F150 and 287BHSW TT. Am I OK?

[drk98]

I had a 2011 F-250 6.7 with the 3.31. We pulled a 12k lb 5th wheel with it and never felt like I need more gear. If you were aiming for a heavier trailer than that then you might want more gear but then I'd suggest you move to a 350 as well.

My vote would be to stick with the 3.31.

Originally Posted by Mystere

Alrighty...choice made. I'm going with the 6.7L Diesel F250. I've already worked out my deal and now I'm just deciding between the 3.55 or 3.31 axle ratio. I'll probably go with 3.31 because this will be my primary vehicle and I'll only be towing every once in awhile. I'd rather have the MPG. Thank you all for your insight. I'm glad I posted this question because I think I was making a mistake with the F150. I would have probably been OK but it would be close and probably not a great towing experience with no room to grow.

[Mystere]

Originally Posted by need-a-vacation

Congrats!!!!

Do a little more gear research before deciding for sure. The differences I have read about between the GM 6.0 trucks with the 3.73 vs 4.10's which has been reported by those who have owned both is maybe 1mpg. So comparing same driving habits, terrain, etc.... And being that close may never be a noticeable difference. But what would you gain tow rating wise?

Congrats again!!! Post up when you get the new beast!!!

Actually tow rating doesn't change between 3.31 and 3.55, which surprised me because it did change when I was looking at the half ton. The trailer I'm looking at has a GVWR of 7500 so I think i'd be fine with either gear ratio. Do you agree with that statement?

[need-a-vacation]

For the trailer you are looking at either will be more than enough! Even the 6.2 gasser is plenty for that. I was more so thinking down the road with the slightly steeper gearing. Surprised no difference between the two for tow rating, but they are very close. Wonder why Ford offers both those being so close if there isn't any other gain. What about the gcvwr? Same for both ratios? Is there a price difference?

We are towing ~9200lbs with a Chevy 6.0, and haven't felt we needed more power. We are in Mi though! So that 6.7 will "laugh" at any hills with that weight!!!

[Mystere]

Originally Posted by need-a-vacation

What about the gcvwr? Same for both ratios? Is there a price difference?

If I'm reading this right, GCWR is 23,500 for 3.31 and 3.55. Towing capacity is 14,000 for both as well. There is a negligible price difference between the two ratios...about $125 I think. Information came from page 18 on the 2016 Towing Guide: http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...e_r3_Nov12.pdf

[Country_Mouse]

You might want to ask that gearing question on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts (FTE) forum. Lots of great insight over there!!

[need-a-vacation]

Factory order or buying off the lot/dealer trade?

Unless you're factory ordering, choose the options and color (interior also) you want, and what gear the truck has is how you can decide! Lol

Maybe check the Ford forums to see if there is a mpg difference. And decide from there. But either will be more than enough for your new trailer! That is unless you consider the "we have the truck, let's get a bigger trailer!"....

[TCNashville]

I have the 3.55 in my F-250. I get 12 towing our 10k Eagle. This mileage was from a trip to Florida awhile back. Most of that trip was done at 80mph. Couldn't be happier. Either way on the gearing, you'll be fine.

[Cdash]

Originally Posted by Mystere

If I'm reading this right, GCWR is 23,500 for 3.31 and 3.55. Towing capacity is 14,000 for both as well. There is a negligible price difference between the two ratios...about $125 I think. Information came from page 18 on the 2016 Towing Guide: http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...e_r3_Nov12.pdf

I went with the numerically higher gear ratio on my 2015 F-350 when I ordered it. I think you are correct that it doesn't impact capacity. I think all of that is driven off suspension and brakes and has nothing to do with the power to the ground.

I wish I would have went with the lower gears. My average mileage seems low compared to others. In my opinion, the 6.7 has so much power you don't need the better gearing. I am saying this after dragging between 11,000 and 12,000 lbs throughout he mountains of Colorado for a couple weeks last year.

[SkyBound]

Are you guys really seeing that much difference in MPG with slight differences in gearing? From what I've seen it doesn't really make much of a difference, if any, with stock ride height, stock tires, etc. If anything maybe half a MPG. With most transmissions these days having a minimum of 6 gears there is way more opportunity to keep RPMs in the sweet spot and put power to the axle efficiently. Even with my 3.73 I am at about 1800RPM at 110km/h.

[Cdash]

Originally Posted by SkyBound

Are you guys really seeing that much difference in MPG with slight differences in gearing? From what I've seen it doesn't really make much of a difference, if any, with stock ride height, stock tires, etc. If anything maybe half a MPG. With most transmissions these days having a minimum of 6 gears there is way more opportunity to keep RPMs in the sweet spot and put power to the axle efficiently. Even with my 3.73 I am at about 1800RPM at 110km/h.

I don't know for sure, but if you get me a similar truck with the numerically lower gears, I'll do a head to head test for you!