Looking to tow 10k atc 2513

[cbigham]

Originally told a half ton would do it, but know better. I'm thinking either 2500 HD 6.6L gasser or duramax or possibly f250 7.3L godzilla

Anyone have any pluses, minuses esp regarding the two gassers? I have a chance to get a duramax at about 5k off. Had an original back in 2002, but they've got complex and breakdown prone.. ornate the 2024 models better?

Gasser torque looks close to the 500 ft lbs of the 2002, but much more hp. That truck towed 10k fine, so do I need a diesel?

Thanks

[tuffr2]

If you need a new truck there has never been a better selection.

GM - 10 speeds in both the diesel and gas.
Ford - 10 speeds in both diesel and gas.

Both are solid trucks in both diesel and gas.

I had a 2012 Ford diesel for 6.5 years will very little trouble. But since then Ford has a 7.3 Godzilla and also the 6.8 Mini Zilla in gas. Both in 10 speeds.

For only 10k lbs. I would recommend the F-350 7.3 Godzilla or if you like GM the 3500 6.6 gas engine.

If your last truck was a 2002 you will like the new trucks with new frames new engines and new features.

[cbigham]

Thanks
It's going to be towed out west,.Mountains and deserts, dirt bikes, street bike, kayak. Leaning toward the chevy 6.6L gasser. Hoping to hear some info about it and the 7.3L

[tuffr2]

With 10 speed transmissions that changes a lot how the trucks perform. They can keep the engine in the power band a lot better.

For some reason GM did not put their 6.6 gas engine with 10 speed right away. Only this year they did. The 1st 6.6 gas trucks only came with a 6 speed. I think those years are 2020, 2021, and 2022. Don't know why.

Ford had the 10 speed right away with their 7.3 has engine.

The diesel engines are now really powerful. I had a 2012 Ford that was 400HP and 800Ft lbs of torque. But I test drove a 2022 Ford with 1050 ft lbs of torque and could feel the difference.

RAM diesel has the best exhaust brake for going down the mountain. Ford and GM are just ok. The gas engines really do not have a exhaust brake but have a weaker engine braking feature.

The trucks are now very solid with high strength steel boxed frames. I had a 2012 Ford with a flexy frame and now have the redesigned 2017 Ford F-250 with the aluminum body and high strength box frame and I can tell the difference. The 2017 feels more solid.

I forget what trucks were like in 2002. My guess is that were not solid and were little. Trucks are now a lot bigger and higher. I think the new F-150 is as big as the 2002 F-250.

My advice is to test drive all the trucks both gas and diesel. That will be 6 trucks. Then pick the one you like the best for the price. You might be surprised which one you pick.

[mto502]

10k is nothing for todays gasers, but if you're going 3/4 ton then for very little extra I'd suggest just getting the 1 ton for peace of mind on anything you'll be towing. I haul a 14k 13 plus foot tall toy hauler with my 7.3/4.30 combo and after two big trips across Canada and the US, through mountain ranges, desert and prairies, I'm satisfied that I did the right thing in going for gas over diesel.

Love the ATC toyhaulers. Good luck!

[tuffr2]

I failed to mention the all new interiors with better material and bigger info screens, almost too big. RAM started the super fancy interiors but Ford and GM followed. The RAM interiors were the best for a few years but Ford and GM I think caught up. So you will need to decide do you want the 12" info screen to be vertical in the RAM or horizontal in the Ford and GM.

Sounds like you will be getting dirty. I would hate to get into a fancy RAM interior if I was dirty. Now the same for Ford and GM. Too bad they do not make Truck Trucks like in the old days.

[MtCamper]

It seams all new vehicles come with a myriad of glitches and electric problems. The DEF issue has further complicated life with diesel trucks. The flip side of that same coin however is the new trucks are incredible. Far more comfortable and powerful. You are correct that your 1/2 ton is not enough truck despite what your salesman or neighbor tell you. From what I've seen those of us who tow our RV usually go bigger when we trade. So that perfect combo you have has a too small tow vehicle for that new trailer you want. Crew cabs are now the standard for pickups. Either short or long box. 3/4 and one tons both ride and drive so similar as to be academic as to which is more comfortable. A new tonner is only a few dollars more that a 3/4. The diesel vs gas debate will continue. Both sides have valid points but the bottom line is the diesel will out tow the gas in most every category. A one ton crew cab diesel with the 10 speed transmission will give you a stress free travel experience and a much higher trade in value over a gasser when it's time to upgrade. Go test drive a new duramax if you can find one not already sold. Ask someone for a ride in one if you can't. I've driven diesel trucks for nearly 30 years now and our new Chevy is the quietest most comfortable vehicle I have owned. Even over Cadillac. And it's a tow monster. Just under 10 mpg towing and just under 20 mpg empty at highway speeds on mountain roads.

[JIMNLIN]

The newer 2500 GM 6.6 gasser will handle your 10k trailer with ease...plus with GMs 6600 rawr can give around 3300-3500 lbs in the bed payload for hitch weights or a truck camper.
Of course actual payload can vary depending on vehicle selections and actual CAT scale axle weights.

[Dave Pelletier]

All good advice so far IMO. Either the GM 6.6 gas/10spd or the Super Duty 7.3/10spd would work fine for you. TFL hasn't tested the GM 10 spd gasser yet but the Ford has more power - either should work. I'd echo the comment that you may as well go 1 ton SRW as it's substantially the same truck but with more payload.

Dave

[cbigham]

Thanks all-
Done some homework. Having been a diesel, heavy equipment mechanic trained mid '80'sway.back.in.the.day as a CM2 Seabee, diesel stuff has come a long way. Keeping it meticulously clean and dealing with the new tech likely ain't in the bag. I've been to places where I've had to accept fuel from an oil drum or 5 gal cans. Also my current class C loaded with towed jeep, moto off back is around 17,18k total, handles what we do fine. I don't mind a little revving. Newer trucks have another 50, 65 ft/lbs torque and 100+ hp than my v10 e450. Gas should be fine.

I'm going to focus on the ford f250 7.3L and the Chev 6.6L with the allison badged Trans. Maybe should start a separate thread for those tow.

Thanks

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by cbigham

I'm going to focus on the ford f250 7.3L and the Chev 6.6L with the allison badged Trans. Maybe should start a separate thread for those tow.

Thanks

Either should be fine and it's mostly a matter of personal preference. don't let the badge fool you, the 10R140 and 10L1000 are very similar. I'm awaiting TFL Trucks 6.6/10spd vs. 7.3/10spd towing test with anticipation though since the Ford retains a 29hp and 21 ft lb. power advantage, I'd expect it to retain it's crown. ...but again, both will work for you.

As far as personal preference goes, I'm not particularly brand loyal and have owned all three brands of HD pickups and have a small fleet of 10 trucks currently. The last two I've purchased have been Super Duty Fords because;

- they have/had a towing performance advantage (both gas and diesel)
- I find the visability to be superior and the tow mirrors are the best IMO
- I got tired of rust so the aluminum body was appealing to me
- I prefer solid axle front ends over IFS
- I think the Ford looks nicer than the others

In the past, GM has quite limited final drive ratio options....in fact, in some configurations, there weren't any so that might also be something to consider though the 10spd makes the final drive gear ratio less important than it has been in the past.

Hard to go wrong with any of the big three's HD trucks these days and they are all quite capable.

Cheers,
Dave

[cbigham]

Dave,
There's a guy who does more thorough reviews than tfl, not as polished. He has both a 6.6L and 7.3L . 2 months ago was singing praises of the 7.3L, now he too has on a new truck the cam issue. Will see! He did say on the Ike pass the ford trans was hunting more than the allison. Other than that similar. https://youtu.be/QrUshSIeL0A

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by cbigham

Dave,
There's a guy who does more thorough reviews than tfl, not as polished. He has both a 6.6L and 7.3L . 2 months ago was singing praises of the 7.3L, now he too has on a new truck the cam issue. Will see! He did say on the Ike pass the ford trans was hunting more than the allison. Other than that similar. https://youtu.be/QrUshSIeL0A

I watched a video of his and he didn't seem very credible to me, nor did he seem to be able to confirm that he has an actual issue or what it is if he does. I'll take a look through his other videos to see what direct towing comparisons he's done because so far, I've been unable to find any direct comparisons towing to capacity up a grade with data.

The trannies are extremely similar, though programming is obviously different. My 10R140 doesn't hunt at all;
https://nextgendiesel.com/blogs/tran...tions-upgrades

cheers,
Dave

[cbigham]

Maybe the 10r140 tranny hunts on the gas, not the diesel. I have heard that before. I will try both out. Aluminum panels a ford plus for sure. It's not a construction truck so don't expect to be beating on the aluminum bodywork daily.

Thanks