Upgraded my Tow Rig

[swbc150]

[p]Being a little disappointed with my F150 5.0L V8 with 3.55 gears while towing here in the Southwest and the Rocky Mountain States I decided it was best for a change. The F150 did tow the Bearcat Toyhauler but I didn't care for the high 6K rpm's and never getting higher than 3rd gear.[/p][p]
[/p][p]On a return camping trip this past week to the exact campsite I went on with the then F150, with my upgraded tow Rig, a 16 F350 with a 6.2L V8 and 4.30 gears, the results were way better and exactly what I was expecting if not even better.[/p][p]No high rpm's other than 4K twice on the 2 steeper climbs and in 4th gear with the 6.2L Vs the F150 was in 1st gear @6k rpm's.[/p][p]Most of the 170 miles 3000 ft elevation climb (5400ft to 8400ft) the F350 was in 5th and 6th overdrive gears, the Ford Superduties have both 5th and 6th as overdrives. The 6.2L V8 in the Superduty has the same transmission as the 6.7L Diesel.[/p][p]Transmission Temps in the F150 were always in the 230 to 240F degree range which is ok for today's transmissions.[/p][p]Transmission Temps in the F350 were never higher than 210F degrees but all Ford Superduties come with a Supercooling towing package.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Towing also feels completely different, a Superduty weighs a good 2K more than my F150, that extra weight translates into a improved towing experience, higher rated brakes, heavier frame, beefier shocks/suspension, higher payload/higher tow rating. Overall ride is still very comfortable but the F150 is smoother but I will never go back to a half-ton.[/p][p]
[/p][p]MPG between the F150/F350 were very close and slightly better with the F350 while towing. MPG is not a concern for me, I want a tow rig that can tow anywhere I please to go and do it without working itself too hard.[/p][p]I went with the 4.30 gears by researching the Ford 6.2L Superduties, all other owners suggested I get the 4.30's since I live at 5600 ft elevation to begin with and I always tow in even higher elevations here in NM and the Rocky Mountain States. The Standard axle ratio is 3.73's and the difference is only 1.5mpg between the 3.73/4.30 gear ratio's.[/p][p]The only way you can get the 4.30 gears in either a F250 or F350 is by a Special Order through your Dealer.[/p][p]
[/p][p]And this F350 still fits in my Garage..[/p][p]
[/p][p]Why not a Diesel?[/p][p]
[/p][p]1: Add a additional 8K to the price I paid.[/p][p]2: Not needed for what I am towing and I know I won't be getting a larger heavier trailer, ever.[a href="http://s774.photobucket.com/user/SWBF750/media/2015%20Livin-Lite%20Bearcat%20BC16FK%20ToyHauler/16F350Bearcat_zpskypgwiq8.jpg.html"]

[swbc150]

I have no idea why that Pic posted twice, I don't see how I can edit one of them out..

[whoofit]

Well, that ought to do nicely. Congrats!

[drdave]

You sir have excellent taste in trucks.   I just picked this up last week.   I got it used with 10K on it, but you would never know....    It's a F250 with 3.73 gears and 6.2 gasser like you.

[swbc150]

[quote source="/post/15642/thread" timestamp="1443575566" author="@tlbones"]You sir have excellent taste in trucks.   I just picked this up last week.   I got it used with 10K on it, but you would never know....    It's a F250 with 3.73 gears and 6.2 gasser like you.

[swbc150]

Return trip back to the Lincoln NF near Cloudcroft NM with the 6.2L, awesome towing rig now.

[swbc150]

[p]To follow up on my return trip to Lincoln National Forest the F350 was a pleasure to tow with. There is a 4315 ft in elevation climb in 16 miles, topping out at 8700ft, the F350 climb at a steady 55mph in 4th gear (speed limit was 55), I did need to go into 3rd as I caught up to a small car that was doing 35mph, if I hadn't backed off the F350 with the fully loaded 7000 lb Bearcat in tow would of pushed that little car right up the steepest part of this climb, lol.[/p][p]
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