Can a Ford F250 Beat a Ram HD 2500 Up the Ike Gauntlet? Fully Loaded Towing Review (Video)

2018 2017 ford f250 6.2L v8
Ford F250: 6.2L V8

This is a 2017 Ford F250 XL regular cab 2WD work truck with a 6.2L gas V8. It’s loaded with the same load as a 2017 Ram HD 2500 6.4L HEMI V8 Tradesman we recently tested on the Ike Gauntlet™. How do they compare on the world’s toughest towing test?

This episode of Super Ike Gauntlet is brought to you by GenY Hitch. You can use the “tfltruck2017” to receive a 10% off discount on GenY Hitch products.

Actually, the Ford is hauling a slightly lower weight because it’s equipped with a 3.73 rear axle ratio (not a 4.30). This limits the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to 19,500 lbs, and we have to stay at or below this rating. For comparison, the Ram HD was configured with a 4.10 rear axle.

You guys asked for this test, and we wanted to run the Ike Gauntlet in a gas-powered Super Duty for many months. It’s because Ford has updated the 6.2L V8 and gave it more torque. The power rating is 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Also, the 2017 F250 6.2L V8 uses a unique Torqshift-G 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is not as heavy duty as the one that is behind Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke diesel V8. It has a lower torque rating, but it also weighs a bit less and allows the F250 a quicker acceleration and a bit more payload capability. This F250 is rated at a maximum payload of 4,200 lbs.

We had a breakdown in this truck on our first attempt at the Ike Gauntlet™. We contacted Ford about it, and the root cause was identified as a “water pump” or coolant pump failure. The pump breakdown caused the serpentine belt to break, which broke the cooling fan, which punctured the radiator. We are glad to have the truck back and to run the maximum load towing test again.

How do work trucks with gas V8s tow? Check out the video for all the numbers.