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Gammel · 02-03-2021, 10:39 AM

Since the OP is in Ohio he doesn't need the diesel's jake brake and the gasser will start easier in the winter if it isn't garaged or plugged in. If I lived in Ohio I would probably get the 7.3 but guys on fordtremor.com who got it are reporting really poor mpg - as in worse when empty than a 6.7 while towing! But the $9K upcharge for the diesel buys a lot of gas.

Dave Pelletier · 02-03-2021, 12:51 PM

Another 6.2 vote

Dave

LenR · 02-03-2021, 03:02 PM

We haul a shorter Coachmen fifth wheel that has about the same unloaded weight. Ready to travel we add about 2000 lbs including a 3/4 water tank. That's a lot of trailer and a 6.2 6 speed will spend a lot of time in 4th an 5th gears. In fact you will probably never see 6th except going down hill. My son has a 6.2 pushing 200,000 mi with nothing but plugs and filters. 2017 gets you into aluminum bodies with more capacity. Try to find a 4.30 axle if going with a 6.2. Understand that cost is important but that 7.3 is built for towing and the 10 speed transmission will work fine with any axle ratio. I have always been concerned with buying a used diesel because of potential cost if it hasn't been well cared for--not so much with gas. My son's truck was an abused oil field truck and its running strong. Although the gas engine will get worse fuel mileage, the break even cost against the diesel is probably north of 150,000 miles if there aren't big repair charges. I love the power of my diesel, but it comes with a cost. In Ford land OP definately needs an F-350.

keymastr · 02-09-2021, 08:39 PM

I tow 13,000 pounds with a 2016 6.2 and it is very well suited for it. I live in the mountains out west and there is literally no flat land here. It is surprisingly quiet on long grades as well. Sure you can hear it but it is not screaming the way my old 5.4 did. It likes 4500 RPM if going up a steep grade but most uphill climbs only get it to 3000 or so. Has decent engine braking for a gas truck although nothing compared to the diesel exhaust braking. For what you need it is the perfect truck. I have the 3.73 gears and they are good, 4.30 might be obnoxious when not towing.

kayakterp · 02-10-2021, 07:22 AM

Naturally a diesel will tow it easier but the F-350 6.2 should pull it for your needs in Ohio.
For daily driving I would think the gas would be better - think about all the 5-10 minute drives to the quick-store. Don't think that's good for the older diesels?
My 2015 F-250 6.2 6 speed, gasser gets about 12 MPG empty and 7-8 MPG towing my TT (3:73 gears). It does pull mostly in 4th & 5th gears.
It does great in OH,IN & PA and they all have great State Parks to camp at but my TT is a bit lighter than yours (just over 8k lbs loaded).

mistercee · 02-10-2021, 07:05 PM

2019 6.2L F350 with 4.30's here. Towed our 8900 lb (wet) TT from Arizona back to Ohio and back last summer without issue....at least with the truck! I have no diesel experience to compare to, but have had no issues towing grades here in Arizona. Sure, the engine revs and roars a bit, but I can keep pace with traffic just fine. I find that the tow haul option does a good job governing downhill speed.

KD4UPL · 02-13-2021, 01:07 PM

People get way to caught up on the power of a vehicle these days. ANY modern truck has more than enough power to pull that trailer.

The 2012 6.2L Ford make 385 HP/ 405 lb ft, the GM 6.0 from that year makes 360 hp / 380 lb ft.
The Powerstroke diesel only made 350 HP in 2010 and well under that previously. The Duramax only made 365 HP in 2010 and less than that in all years previously.

A 1989 GM 454 big block was rated at 230 HP and 385 lb ft but yet it had a GCWR of 19,000 pounds.