Towing a 43' Fifth Wheel With a GAS Truck? Ford 7.3L Gas Engine
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2022
- Lots of people ask if we're happy towing our 15,000lbs fifth wheel with a gas truck. After 10,000 miles of towing, Jason shares his thoughts in this video.
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Glad to see you here and welcome to another RV life focused video. Many of you have asked and after almost six months of towing and a year of ownership, Jason is ready to share some of his thoughts on towing a fifth wheel with a gas engine. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic covered. Please remember to keep comments kind and on point - no need for truck brand wars. lol. Comments are moderated by both Jason and Abby. If you find value in this video, we hope you'll take a moment to like, subscribe and share. Thanks! - Jason and Abby
I’m enjoying these new gas engines in the heavy duty trucks I just got a 2020 Silverado 3500 dually with the 6.6 gasser currently have 42k miles regularly pulling a 18k pound gooseneck truck handles it well I wish it had the 4:10 gears like my old 2500 but besides that it’s a nice truck and maintenance free compared to a diesel.
The 7.3 is designed to be boosted. You can gain efficiency and torque. A turbo is perfect for towing and turbos love displacement. The 7.3 will be even better boosted with 1 or 2 turbos. Savings in fuel alone will pay for the cost.
I would guess a clean install professionally done to be under 10k, depending on one or twin turbo. 7k with just one.
@Jesus has given you all. Repent or die. does Jesus want a boosted 7.3 as well. I know a good builder for him. It would be awesome racing Jesus, long as he did not cheat and bless the engine, we all would have good time. Dude Jesus changed the water to wine! It would be awesome if Jesus turned the water to E85.
Alcohol for all. AMEN.
Great review. I have a 1999 7.3 diesel. Thinking, once fuel prices drop maybe upgrading to the new tremor with the 7.3. Spot on with the torque #'s my 1999 is rated at 500lbft.
@@Back_door_bandit_98 Appreciate your comment. I love my 6.6L gas engine as well in my 2500HD LT Chevy.
This guy definitely has a great way of delivering all the information needed in a short video. This was the best description of how the truck tows a 15k lbs. load by far.
Appreciate the feedback, Rick!
Yes sir! If you got bored listening then you need to get your head examined.
I need to get my head examined most likely anyways. I think most people need to carry around an impact and consistently keep up on torquing loose screws on everyone’s head that they come in contact with as well as their own.
Proverbs 27:17 brethren sharpen brethren
Yes you should keep doing this you are good at it!
I agree great delivery. Wish I could do the same lol.
7.3 with 4.30's here. Just completed a 5,000 mile towing trip pulling an 11.5K fifth wheel. In wind across the plains states and through the mountains; including an 11,000 foot pass. The 7.3 handling everything we threw at it. And the trip average was 9.1 MPG!
Curious, at what highway speed did you get that mpg?
My 6.2L gasser with 3.73 gears can only get 9.2 mpg pulling 9k bumper pull camper at 60mph
Drops to 7mpg at 70mph.
Wind drag kills mileage.
@@Rick_With_No_Filter 65 mph unless posted for less.
I stumbled on this video by accident and all I can say is what a refreshing, concise, and honest review of the towing capability of the 7.3. Far too many videos prattle on or are just too click-baity. Great work!
Great video. I can tell you as a fleet manager we are shifting away from diesel to the 7.3 L V8 gas because of the long-term repair costs. This engine is so efficient and powerful for what it is that it makes having a diesel truck under 20,000 pounds of towing mute. For anything above that of course you’re gonna have to have a duely diesel but most things, you tow are between 10,000 pounds and 18,000 pounds. Highly recommend this motor we have 36 of them now and they have been incredibly reliable.
Thanks for sharing
No rocket arm delaminating issue at 40k?
@@sabertoothduck Not a one. Tell me about this issue if you don't mind? I want to do some research in anticipation of problems. We have 36 trucks with six F-350's more on order.
There are videos of the Cam shaft and hydraulic lifters delaminating and pitted on the 7.3 gas, not 7.3 diesel.....
@@MikeS77577 Appreciate the warning and I have sense seen a few videos on it. Gratefully, we have not had one issue with our 7.3's so far. I have put out a bulletin though on it and we are going to be watching for it. Thanks.
By the way, we have nine 7.3's now with over 200,000 miles and no issues. We have 17 of them with over 150,000 miles with no issues, and the rest are under that mileage. We will be keeping each truck until 300,000 miles and then selling it. We will see what happens.
I recently got a 2022 F350 dually with the 7.3L and the 4.30 gears and am towing a 41’ Grand Design Solitude with a 16,800lb GVWR (haven’t been to the scales yet). It was definitely uncomfortable at first hitting those high RPM’s, but after more research and understanding that’s where the power curve is, it doesn’t disappoint. It has plenty of power and tows amazingly well!
I was thinking about the same truck you have. I'm glad I stumbled onto your review of your truck because that's the same configuration I was going to order. Its a 23 but that doesn't matter I would appreciate any additional information you may have on the truck. Ty
@@robertsabella7298 sure! I’ve now put over 9,000 towing miles in the first year. I’ve driven it from Georgia to the Grand Canyon and back and multiple trips through the Appalachian mountains as well as to Myrtle Beach and Florida multiple times. Gas mileage isn’t amazing… I’m getting on average 6-7mpg depending on headwinds and speed traveled. I try to stay between 65-70mph. A few trips I did 70-75 and I was definitely in the lower 6’s for gas mileage. It’s obviously challenging pulling a 41’ into a regular gas station, but with a 48 gallon tank we find we can drive up to 4 hours between stops, which is about all the kids and myself can take before needing a break. My wife always uses aerial view on google maps to find a big enough gas station to pull into and it’s usually not a problem unless they are very busy, then you have to be extremely patient.
As for power, there’s only been one time that I pushed the pedal all the way down and realized, oops, that’s all she’s got, but it wasn’t really bad thing and she was able to keep accelerating. I was just trying to keep up with a friend towing a 18’ travel trailer with a bigger truck, that just wasn’t happening! I’ve towed up and down 6-8% mountain grades and it does fine. Again, those RPM’s get pretty high, but that’s where this engine performs, so you just get used to it.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Would you tow a19,000lb camper with your dually and the 7.3?
@@donclark5677 it depends on where and how often you are towing. 19K lbs is getting close to the max towing capacity of the truck and really limiting payload overall. If it’s mostly flat towing and not often I’m sure it would be ok, but if you are towing through mountains and often you might want to upgrade.
So, I guess diesel is my only option.
40 plus years ago we pulled trailers and boats nearly as big and as heavy as today with Ford and Chevy and Dodge Trucks with gas engine's , V-8's that displaced 350 , 360 , 400 cubes ( no turbo's or supercharges or fuel injection ) . We may not have gone up all the hills as fast and we went down hills in lower gears and changed brake pads more often but the Trucks did the jobs and did them well. I now drive a 6.7 ford diesel with more power than I need . I probable would have saved the extra 10000 bucks and gone gas if the 7.3 had been a option when I bought mine . A 7.3 ford or 6.6 chevy or even a ram heavy duty truck with a gas engine is light years ahead of anything we had in bygone days . I'm not sure I will ever save enough on fuel to get the extra 10000 for diesel back.
I hear you loud & clear. I bought a 1972 f250 new. Had a 360” which was a boat anchor. Not sure it had even 200hp and under not much more torque. Pulled boat and a full slide in camper. Numerous rigs between but My new f350, 7.3 l is a gigantic improvement.
Exactly. Nowadays its just a pissing contest, has nothing to do with the trucks themselves...
We towed this weights with the old 400 and 460 no problem. But we did with the 4 and 5 speed Manuals . 410 and 455 axles matched much shorter tires than put on trucks today. The gutless days started when mfg put tall tires and cut out the higher ratio axles on the gas engines. Why do this SALEs of diesel engines. From the get go they were still putting 235_85_16 on the duelly diesel with 410 or 455 axles for years after the gas truck had taller 17 and 18 inch wheels with 355 and 375 axles with maybe a 410 if you ordered.
My dad delivered mobile homes from the factories to lots for years using an International tote truck with a gas engine, 5 speed trans and 2 speed rear. It'd pull 14x70 homes without issue. I've still got parts and pieces of trucks scattered around the farm.
Diesel is 50% more expensive per gallon than gas so your not saving shit on fuel.
You did an excellent job of getting to the point and explaining the different variables in comparing all the options. Clear, concise and quick! So often CZcams informational videos are full of fluff, not this one! Kudos
Glad to hear the review, I've been waiting to hear from folks putting miles on them to see how the experience is. I don't tow far enough to justify the added expense and upkeep of the diesel but I do need the payload of the larger trucks. I'm glad to hear this 7.3 is working well to fill that gap.
We have a 2021 F250 with the 7.3 and ten speed transmission and love it. We don’t tow full time but when we do we have no issues. We’re always well under weight and towing maximums. The engine is an absolute beast.
I am impressed with Ford's gasoline engine. I towed with gasoline many years ago and swore it off forever. Going up western state passes my Chevy 3500 sounded like it would explode before we go to the top and it would not hold speed towing about 16000 pounds. Money is important for diesel, but I will say that (from experience) Ford's diesel 6.7L Power Stroke is a monster. My F450 dually has towed just over 32,000 pounds (construction equipment) from Los Angeles to south Denver, CO, - across two major passes (over 10,000 feet) w/o breaking a sweat.
You got a solution that worked for you and saved a ton of money (upfront) - a nice job. Your video is well done and presents information that is factual and concise - really nice.
This was a very well spoken and organized review. Thank you for posting this! I really need to consider the gas now that you’ve put it into such a good perspective.
Best assessment of this comparison that I have heard, excellent, factual, brief, and to the point! Thank you!
I have the same truck, with Tremor package albeit a Platinum trim. I have a 12k fifth wheel and my experience mirrors yours. What I did concerning the gas problem was to install a 42 gal transfer tank in the bed. Not only does it double the range, but provides a lot more flexibility in choosing gas stations and when to refill. When I have to make a potty stop for the smaller bladders in the family, I take the opportunity to refill the main tank and we're off. Also a 60 gal replacement tank is being made and should be available fairly soon.
great additional info!
@@BlackLung87 yes that is the rewards of working for it.
How much you pay for that?
@@CZcamsuser1aa if you are asking about the transfer tank, about $880 for the whole setup including the pump, filter and nozzle.
@@terrysoule8441 more like the truck
So glad I finally found this content. I've seen a ton of videos explaining how this exact truck is amazing at towing 9k, 10k or even 12k lbs of trailer. But my new camper has a gvwr of 15k lbs and I've been searching high and low for info on how it handles that type of weight. Thank you for this.
We kept our 92 IDI 7.3 Dually for pulling our 33 ft triple slide Jayco Designer but keep it in storage. We bought a Power Boost XLT for current travels with 28 ft tag along 1 slide. When Duke Power failed twice for several hours the truck generator was a Blessing!
This exactly answered my questions about this engine… thanks.
I have the same truck setup with a 31’, 37’ tip to tail, travel trailer that GVW is 10,000 pounds and with the 7.3l it’s a dream. No issues at all. Love the truck.
Thats like the perfect truck to trailer weight sweet spot!👍
Just found your channel because I bought a 7.3 F350. Love how you explain things and get right to the point without wasting my time. Great content and I wish you the best of luck with your channel!
Welcome aboard!
Diesel's have a lot of complicated emissions gear, require DEF, and are very expensive to maintain. The 7.3L gas engine shold be a good alternative for a lot of RV'ers.
First time watching your videos and I must say you’re better than most. You have a subject to discuss and you give it quite succinctly. You’re to the point and don’t ramble on like so many do. Thank you, this was very informative and helpful.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the 7.3L gas in the 1 ton F-series. Impressive!!
You bet!
This is the best truck review of a truck I’ve viewed. It’s to the point, well delivered, and hits the key points.
I'm a believer in letting creators know they made a good video,
This is a great video. Short, to the point and informative..and clear. Thanks for taking the time to make this!
I really, truly appreciate that! Thank you!
Getting 8mpg with that trailer with gas is very impressive, when I first clicked I was thinking you were gonna be getting 4, with other major items on the diesel like dpf system and filters kinda prices retail out of the market. Pretty cool to see gas is working for you
I would love a head to head MPG comparison in towing between 7.3 vs 6.7 diesel. I know not towing, there is a 3-4 MPG difference.
I agree. I owned a 2002 F-350 with the 7.3 powerstroke, and it was a wonderful tow vehicle, but it never got better than 11.5 mpg unladen. With a trailer weighing 1k lbs or 15k lbs, it got 9 mpg... it's like it knew I was towing and got thirsty regardless of weight. These days, aside from the $10k premium you pay for a diesel, the maintenance costs are significantly higher than a gasser. Oil changes are twice as much, multiple fuel filters that MUST be changed regularly, DEF cost, and god help you if you get some contaminated diesel that hurts your fuel rails... that will cost you about $10 to fix (ask the Ram owners about it). I have been teetering back and forth for a few years, but I think a gas truck is in my future. The savings buys a hell of a lot of gas over the life of the truck.
One question are you retail or do commercial use? Here is another way of thinking 10mpg Diesel@$5 , Gas 8mpg @$4 50,000 miles a year. Both are the same cost $25,000 a year in fuel. If you don't NEED the power and retail it's looking like gas. After writing this gas is looking better
We don't know if that's on the flats or in hills/mountains.
@@danielsnook5029 His numbers are optimistic, the only scenario I see actually getting those numbers is downhill 😆
Love it - very thorough as always and your points were clear. I can imagine the larger tank on the long bed would absolutely be a welcome addition.
Yeah, there's apparently an aftermarket 55 gallon replacement tank coming out this summer that I've got my eye on.
@@RVMiles Any releases on what kind of pricepoint though?
Wow, what a great tutorial! An active tire monitoring system diminishes the concern over having dual tires. You can even include the system on the trailer. It is rare that RVers are as concerned about legally towing as you. Kudos to you in all instances.
We have a 2001 Ford Excursion with a 6.8 V10, we've been towing 6 Horses in a trailer for 12 years , no problem, 17 miles per gallon, We live in Colorado.
I also have the 7.3 liter gas engine in my 2020 F350 LTV dually with crew cab, long bed, 4WD, and 4.30 rear end ratio. I carry a Northern Lite 10-2 slide-in truck camper, which weighs a bit over 3200 pounds dry. In my pre-purchase research, I came across more than one online source saying that Ford targeted fleet buyers with the 7.3. They say the more simple push-rod engine tied to the great (IMO) 10-speed transmission will give the truck a very long life. We'll see. I love the flat torque curve, in any case. BTW, my mileage is similar to yours: 8 mpg when driving >65 mph; 11 mpg when driving
Excellent review. I'm glad to see someone that looks deep into pros and cons and has real hands on experience. Keep up the good reports. They all seem thorough and with a lot of research.
Much appreciated!
I have a 2016 super duty diesel and am considering going back to gas as I don't tow as much as I used to do. The information you provided was super helpful. Thank you!
This was the most excellent, most concise video, let alone video about a car, that I've ever watched. Subscribed, just to awe at your presentation skills.
That was a really great video and great explanation of your experience with the 7.3 L. That was valuable information for many people. Thank you👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸
Much appreciated!
We installed an aftermarket Titan 60 gallon fuel tank. It fits in exact same spot at original tank. Only difference is it sets 2-1/2” lower than original. Best mod we made. Never have to stop for fuel when traveling. Get to our destination drop off 5th wheel. Then go fuel up at station with best Pricing and no hassle or worries of getting in/out.
Titan makes a SuperDuty tank for gasoline?
@@rh-et2vv I think they're working on a replacement tank.
I heard that they are working on one. I will look for the info.
@@rh-et2vv yes they do
Did you calculate the loss of pay load with your bigger tank? Doesn’t that bigger tank defeat the purpose of the gas payload?
We went 6.7 on our 2022......But weighed the 7.3 HARD for sure.....Great times we are in with the available powertrain choices! Excellent video!
You make some very good points especially about fueling. We came from a 36' class A motorhome (Winnebago Voyage 35L) that had a 8.1 liter Chevy gasoline engine (7.5 mpg on a good day) and we towed a small SUV (Chevy Tracker). The motorhome had a 75 gallon fuel tank, but still you had to take it into the gasoline side of the stations when fueling was required and that was al lot. There were often inconsiderate people that would cut in front of us or leave their car blocking pumps.
We now own a fifth wheel (2021 Grand Design 303RLS) and a 2021 Chevrolet 3500HD SWR Diesel that has a 36 gallon fuel tank and an added 60 gallon tank in the bed behind the cab. This along with the ability to use the diesel pumps in the rear of stations away from the cars is worth the diesel truck price alone to me. The stress of fueling that motorhome is gone and the money that is saved being able to shop fuel prices instead being forced to buy due to need is a huge consideration.
Like the Ford 7.3 the Chevrolet 8.1 gas engine produced it's torque at a high RPM and you knew it on every hill. We live in the Sierra Mountains and the diesel is night and day better with the exception of its cost.
Thanks for the video and safe travels.
Jason,. Currently have a Dodge gasser and pull a Layton 5th wheel. Total combined weight truck and trailer is just a hair under 18,000.
Getting ready to retire. We have picked out our new coach. A Grand Design Momentum 398 M-R. Empty weight is 16,000lbs loaded we are at 21,000lbs. So we looked a 450 range of pick up trucks. Price tag over $90,000.
We live on a beer pocket book but would love champagne once in a while. After much dilibration we went a complete different direction.
We bought a HDT (2013 VOLVO 780) It has 500k for milage. Automatic 12 speed transmission. It develops over 1600lbs of torque for towing. Double bunk. Lower bunk makes in to a dinette or bunk. Has a fridge, and microwave plus coffee maker in the cab. Plus a 26" tv for the wife and grandbabies.
I have had all six of our grandkids in the cab and the wife can still get up and move around or lay down. And feed lunch with out stopping.
Total cost for the truck was $24,000. We put a deck on it $3000. To haul our Smart Car and the 5th wheel package $4200. So we are totally invested $31,000. As for fuel milage we get 9.8gpm and I have 300 gallons of fuel.
Buy the way we don't even feel the trailer behind us going up hill or down.
Recommend some other people investigate our setup.
Safe travels and roads. Brian and Cindy "xtreambydesign with passion"
Excellent review. One add. The Pilot/FlyingJ app can be sorted by “RV Friendly” location…many with RV specific pumps (meaning long pull through with gas as an option).
One note that I found out the hard way, once you find the RV friendly locations, look at the details and make sure they have the specific things you need.
Very well put. Those big gas engines don’t get enough press and credit. Good on you for being real on your situation and setup.
Well what ya know... a responsible RV owner in the video. This was refreshing to watch!
Good information and very well explained. Glad to hear that you are happy with the 7.3. I think that the complexity of modern diesel engines strongly reduces their desirability and it is good to have excellent gasoline alternatives. I've been thinking that if I were in the market for such a vehicle that the big gasser would be the logical choice.
With all the smog requirements for a diesel and the high maintenance cost it’s not worth it. With the new transmissions a gas truck with all the gearing can put down lots of torque.
Guy from germany here. Wow these mileage numbers are impressive. Here in germany we call a car is efficient when it gets 40MPG, we're complaining when it gets under 30MPG. It is a whole other world
Kmh is way different from mph just to let you know
The first straight to the point no nonsense video..good job
This is a great review. Our last tow truck was an 03 F350 4x4 dually with the last of the 7.3 diesels. Towed our 10K pound fiver great but that dually was an absolute pain in the rear around town. You made a great choice and have a great combo.
Thanks!
Thank you for an honest and well explained review. I'm leaning this way as well, was considering the 3.73 gears, but the 4.10 has the towing advantage.
I also hadn't considered the short bed vs long bed fuel capacity, good point.
Make sure you try turning around in a cul-de-sac with the long bed or a parking lot before you commit.
Put a 30- 50 gal. auxilary tank in the bed. That will fix the fuel issue
I ordered my truck with 4.30s and a 48 gallon tank but its a 4door long bed
i had a 74 GMC one ton dually, with 5.7 L gas and four speed manual transmission, i towed a 38 foot RV/ Toy hauler fifth wheel with it, several times with no major issues, if it had had a five speed it probably would have climbed hills better. i prefer duallys for better stability
Thanks for the direct, clean, clear video. Refreshing & helpful.
Great video. This 7.3 with the 4.10’s and 10 spd is the future. We’ll definitely pick one up in 5-6 years when the market (hopefully) drops and these can be had used. For now we absolutely love our ‘17 Titan XD Cummins. We don’t need a ton of payload and our TT is only 7600 lbs so it’s perfect.
I pulled a 36 foot travel trailer for a long time with my gas 6.8 v10 superduty. Switching to diesel made life so much easier. I would never go back.
The gas fill up issue is the same for Class A gassers. I am envious when I see a diesel in the truck pull through. Every fill up must be thought out and planned ahead. Bucees are a dream, so much room and so many pumps.
Gotta love a Bucees
Agreed--especially with a toad! When on the road, I always hope for Flying J or Maverick RV lanes. I have dropped the toad for Costco prices then reattached after a fill up.
We just purchased our first pusher and I never really gave much thought to the class A gas fuel issue until this Christmas when camping in Ft. Pierce. Had a new Newmar class A parked beside us. Was talking to the owner and told him what a nice unit he had. He told me filing up can be a pain in the rear. Never thought of that. We have to plan our fuel purchases also. Guess it's part of the deal.
don't forget about the bucees nuggets...
@@billdarrah5030 some of the newer Valero/Toot'n Totum stations in Texas have separate RV lanes with gasoline.
Great info. I've been looking at a 7.3 for my 8k lb TT. Thank you for making this video.
It’s just those damn hills, I’ve towed with both with same trailer, the fuel savings on long trips is enormous with diesel, 7-8 with gas , 13-14 with Cummins, plus resale, good luck on your journey
I love the larger tank on my diesel F350. 60 gallons of diesel and we don't have to fill up at all during travel days. we stop and fill up when we're stopping for the day. Of course you can only do that with a diesel, but it sure is a big advantage.
edit: I should add going through big cities with our standard tank was never fun. we would always need to fill up before or be searching after getting through. now we just keep on cruising.
Transfer flow is supposedly releasing a 58 gallon for the tremor 250/350 gas in April, keep an eye open for it. It's waiting on the carb approval supposedly due in April.
Awesome. I hope they do. I've never understood why they have one for the f150 and Tundra but not the gas super duty. Hopefully the 7.3 popularity will encourage them to do so.
Carb approval?
@@johncuervo3019 California approval for emissions and stupidity
We have the 7.3 in our 34' 21,500LB Class A towing a Jeep Wrangler that weights 4,100LBS. Climbing hills it's a bit slower but gets the job done no problem. So far proving to be a great engine.
Thanks for the excellent explanation and important details, Jason. You're always very fair with such reviews.
We're gearing up to start full-time RVing later this year, and I'm working on getting an F-250 right now. The Grand Design 278BH we've ordered will be just over 10k lbs. fully loaded, but the F-250 with the 7.3L can tow about 14.7k lbs., so I fill really good about this option. I too have heard some complaints about the 10 speed transmission, but it seems that most of those were (1) complaints about the F-150 shortly after the 10 speed was introduced or (2) complaints about the frequent shifting, as you noted, which is actually a feature, not a bug.
We're starting a YT channel of our own (Called to Journey) to document our adventures, so hopefully you'll keep an eye out for it this spring!
I knew the 7.3L was coming when I bought my 2018 Duramax (which I love overall) and was interested right from the start, but lacked the patience to wait. When it comes time to replace mine, I’ll definitely consider a 7.3 again. The diesel can pull…and pull…and pull, rarely downshifting with a reasonable load, but beyond that I am convinced that if you can get over the diesel bravado, it’s a wash anymore.
Your comment made me legitimately laugh out loud.
My wife and I have a dodge diesels as our daily’s and usually hook one up to a 42’ toy hauler when we head out for the weekend or for a week with the kids. I wouldn’t even consider trading one in on a gas truck. I don’t have anything against gassers, but I’m not going to find a gasser with over 1,075 lb/ft torque.
We have same truck with 14,000 lb. 5th wheel. Installed transflow 50 gallon transfer tank in the bed. Best mod we have done. NO more gas station issues! Drive day is great!
How did u do that?
@@dr.blast__2713 it fits in front of my 5th wheel hitch. Pump is on the same side as my gas tank cap.
I'm glad you mentioned payload. Too many people ignore that and it is more important than tow capacity.
Excellent info. I have that truck without the tremor pkg and I have 4014 payload with the 4.3 rear end. I special ordered this truck to tow as much as we possibly could as we get ready to purchase our new 5th wheel. I too, like you, given the chance to do it again would buy the long bed with the bigger tank and keep everything else. Really appreciate your review of this!!
This was the perfect informational youtube video. Right to the point, well informed, gave facts and 1st hand experience. Great job! Take my sub!
Generally a nice, honest review. Thanks for sharing your experiences and opinions. Good info for those in similar situations. The Diesel engine is a huge cost compared to the 7.3 that many probably dont need. Safe travels
Thanks for watching!
Nice video with good info. Quick and to the point. No annoying hype.
Just found you guys. Good info. We also have a gas F-350 but ours is the 2021 with a 6.2L. All of the 7.3L were in the King Ranch's and could not afford a $80,000 truck. We tow a 30 foot Keystone RD24S 5th wheel and after 32,000 miles have had no problems in our journeys. Thanks for the good videos.
Thanks so myck for being here!
While I have and love my GMC 3500 diesel, I appreciated you honest views and information (like you always do with all subjects) on how the gas truck worked for you. I did not think about he “gas lines only” and not the RV/Truck lanes with diesel only…thanks!!
Ya, towing a 5th wheel and not being able to go through the truck side would/will be a problem at A LOT of places including large truck-stop supercenter-type stations. Not only do you have to worry about overhead clearance (which is more a problem at smaller stations) you have to worry about there being enough space for your total turning radius getting into the station, to a pump, and getting out of the station without blocking traffic. That's to say nothing of having to potentially wait for multiple cars to finish filling before you can squeeze in to a line of pumps 2-3 deep. You're also trying to avoid causing damage to the facility's stuff or your trailer. I would think that with the gas engine, investing in the largest possible factory fuel tank or adding an aftermarket one in the bed will help immensely in reducing pump anxiety.
This is what has to be done if you don't drop the trailer somewhere first, which is a HUGE pain in the ass to have to do.
Good choice and explanation. I had to update my truck and went with the new Chevy 6.4 gas. It's great for the price. I was lucky to find one. I could not find a 7.3 gas with the higher tow rating. I couldn't find one with the taller axle gears. Many fleets are going away from diesel with down time and repair costs It's a shame, but the numbers don't work well for Desiel anymore compared to the performance and gas mileage of these modern gas engines.
I don't understand your "but the numbers don't work well for Diesel anymore compared to the performance and gas mileage of these modern gas engines." statement?? At 470lb tq compared to lowest diesel at 850lb tq, for pulling power I see NO comparison, I'd say the numbers don't work well for the gas!
Nice to hear you're happy with the new Chevy/GM engine. Perhaps you meant to write 6.6, not 6.4.
@randy phillips 4gallons of oil for a change high price of fuel and oil filters,the def fluid plus the extra engine ware due to emissions and bad fuel mileage compared to the older diesels. 6 injectors for a 12valve Cummins $600 6 injectors for the 6.7 Cummins over $3000. My friends ford got bad fuel coming back from Colorado had some def fluid in it he could have done said he didnt I tend to believe him he has equipment but any way it was $12,000 dollars to fix fuel system
Thank you, great info. I have a 2017 F350 diesel that I only use a couple of times a year to pull my 12,000 lb fifth wheel. Its really hard on diesel engines to make short little trips and idle a bunch which is why I only use it for my trailer. I ordered a new truck with the 7.3 hoping it’ll pull my trailer OK and when not pulling a trailer I’ll have a truck that I can use more for other duties.
Great explanation and I agree. That is exactly why we bought a gas Tremor. Flying J in Comfort, TX today 3/6/22 was $3.89 for 87 octane and $4.89 for diesel. 26K on out truck with o issues. No death wobble.
I have a 21 tremor with the 7.3. I pull a fifth wheel also and when loaded I'm right at about 15,000#. I have to say with all that I have watched and listened to your comments are right on par with what I experience. my feeling is if you take care of this motor it will last a good amount of milage, I believe that you should get your moneys worth and then some. its also cheaper to replace this motor than even a re-build on a diesel, keep that in mind.
Right on!
IF .... If you properly Care for a dsl... They’ll generally last decades !!! I’ve got a ’93 Mack Bulldog semi with 985K miles and the engine/trans are still strong without a major rebuild....
@@StarPartners your 93 mack is not a light duty diesel and it also isn't full of sensors and exhaust filters and does not require DEF.
Did you get the 250 or 350?
I can't believe these manufacturers offer 1 tons without a long bed. They pull better, Payload hauls better, bigger tanks can haul plywood and 8 foot boards, and they look to scale. Long live the long bed.
Why this guy wanted single rear wheels with a 43 foot trailer LOL and a short wheelbase...
like...
a fool for every seat.
Well done review. I am in agreement with your conclusions. Thanks for posting.
Great video, thank you for your realistic feedback!
I purchased a '19 F350 with the 6.2 gas/4.30 axle and regularly tow a 16k, 41' horse trailer w/living quarters. It tows perfectly fine as stated in this video and attains similar fuel mileage. My previous tow vehicle was a '99 F350 diesel that towed the same trailer - my '19 gasser does just as well or better than my previous truck. The 7.3 gas is a good engine but I'd purchase another 6.2 instead of paying the premium for it - not worth it in my experience.
I have a 11 f250 with the 6.2. My truck has 3.73 gears and the 6 speed auto. I have to say I couldn’t be happier with the capabilities of this engine. Even with the gearing I can pull 12k with ease. Mileage is not quite as good as the newer trucks. But not too much of a difference. I’d be happy with a newer 6.2 myself
Hi Jason, great review of the 7.3L Godzilla V8. I am not really brand loyal in terms of mid-size or half-ton trucks, but if we ever needed a heavy duty pickup, it would be a Ford so we could get the 7.3L engine. Great engine choice in terms of capability. We would never need a diesel, so the 7.3L would be my engine of choice. I also think that 8 to 9 mpg at 65 mph towing a 43 foot 5er is respectable, particularly given how much you saved over the diesel engine. As always, thanks for an informative video!
Yeah, the cost is such a huge factor. Good to hear from you Dean!
Love my 7.3. Fuel mileage on mine is 6.9 pulling 15000. Drive 65 mph. I do have long bed with 48 gallon tank and love it.
We purchased a’23 Ford 7.3 single axle. Pull a 40’ 5th wheel that weighs in at 14k. Truck pulls like a dream over my old Ford V10 AND I actually get to pass-by a few gas stations that the V10 would have forced us to stop. So far so good.
I’d love to hear more about your experiences with the 7.3. It seems like an awesome motor
Same setup (minus tremor) 16klbs loaded on my GD 3740BH. 9200ft over mountain passes, cross country a couple times. Put 45,000 miles on it. Doing great!
edit: I also regret not going long bed
Because of trailer clearance, style of hitch or something else? Just curious.
I've been looking at this motor since wanted to give them a couple of years I think a 350 single wheel with a 3.73 or a lower gear would work best for me. I'd love to know what gears some people are running. And yes 8ft bed crew cab would be a must however saw a 8ft bed extended cab the other day that looked sharp
@@davidcaskey4669 I can't yet give you the towing mpg, but here's the unloaded info. I have the 2022 7.3L F350 Lariat extended cab, 6.75 bed, 3.73 axle, 18c whels. Not Tremor, but I optioned nearly all of the Lariat Ultimate items and HD suspension items (minus the snowplow front springs). No winch or moonroof. The payload rating is 4035Lbs.
With 2 of us in it and a full gas tank, it scaled 7800 LB. Empty, in town, with short trips mileage can go below 10 mpg. On I-17 up the hills from Phoenix to Flagstaff at 75+MPH, I get around 14 mpg and over 15 on the round trip total. Only 2500 miles on it yet so far.
In 2 weeks I'll be picking up a new 32' 5th wheel DS toy hauler with probably 14K+ GVWR. A week or so later we plan to take it up to Flagstaff, which should be a good comparison to our unloaded runs. I'll keep my speed under 65mph for the towing.
@@davidcaskey4669 3.73 or 4.30 are your only options as far as I know
@@garyschulte859 thanks for the info let me know towing mileage maybe someone will post with the 4.30 gear
Excellent video! Exact info I was looking for on that truck and engine combo, and trailer weight. Thank you so much!
Good to hear the 7.3 is working out. I think repair costs should also be watched. Your motor won't be near as expensive to repair as the diesel. I know from delivery trucks we operate. Great content!
The gas engine won’t be as reliable with age under that kind of load as diesel
Might want to consider an auxiliary fuel tank to get you enough fuel to make the entire trip without stopping with your trailer. Might be worth the investment.
Interested to see how these OHV engines perform long term. The last pushrod V8 Ford used was the 302 in '01. Those motors are still on the road and working well.
Yeah, I liked that it was built for longevity, even though that's yet to be seen. I might not have taken a chance on it without that being such a focus in everything from Ford's mouths.
Are you aware that the Ford 7.3L gas engine is a pushrod engine?
Yes, that's what we're talking about.
@@RVMiles D'OH! My brain read Overhead Cams... Too tired.
What is old is new again. Ford’s 7.3 doesn’t fall too far from the old 460ci (7.5L) V8. This is a clean sheet design, but being a pushrod engine, shares genetics with all the great large blocks of the past. The old V10 proved itself to be quite tough and is all over the place and will remain in service for years to come; that UPS truck that visited your house today is probably not new and is probably on the Ford F-59 chassis which means the V10, but Ford couldn’t squeeze any more performance or efficiency out of that design. Going back to a pushrod V8 shortens the total engine height and makes it possible for it to be put into many more applications than the much taller V10. The V10 was an overhead cam engine which made the heads very tall. Ford also looked at what GM was doing with the much vaunted LS engines and was looking for something that was more competitive with the LS engines. You can purchase the new Ford 7.3 from their performance division as a crate engine that makes 600HP naturally aspirated, right out of the box. It is going to be interesting to see where this engine ends up; not just in pickups and motorhomes, but probably in a lot of hot rods, customs and street racers. Supposedly it can be shoehorned into Fox body Mustangs!
Was here ready to make a funny comment because I tow with a 2019 3500hd and 2021 2500AT4 both diesels. Your video is SOLID! Keep it up, I will be back
Great review, thanks for sharing your experience. Keep the shiny side up.
I really wanted the Tremor package but wanted the 48 gallon gas tank long box more. Really love my 22 F350 7.3
48 gallon + long box was the deciding factor for me. I can bolt on everything that came with the Tremor package, but I'm not bolting on a longer bed.
Long box is where its at🤟🇺🇸
We did exactly the same thing pulling Avalanche 312rs 15000 lbs max I don't think we are anywhere close to that love the truck though
Great video. Honest, clear and to the point. Good job.
Great Video. I like the way you explained everything. Made it very simple to understand. Thank you!
Video well done. The 7.3 gas option is truly way above anything the competition has and does very well for a gas option. I can see how some people can be pretty satisfied with it for most towing applications.
I did consider this option for my newest purchase, but knew I would have times when even this 7.3 gas option would not produce the power and ease of towing I look for in a tow rig.
Tried a 21 ford f350 diesel, wasn't real satisfied with it, so after about a month I traded it in on another ram cummins, this time getting a 3500 HO.
Great truck, now with tuning and STUFF, truck runs great tows my 15,000 lbs toy hauler anywhere with out breaking a sweat. And Rams exhaust brake is night a day better at stopping a heavy load then anything ford or GM has. Stopping power is just as important and pulling power, if not more important.
If I ever stop traveling across the country and or move to a much lighter rv I could see myself getting the 7.3 gas. But if buying for our company and workers to drive, hands down the gas option is the only good option, financially speaking.
It’s funny how when you drive a gas truck unloaded, you love getting on it to hear all the V8 noises, but when it’s actually working under a load, people start getting nervous.
Totally agree, towed ~20,000 in a triple axle toy hauler from Minnesota to Billings, Montana with a 350 long bed. Got on I-90 in SD and set the cruise at 80 and let her go. Had a head wind for probably 130 miles and the MPG dropped to about 6.7 and our RPM averaged 4500 😂 My co-worker thought i was going to blow it up but as long as the temperatures were fine I'm sure the engine will be fine
From what I've read and seen, this 7.3 gasser is built pretty stout, I have a feeling that it'll be a good engine for Ford. I too am contemplating one myself.
@@jaydancraven1117 Yes technically it should be fine but headwind is no joke up here I’ve lived in Idaho and Montana my whole life but when wind picks up you see everyone towing something reducing speed not just because wear and tear and gas mileage but because a lot of people get tipped over passing other big rigs.
That why you buy a diesel
@@higherlifts420 but,but, he just blew his Wad on a $85k supertent, so now can't afford a truck...what a douche!
Back in the 60s I towed a 55’ long 12” wide house trailer across Northern Indiana with a 1 ton chevy truck with a 327 asoline engine. 60 and 65 mph all the way, no harm.
I have a 2017 F250 with the 6.2 Liter, I installed a 50 gallon transfer flow aux tank in my bed. Works great on long trips with the travel trailer.
I ran into some of the same issues. I wasn’t ready for a DRW so I went with the Ram 3500 gas SRW. The diesel had a much lower payload because a Diesel engine is much heavier than a gas.
Some diesels like my Chevy 2500 have a have a higher gvwr than their gas counterparts. Mine is #500 more than my buddies gas. Both are 2500hd
@@dank8017 Yep any of the 2020+ 3/4 ton duramax trucks can be upgraded to a 11500 GVWR package which give them over 3000lb payload
@@brendanhonea1432 these are 1 ton trucks with 2500 emblems. The DOT and enforcement agencies can stop and inspect them so you may as well get the 3500 srw which rides better anyway abs gets you over 12000 gvwr
@@JohnDiMartino No they can’t ! DOT only stops commercial vehicles. This is not a commercial vehicle.
People focus way to much on payload rating. Get some air bags and be done. Your truck will pull just fine. In the semi truck world there is no such thing as payload rating. You could take a short single frame freightliner with little 36k axles and hook it to my super loads of 245,000lbs. It’s legal, but it’s stupid. Will the truck pull it, yes. Will the truck wear out fast? Absolutely. This is why there are no gas powered semi trucks. It’s dumb. Same should be said about pickups that haul 15k travel trailers.
You should see if they make an aftermarket gas tank with a bigger capacity. Some are available for other trucks that take advantage of void spaces around the tank.
They’re expensive as fuck tho lol
@@03tarserov64 can never win with today's prices
This is a great video and it answered all of my questions regarding towing with the 7.3 Tremor. Thank you!!
Very welcome!
I have a 2017 F250 6.2l gas and I love it. I owned six diesel trucks before it and I will never go back to one again. I have a trailer behind my truck almost everyday, a 25ft gooseneck flatbed, a 32ft bumper pull enclosed cargo trailer and a 35ft gooseneck six horse trailer with living quarters. I haul hay, horses, equipment and a ton more all the time and like I said before I love the truck. I did add AirLift air bags which helped out a lot Thanks for a great review....
I understand what you were saying about the 8' bed and long wheelbase, but I when I saw one, the door sticker had the bed payload at 3480 lbs, likely because the truck weighed more, and the added 105 lbs of extra fuel.
The payload on my 7.3L long bed F350 XLT with the offroad 4x4 package is 3,749lbs. I ordered it and therefore could only guess what it would be before I got it, but I definitely wouldn't want it any lower, especially since the plan was for an eventual 5th wheel. I should also note that I opted for the 11,400lb GVWR package to avoid extra registration fees and hassles in California, which may have trimmed 100 pounds from my theoretical payload, at least on paper.
Love my 7.3, I sold my 2013 6.7 to buy it, it does everything I ask it to do, granted my max load is 14k ( dump trailer and mini excavator) i feel better knowing I can repair any engine issues that come up. My 6.7 went through 4 EGR coolers, and that was just a short list of issues I had with it.
I switched back to gas as well,, after a $9,000 bill on my 2008 6.0 .. Been happy with the 6.2, pulling 12k .
@@michaelcrimi99 there was no 6.0 diesel in 2008
Eric tell the rest of the issues on the powerstroke.
Excellent job with this review. Thank you for posting. Helpful information.
Thanks for this info. I’ve been going back and forth on gas vs diesel. Will not have that large of a trailer - probably in the 30’ range as we’re more once a month weekend warriors. I’m really starting to lean to this 7.3L engine.