Ford 6.2 or 7.3 in F250

RacerX

RacerX

Professional Knucklehead; aka Jeffncs / RacerX
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I’ve ruled the 6.7l diesel out for multiple reasons.

I have an order built and just submitted it to Ford, but wondering if I chose the wrong engine. I ordered the 7.3 but am now thinking the 6.2 has more than enough capacity for my current and future needs.

Current use is pulling a 16’ trailer loaded out to a gross weight of 7000#. My F150 5.0 handles that fine, but I definitely know it’s back there. Future use is a longer (max 10k capacity), potential bumper pull camper or enclosed trailer. The 6.2 is rated at 12500#; the 7.3 is rated at 15000#.

Should I drop the $2000 optional 7.3 engine? Seems like way more than I need, but seeking some advice.
 
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No experience with the 6.2. But at work we have the 6.8 v10s on a good amount and we have 1 7.3 v8 and just basing it off pure drive ability I prefer the 7.3. Having only 1 7.3 I don't have a clue as to the durability and longevity. I have seen multiple trucks with 500k+ before the motor stops working tho on the 6.8s I know 1 jumped timing at 490k. My usual truck at work is at 563k miles on the v10. Our trucks weigh 12-13000 pounds.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
I have a '17 SD crew cab 4WD with the 6.2. I don't tow often or far, but when I do tow, I go to the landfill pulling up to 12,000#, and return with a 3600# empty dump trailer. You can definitely feel a 5-digit-weight load, but it handles it OK. The 6.2 needs revs, and doesn't mind them. For my short, heavy trip, I just lock out 5th and 6th, and it let it spin up. It is smooth and silent in 4th at highway speeds, and doesn't feel like it's working hard at all. When the trailer is empty, you can pretty much ignore it.

The tow/haul mode and built-in trailer brake controller work extremely well.

Reliability-wise, the 6.2 seems to be one of Ford's better efforts. I researched it a bit before I bought mine as a CPO in 2018, and couldn't find any real issues. The business next door to mine is an old-school engine machine shop, specializing in commercial work, and as of 2018 they had not had a 6.2 come through. I believe it was released in 2011. Since then, they have machined the block and crank on one of them, and it just had huge miles, it hadn't failed.

Be advised that the SD's ride like hay wagons.
 
It’s not gonna make a difference either way with a gas motor. Both lack the torque of a diesel so you’re gonna “know it’s back there”. The 250’s are tanks though with great brakes and suspension. For what little weight you’re pulling might as well go 6.2. However if you ever plan to resell it, expect much more depreciation with the smaller motor and a harder time moving a gas superduty in general.

For the same $$ I’d be looking for a 2015-16 6.7 diesel. (They made the 6.7 since 2011 but they didn’t fix all the problems until the 2015 models)

The 15-16 are the older body style and steel bodied and generally fetch a lower price than the 17+ with the same drivetrain.

Mechanics .02


Edit: failed to mention 10mpg’s with a gas truck vs 25+MPG with a tuned diesel.
 
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Keep the 7.3 gasser on order, just to get the 10 speed transmission. A little power is also a bonus.

We have a 16' F250 6.2 with 6 speed that has been a great truck. Even though they are rated pretty much the same on paper, my 19' F150 5.0 with 10 speed feels like it has a good bit more power on tap while towing the same trailer weight.

The 20' 6.7 powerstroke truck at work has a ton of torque, but more maintenance and $.
 
I had a customer here recently with a 2020 1500 4wd with a crew cab and short bed, the new small Duramax and a 10 speed transmission. He pulls a car hauler trailer with it.

He’s getting 26 mpg empty and 18 towing.

If you’re planning to keep the truck for a while, it may be worth looking into.
 
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RacerX said:
@BrannonKrieg my order went in yesterday with the same 7.3. Hope to see it before the end of the year…
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If u didnt get bed liner or gooseneck you should be ok. Those are the two things holding up ford trucks the most right now. No joke. I will line my own bed. But the factory goose install is flawless. I will wait.
 
I may have to remove the bedliner…
 
BrannonKrieg said:
Do it. It’s the biggest hold up right now. No shits
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Any idea how long that option adds to the order wait? I’d really like to have it, but, as you said, there are other options.
 
Dang! I’ll have to call dealer Monday.
 
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