Towing 1,000+ Miles in a Gas Truck // Ford F-350 Superduty 7.3L Godzilla 4.30

www.smore.info...
Coast to coast, if you count Lake Michigan. Fun fact: Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes that is not part Canadian.
We spent much of the winter traveling across the Gulf states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. We needed to head home to Indiana to take care of some things and get ready for spring.
Our last thousand miles was a pretty straight northern trek from the gulf near Mobile Alabama up to Lake Michigan, taking I-65 almost the whole way. We started at sea level, climbed up to the outer edge of the Appalachian mountains in Northern Alabama and Tennessee, and through the windy flatlands of Indiana.
Obviously we got much worse mileage in the Appalachian foothills, right?
Ford Superduty F-350 SRW 7.3L Godzilla Gas Engine 4.30
Montana High Country 335BH 37ft ~15k pounds loaded

[@landondc4739]

I nearly shat myself watching that green pump handle go in!

[@joe1071]

I got similar in my 7.3 Godzilla on the same stretch towing a travel trailer. We've towed 15k miles cross country on various temps and conditions. Super hot to blizzards and I find that wind is the biggest factor in changes in MPG.

[@mcgilm69]

Two things to consider. 1. Cooler air is more O2 dense; that's why performance vehicles add cold air intakes. As a result of that the system must inject more fuel into the cylinders to avoid a lean mixture. 2. Yes, when towing diesels get better fuel economy. However, without a load to tow, not so much. Also, the cost to do services on a diesel can be significantly higher than a gas engine, so you have to look at long term maintenance costs as part of the equation.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Great video Ryan, I’m actually not upset about the fuel mileage especially with gas prices currently…. Great point on the cold weather which does hurt mileage but never thought about the diff 👍🏾

[@maxracingteam23]

Diesel engine is still $8000 more than the 7.3 and maintenance is way more! 7.3 for the win!

[@Kybossls]

Hey Max, I ordered a new 22 this past December and the 6.7 diesel was 10,480. added over the base price. I went from a 2017, 6.7 to the 2022, 7.3 the Ford dealer made it easy to trade. Like you this new gas is a winner with the added cost for the diesel.

[@maxracingteam23]

@@Kybossls I think it’s a great engine and I bet you got a very good trade in number too!

[@Kybossls]

Max, even the wife said to trade! First truck that I actually built, came in at 67,800, the difference paid was 4,000 Taxes and licenses. My 17 was really clean with 49k miles and Garage kept. The 22 is a ultimate lariat with a pay load of 4079 pounds.

[@landonwilcox1837]

Just finished a 1600+ miles trip with my ‘91 F350 7.3 IDI ZF5 and ‘21 MHC 377FL weighing in at ~15k. Averaged 7.78 MPG. Not bad for a 31 year old truck! $1017 in fuel 🤢 paid $5 a gal once all the other fuel ups were 3.99 - 4.79

[@Icutmetal]

Okay.

[@thomaslindsay1967]

God bless you. I got a 92 same specs scared to pull any heavy kind of slow. However it is pretty reliable I use it as a plow truck.

[@CampersofChaos]

Just watched JB reviews - your price per gallon is right about 5 cents more than him. So for every 10k miles of towing between you and JB review - your truck costs you $500 more. Considering a diesel is nearly $10k more compared to gas - this would take nearly 200k miles of towing to justify the diesel from a cost per mile (not including DEF or higher maintenance costs). So the soft costs of a diesel like performance and diesel exhaust brake are the only reasons to consider a diesel over gas in my opinion. I have a gas truck and this is why I chose the gas as well.

[@gorvyourself]

We have had the truck for almost a year and currently, we tow about ~17k with the 7.3 with bags and HD sway bar. We get 6-7 MPG avg, not towing we get 16 MPG avg. I learned Premium gas does get better gas mileage and gives me back about 10.00 per tank. We do drive 55 mph everywhere.

[@6582rg]

Too heavy of a pull for a 17K rig. I went from a 12K 5th wheel, which the 20 F350 SRW 7.3 handled well, to a 16K rig, which it didn’t. It was working too hard and hot in the Rockies. Bought a 21 F350 dually diesel, and no more issues.

[@paulob5153]

Great info video ..i am always amazed when i watch these videos on how cheap fuel is there sane trip here would be $985 gas currently 6.50 per gallon and diesel has just gone up twice in two days back up to 7.70 per gallon !!

[@jasonsims734]

I started watching watching you when you were on JB's channel, and I have the same truck but Rapid Red... now I see we're practically neighbors! Happy travels from Winfield!

[@SmoreRV]

Greetings neighbor!

[@carperdiem8754]

That green handle at the beginning scared the crap outta me

[@SmoreRV]

If I’m being honest, at least part of the reason I didn’t buy a diesel is that I know I would put gas in it. I’m a creature of habit and I’ve just been using that gas nozzle too long.

[@amandadavis9726]

I thought the same thing. 😅 I had to go back and watch again, lol.

[@terrygallon3342]

That's is a very nice truck! Some air bags will level that load and improve your ride quality. Thank you for posting...

[@SmoreRV]

I had Firestone airbags on my Tundra and Timbrens on my AT4 HD. I'm thinking about doing Timbrens again. I liked that the Timbrens didn't affect the ride while onloaded and I didn't have to mess with airing them up and down between tows. I could spend the big bucks on the compressor setup thats adjustable in the cab the way KYD did it, or what Ram does from the factory, but for under $300 and about 15 mins installation, Timbrens are a great value. Maybe more people will see this comment and have thoughts?

[@BigMikeRobinsonFJB]

@@SmoreRV how’s this compare to the AT4 HD?

[@SmoreRV]

@@BigMikeRobinsonFJB I sat most every trim level of GM & Chevy HD truck. The seat bottom near the back has very little padding. I feel it the moment I sit down. I'm 6'3" 230lbs with a 36" waist. I imagine someone a little lighter or narrow might not have the same issue. I ordered the Ford but then it looked like it was never going to show, so I bought the AT4 to salvage the summer camping season. After 4 months the F-350 I ordered finally showed. If that seat wasn't so awful, I might have kept the GMC. The 6.6L GM gas engine is strong, but the 6 speed transmission holds it back. Sometimes I would need to speed up or slow down while towing to get it to stop searching for the right gear. The highlights of the AT4 HD are the cameras, blind spot monitoring that covers the trailer, bed-side step that makes it easy to check your hitch, tailgate that also makes it easier to reach your fifth wheel hitch, and that the puck system is further back giving you more space between the tailgate and trailer. Lots to like but terrible seats.

[@BigMikeRobinsonFJB]

@@SmoreRV thanks for the info. I think you did well on the new 7.3. How does the ride quality, handling etc. compare with the 2 loaded and unloaded?

[@SmoreRV]

@@BigMikeRobinsonFJB Unloaded the GMC wins on ride. The Ford rides better loaded but most of that could be me playing with the pressure in the Reese Goosebox. The AT4 had wider offroad tires so that hurt handling a bit, but then the 4.30 gear ratio on the Ford makes it real tight at low speeds. Basically, if you like the look and feel of a GMC/Chevy better, and the seat feels good, its a solid choice for an RV tow vehicle. Personally, I'm thrilled with the Superduty, but I miss the bed and tailgate of the GMC sometimes.

[@j.l.salayao8055]

Impressive 7.3L gasoline! Can't wait to get our 20k wet at just 43 feet 5th wheel toy hauler to be hitch up with our 2017 f350 crew srw diesel up and down the Nevada desert. It'll be just purring on those hilly climb while i'm relax on the driver set. Happy trails. Cheers!

[@TJ-hd5ym]

Hope they have signal in that desert you be calling a tow truck lol

[@j.l.salayao8055]

@@TJ-hd5ym The truck is going strong pulling the heavy rig behind and never did i need a tow truck. My AAA was always in hand just incase. I have been full-time on the road since January 2018 and present and the truck now has 113,500 on the clock with just basic maintenance since i took delivery new from the dealership. Only minor issues and worn out replaceable parts was done. Although, I've seen a couple of chevy/gmc and ram fiat on the side of the road through out my four years travel on the road and on some few occasions i called a road service for them when i got to the top with enough bars to make a call...lol.

[@sly9263]

Gas has officially surpassed diesel for cost vs MPG. That excludes the up front cost and service of diesel too... times are changing I guess.

[@whit10mm72]

Transfer flow just got approved a 58 gallon gas tank for these trucks. I received an email from them saying it should be available soon.

[@scottback3020]

Not a bad fuel cost. I had a gas truck and now a diesel and I can say this. There’s very little difference in cost in diesel vs gas. My gas truck pulling out 15k 5th wheel got 8-9 mpg on interstates and my diesel gets 10-11. The extra cost of diesel makes it close on cost and in my eyes, not worth the premium you pay to get a diesel truck.

[@pilot41186]

Till you tow in elevation in the rockies then diesel wins everytime

[@TheMacronical]

Plus with the newer diesels, you have to factor DEF usage on top of diesel consumption. This closes the gap even more, let alone the repair bills that come with the BS emissions systems

[@pilot41186]

@@TheMacronical Yet those of us who don't drive too fast towing get anywhere from 11 to 14 to on our rigs and can climb every grade a heck of a lot better than any big blockengine could do

[@TheMacronical]

@@pilot41186 he was doing 65 through the entire time tested. Wasn't exactly lighting it on fire was he?

[@Icutmetal]

I’ve calculated it many times and it’s always close to if not a wash on the fuel costs alone, set aside the other stuff.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

i just did 2400 miles to texas and back in my gas burning ram power wagon, was shocked at the low MPG coming back north in the wind, but by golly the truck had plenty of power and temps stayed right at normal even though i was turning 5000 RPM for a lot of the uphills lol. diesel would have been nice, but it would still take more years to get the money back out of the higher engine cost than just buying a powerful gasser and filling it up.

[@Kybossls]

Received my 22 F350 crew cab long bed, with the 7.3 & 3.73 gears, 4x2 truck. First tank of gas and have driven it 480 miles showing 14.5 avg. mpg’s. 400 miles was highway driving. This spring I’ll see what it’ll do pulling a Classic Airstream. Like that blue but went with Iconic Silver with gray bottom.

[@SmoreRV]

Congrats! I'm sure the 3.73 is the better choice for an Airstream. Better fuel economy and if you got the big fuel tank, you'll probably be near 400 miles of range.

[@JohnDewh]

Who buys a 2 wheel drive truck

[@Uncle_Fester24]

Good video! Safe travels!

[@BigMikeRobinsonFJB]

Those O’Biden Bama gas prices are insane!! Wowza!

[@kevinmcquitery4543]

I live right across the bay from Mobile, in Daphne.

[@leongallegos4477]

Just a little over $500 for 1000 miles. Not bad at all.

[@lwilde0422]

Diff getting cold is not a thing of efficency loss. Maybe if you are in North Dakota and it's -40 but even then the fractional amount of friction in your diff would be nearly unquantifiable. Cold weather generally means better fuel mileage due to the engine pulling in cooler and more dense air while also not engaging the engine fan as frequently.

[@SmoreRV]

Quoting the Freightliner website: "The precipitation cools the tires, transmission oil and axle oils. These components operate less efficiently at lower temperatures. The increased rolling resistance and drive-train friction in just a light rain can increase fuel consumption by 0.2 to 0.3 mpg." - freightliner.com/blog-and-newsletters/how-adverse-weather-affects-fuel-economy/#:~:text=The%20precipitation%20cools%20the%20tires,by%200.2%20to%200.3%20mpg. I got 6.4mpg in flat Indiana and 7.1mpg on a gradual climb through Alabama. I'm not saying temperature was the whole reason, but it seems likely to have had an effect.

[@lwilde0422]

@S'more RV what you quoted was talking about the rolling resistance caused by driving over/through rain, slush, and snow. It did mention the transaxle oil as well but as a very minor part of the total .1-.3 mpg loss. We have all felt what happens when we hit a puddle. It pulls your vehicle towards it and slows you down. Now imagine that in an 18 wheeler, which is what this article is focused on. You could imagine that driving through a constant puddle with 18 wheels will cause a .1-.3 mpg loss. It still stands that oil viscosity change caused by temperatures seen is the continental USA has virtually no impact on light duty vehicles mpg. And thinking the average Joe could identify that loss by calculating fuel consumption from the fuel pump is highly unlikely. To determine anything less than .5mpg change with any accuracy requires a loaded chassis dyno.

[@SmoreRV]

Every vehicle I've had has shown worse fuel economy in Chicago area winters. Cooler temps are the sweet spot, so spring and fall. Here's more including "Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids." - www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml My evidence is far from lab conditions, but a 10% reduction in fuel economy on this trip is significant. If I look at the best tank (7.5) against the last, coldest, worst tank (5.9) it grows to 21%. That last tank was also the windiest part, though. There are multiple factors and I agree that isolating any one of them without a dyno is impossible.

[@baseball373]

7.3L GODZILLA Emblem Decals Badges... Finally found a company making 6 different Styles They have them for the Doors and Tailgate Found them on Ebay under 7.3L GODZILLA DECALS Badges

[@hpkntnw]

5:24 also depending on what time of year and temp and state they might phase out winter blend fuel super early and winter blend with the ethanol isn’t great for mpg.

[@roywall8169]

Enjoyed the video. Have you noticed a difference in performance (fuel economy) using 87 rather than 93 octane? Here in Utah my choices are 85 or 91 (I am using the 91 exclusively). Some stations have ethanol free, which is about .10 more than the 91 octane, but I have yet to try it in the godzilla. I have a trip to the grand canyon this year, as well as the usual camping trips planned.

[@SmoreRV]

I haven’t yet. My guess is it either doesn’t make a difference or the difference is small enough that it doesn’t cover the extra cost… but this why we test and put it on KZbin!

[@Xander-dx6mw]

Ford had a bulletin about not using 85 in the 7.3l two years ago. I doubt there is much difference between 87 and 91 octane.

[@ericmatos1025]

I would not recommend using a different octane than the one recommended for the engine. just like the oil density, it is recommended with the engine design in mind. Higher octanes makes fuel more difficult to burn and is recommended for high performance engines that operate hotter and at higher pressures. If you use lower octane fuel on those engines the fuel will ignite at unintended times, causing knock. The opposite can also be possible. This is an old story but my uncle bought a brand new SUV in 2000. He wanted to use the best fuel for it so he filled it up with premium fuel (93 octane). He had to go to the dealer to check it because of strange noises on the engine. Guess what, the engine was not designed for high octane fuel and was acting up. As soon as he switched to regular gas it was smooth riding.

[@roywall8169]

@@ericmatos1025 wise words. I use the 91, because at my altitude the btu capacity of fuel us lessened. It is the equivalent of using regular unleaded at sea level.

[@Icutmetal]

@@roywall8169I think you’ve got that backwards.

[@atvrepairsandmore2482]

That’s really not to bad. I don’t think a diesel would get over 10 mpg when hand calculated with a 5th wheel that size. In my area diesel is also .90 cents more than gas right now.

[@adamshaw8214]

Plus def.

[@JohnAnderson-km1fb]

A significant factor is how fast you were driving, and I never heard you say. Huge difference between say 65mph and 75mph, especially with a tall 5th wheel.

[@SmoreRV]

65mph. I almost always stick at 65, as do a lot of semi trucks. Its easier to just hang in the slow lane. Aerodynamics seems to really start hurting around 60mph. Empty I get 17.7mpg@60mph and 13.7mpg@80mpg

[@camasaitis]

Does about the same as my powerboost with an 8000# trailer.

[@brainzyummy4574]

Haven’t towed in my 2019 f250 6.2 yet but in the city I avg abt 10mpg and on the freeway i avg 12mpg ish, gas around my area avg $5.40-$5.90 for 87 🤷‍♂️ i didn’t want to deal with the maintenance of a diesel so the 6.2 was reasonable for me.

[@Dontwuryboudit]

Great video. How is your experience filling up at the gas station pulling the 5er vs diesel boys going through trucker islands? That is my main stresser I'm new to it and have the hemi 6.4 towing a 5er.

[@mrme2704]

Was this an older trip, fuel is over 4.50 now in most places. Would have made you fuel much more expensive on the same trip. Looked like you paid 3.17 at that one station

[@SmoreRV]

Ha yep. It was 2 weeks ago. We got home just before those prices jumped.

[@mrme2704]

@@SmoreRV lucky, lol. Prices have gone crazy

[@SmoreRV]

@@mrme2704 My average price on that trip was $3.37gal for a total of $507. I'm seeing a lot of prices near me just getting close to $4.50. At that price the trip would be....$677. These higher prices aren't going to kill my summer as wel usually take 1-2 months to travel that far, but its certainly going to be a thought in the planning process.

[@pauljohnston2148]

What is the Gear Ratio on your truck? 430's or ?

[@SmoreRV]

Yep, 4.30.

[@gridfreeca]

88 f350 dually 460 5spd on propane with over 10k towing in BC mountains I get better than 9mpg , with a cost of $200 in propane from Edmonton to prince George with fuel to spare , 1 fill!!! New trucks are way over priced !!!

[@sierranvoverlanders]

What size of fuel tank do you have and it looked like you was only putting around 15 gallons of fuel at a time

[@SmoreRV]

34 gallons. If I know I'm going to need to fill up and I know I'm going past a Flying J or something with easy pumps, I'll do it early. I'd rather not worry about my range the last few gallons and we need to stop for the bathroom anyways. That said, the longer bed with the 48 gallon tank would have been a smart choice.

[@doitalldad3032]

Just so you know your thoughts on cold temperatures effecting isn’t exactly right. Basically after 10-15 minutes of driving literally every moving component of your pickup is essentially at “summer” temperatures because of friction and movement. Typically vehicles run their best at cooler temps.

[@SmoreRV]

My transmission temps, per my OBD reader, were running 10F-20F degrees cooler than normal during the last leg of the trip. The engine is blocking some airflow over the transmission while also generating heat. The efficiency on that leg was the worst at 5.9mpg.

[@carperdiem8754]

How does it do on steep inclines? Can you hold 60mph?

[@SmoreRV]

Yep. Spent a good deal of time around the Smokey Mountains this summer. I don’t think interstates can be steeper than 8% but I would guess I’ve only been on 5% or 6% grades. I can hold 65 when the semis are slowing down. I don’t want to flex too hard here, it’s not a Power Stroke, but the 7.3 is strong enough.

[@dwaynerudkavitch5307]

Your differential theory is sooo wrong. The temp outside affects the fuel consumption and the computer aspect of how much fuel goes into the cylanders along with the density of the air which will be thicker when cold. Thus less fuel mileage..

[@ryanb5189]

Rad. How fast were you going?

[@SmoreRV]

65 most of the time.

[@ctneilson]

It would be great to see your speed and Rpms when towing your 5th wheel

[@SmoreRV]

Will do. I’ve got the footage but every time I try to put it together it feels too boring. I think I just need to post it. I usually tow at 65mph. On flat ground, it’s tenth gear around 1,800rpm. If it’s a bit hilly, eighth gear around 2,300 rpm. Sixth gear can handle most grades at 3,500.

[@MLopez-gi4ev]

what speed(s) were u driving each day on average?

[@SmoreRV]

65 every day other than a few sections with construction.

[@TJ-hd5ym]

What year?

[@SmoreRV]

2021

[@kevinb3534]

i have a f 350 srw 4wheel drive with 373 gears with a 7.3 I pull a keystone 30 foot 5 wheel 8800 lb 10,000 gvw i get a average 9 miles to gal that is over about 6000 miles towed

[@SmoreRV]

Nice. Thanks for sharing your numbers. At 15k, the 4.30 is probably the right choice for me. If I was mostly going to travel in the flat midwest, I bet the 3.73 would do fine and give me better unloaded fuel economy. For you and anyone else with a trailer under 10k, I bet that 3.73 can handle anything.

[@johnrigby5418]

@@SmoreRV I have on order an F350 SRW 4x4 with 3.73 gear ratio. I plan to pull my 36.5 ft fifth wheel that weighs 12000 loaded. Do you think I should have ordered with the 4.30?

[@SmoreRV]

@@johnrigby5418 The 4.30 is rated to tow about 20k and I’m pulling 15k, so about 3/4 the rated max. I’m pretty sure the 3.73 is rated at 16k and 3/4 of 16k is 12k. If you are going to spend all your time climbing grades in the Rockies, then the 4.30 would be better, but at that weight I would stick with the 3.73. Enjoy the better gas mileage.

[@johnrigby5418]

@@SmoreRV we don’t plan to be traveling to the Rockies, mostly flat lands. Thanks for the info.

[@anthonymeyer183]

Dud gear oil is not like butter 😕

[@mikkei3532]

6,8mpg it is 35L /100 km - in Europe Semi truck with 30tones consume that much fuel!!!!!

[@SmoreRV]

Keep in mind a few things: - The semi truck is a diesel which should expect around 30% better mileage than my gasoline engine with a comparable load due to diesel providing more energy per gallon - Aerodynamics play a massive role in fuel economy, its not just about the weight. My trailer height is just 2 inches shorter than an American semi truck trailer. - This was done during winter, summer mileage is a bit better for various reasons - There was more wind than normal on the last leg of the trip I'm trying to show how bad it can be rather than an optimistic, best case fuel economy scenario. Now that its summer, you can expect that sunny day scenario video soon.

[@dontwantnospam]

You also need to take into effect cost of oil changes and fuel filter changes. Ford recommends every 5000 miles for oil changes and every other oil change for fuel filter change on their 6.7L diesel. That's about $150-175 every oil change(13qts of diesel oil) and about $175-200 every fuel filter change (there are 2 fuel filter that have to be changed). The 7.3L gas engine calls for an oil change every 7500-10,000 miles (8 qt 5w30) and fuel filter should be changed (according to the manual) every 100K. I went from a 6.7L diesel to the 7.3L gasser because this was my everyday driver and we take trips with an 8000lb trailer once a month (about 200 miles one way) and one long trip (6-8000 miles) once a year. While I have lower MPG, I save on maintaining the truck, no DEF, and my main worry was I wasn't working the engine, so I worried about screwing the engine up from soot, acids in the oil, and having to make sure I used an additive to raise fuel lubrication at the fuel pump. Do I regret leaving the diesel? Yes, it was great on hauling the trailer and yes it got better milage. But when I calculated the cost difference (fuel usage vs cost of maintaining the diesel), especially since about 70% of my driving was relatively short trips (less than 20 miles), the cost of running the diesel was about 22% more that the gasser. And the difference can pay for a lot of gas. I'm retired but my wife won't be retiring for a few more years. After that we'll be camping more and making longer trips. At that point I may be looking for a diesel. But with the new diesel pickups (24 and later), MPG is down and DEF usage is up, so gasoline may remain in future. Just my experience and my humble opinion.

[@sweedish9184]

You’re right on it being cold affecting fuel economy, but you forgot that cold air is more dense, so you are pushing through a more dense medium.

[@SmoreRV]

Good point, that trailer isn't exactly aerodynamic.

[@Xander-dx6mw]

Could the efficiency loss be partially due to winter fuel in northern states, and it being used less in coastal states? Also, the heater will draw a fair bit of power, and the increased draw on the alternator could account for .2-.3 mpg.

[@SmoreRV]

I think winter blends are everywhere in the US, so it would hurt the whole trip. Your point about using the heater I'm sure is correct, and the negative effect would increase the further north we got. I'm by no means an expert on fuel. I had to look it up and I found winter blend has 1.7% less energy, which I assume would translate directly into a 1.7% decrease in fuel economy. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. This page on GasBuddy has a 2018 map so I don't know if its still accurate. As I read it, all the white areas have the standard blend specs and the colored areas are special. I may have gotten a different blend in Louisville, KY. www.gasbuddy.com/go/summer-blend-and-winter-blend-gasoline

[@lordrichard8184]

I like how you’re doing this is a gasser. Very few guys are doing it and showing the numbers. You’re pretty much running the exact truck I want to buy.

[@krisbeaver2901]

Get the long bed for the much larger gas tank and better payload. 🙂

[@krisbeaver2901]

@@LivingBetterOutdoors I thought that as well, until I found the payload charts. You get about #480 more payload going to the long bed *IF* you get the 430 rear. 373 rear is about #40 more. And if course that's all easily consumed with equipment packages. I went XLT, no FX4 or Tremor, and 18" wheels for the best SRW numbers.

[@krisbeaver2901]

@@LivingBetterOutdoors I have a 22 F350 CCLB 4x4 XLT 7.3L 430 rear, 18" OWL tires, camper package.. payload is 4418#

[@scramjet4610]

@@krisbeaver2901 Long bed gives you less pay load pounds because the longer bed weighs more and takes away from the Trucks payload capacity.

[@krisbeaver2901]

@scramjet4610 go look at the payload charts. You'll find your very incorrect.

[@timdavison2417]

Just a little word of advice, I would change your rear end oil with a good full synthetic oil like Amsoil. I done mine and it was very nasty! How are you liking the timbren bags?

[@SmoreRV]

I like the Timbrens. Had them on the last truck too. They just work. My favorite add-ons are the ones I never have to think about. Considering about buying a set of Sumosprings to compare. The best improvement to my ride has been buying new tires for the trailer. I ran about 11k on the factory tires, and I could see they were losing their shape and one was starting to run higher temps while towing. I went with Sailun S637s. The trailer transfers less bump to the truck and the contents of the trailer get bounced around less. They were very affordable and a big load carrying step up. Goodyear Endurance does not have enough weight capacity for this trailer.

[@doitalldad3032]

Think of differentials and transmissions one simple way. After 15 minutes of driving it’s essentially summer time temps internally for them. The cold outside barely effects them at all once they’ve been moving for a bit, especially under load

[@silverblue233131]

Hey, I am looking at ordering a new 2024 f350 SRW with the 7.3. The 5th wheel we have maxes out at 16,500 but will prob never actually be over 15k. Have you driven mountains at all? Do you feel confident with it or do you wish you had the diesel?

[@SmoreRV]

We've been to the Smoky Mountains and some steep higway sections around Flagstaff, AZ. A mapping tool said there are some 10% grades we've done. I haven't had a problem maintaining speed and have passed plenty of semis and motorhomes on steep uphills. The transmission does a great job of downshifting too, so I don't overheat the brakes. I find sections of shorter up and downs to be the real challenge. There is a long stretch between Amarillo and Dallas that is like waves, nothing flat. The truck has to rev up and then its down hill again. Long stretches of uphill are easy because the truck gets into the right gear and just does what it needs to.

[@paulc3455]

Cold weather on fluids is bull have you put you're hands after towing a trailer that big on differential rear end its far from cold same with engine oil it's gonna operate at temps no matter it why it has a viscosity rating.

[@danbrown8310]

yes but u don't have to deal with Def or higher maintenance

[@ET74019]

Gas prices up a dollar since this video was made 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@tech3nc]

What gear ratio do you have in the rear end. We are going to order a Super Duty, F350 Super Crew, 6.75 bed which looks like what you have and get the 7.3 as well. With the 350 you can get 3.73 gears and i had originally thought of ordering the 4.30 rear. Just curious which gear ratio you have.

[@SmoreRV]

4.30 - tow rating 20k 3.73 - tow rating 16k (a few hundred pounds of variance depending on wheel and bed length) I'm towing a bit over 15k with 4.30 gears and it has plenty of pull. I think the 3.73 could probably handle it acceptably thanks to the 10 speed transmission, but I would be close to max tow. A major downside of the 4.30 gearing is unloaded fuel efficiency (no trailer). I'm just over 2,000 rpms at 75mph in 10th gear. The engine is spinning faster than it needs to. I think the 3.73 axle would also be in 10th gear at that speed but around 1,700 rpms. If I was only towing 15k a few times a year or if I was towing a few thousand pounds less, I would go 3.73, especially if you travel in flatter areas.

[@tech3nc]

@@SmoreRV Thanks for the update. The camper we are seriously considering has empty weight of 10,600 and max gross is 12K so the 3.73 should work ok. Just a matter of how much cushion you want to have if we ever decide on something heavier. Still might stick with 4.30 but we have time to decide. Thanks again.

[@slaytanic921]

@@tech3nc this is where I am sitting at. My 5th wheel loaded is 11500. But I want the cushion with the 4.30 if I ever tow heavier. This will be a tow vehicle and not daily driver. Currently using a 6.6 gas Silverado. It goes the job but I want to see what that 7.3 is about.

[@wcooman1694]

Late to the party, I know. What gears? 4x4? Speeds? Thanks.

[@SmoreRV]

65mph. On flat ground that's 10th gear unless there is a strong headwind. 4.30 axle ratio 4x4 FX4 package (not engaged while towing of course, but it certainly adds weight and a little height)

[@Contreras-z4e]

But butter viscosity is different imo

[@SmoreRV]

I was going for the idea that any oil gets thick when cold, thin when hot, and there is some sweet spot of just the right temp for its usage. Maybe not the best analogy. I’m not saying they have the same feel, viscosity or taste.

[@robbiemartin7013]

How’s the power towing that load. Can it hold 7 or 8th gear on flat grounds

[@SmoreRV]

With the 4.30 axle ratio, I can hold 10th gear at 65 when it’s flat and not too windy.

[@SmoreRV]

@@LivingBetterOutdoors When I'm in flat areas I do, especially when I'm unloaded and getting only 14-15 mpg. If you intend to stick around Iowa or only tow under 10k, then its probably fine to get the 3.73 or 3.55. But, we don't get to switch axle ratios to fit our current conditions, so I feel better about this drivetrain the longer I have it. I've been going around the foothills in Tennessee and Kentucky recently and I appreciate having that extra leverage the 4.30 brings. This truck is rated to pull 20k and I have no doubt it could do it. I expect to be in steeper grades later this year and I expect to be able to handle them just fine. Now that we have warm temps and summer gas blends, I need to do a new MPG video.

[@islanderson691]

Wow fuel is still cheap were your at.

[@SmoreRV]

This trip ended a couple days before the Ukraine war started. Filling up never broke $100 until a few days ago when it cost $120. Gas is about $4.25 here right now.

[@islanderson691]

@@SmoreRV that's still good, it cost me $260.00 to fill my 68 gallon f450 with diesel and 70.00 for my wife's explorer with 85 octane.

[@lesterpittenger5992]

Northern states have formulated gas in the winter. Notorious for poor mileage. Differential not really a factor.

[@mariobrothers8348]

Wind factors in more than people realize. Colder weather gets windy more often. Same trip on same temp days I can get a 1.5 mpg difference depending on windy or not.