Towing a Heavy RV with a modern GAS F350!

[@chadsteele1]

My thoughts are this, if your within your payload cap. A gasser has less maintenance and repairs can be cheaper. For short distances, if you're traveling full time or more than twice month long distance, get the diesel.

[@The_Opinion_of_Matt]

I expect a turbo diesel would be better in mountains specifically. Exhaust brake to assist with descents. Turbo to make up for thinner air at higher elevations.

[@yo9758]

@@The_Opinion_of_Matt what’s the difference between a throttle body and a diesel exhaust brake they both slow the engine down he really doesn’t know what he’s talking about in the video

[@usmcvet0313]

I have towed a lot of very heavy stuff with F550 tow trucks equipped with the 6.8L V10s. The engine breaking is a non issue, as the gas trucks still have great grade breaking. In tow/haul mode, the transmission downshifts aggressively, and the gas engine doesn't need an exhaust break as the throttle body does the same thing. Diesels have no throttle body limiting the intake, thus necessitating an engine or exhaust break. Gassers don't require that as the throttle body closing has the same effect, it just causes the engine to slow down by pulling a negative pressure by cutting off the intake side of the motor. Whereas the diesel exhaust break causes the engine to slow down by choking the exhaust, which caused a positive pressure backup in the motor. As long as the truck is equipped and programmed for the engine and transmission to work together to slow the load, either gas or diesel will effectively slow the load.

[@JavierRivera]

Hey thank you. The truck is a 2022 F-350 lariat 7.3L Gas Godzilla SRW axle ratio 3.73, with GCWR 23,500., Max towing capacity 5TH-WHEEL/ GOOSENECK TOWING of 16,200. The RV info. UVW 11,923 lbs. GVWR 14, 495 lbs. Hitch Weight 2,142 lbs. 80/20% I was talking about being 20% under the maximum towing capacity to be safe.

[@runswithdogs6892]

Until you scale your combo you're guessing. 20% of UVW is 2,385 pin weight EMPTY.

[@joshgarner805]

You can tow safely at 100%. Trucks are designed to handle weight up to their 100% capacity not 80%. Plus there are numerous safety factors built into those numbers. Why by a truck if your only going to use 80% of its ability?

[@JavierRivera]

@@joshgarner805 🤷🏻‍♂️ that is why I ask. That is what the internet gurus are saying. To me is also odd that is why I am asking. The same with axel ratio, people say 4.30 is better so 3.73 is not good? I am just asking.

[@joshgarner805]

@Javier Rivera it's not that it's a bad ratio it's just lower. If you drive the truck every day and can get away with the 3.73 you will get slightly better gas mileage but slightly worse when towing. It really comes down to your situation while towing and not towing.

[@JavierRivera]

@@joshgarner805 well. I will be towing a 5th wheel.

[@cisco1dog]

Just follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will be fine, you won😢get sued , etc. like the other poster, I get tired of these discussions. I tow a fifth wheel with a new Chev 2500 gas, I spend less than anyone with a diesel, if you count maintenance. I get 8.5 mpg, at 3-3.50 per gallon instead of the insanity that is diesel. My 6.6 tows as good as my Duramax did. Duramax got 11 mpg. With the difference in fuel cost and DEF fluid, my current cost is less. The brakes on the truck are the same no matter what engine you get. The gas truck has more payload/hitch weight, than my Duramax truck. Diesels are overrated for most rv usage. Less gross tow rating, but the rv is no where near 17,400. The initial cost and maintenance, are significantly more. I can put a whole new gas engine in my truck for the difference in initial cost.

[@kcspeed9980]

It’s funny how 5 years ago guys at the racetrack, what we tow for, would never get a gas hd truck. Now it’s becoming a serious option. We pull a 24’ enclosed car trailer, pretty much the standard enclosed option for a single car, with a new 2023 Chevy 2500 gas, like yours. It’s been a real eye opener to see the performance of new gas hd trucks and the economics/ affordability of them. We really didn’t have the ability to buy a new diesel truck and we’re probably going to get a gas 1/2 ton with an open trailer. It’s incredible how good this truck is for our use case. Tows way better then a 1/2 ton at its limit, people do pull enclosed car trailers with 1/2 tons but it’s really not recommended once you load them up with tools. Now we have way more capacity and the Chevy breaks are phenomenal, easy to work on and don’t fade or warp rotors. Hope you have plenty of fun with your truck! ✌️

[@burnedagain6187]

I tow a 33’ hydra sports cc boat. Weighs 15,900 +/- depending on fuel as water. I have a f350 7.3 gasser. The engine breaking system is phenomenal. I have a 4.33 rear end and pulls grades nicely although a little loud.

[@AlveysAngle]

My opinion is, if it is within you price range to do so, buy a diesel pickup. The overall experience is much more enjoyable knowing that you have the power for mountains and the ability to use an exhaust brake going down them. Plus, the resale of a diesel is higher and once you learn to uses the exhaust brake all the time, you will decrease how much you use the disc brakes quite a bit when empty. The fuel economy will be much better empty and towing as well.

[@craigwilliams1073]

I'm looking at getting a pre-owned 3500HD LTZ Crew Cab and with the gooseneck towing package. Deisel with under 100k Miles.

[@rver99]

I've towed my 9k lb GVWR camper 20,000 miles with my 7.3L gas F250. It does perfectly fine. For my application, simpler is better. I've towed it over the Rockies at the Vail pass four times and never go over 2500 RPM maintaining speed limit up the hill. I have a 58 gallon transfer-flow tank (just installed it last month) and that will take care of my range concerns for sure. However, if I were towing a 15k lb fifth wheel I'd have a dually turbo diesel. People crack me up though thinking that it's the diesel that gives you all that power. It isn't, it's the turbos. Give the Godzilla the same boost and you'll see > 1000 horsepower and 900lb/ft of torque, and yes this has been done. The diesel keeps the fuel economy in check.

[@craigwilliams1073]

Thank you so much for this one!

[@ryan_torres]

The first part of the video I was thinking you were out at a campground with all those vehicles all around and how nice the land around looked. Then I realized that its just your property. Very nice job!

[@Treeplanter73]

I love my Toyota 5.7 liter, it's a beast, tows great.

[@mikebrowne5152]

Engine breaking has always been inherent of a gas engine due to the throttle blade. Diesel engines only require an exhaust break because they have no throttle blade therefore no air restriction to cause engine breaking.

[@joviatt14]

I've been studying the numbers for the newer model years on HD trucks. And what I've found is that most of if not all the manufacturers are the same when it comes to the numbers concerning their towing capacities. For example, a 2023 2500/250 has the exact same towing capacity as a 3500/350 single rear wheel diesel truck. Where the difference between the two comes in, is the payload numbers. The payload capacity is smaller in a 2500hd than a 3500hd. Therefore you are limited in both trucks. One by payload, and the other by max towing.

[@johnhanson974]

I have a 2003 Silverado 3500 drw with an 8.1l gas engine. I am going to tow a 5er that is empty with a weight of 12500 from Reno to northern Colorado. I'm hoping for an enjoyable towing experience!

[@chrisokeeffe7624]

Wow the fule cost will kill your wallet. That is a good engine but it won't pass a gas station. LOL

[@johnhanson974]

@chris o'keeffe We are getting 11 mpg empty right now. We will see what we get on the way back. 🤞

[@skoffco]

The 7.3 L Godzilla engines are having numerous camshaft and lifters issues with very low mileage. The sad thing is they’re failing right past warranty limits. Most of them were showing delamination issues Last thing I would want to do is tow to max capacity with one of those engines until FMO hammers these issues out.

[@Chucky8889]

The 7.3l gas engine has a very good reliability reputation among the Ford mechanics I've spoken with. It will take several more years to determine the more long-term reliability, but the last four years have been positive. Towing to max capacity isn't something I'd do with any engine, gas or diesel.

[@maxhenry1977]

What’s a moder?

[@samuelchavarria2]

Can you do a review on towing with the big 3 gas engines With similar weight 5th wheels as the one in the video?

[@kirkgurgevich5566]

I am coming to Corpus Christi and was wandering if we could get together...

[@DSAK31]

If you ever want to do a review on a 7.3 gas F350 let me know I'm not far from you.

[@stevemcmanigal3410]

Do you tow an RV with your 7.3?

[@DSAK31]

@steve Mcmanigal yes, we have a 2017 Jayco 33RBTS. Has about 1,200# tongue weight and 8,800# on the rv axles, so 10k total.

[@jimmcknight3021]

How does it tow and what rear end?

[@shutupstoopid4518]

We have a 21 f350 swr 7.3 gas 4.30 rear axle pulling a 21 kz sportster 363th my out the gate weight on at cat scale is 19,520 when I leave the house and get on interstate 64 it's about a mile of 7% grade up the bluff, I'm at 60 mph just past the ramp in 8th gear by the time crest the hill I'm running 74 mph keeping up with traffic and lanes ending I ease back on the throttle just a touch it falls into 10th gear were it pretty much stays and depending on wind load I average about 10.5 mpg on every trip we've made. Coming back down to the exit to get off the highway I just let off the gas and the truck starts slowing down without much brake input till I'm on the ramp.I see alot of videos where dudes get in gas super duty and it's let put her in tow haul mode and lock out 9 and 10 and then complain about fuel mileage , I don't do any of that me personally I think towhaul mode would be for back roads and such. Not out on the super slab mashin gas and totin ass...just sayin

[@DSAK31]

There is no way you get 10.5 mpg towing at 75 mph with that setup, and from what it sounds like in the hills. Sorry I don't buy it for one second. I get 6 mpg with the same setup in the flat areas of South Texas, just a year newer truck.

[@shutupstoopid4518]

@DSAK31 I don't tow at 75 I tow around 68 to 70 , I top the hill on the way out at 74 + keeping up with traffic

[@shutupstoopid4518]

@DSAK31 I have pics of my dash at speed have fuel receipts from a trip from st.louis to Nashville TN. And back plus a cat scale ticket that say I do

[@shutupstoopid4518]

I worked in west Texas for a few months back in 2016 down by Childress chipsealing the hiway my take aways are 1 its really dark at night 2 most of the shade is man made 3 its always windy as heck

[@mikeruder336]

@@DSAK31 I agree , that thing is making gas.

[@JohnSmith-lw2bm]

I thought from the thumbnail we’d be doing real towing with a 7.3 and 4.30 gears. But no. That’s the one combination everyone wants to see, is it a diesel killer substitute? Maybe. Depends on the trailer I guess.

[@bryanthornton6787]

Have you seen The Fast Lane Truck video of them towing the Ike Gaunlet with the 7.3 w/4.30's?

[@shutupstoopid4518]

I'm near st.louis on the Illinois side of the river let me know I'll take some time off work and drag my junk down there and you can beat around with it you might be surprised after a day or 2 with it

[@rd1860]

Just looked on the Ford tow rating guide. Bumping that rear-end up to a 4.30 increases both the max tow and GCWR about 4K pounds each on the 2022. Don't want to high-jack the thread but I'm looking to do the same as OP but have not acquired a truck yet. I don't really want the hassle/cost of a diesel. Can anyone provide input as to how the 3.73/4.30 compare when not towing? I assume gas mileage suffers but how much? And are there other drawbacks? Use will be about 50/50 towing/not towing a 14.5K 5th-wheel. Thanks

[@johnhanson974]

4.3 all the way. Mileage won't suffer that much.

[@wellthatdidntwork]

If ur towing and driving 50/50 i dont see where you can go wrong with a 4.30 gear. Gas mileage wont be a big diffefence from what ive seen online.

[@usmcvet0313]

I'd go 4.30. TFL truck did a fuel milage comparison of 2 gas Super Duty's with 3.73s vs 4.30s. I think it was around 1-1.5 mpg difference empty. Obviously your fuel mileage towing will be better with the 4.30s as the motor won't be working as hard. The other thing to consider is the acceleration factor. The gasser is at a big torque deficit compared with the diesel, but the 4.30 gearing will go a long way towards making the most of what the gasser has. Also it will keep the gas motor in a slightly higher RPM range while towing, which is more in the meat of the power band of that motor. Less strain on the motor/trans will also keep op temps cooler.

[@rd1860]

@@johnhanson974 Thank you

[@rd1860]

@@wellthatdidntwork Thank you

[@riccochet704]

80% rule is staying at or below 80% of your truck's capacity in both towing and payload. Also, there is very little difference in fuel economy between a gasser and diesel while towing. I've tested it pulling my 31' RV with my 6.4 2500 and my neighbors 6.7 F350. 9-11 MPG with both on the same 150 mile trip. Was it easier towing through the mountains with the diesel? Yes. Was it more efficient? No. If anything it cost me more money in fuel with the diesel. The days of "saving money" with a diesel are over. You pay $10,000 more up front for the engine and an additional $150 - 2.50 per gallon for fuel. I've been advising people to consider a gasser if it fits their needs simply from a cost perspective. Thanks to the EPA modern diesel trucks get worse unloaded fuel economy than comparable gassers.

[@RVDumpStation]

I love my Ram 2500 Hemi..pulls my 8k lb travel trailer like a dream and I hope to upgrade to a mid size fifth wheel one day.

[@SurelyYewJest]

The viewer is talking a truck within the last 3-6 years. Duallies in the '00-'09 era did not have 16,000 lb tow capacities. It's only been the last 6-7 years that 1-ton SRWs can tow that much. The closer you get to the year 2000, the more likely it is that the dually only tows 10-12,000 lbs., absolute max.

[@davidleaghty2943]

Now a day most people think there's an automatic. My Pea brain is part of the 1-5 % as it is a manual!

[@stevekight1955]

Size of tires and differential gear ratio affect towing ability also.

[@shutupstoopid4518]

Additional comment the 19520 is the truck and trailer combined,

[@ijtoyosi]

Biggest drawback with a gas truck and big trailer is getting gas. Diesel pumps are laid out for people with bigger vehicles or just go to the truck stop.

[@runswithdogs6892]

I watch your videos and agree with your thoughts about safe towing but when you said he needs to go to a scale and get numbers I was done. Guy wasting your time and you wasting time guessing. Skipped through to the end, 10 minutes looking at a trailer while you ramble feels a bit like a filler. No disrespect intended.

[@BTBRVReviews]

This would have normally been a driving rant. Lots of folks email and comment that they like a Pod cast type rant.. I figured pointing the camera at the RV would be just as good.

[@jasonlarsen3515]

Everyone should take their set up to a scale.

[@runswithdogs6892]

At least with a driving rant there's a chance you'll catch a crash or road rage or something. Short internet attention spans you know.

[@chrisokeeffe7624]

Diesel for the win if you tow offten and long distances. Cant overlook the tourq when towing. It makes all the difference.

[@rider6.0]

Good video! 👍

[@carryonpastrong5146]

Have you ever heard of A D rated F350? Let me explain, I have A 2022 f250, 7.3 with a 430 Gear ratio , 8' bed, snowplow prep/ Camper package ,xlt. Looking at the truck And comparing it to A f350 or a f250 Tremor Everything is telling me that it is a one Tone But when I look at the payload sticker it reads 2678. What are your thoughts on this?

[@dereknew5298]

What is your GVWR? There are derated trucks for sure and I’m betting yours is. That is F250 payload numbers. Should be about 1K higher unless it was optioned to be derated. Some states charge much higher registration fees over certain GVWR, so the manufacturers will offer the derate option. I’m guessing yours was ordered that way.

[@carryonpastrong5146]

@@dereknew5298 GVWR 10000

[@dereknew5298]

@@carryonpastrong5146 must be derated then. An F350 that is not derated will have a GVWR of 11,400. 10000 is what most f 250’s are rated for.

[@carryonpastrong5146]

@Derek New so the payload of 2678 is correct?

[@carryonpastrong5146]

@Derek New so the payload of 2678 is Correct?

[@supporterofsanity]

Good topic but I was hoping you'd actually do it.

[@peterdement]

"Modern" or "moder" check your thumbnail?

[@Aussielife1818]

first!!!!! could you do a towing video of a 2020+ chevy 2500 duramax

[@yo9758]

Stop recommending diesel they’re just not worth it for most rv’s unless you’re covering a lot of miles meaning 30k or more a year or towing over 20k you’ll never see any benefit other than being able to accelerate faster

[@techs1smh13]

And last longer get better fuel economy and not have to turn up radio to drown out engine noise

[@yo9758]

@@techs1smh13 fuel economy may be better but remember diesel is still more than a dollar a gallon over gas and so there kinda dead even when it comes to cost per mile and you can replace a gas engine for the cost of injectors on a diesel so yeah

[@techs1smh13]

@@yo9758 fuel economy will be better longevity will be better and down hill with out using brakes will be better. Now cheaper purchase price and resale absolutely. Gas is better.

[@thelasthallow]

i dont get why people by SRW F350s, you can spec an F250 to the same capacity, if you get an F250 get a freaking DRW and be done with it.

[@bryanthornton6787]

Why even spec a 250 to 350 spec when you can get a 350? I've never seen a drw 250 either. Maybe folks just don't like the width of the drw. Maybe they don't want to buy 6 tires. Maybe they don't want to spend the extra money on something they don't need.