Which Ford F-250 to get as a replacement for a 2016 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 and tow a 9,500 lbs travel trailer? Chris H. sends us the following question at ask@tfltruck.com
I have a 2016 f150 ecoboost truck, but it really isn’t big enough to pull our 9,500 lbs Travel Trailer. I am shopping now for an F250 gas 6.2L v8. Because my commute is 3.5 miles. I would not get the Diesel because of the short commute. I am looking at a Gas f250 with the 3.73 axle gearing, But I would only be about to tow about 11,500 lbs. the 4.30 gearing tows more, But I was warned i don’t want to go with that because gas millage would be bad.
This is a great question, and it’s one that we are trying to make a towing video about when we can get the corresponding trucks. We have towed with a new gas-powered F-250, and it has the power and control.
Ford F-250
I agree that you do not need a diesel-powered HD truck. You have a short commute and you do not tow over 12,000 lbs.
Actually, an F-250 with the 6.2L gas V8 and a 3.73 rear axle is rated to tow more than 11,500 lbs. Check out Ford’s 2018 towing guide in the image below.
The truck is rated to tow between 12,300 – 13,300 lbs with the 3.73 rear end. This rating is plenty for you to bring your 9,500 lbs travel trailer. The Super Duty F-250 is overall a larger and heavier platform for towing. Although, the F-150 EcoBoost V6 can handle the 9,500 lbs trailer, the Super Duty would allow for a higher payload for extra stuff and a more stable experience on longer towing trips.
I do not think that you require a 4.30 rear axle in the F-250 for what you will be using your truck for. The 4.30 axle will be less efficient over the long haul.
If you have any feedback for Chris, please add it in the comments section below. It would be great to hear if you have experience with a gas F-250 with a 4.30 rear end.
The best way to know how a truck performs is to actually push it hard on the Ike Gauntlet™ – world’s toughest towing test.
Here is a Ford F-250 with the 6.2L gas V8 towing near its maximum.
Here is a Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 towing a slightly lower weight on the same mountain.
