smurfs_of_war

This is a pretty loaded question I know. I am looking for user experiences with the 6.2L gasser for towing. I am looking into possibly trading to a F250 6.2L XLT since the little lady has her eyes on a larger travel trailer- and she usually gets what she wants The other contender on the list is the 2500 SLT with the 6.4L, but it is coming in (at least on the online build) significantly pricier. I did add the Rambox so that is 1200 bucks, and a few other options that Ford didn't have that I know are a must have on the Ram... I digress

Our current TT grosses about 5500lbs but the little Ram pulls it like a freight train and handles it perfectly, and even the old 5.4L I had did as well- maybe with a little more grunting, but it puts me over GVWR a bit and I am not comfortable going any larger without a larger truck. When I pack my kids in the cab, we haven't much payload left for tongue weight. I have made do for now with beefier suspension etc, but at the end of the day if my tongue weight got any higher I would be into some seriously overloaded territory (read passing axle ratings). The payload range in the F250 is more than adequate after allowing me to keep the few creature comforts I like. I had thought about an F150 HD payload, however at the end of the day- it's still a half ton. I would feel better with the larger, more capable chassis long term.

So, what is that gasser like with say, 8000lbs or so behind it over long distance? The 6 speed up to the task as well? Fuel mileage is not really one of my key factors when buying a truck, so that doesn't matter so much.

Thanks guys. I have to admit, I have mixed emotions about possibly getting back into an F series again since I was left with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth last time, I know they are great trucks, but I sure like that little Ram too. Both solid trucks in my mind. So it both excites me, and worries me a bit.

A7B2FX4

Love the 6.2L in the current Superduty. Regularly tow up to the hitch limit of 1250# or so. Don't know the real world differance between the 4.30 or 3.73 axles but I take no chances and get the 4.30 which is impressive but very hard to find on a dealer's lot. ( The US GSA must think so too as they order theirs with the 4.30.).
It's too bad Ford didn't really market the 6.2L in the F150. I would think many of the 5.0 lovers would have jumped on the 6.2L for towing. I love my EB F150 as a daily driver but my newest Superduty gets the nod for towing my 30' TT.
Its a much more stable platform and living above 5000 I find the 6.2L still has the grunt to get the towing done.
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Wannafbody

A F250 would be more stable towing. The 15 F150 with HD option would be good as well and it would ride nicer when not towing.

smurfs_of_war

I had thought about a '14 HD payload package but at the end of the day it's still a half ton and I promised myself my next truck would be an HD to open some doors. I would prefer the beef in front of a larger trailer. On paper you're right though, it would be adequate. The reason I am looking at possibly doing this now is because I am just not a fan of the '15 redesign. Just not my cup of tea. I like the '09-'14 style.
So the 250 is definitely my target, but I have the sales guys telling me that I don't want the 6.2, I want a 6.7. I was fairly clear as to the reasons (reduced payload, higher initial cost and longer return on investment given my limited towing miles) but they are telling me I won't be satisfied with 8 or 9000lbs on the back. Wonder if they have an overstock or missed a quota?

brulaz

That's just B.S.

I'm pulling a 7500-8000# Sail behind me with an EcoB and the engine is not a problem. The 6.2, by all accounts, would be fine as well, and probably better going down hill with more engine braking. But it's good you don't care about the mileage of those big V8s.

I'd look more closely at the 2014 RAM 2500. That coil spring rear is supposed to be very nice. You can also get factory air suspension. The 6.4L is also supposed to be a good motor.

Personally though, I prefer the looks of the F250 or the GMC 2500.

Think PickupTrucks.com had a review earlier this year of the three 250/2500 gassers. A good read I thought.

Boulevard

Nothing says ho-ho-ho like a new truck.


I would stay away from the diesel unless you are very serious about towing. Think 50% of your time hooked. The reason for this is running costs. Oil changes run 130 bucks and up, tires cost more, fuel is more, everything is just more on the diesel, almost double. That plus another 10 grand just to get in one, it's just not worth it unless you are piling on some serious miles.


Diesels are also very expensive to repair. On mine a full set of injectors (which it blew 2 sets of) cost 4 grand each. Fuel pumps cost 1 grand. If you are going to buy a diesel than lease it that way you can return it if it turns out to be a lemon.


A well equipped F150 will NEVER tow like a F250/350. I have driven many trucks and the F150 is just no where near as stable as a F250. Its not about motors or horse power or torque curves its about stability and the F250 with its heavier heavy chassis and running gear has it in spades. Not to be rude but just because the brochure says you can tow 13,000lbs does not mean it is safe to do so.


We have all argued that the limit on the F150 is payload capacity and not towing capacity. The gas F250 payload is 600lbs higher than the diesel so the diesel may be rated to tow 3500lb more than the gas but it may never be able to legally tow it(sounds strange coming from me).


I never found my 3500 diesel to have a harsh ride. I just deflated the tires to 35 pounds and re-inflated to 65 when I loaded it. I also disconnected my overload springs which came with the camper package.

smokeywren

Darling Daughter wanted an F-150 HD but there were none in stock anywhere, and she didn't want to order and wait 6 or 8 weeks for delivery. So she bought an F-250 SuperCab shorty 6.2L 4x4 off the lot, and loves it. She tows a 7,000 pound horse trailer to rodeos all around in the hills and mountains of eastern Tennessee (her daughter is a barrel racer). Her hubby uses it as a commuter car during the week, and he loves it too. And 16-year-old granddaughter with a new driver's license thinks it's the best lookin' truck around. She's very proud of her truck when Dad is off on a business trip and Mom allows her to drive it to school.

Ron AKA

Think about the torque you will have on tap at highway speed RPMs. At the low end around 2000 RPM the 3.5 EcoBoost has about 50% more torque than the 6.2 V8.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jonb...orque.png.html

130428

F250 6.2L XLT

don't think it comes with the EB yet...

jcain

That's not true.