Ordering a New Truck

DirtEngineer · 06-17-2022, 11:36 AM

Hi all -

The time has come for me to order a new set of wheels to tow with. I currently tow my Jayco Eagle 284BHOK (9995lbs GVWR) with a Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI. This was a stop-gap vehicle, and I now plan to order a new truck (going back to my preferred Ford).

I'm planning on ordering a 2023 F250 XLT (also planning on sticking with the 6.2L gas engine) once the order banks open up in a few weeks. Wondering/seeking opinion on some "must haves" and "nice to haves" from a towing perspective. Specifically, I'm looking for recommendations on which rear end to put in the truck?

Thanks!

Jopopsy · 06-17-2022, 12:35 PM

You might get some more helpful advice if you tell us if this truck is also your daily driver, or if its your weekend warrior ride.

DirtEngineer · 06-17-2022, 12:44 PM

Yep this is also my daily driver. Fuel is paid for by work, so I'm less concerned about fuel consumption.

Yooper906 · 06-17-2022, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtEngineer

Hi all -

Specifically, I'm looking for recommendations on which rear end to put in the truck?

Thanks!

My son has a 2022 F-350 with a 3.73 rear. He is very happy towing a 12000 lbs fifth wheel with this ratio. It's his work truck also. I do know he looked at F-250's but didn't want the 4.30 rear. Or the higher one. 3.56 or 3.55? Can't remember.
I may be mistaken on this, I'll give him a call tonight. Got me curious now.

Slurugger · 06-17-2022, 02:05 PM

Somewhat related...it was posted on another forum that Oct 17th is when MY23 banks will open and they'll be building 22s until Dec 21st. So 23s won't show up until into 2023.

Marcm157 · 06-17-2022, 03:23 PM

I have a 2021 F350 7.3 with 3.73's I tow 11K loaded for camping. I have no issues. You definitely know it's back there but the 7.3 with the 10 speed trans is an amazing combo. I don't like it nearly as much when I am not towing though. The trans skips gears lower down when not needed so it's a 1 3 5 shift pattern when empty and it just feels a bit jumpy. With weight behind you totally different story...

Ringneks · 06-23-2022, 11:12 PM

Get an F-350

curver900 · 07-01-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringneks

Get an F-350

ditto on this... in my state my tabs are $169 vs 10% of the MSRP like a 250 is.... YMMV

and the unloaded ride is the same... you may want to jettison the sIIty shocks that come on them for a real nice ride that would be my add on.. go with some billstiens or good rachos...

Bugzilla46310 · 07-01-2022, 10:57 AM

Go with the 350 with 4.3 rear, if that is still the option. Was on my 2016. The CCSB is still very manageable in parking lots. Also get the largest engine. Was bummed when the V10 was not offered in the 2016 350.

DirtEngineer · 07-02-2022, 10:11 AM

Thanks all for the feedback so far. Because this is a work truck that I'm allowed to use personally, I'm limited on maximum $'s spent. Looking to get best value for every $ I spec. I don't think the 350 is warranted for the extra ~$1500 (as far as I can see in spec'ing the vehicle online given I"m unlikely to exceed my 10,000lbs towing (GVWR of my trailer).

JeremiahM · 07-05-2022, 06:31 AM

I'd get the 350 too, you'll never wish you hadn't. I'd also go for the 7.3 for both power and durability. Not that the 6.2 wasn't a reliable power plant.

TWP723 · 07-05-2022, 06:46 AM

Spend the $1500.

ttavasc · 07-05-2022, 08:12 AM

If you intend to stick with the 6.2L then I would option the 4.30 gears. Your trailer is about the same weight as mine - 9995 GVWR - and the 6.2L w/4.30 gears does a very nice job through a variety of terrain with loaded trailer weights ~8-8500. I don't really drive it much unless I'm towing so my around town mpg is usually ~11-12 - towing is ~8-9.5 and empty over long interstate distances (it's been from Seattle-Phoenix twice unloaded) is ~15-16. Best highway tank was 16.8. The 6.2L is a very reliable engine and as long as you don't mind letting it rev a little bit on the hills - rarely do I need to exceed 4K - it will do just fine for your described usage.

TCNashville · 07-05-2022, 09:32 AM

First be prepared for a long wait for your ordered truck. I think the order banks for the '23 model year open up in Sept/Oct and there will be some interior/exterior changes. Nonetheless, my camper weighs 9000lbs and I tow it with an F-250, 6.2L with the 3.73 rear end. Although sometimes it does some gear hunting, it does a pretty good job at towing it. The ability to lock out certain gears helps a lot. I bought my truck off the lot but if I was ordering, getting the 4.30 rear end is a no brainer in my opinion. My towing mpg's are also in the 8-9 range. Best of luck to you.

Learjet · 07-05-2022, 10:20 AM

my previous truck was a F250 6.2 with 3.73, I towed a 6,000 lbs. travel trailer then a 12,000 lbs. 5th wheel. I would get the 4.30 if ordering...even better the 7.3 with the 4.30 and a F350.

Trust me you can't have too much truck!

balchz06 · 07-06-2022, 02:35 PM

Had a 2014 F250 with the 6.2 and 3.73 rear, towing a 28.5 RSTS fifth wheel. Not so bad on the interstate, but not nearly enough power on the side roads and the mileage was 8 to 9 mpg. The same truck empty around town would barely get into the 12s mpg. I have an 06 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5.9 and there's no comparison to the Ford 6.2 in the F250.

TCNashville · 07-07-2022, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balchz06

Had a 2014 F250 with the 6.2 and 3.73 rear, towing a 28.5 RSTS fifth wheel. Not so bad on the interstate, but not nearly enough power on the side roads and the mileage was 8 to 9 mpg. The same truck empty around town would barely get into the 12s mpg. I have an 06 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5.9 and there's no comparison to the Ford 6.2 in the F250.

Your '14 6.2L was mated to the 6R140 transmission which Ford finally figured wasn't a great match to the 6.2L. The '17's and up have the 6R100 transmission which increased torque. They're quite peppy now, and fuel economy has increased.

saunterr44 · 07-07-2022, 12:56 PM

with the 6.2 engine, my new F-250 is getting 16mph, 9 if I am towing my 28BHS.

I upgraded from the F-150, and couldn't be happier. MAKE SURE you get these:

The tailgate step
the XLT Premium package (avoid XLT value)
the UTT Trailer assist package
the bed liner and cover
the wheel well liners - makes a BIG difference

Jerry713 · 07-13-2022, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtEngineer

Hi all -

The time has come for me to order a new set of wheels to tow with. I currently tow my Jayco Eagle 284BHOK (9995lbs GVWR) with a Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI. This was a stop-gap vehicle, and I now plan to order a new truck (going back to my preferred Ford).

I'm planning on ordering a 2023 F250 XLT (also planning on sticking with the 6.2L gas engine) once the order banks open up in a few weeks. Wondering/seeking opinion on some "must haves" and "nice to haves" from a towing perspective. Specifically, I'm looking for recommendations on which rear end to put in the truck?

Thanks!

Might be too late but keep resale in mind. I know you may not plan on getting rid of it for a long time but there's a good chance you eventually will. Selling a Ford HD truck with a 6.2 v8 won't have near the resale value as the 7.3 will not to mention you will love the additional torque. The 7.3 v8 with 3:73 is plenty for your load. If you think you may upgrade your TT get the 4:30.

TCNashville · 07-13-2022, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry713

Might be too late but keep resale in mind. I know you may not plan on getting rid of it for a long time but there's a good chance you eventually will. Selling a Ford HD truck with a 6.2 v8 won't have near the resale value as the 7.3 will not to mention you will love the additional torque. The 7.3 v8 with 3:73 is plenty for your load. If you think you may upgrade your TT get the 4:30.

Totally agree with this. With the 7.3L in either the F-250 or F-350 you get the 10 speed transmission which makes rear end gear ratio not so vitally important, but I'd still get the 4.30's.

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