I'm going to be buying a tow vehicle soon and would like some opinions and information about these two. I won't be pulling a whole lot but do have one trip from just south of Louisville, Ky. to Alaska planned for next year. I don't want to buy a diesel because of the extra cost and the cost if something does go wrong with it. My 5th wheel dry weight is only about 7,500 lbs. From what I've read the 6.2 will get better gas mileage empty but the 6.8 has more torque at lower rpms. I'd appreciate it if the people who have owned either one of these and especially the ones of you who have owned both would give me some information and thoughts on the reliability, fuel mileage and any other info about these two engines. I've located a 2009 6.8 with low mileage that I may be able to get for a good price but am not sure about it because of the age.Thanks in advance for all replies. Danny

I tow an 11000 lb fifth wheel with the 6.8. Does a good job. Mileage is about 7 to 8. Was t impressed at first. Found nearly plugged fuel filter, changed plugs and 1. Coil. Pulls much better! Anyways I've heard the 6.2 does a great job too. Mine is a 2008.

I had a 6.8 and now a 6.2. If I had to pick one over the other I would pick the 6.2. It does give a bit better fuel mileage both towing and non-towing. The big difference is the 6 speed transmission. Gives you an add'l OD gear, the ability to shift manually and lock out gears.I pull 10k and lock out 6th. Great towing experience.S

I agree with Spud, the 6.2 with the 6-speed transmission is the better choice. However, if you found a great deal on a nice 09 with 6.8, you can't go wrong.I get 8-10 mpg with my 6.2, towing my FW at 62 mph.Jerry

Have an 08 with the V-10 and pull my 12.5K Montana and get approx. 7.5-8.5 mpg and have enough power.

If you could get a good deal on the 09 then go for it. I`m partial to the V-10. for a 9k lb loaded trailer I would go with the V-10. However I have heard good things about the 6.2.

Ford 6.2 VS 6.8 | Good Sam Community

danrclem
Explorer
May 14, 2017
Thanks FishOnOne. It was a big step toward being able to go camping in my own camper again.
FishOnOne
Nomad
May 14, 2017
Very nice truck...
danrclem
Explorer
May 14, 2017
Thanks Jerry. I just retired so I won't put very many miles on it except for the Alaska trip we're planning for next year. The truck has a 6.2 with 3.73 gears. It has more bells and whistles than I really care for.

I had to travel about 340 miles to get it and pulled a Mazda 3 back. The Mazda and tow dolly probably weighed a little over 3,000 lbs. The terrain varied from flat to rather hilly. I know that's not nearly what my camper weighs but I was impressed with how it pulled. It was showing 13.8 mpg average on it. I guess that was a lifetime average and I didn't know how to set it for just the trip so I left it there. Before I got home it had raised to 13.9 mpg. I know the milage guages are not accurate but I gave it just for reference.

I put it in tow haul, locked 6th gear out and set the cruise. My gps was showing 63 and 64 mph. When I went through the hilliest part of my trip on I-71 between Cincinnati and Louisville it never dropped out of 5th gear.

It has a gooseneck hitch installed on it right now and I was considering leaving it on but since I already have a 5th wheel hitch I'm pretty sure I'm going to change it out. I just don't want to take the chance of stressing the pin box welds.

I'm looking forward to getting the hitch mounted and getting on the road again.
MFL
Nomad II
May 13, 2017
Congratulations, and nice find!! That is a great looking truck, and should serve you well for many miles!:)

Jerry
danrclem
Explorer
May 13, 2017
After much searching I finally got a 2011 F-250 with 43,XXX miles on it.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff93/danrclem/IMG_1043_zpszjlhvtls.jpg
Grit_dog
Navigator
Apr 11, 2017
danrclem wrote:
Thanks for all of the replies and insight. After reading what you guys had to say and what I've read elsewhere I've decided to go with a 6.2 mainly because of the transmission and it'll be a little newer. I know newer doesn't always mean better but it could. Now for the hunt.

Thanks to all.

Hard to beat the new trim/interior/sheet metal/options of the 6.2, like elect rear axle locker AND a better transmission.
Comes down to budget and want vs need. I believe apples to apples a V10 will give you the same raw performance and longevity. Maybe a tad more than the 6.2 but not enough to make that the sole deciding factor.
blofgren
Explorer
Apr 11, 2017
They are both excellent engines. One thing I find interesting though is that the gas engine offering in new F-450 and F-550 trucks is still the V10 and not the 6.2L. Anyone know why this is?
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2017
Sounds good. I don't remember the HP/TQ of the 6.2 but I think it's similar to the V-10. Between that, the trans and it being newer that's what I would do to!
danrclem
Explorer
Apr 10, 2017
Thanks for all of the replies and insight. After reading what you guys had to say and what I've read elsewhere I've decided to go with a 6.2 mainly because of the transmission and it'll be a little newer. I know newer doesn't always mean better but it could. Now for the hunt.

Thanks to all.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Apr 10, 2017
Yes, the V-10 isn't as bad as it was made out to be. When mine was stock with 3.73 gears and had 17k miles I would get 15.5 on the highway. Around town always sucked, but for what it is capeable of doing it is a great and powerful motor.

And in the Excursion it is very good. It would take 2 fuel efficient cars to do what the X can do. And probably 3 if you have a diesel. The V-10 never got the reputation it deserved only because people hear the word "V-10"!