Real world towing

[SouthernCharm]

Time to replace my old 6.7 diesel and looking at all option to include gas. Has anyone used the 7.3 gas engine in the 250 Ford or 3.0 Chevy Diesel 1500 (both 4wd versions) to tow 10000 plus in the west. So towing up and down mountains. The trailer is set up with brakes on both axles.

 

[blkqi]

Would not tow 10k with a 1500.

Sure - the Duramax 3.0 can take it, but handling and braking will be questionable.

 

[Mike D Texas]

..

 

[syoungs]

I ran a f350 with the 7.3 from eastern Washington to Reno NV with about 6800# on the trailer. It didnt pull like my 6.7 does, but it honestly wasnt as big of a jump as I expected. im sure when your into 12000+ territory is when the difference gets bigger.

Unless I find an absolutely screaming deal on the powerstroke in a couple years when im ready for a new truck, im gonna go with the gasser.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I routinely tow close to 10K with my 6.6 gasser with no problems. Up and down a lot of hills too here.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Based on personal experience there is no way I would tow 10k with a 1500 of any model.

If it’s a tongue pull trailer, a 3500 would be my preference. I’m sure one of the new 2500 would do ok but on my RAM 2500 a 10k tongue pull is no fun.

I’ve never used any of the HD gassers but if you are going to be towing at elevation performance will suffer since it’s NA.

 

[DougR67]

Don't rule out the 6.6 gasser in the GMC 2500.

 

[taskswap]

Just my personal opinion, but IMO diesels really have an advantage in the mountains. There's nothing like giggling like an idiot at tire fire disaster reels, then gliding by folks pulled over to let their brakes cool the next day while holding a steady 50mph on the long I-70 downhill from Eisenhower without ever tapping the brakes except when some "some a-hole from New York who tried to order trout back in 1987" cuts me off. 15k fifth wheel, drop a gear, set cruise, engine brake on Full, time to relax.

At least, that's what I tell myself every time I pay 3x what the gasser crowd does on oil/fuel filter changes.

 

[SouthernCharm]

Just my personal opinion, but IMO diesels really have an advantage in the mountains. There's nothing like giggling like an idiot at tire fire disaster reels, then gliding by folks pulled over to let their brakes cool the next day while holding a steady 50mph on the long I-70 downhill from Eisenhower without ever tapping the brakes except when some "some a-hole from New York who tried to order trout back in 1987" cuts me off. 15k fifth wheel, drop a gear, set cruise, engine brake on Full, time to relax.

At least, that's what I tell myself every time I pay 3x what the gasser crowd does on oil/fuel filter changes.

Oh I hear ya, just getting tired of the def issues and egr coolant. Replaced 3 so far at 190k miles. Last one at a tune of $1400.00

 

[Ridgerunner338]

I agree with everyone about the 1500. That's a no go with a trailer that big. I've drove truck for the last 30 years. I have a 2019 Tundra and a Nash camper that goes about 8k, the Tundra will pull it up anything I can throw at it but that's the top end of what I want going down some of these passes.

 

[blkqi]

Oh I hear ya, just getting tired of the def issues and egr coolant. Replaced 3 so far at 190k miles. Last one at a tune of $1400.00

There is a simple solution to all that...

 

[yfarm]

Tow a 33’ twin engine cat on a triple axle trailer with a the 7.3 gas,10 spd and 4.30 gears without issue, plenty of power. Load is around 12k depending on amount of fuel in the boat. Frontal area is huge on a cat. Computer shows 4.5-6 mpg. 45k on the truck, no warranty repairs, routine maintenance done.

 

[wyosteve]

To me it would depend on how often/how many miles you'll be towing that weight. If only a few times per year and not a lot of miles, I'd go with a gasser. If every weekend or trips over about 250 miles, I'd look for a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. I've had diesels since 1991 (and still do) but we also have a Ram 6.4 Hemi and I've been impressed with it.

 

[SouthernCharm]

Nice, thats what I’m talking about. Yes, fuel and ice does add a lot of weight quickly.

Tow a 33’ twin engine cat on a triple axle trailer with a the 7.3 gas,10 spd and 4.30 gears without issue, plenty of power. Load is around 12k depending on amount of fuel in the boat. Frontal area is huge on a cat. Computer shows 4.5-6 mpg. 45k on the truck, no warranty repairs, routine maintenance done.

 

[Alpine4x4]

The Godzilla gasser should handle 10k relatively easily. You'll probably notice a bit of a struggle on the big long grades, but nothing crazy. I wouldnt touch a 1500 for towing 10k. If you're going to be up around 15k+ its no question at all to go with a one ton diesel.

 

[southLA]

Weight loss plan!!

There is a simple solution to all that...

 

[2five7]

I pull a 10k 5th wheel, plus a ~2500 lb single axle SxS trailer behind that, all over Utah. No issues maintaining the speeds I want to, even on the hills. '21 F250, 7.3 gas, 4.30 gears and 37" tires.

 

[SouthernCharm]

Thanks for the info. Leaning more that way with all the pain in the butt stuff with diesel. I’ve had a diesel for almost 40 years in one way or another, just getting more of a headache wear as 20 years ago, run them for 250k and not a single issue.

I pull a 10k 5th wheel, plus a ~2500 lb single axle SxS trailer behind that, all over Utah. No issues maintaining the speeds I want to, even on the hills. '21 F250, 7.3 gas, 4.30 gears and 37" tires.

 

[pacoalcracker]

You are going to miss that 6.7 diesel...I give you 6 months and you will be sick of that gasser. A pretty expensive mistake as compared to the maintenance and upkeep of the diesel. My 2024 6.7 has 475hp and 1050 ftlbs/torque.....7.3 gasser is a joke in comparison.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Tow a 33’ twin engine cat on a triple axle trailer with a the 7.3 gas,10 spd and 4.30 gears without issue, plenty of power. Load is around 12k depending on amount of fuel in the boat. Frontal area is huge on a cat. Computer shows 4.5-6 mpg. 45k on the truck, no warranty repairs, routine maintenance done.

Probably does great in flat lands of the Texas coast.

In the mountains the NA gasser is going to choke.