We no longer travel with our 13k lb 5th except back and forth to Florida from the NC mountains. I'm trading my GM diesel longbed for a gas standard bed. Probably going with a Ford F250 (although I am still considering a RAM). Not ideal for extended traveling but to make 2 pulls (4 days) per year, I'm opting for something that makes sense for day-to-day use.Everything I've read/heard is that the 6.2 is a workhorse which should give me 250K+. I'm a bit concerned about the 7.3. Have read a couple of bad reviews and it has not been around long enough to be certain about the reliability of the motor.Will appreciate any suggestion/comments.

If you like the Ram, why not a 6.4 with the 8 speed?ram 2500

Yes the 6.2 has an excellent reputation for reliability. Known problem has been broken valve springs but that's about it. Some of the early 7.3's had front main seals fail and caused oil leaks and torque convertor problems, but I believe these issues have been resolved.For a truck that doesn't tow 99% of the time the 6.2 would be the better choice just for the slightly better fuel economy.

wanderingaimlessly wrote:If you like the Ram, why not a 6.4 with the 8 speed?ram 2500Two issues I have had in this area. 1) No RAM dealer will even seriously discuss ordering one to my specs. 2) Ridiculously low trade offer from RAM dealers. The local Ford dealers are very helpful/accomidating.Nothing against the truck but I have no desire to deal with the 3 dealers near me.

Large Ram dealer in NC, good reputation. 31 Dodge

If you get the 6.2 to tow your 13K FW, Id suggest the 4.30 gears. You said you don't want the Ram, and the Ford, or GM, will allow more clearance from axle center, to rear of cab. Jerry

Ford Gas 6.2 vs 7.3 | Good Sam Community

theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2021
The 7.3L has been out for a couple of years now. It should be past any "birthing pains".

You definitely want the 3.73 axle. If you tow in the mountains much you probably should get the 4.10. if you stick with the F250, you will likely have to add helper springs.
noteven
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2021
oops truck is from wrong decade erased
manley
Explorer
Nov 23, 2021
theoldwizard1 wrote:
The 7.3L has been out for a couple of years now. It should be past any "birthing pains".

You definitely want the 3.73 axle. If you tow in the mountains much you probably should get the 4.10. if you stick with the F250, you will likely have to add helper springs.

That is NOT an option with the 7.3. It is either the 3.55 or the 4.30.
blofgren
Explorer
Nov 24, 2021
wowens79 wrote:
I’d go with the 7.3. After the first year they seem to have worked the kinks out, and from reports I’ve read, the fuel mileage actually seems better with the 7.3.
7.3 is a simpler pushrod design, and it’s torque curve is much better. It hits 400lbs or torque at 1500 rpms.

x2. The 6.2L is a good engine, but if I were buying new it would be the 7.3L all the way. We have several of them at my work and they have all been super reliable so far. The 7.3L shares many of the same design that the GM LS engines which are solid as an anvil.
spud1957
Explorer
Nov 24, 2021
manley wrote:
theoldwizard1 wrote:
The 7.3L has been out for a couple of years now. It should be past any "birthing pains".

You definitely want the 3.73 axle. If you tow in the mountains much you probably should get the 4.10. if you stick with the F250, you will likely have to add helper springs.

That is NOT an option with the 7.3. It is either the 3.55 or the 4.30.

Maybe a bit of clarification. This is not the case with the F350. 3.73 is the standard rear end for all gas engines, 4.30 optional.
valhalla360
Navigator
Nov 24, 2021
If you get the 10 speed transmission, the rear end ratio is not of great importance. It will just select a gear to get the same overall gear ratio. Then engine will have no idea what's happening past the crank shaft.

The only reason to go to the 4.XX rear end is if you need that last couple thousand pounds of tow rating.
riltri
Explorer
Nov 24, 2021
Finding anything in stock other than the 6.2 with the 6 speed transmission is about impossible. That only leaves ordering and waiting 10-12 weeks. The 6.2 would be my preferred choice if not for towing 650 miles twice a year. Strange times we live in!!
kellem
Explorer
Nov 25, 2021
I also have the 7.3 with 3.55 gears and wouldn't trade it but tow quite a bit.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Nov 26, 2021
I have two 6.2Ls right now for my lawn maintenance business. I regularly tow 6000 lbs but the most I've pulled with them is around 10,000 lbs back when we had a Work & Play.

I think you'll be good since you say you're only towing one or two trips a year. Any more than that and I would get the 7.3 at a minimum.

If you do end up getting the 6.2 and it has the six speed, just lock out 6th gear on those trips. You'll be fine but don't pull out in front of traffic in a rush.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2021
Other than being thirsty I like my 2021 F350/6.2/10 speed towing 16,000+ locally. Add 1.5” blocks to the helper spring so they contact sooner reducing the squat.