F250 CC SB 4x4 6.2-3.73 or 4.30 for 10,700lb travel trailer

[dragr1]

Currently pulling the travel trailer with a '14 Ram 3500 SRW CC LB 4x4 Cummins Manual trans., not happy with the manual trans. bc at 19k miles the clutch is on it's way out (truck is stock). Have a claim with Ram customer care but so far they've been non-existent on even communicating. So looking at trucks

I would prefer the 4.30 gears with the F250 6.2 but they are nearly impossible to come by. Local dealer has 2 identical optioned out F250 CC SB 4x4 6.2 XL trucks with 3.73 gears. Thoughts on towing my 10,700lb 37' long travel trailer? It's a 2013 Jayco 33BHTS. We normally camp in Northern Alabama, Georgia and twice a year in Tennessee or North Carolina mountains. We frequent Cheaha State Park in Alabama several times a year and that's a pretty steep and slow curvy climb to the top- 3 miles at about 30-35mph due to curves and grade.

We've got a trip coming up soon so I'm in a time crunch too on whether or not to put a new clutch in if Ram won't help me on the $$ for a new clutch(probably $2,000 and they claim only covered for 12 months or 12k miles as a wear item) or just trade the truck (Ford dealer is aware of the clutch).

[Crabbypatty]

I have a 2015 F250 CC short bed 6.2 with 3.73's. I do not have any trouble and we travel through the hills of New England. I wanted a diesel for my second TV but met a few rvers who tow fivers with gassers and they don't seem to have a problem. While I not going to tow a 40footer ever, this set up with the 6 speed works perfectly for us. Id rather save the $10k difference to put into a fiver than the diesel engine. This set up works for us. Happy Trails

[Halmfamily]

With our hills here I would go with the 4.30 especially with a gasser. As you've said it's very hilly here and pulling Cheaha, I20 or even 280 going to Wind Creek you and your truck will happier

[Learjet]

4.30 is what you need....I had a 2013 F250 with the 6.2 and 3.73 gears...I too would advise to get a new clutch...you'll will really miss the power of that Cummins

[WillT]

TUCQUALA wrote:
Haven't towed with a 6.2, but with the 6.8 V10, the 4.30's are so much better than the 3.73's,

I 2nd this. I have the 6.8 V10 with the 3.73s and not a towing day goes by that I don't wish I had the other gearing. And I pull a smaller trailer than you have!

[dragr1]

Grit dog wrote:
If you're getting the gasser, get the 4.30s. 3.73 will do the job, but you and the truck will like the deeper gears.
OE clutches on the Rams are the same known weak point for over 10 years running and if you weren't aware already, are basically considered a mandatory replacement. Although you have been a little tough on it to roach it that quick. 2 grand will get you a clutch installed that you won't have to think about for a long long time, but don't go to the dealer. Get an aftermarket clutch. My preference is south bend.

Got to be a defect in it to already be going out I would think because I'm not rough on it. It actually doesn't slip, well it's not noticeable, but it sure does smell. The pedal gets spongy if I get into traffic too. I really think there has been something wrong with the clutch for a while, the truck has always seemed to be a dog on hills when towing. I've read that there is a sensor that starts pulling power when it senses clutch slippage, maybe that's been it's issue all along.

[Grit_dog]

If you're getting the gasser, get the 4.30s. 3.73 will do the job, but you and the truck will like the deeper gears.
OE clutches on the Rams are the same known weak point for over 10 years running and if you weren't aware already, are basically considered a mandatory replacement. Although you have been a little tough on it to roach it that quick. 2 grand will get you a clutch installed that you won't have to think about for a long long time, but don't go to the dealer. Get an aftermarket clutch. My preference is south bend.

[TUCQUALA]

Haven't towed with a 6.2, but with the 6.8 V10, the 4.30's are so much better than the 3.73's, I would have to go with the 4.30's. There are some on here that do have the 6.2 and the 4.30's. I'm sure they will chime in with their experiences. All I've read have been positive!!

Assuming that you have had the dealer search the Ford system for what you want. They are scarce, but maybe diff options and/or trim level may find one. Even a 350, which would be my preference!