with 10 speeds a headwind or hill the opportunity to be going 9th to 10th a lot will add wear and possible annoyance.

If this is a new thing and you plan to upgrade later a F250 without a lot of options would haul that. Shouldnt have an issue with 3.73s unless you put larger tires on it.

I will start with stock tires and see how that goes. However, I would like to have the option to upgrade to larger tires down the road. So I will probably go with the 4.30 to have the flexibility in the future.

I ran this 2015 F-350 SCSB with our 3080 lb 2013 Eagle Cap EC850 from Nov of 2014 until I just sold it and bought a 2019 F-450. The 6.2 treated me well, except for long hill climbs and mountainous terrain. When we got up into northern NH and ME, the Adirondacks of upstate NY... ugh! The F-450, with our 2019 Arctic Fox AF1140 onboard is 1000 lbs over GVWR and the truck pulls it and handles like it like the camper isn't even there! Of course, it's a 6.7l diesel and the 14,000lb GVWR is way underrated by Ford! Should be more like 16,5000 - they try to make it easier for folks to register them non-commercial. I'm off track... go with the 7.3!!!
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...2751cf7317.jpg

Were those larger tires with 3.73 gears or 4.30?

I would do the 350 so you can keep the RPM down with the 4.30. Save some fuel plus you’ll get the 350 money back at sell, at least most of it. Plus the higher load rating.

I highly doubt you need the 7.3.

totally my bad .. when I see 350, I naturally assume 6.7.