This was a great video, i'm in the scope of looking for a larger truck with a gas engine. I currently have a 2020 DC Tundra and i'm towing a 27' TT and getting 6.5MPG. So this video was extremely helpful in making a decision. Thanks for making this video.
New subscriber - thanks for the video. I am enjoying your channel and hearing about your journeys. I like the southern drawl, kinda relaxes me to listen to as my grandpa's family is all from Georgia and I enjoy their accent.
I tried cruise control, but it wanted to "hunt" for the right gear too often. I felt like it would wait too long to downshift, causing it to drop 2 gears instead of 1. I'm not saying you couldn't use it, I just didn't seem efficient to me. As for lane assist, I don't have that option on my truck, so I can't answer as to whether it works. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the great video. Today I got a call from my Dodge Dealer about my 2010 Dodge 3500 dually 4x4 Cummins 6.7 with 126k miles on it that needs a new turbo and I expect a $6,000 bill. I’ve always been a Ford guy and loved my F250 v10. Today I have become a born again Ford Gasoline guy.
I did not. But I just put out a video detailing daily driving with 93 octane, among other grades and the results were good. It's still cheaper to daily drive with 87, regarding cost per mile but mpgs were definitely better with 93 as I would assume they would be while towing as well
My specific payload is 4350 lbs. That would easily leave enough payload for fuel, occupants, and some additional items. So, in terms of capability youvwould be good. I can't speak to handling and sway with a single rear wheel and slide in camper. I would think it would be good, but can't be sure.
I use 87 octane the whole trip. From around hone that is low grade. Once you get in the Midwest, the 87 octane is mid grade. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
We bought our 7.3, 10sp, 4.3 rear end, Tremor almost two years ago now with 28k miles on it. 90% of the time, it has a 38ft bumper pull at 11.3k gross RV behind it. Been to Chicago and west coast twice, western states all over. Lifetime MPG says 8.3mph. Flat highway, 10th gear about 10.5mpg. 1-5 percent grade in mountains, truck putting in 5-20% effort. Rarely on the brakes! Truck is capable all over the place, looks good, and comfy.
I'm pushing 25,000 miles on mine within a year. Half it's like has been pulling our fifth wheel. I agree with the capability. These engines are awesome! Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
How’s the brakes on the steep grades out west ( Colorado etc etc ) did you have any issues ? ? Works you recommend upgraded larger brakes & possibly banks exhaust system as well ? Thx again great info & video . 👍🚗⚾️
Thanks for the comment. It seems to help keep the torque converter locked more and rpms up a bit. I've heard of others who don't do this. I'm gonna try it the next time I pull to see for myself. Thanks for watching.
Asking a question. I enjoy my 7.3. 22f 250. You were talking about the engine brake. Does the truck engage the wheel brakes to help hold the speed. Hard to get an answer from Ford.
The backpressure from the engine holds the rolling weight back byvdownshifting the transmission. It's technically nit and engine brake, but does the same thing. Think about downshifting a straight shift tryckbtobslow down instead of using the brakes.
Thank you for responding. I was on 70 coming down Loveland pass. Running about 65. Using cruise control. Truck hold speed just fine. But I had to brake for some slower trucks. I did not think I used the brake much but after clearing the traffic., I could not engage my cruise. Message on dash was cruise control unavailable, brakes are hot. Just make me think that the cruise control used the wheel brakes to hold the speed. Thank you again for responding
The engine brake is not really an on/off as much as it's a function of the transmission when in Tow/Haul. It's really no more than the transmission using gears and the backpressure of the engine to hold the truck/rig back when going downhills. It's similar to downshifting a manual transmission to slow down or stop instead of using your brakes. But it does all the shifting for you based on speed, how hard you brake, etc.
Excellent video and thank you for sharing. We have a 22 F350 with the 7.3 engine and 430 gears. So far here in North Carolina we’re averaging about 8 to 8 1/2 at 65 mph with a grand design reflection, 337RLS fifth wheel. The weight is about 11,000 empty and max weight is 14,000 and we are somewhere in between currently. So far the truck has about 5500 miles on it and he’s doing pretty doggone good. We are really impressed with how well it handles with and without the trailer. I should also mention that we put a goosebox MK3 in place of the standard pin box and the b&w goose ball hitch and pucks to hook up the trailer to the trucks 0EM fifth wheel prep package that came from the factory. The truck unloaded gets about 14 1/2 miles per gallon at 70 to 75 mph per hour which is not too bad for having 430 gears
Thanks for the comment! These trucks are impressive for sure. I considered the 4.30 gears but opted for the 3.73 because we will never get a bigger camper than we have now. Sounds like your 4.30s perform well all around. I I definitely wouldn't want the 3.55's for my purposes.
well I love my 2021 7.3 f250 but when the power steering pump went out at 60,273 miles and has been in shop for 2 weeks and counting because can't get one
I stayed between 70-75 mph for the majority of the trip. In the I-70 West portion, through Kansas was closer to 65-70 mph due to wind. Thanks for watching!
I've never pulled anything that heavy but have researched where people have with much success. Maybe I need to talk my wife into a bigger fifth wheel..
Just traded in my 2017 f-250 with the 6.7 diesel for a 2023 f-250 with the godzilla in it with 373 gears hoping that i love it supposed to be in right around labor day we pull a 2023 335cg keystone outback outback about 10,000 lbs crossing my fingers i made the right decision,, thanks for the info
Iv noticed that 67mph gets the best mpg in my 7.3 I get about 7.5 mpg at 67mph I bumped up to 72 mph same trip and dropped to 6.3 mpg. I have a 13k 38f toy hauler so she's heavy. But 67 mph seems to be the sweet spot for most Efficient fuel economy.
this video was great. i own a 97 7.3 PSD and cannot stand how poorly it goes even with all my modifications-i regularly pull 10k across the rockies from one end of colorado to another. i also regularly use a 2020 tundra for the same purpose and surprisingly they perform about the same (big plus to the tundra! a modern half ton compared to an older 3/4!) that being said, i was gonna buy a 6.2 ford. however, the 6.2 is pretty comparable power wise to the 5.7 iforce and i just haven’t been super impressed with it over the rockies. i plan on eventually getting a gooseneck race trailer and it struggled pulling i70 at 6.2mpg with ONE car, so i decided to hold off on buying a truck and wait til i can just buy a 7.3. this video confirmed my choices! not only was it comparing a tundra, but it also included my stomping grounds and the roads i regularly drive! ps, tundra has 4.30s:)
just last week, i pulled a 5000lb truck on a 4600lb trailer with the tundra over i70 and i am not exaggerating, from silver plume to the start of vail pass right as it flattens out i was at 5800rpm. so about 13 miles, or close to 15 minutes straight. pulling hills or engine braking. with the exception of it went to 3rd gear while in the eisenhower tunnel lol
I've been there and done that with our bumper pull camper. The Tundra will do it, but the 6 speed transmission hurt it. Staying in 3rd is its only option, and rpms are high. Love my 10 speed in the super duty!
You won't be sorry for picking the 7.3 gas engine. It performs well in tough conditions and is cheap to maintain compared to a diesel. Thanks for the commet!
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors i hope so! well see how interest rates and prices go, and if i find i even need a truck or not next year. funny you talked about higher MPGs going over the pass, it’s always funny hearing road trippers discuss that. the biggest use of energy are velocity and vertical displacement, but if your overall magnitude of velocity is constant, vertical displacement is the biggest contributor to energy usage. so if you start at 5,000’, climb to 11 and go to 6, you’ve netted a +1000’ elevation gain and therefore have more potential energy that you started with, which came from your fuel. now imagine starting at sea level and climbing to denver, that’s +5000’ extra potential energy. since your rolling resistance, speed, and aerodynamics stay constant, height is the big one:) i can still get 20mpg going from grand junction to denver in my 7.3 either way lol
I love my 2022 F350 SRW FX4 7.3 Long Bed truck. That motor is truly well thought out design. I am VERY pleased with my purchase decision. I have enough money to buy my truck the way I want and I chose to go gas engine since I mostly use the truck as a daily driver not under load and I don’t haul 20,000 pounds ever.
That's exactly why I ordered this truck. I saved enough by opting for the 7.3 to add a few features I wanted and didn't pay for anything I didn't want. Thanks for watching and commenting!
My 7.3 is the same. I don’t lock it out I just let the tow haul mod do it’s job I live in salt lick , ky I tow my tractor and my cattle it’s a great truck. I really don’t care about fuel mileage to much were it’s always loaded. It seems to be the same even when I tow my gooseneck
Seems like a lot of times it stays in 8th gear even if the gears are not locked out. Rarely has it gone to 10th gear when I've towed this way, which is not a lot.
If fuel cost is important, just slow down. I’m getting at least 10 mpg going west and as high as 11.8 mpg going east. F150, 5.0 liter, 10 speed, 3.55 axle, towing a 8,000 to 9,000 lb trailer from MN to AZ at 58 to 60 mph. I lock out 7-8-9-10, and run 6th gear on the flats at 2700 rpm, and 5th gear in the hills at around 3200 rpm. Non towing is 22 mpg highway.
That's pretty good mog's for towing that weight with a half ton. I've been towing around 65 and seeing higher mpg's as if late. Glad to see someone else lock-out gears. Seems a lot of people aren't familiar with doing that.
I have a 2020 2500 Duramax that we also pull our 278bh with, which looks like your rig. I had a gas Chevy before that, and really like the diesel. Enjoyed most using trucker lanes to fill up. However we are considering a different truck and the 7.3 has really caught my eye. Obviously plenty of ability to our trailers but even if we go a little bigger later. I am disappointed in my fuel economy at only about 8.5 in the duramax. Seeing your numbers makes me really consider the gas. My question is, on your long trips how was finding gas stations to fuel up at with the trailer? Did you have issues with that?
We've made 2 trips out west and several other trips all over the southeast, totaling 15,000 miles or more with this truck and camoer combo. We've never run into the issue of finding fuel if needed. There are times when the gas station is on the smaller side, requiring a more thoughtful approach to entering/exiting the pump, but it's never been more than is manageable. Thanks for watching.
25 mph headwind means you were running with teh equivalent load of towing at 95 MPH if you were doing 70. yikes. glad to hear it didn't loose speed though!
It's hard to say as there are several variables to consider. I'm pulling 10,000 lbs but as a fifth wheel which has a lot of drag from the front cap. 10,000 lbs on a flat trailer would give me better mpgs than those discussed here. Either way, I would guess your mogs would be improved over mine slightly given a similar set up.
I feel like in those gears, it allows the torque converter to slip more than in lower gears, which creates heat and inefficiency. I could be wrong, but that why I do it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors yeah if they don’t lock up or it constantly shifts back and forth I totally understand that. Was really wondering if it had the power to hold it in 9 and 10th….?
you can use 9 and 10 now days. the PCM will drop back when needed based on load and save you fuel when lower gears isnt needed. 7.3 makes 400lb-ft at only 1500 RPM
I ordered a 22 7.3L F-350 SRW with the 3.73 In December of 21. I took delivery at the end of August of 22, and have put 5K on it. Unfortunately I have only towed once with it because it was the end of the camping season, and looking for spring to start again so we can tow more with it. The truck is absolutely great. Around town I consistently get 13mpg. When on the highway I was getting 17. Towing the 1 time I was averaging the same as our F-150 with our 8K 30' TT at 10mpg.
I had a dually, but only because I needed the payload for the camper I had at the time. Something to consider is the fact that you can't rotate tires on a dually. So tires don't last as long, and you have to buy 2 extra ones. Fuel mileage suffers slightly as well. If I didn't need a dually, I would bother getting one IMO.
Great info! We’ve been really happy towing with our new F350 with the 7.3. We’ve done several videos on the topic. Great truck! Your trip looks awesome.
My buddy has one, he pulls a toy hauler from Texas to Utah and Nevada, he had his tuned with HP tuners, which are licensed by Ford to change the computer programing, not a chip bypass, and he is now getting 10.3 MPG. When tuned for the work the truck is doing and the fuel you intend to run, tuning optimizes the engine for an efficient clean burn. Remember ALL vehicles are set to match California climate NOT the climate you are in or elevation. This makes tuning a must for your intended use and area. I had my 5.0 flex fuel tuned for my elevation, Corpus Christi, sea level and hot climate and my fuel mileage improved and so did my performance. Well worth the 300 dollars for the tune.
I'm at 44,000 right now. I've sent oilbsampkes in to Blackstone Labs from the last 2 oil changes. So far, nothing has indicated premature wear. As a matter of fact, the reports say I'm wearing less than normal. I plan on doing a video soon about it.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors curious because I’ve seen some failures on the engine and supposedly I’ve a 24 model to be built barring the UAW issue. I really wanted to purchase the truck to keep forever . I also do my own service. Curious what oil brand and intervals you do. I’m just trying to figure out do I Bail now or stay the course. Enjoy your video. Thanks.
I just bought a 2020 F250 STX 7.3 and tow a 5000lb travel trailer which has been a dream in the Colorado Rockies and averaged 11.2 mpg. I have seen my numbers down to 10.8 when driving over the mountains in Baja California with a head wind. And I would like a bigger camper but know the mpg is gonna drop but I rarely drive faster than 65 and usually keep it at 60 because I don’t need a ticket and not in a rush.
11.2 mpg isn't bad for 5000 lbs. I think a lot of the decreased mpg with my career is the fact that it's a fifth wheel and has significantly more drag due to the front cap being elevated behind the truck versus in line. You may be okay with a bigger travel trailer.
It keeps the torque converter locked more of the time and rpms a bit higher. Overdrive gears, while pulling heavy loads, tend to cause more slippage and heat in the torque converter. It's common to do that in 1/2 ton trucks while hauling. It's probably not necessary in a 1 ton. Just old habit.
Shouldn't be. The newer model cone factory with the 6.8 liter for gas engines. The 7.3 is an option. Likely the dealers aren't ordering trucks with the 7.3 liter option.
I am. It's popularly called an engine brake even on gas trucks, although it's not a physical engine brake as installed on diesel trucks. But you are correct. It's simply downshifting. I guess in reality, it should be called "engine braking" as that is all that's going on via the downshifting and engine backpressure holding back the whole rig.
Sometimes, towing in those genes causes the transmission to "hunt" for the correct gear, which in turn causes additional stress on the transmission. 9th gear is not as bad when on flat land, but 10th is typically never used anyway when towing. At least by me.
Cool info. I was wondering what these got, and thinking about the Ram REV coming next year. It's the range extender EV. The say it will average 20mpg with the gender running, and roughly 2 miles per kwh from the battery. Tows max 14k lbs. With about 8-10k lbs, perhaps will see half the 20mpg, so 10mpg. If that's the case, then that's in the realm of some super duty trucks, and a reasonable alternative to the 6.4 hemi. And run on much cheaper electricity when empty, local routes
Thats certainly something to condisder. If Ford ever comes out with a PowerBoost Suoer Duty with the 7.3, I'll seriously consider that. With additional available towing ability and the 7.5kW generator with 30 amp hookup up, it would be a sweet set up.
We have a '22 F350 with the 7.3 and 4.30 axle, and we are towing a GD Reflection 311BHS which is a little bit bigger and heavier then yours (11k Dry/14k GVWR). We live in NH and have been around NH/S. ME/NY and out to KY with this setup. Cruising on the highway (cruise control for the most part) at 65MPH I can typically get a good solid 7.5 MPG hand calculated. If I go up to 70 MPH I'll drop to about 7 MPG. This past weekend we went to a campground about 75 miles from home and took "scenic" 2 lane state highways with the highest speed limit at 55MPH and got 8MPG on that tank. I typically do not lock out gears, although on our last trip out to NY I tried locking out 10th and the truck seems a little smoother in picking gears on the hills but not significantly better. I say that because you mention locking out 9th and 10th on your truck, and I'm thinking that is effecting your MPG's more then you think... you might just be able to break 8MPG with your setup if you let the truck use all it's gears.
Thanks for the comment. I just arrived at the beach, 600 miles from home. Based on others recommending what you just did, I tried 65 mph with only 10th gear locked out. Looks like I improved mpgs a bit by doing so. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the well detailed trip mileage, the course taken, total package weight, wind, elevation and grades. This adds a lot to understanding the fuel mileage. I have a F-350 SRW, Diesel, 4wd, crew cab The payload penalty of a Diesel, along with its substantially higher maintenance and repair costs lead me to consider trading it for the 7.3 gas engine. You mentioned how mileage suffered due to the Kansas headwinds. This is one topic I've studied in detail on my truck. With a negligible load, on a flat grade, and no trailer, I have recorded the following MPG (below). The bottom line is winds and high cruising speeds are VERY significant fuel mileage detractors. 60 mph = 20.0 mpg (went over 900 miles on one tank of gas (48 gallon tank on the long bed trucks) 65 mph = 18.3 to 18.8 mpg 70 mph = just under 18 mpg 85 mph = 13.3 mpg (on Interstate 80, outside Salt Lake City, speed limit 80 mph) 11.0 mpg (Speed was 65 mph BUT there was a ~40 mph headwind. So, the wind load was comparable to ~100+ MPH When I saw the mileage dropped to 11.0 mpg, I thought something was wrong. But as soon as my heading changed and I got out of the wind, the mileage returned to 18+ mpg. These trucks are as aerodynamic as a large wall. Pulling a tall fifth wheel is even worse. I bet that if you slowed from the 70 mph you mentioned to 65 or even a leisurely 60 mph, your mpg would jump up quite noticeably
Thanks for the info. I agree that these trucks are not exactly aero dynamic. The fifth wheel definitely makes it worse. Since this video, I've tried driving at 65 like you suggested, based on advice from others too, and it did make a noticeable difference. Thanks for watching!
New sub…just now, looking at the 250 3.73, Godzilla, previous diesel guy too. I am pulling a 5800# TT (dry) with a 6.4 Hemi. Does good but want more without going to the diesel.
Watch you rollers and cam at 45,000 mi...seen alot of delaminating....garbage parts internally no matter your maintaining track record. Also we went to Moab and green river , utah.. loved it we drove from Cleveland to Moab 1600 mi each way and I have a 17 ft travel trailer about 3 tons and with a 1500 silverado we ran about 10 mpg in the rockies...
Excellent video! We have a 2021 Class A motor home with the 7.3 Godzilla gas motor and 6spd transmission. On our last trip we averaged 7.3 mpg, weighed about 22k lbs, tow a small car and clocked about 6900 mi. We went from south Mississippi to Montana, over to Philadelphia and then back to Mississippi. The engine brake worked really well in the mountains. It was loud but worked well.
Good job laying out the numbers. I run 2004 Silverado 2500hd 8.1(496ci) allison 5 speed 4x4 crew cab long bed. Tow 35ft fifth wheel. Dry weight 10,200. Combined milage for my last trip 1400 miles was 7.5 mpg.. All calculated by hand as my truck doesn't have trip computer. Thanks BRFO
Good honest review I'm very pleased with my F250 7.3 with 4:30 gears. I tow smaller weights than you, hay bales and tractors about 10,000 to 11,000 lbs so not enough to benefit from a diesel but more than I was comfortable with from my F150. Like you I tow in 8th gear but this is on back roads not highway. Will have to check out your other videos.
Great Review Love the 7.3. One of the biggest things I notice is that traveling west to east, tail wind, is always better than east to west, head wind.
That's a thought. Most of the time, a tank (34 gallons) lasts me about 3.5 hours, depending on conditions. I like to refuel and stretch my legs for a few minutes.
Thank you for posting this video. I've made many trips from Kansas City to Moab with an F250 diesel, slide-in camper, towing a trailer and Jeep. I'm intimately familiar with both routes you took through Colorado. My overall mpg for this trip is 11 mpg. The difference in the cost of diesel compared to your experience with gasoline is nil. For myself, I cannot justify the added cost of the diesel engine when the performance of the Godzilla across the Rocky Mountains is acceptable. An yes, I always get better mileage in the mountains than the plains.
Thanks for watching and commenting. The Godzilla does well for sure. Pleasantly surprised me. No more diesels for me! We plan to go back to the Rockies often. Beautiful place to see.
I consistently run 65-70 mph. The only time I go any faster is to pass on occasion. But I always run at least 65. Based on other's comments, I'm gonna try to run about 60 mpg and see how my mileage improves. Thanks for watching!
I went with the 7.3 because the initial investment was $8,000 less for gas vs diesel, plus a cheaper cost of ownership. No fuel filters or DEF to purchase. Oil changes are cheaper, and although diesels get better mpg's for the majority of the time, it drops significantly during regens. If I had to pull heavy loads frequently, I would go diesel hands down. But for my needs, the 7.3 is more than sufficient. Thanks for watching.
Well done !... I've Rv'd for~ 45+ years in all sorts of rigs. We ordered a 21' F350 7.3 Godzilla with 3.73 SRW. We tow a 30' tt weighing in at ~ 8200-8400#'s. We mostly travel around the Pacific N.W. up & down a fair number of hills. Last year at this time we did a 4k mile snow bird trip to AZ & back. We averaged 10.3 mpg. We had a couple of legs with big side winds and at times head winds. Got 6-6.5 on 2 of the short legs. As you stated, plenty of power and very good engine braking. I do keep it tow / haul mode but I do a lot of manual shifting going up or down hills. Usually running at about 2500 rpm or 3000-3400 going up the large or steep hills. Friend with a Duramax diesel was averaging ~ 1.5 mpg better. we run at ~60-62 mph. He also paid ~$9k more for the engine option + DEF + about $1 a gal more for fuel. He has more torque going up hills but I have no trouble keeping up. I'm very pleased with my choice.
The upfront cost of the diesel and more expensive fuel were the main factors that lead me to the 7.3. You do give up some torque when climbing. However, there is still plenty of power to get the job done! Thanks for watching!
I have a 2021 f250 with the 6.7 psd. 55,000 kms on the truck 45,000 of them towing and I’m averaging 15.8 L/100kms. Sucks how expensive diesel is though lol. Wait and see what diesel prices do over the next year to decide if I’m going to change in the future. Nice video
I just subscribed. I have the same truck but a 2021. I love the truck but just wish it had just a little larger tank. Yes the engine brake does work very well.
Holly crap that is some crappy milage in my opinion. Our ram with the 6.7 Cummings under a 20,000 load gets on average 14 mpg. We run a hotshot company and put about 100,000 miles a year on our trucks. Out Cummings spend about 1/2 the time in the shop as our ford's
It's not great, but for the $10,000 ininitial investment to option up to a diesel, more $$$ for a delete and tune, DEF, Fuel Filters, and increased price if diesel vs gas, it's not half bad. For those who don't tow over 12-14k, the gas option is credible. You can buy several trips worth of gas for the increased cost of owning a diesel mentioned above. But to each their own. Thanks for the info for comparison, and thanks for the comment.
I have a 2020 F350 7.3 with the 6.7ft bed. My biggest complaint is the size of the gas tank, it’s smaller than my old F150 5.0 :(. I’ve searched for a larger tank but can only find larger for the 8ft bed.
What size is your tank? Mine is 34 gallnons. It's not overly big, but big enough to get 250 miles or so before refueling. I'm ready to get out and stretch by then anyways so it works out for me.
There has been a few times I wish I would've ordered my truck and gotten the 3.73's instead buying the 3.55 that was on the lot, but so far it's done what I've needed it to do.
I did a bit of research and discovered that ordering an F350 automatically gave you the 3.73 gears and rear locker rather than having to option up to them from the F250. I'm pleased with mine so far.
The only thing that concerns me about the 73 is that I've been hearing and scene and other videos it the Cam shaft lifters and the Cam shelves are delaminating after about 40 to 50000 miles.
When you mentioned engine braking, is that just downshifting? I know the diesel has an engine brake. I didn't think the gas has anything like it? Thanks for the information.
Yes. The gasser doesn't really have an engine brake as the diesel does. It just monitors you braking as you go downhill and downshift accordingly to help hold the load back. Fortunately, the 10.5:1 compression in the 445 cubic inches of displacement does a pretty good job of "engine braking." It met and somewhat exceeded my expectations.
Great info on 7.3 and your trip I have a 2020 f350 7.3 with the 3.73 gears and love it, we have pulled our 40ft 5th wheel 14,500lbs. loaded over 4000 miles and avg has been 7mpg overall, the truck has 36,000 miles on it now.
My favorite part of it is the Colorado State Line. Big dip to start things off with a bang and your teeth rattle for the first 30 minutes or so due to the rough roads. It is beautiful country though. We plan on going back.
Glad to find a great channel. I have a much smaller setup. 2020 150/w 2.7. Outfit weights just under 9000. I have been impressed with the ability of the truck. 14.9 MPG, plenty of power. May try another 350 if the prices drop. Appreciate the great video.
I have the same F150 but my TT is around 7700. I tow with no issues but concerned with the mountains out west. lt alone Mt. Eagle in TN, have not tried that either
@@kenschernekau9805 I have been on just a few steep runs hills in Tennessee and North Carolina and had no issues at all. I did not check the mileage but am certain it was a good bit less. Most of my driving is interstate to South Georgia and Florida. By the way I meant the truck and trailer are just under 9000. Appreciate your feedback and Godspeed to you.
@@dougblalock5175 Thank you for replying. My total is little more than yours, I am at 13,000 total with my TT around 7100. I have gone to NJ from GA as well as FL and the Gulf coast with no issues. I want to go out west and feel I need a F250 with the bigger engine. Thanks for your help.
@@kenschernekau9805 I think it would be vise to move at least to a 250. I too am considering moving up just to have a little more room and carrying capacity. I have always loved camping but my wife had absolutely no interest whatsoever. Then a few years after I retired, she started watching Traveling Robert on RUclips and two weeks later we were on our first trip. God really does answer prayers he just didn’t do it on my schedule.
Very similar fuel consumption with our 22 F350 crew cab long bed 4x4 4.30... Our trailer is about 9500 and like most TT's it's like pulling a parachute.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors I'm sure there is some "measurable" difference at high speeds on the highway. There's bound to be some exact theoretical difference out there in the Googleverse
Just did a trip out to Utah from Miramichi New Brunswick, Canada. 2022 XLT F350 6.7L crew cab short box single axel 3.55 rear end. Towing a 2012 Jayco 265RLS 5th wheel (most with water in the tank). Total trip was about 13 000 km computer said I averaged overall 17.1 L/100 KM (13.7 MPG).
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors Didn't have it on scales but dry weight is 7400 GVWR is 9950 lbs for the camper. Plus 50 gallons of water. Truck was loaded down with 180lb hitch 3200W generator 3 jerry cans. I usually tow at 100km/hr (62 MPH) and rarely exceed that.
7.3 Godzilla is notorious for lifter and cam failure, starting at 35,000 to 49,0000 miles. It seems the lamination eats of the lifters and cam. Watched it on YT
Great review.... I'm in the market for a 22 platinum tremor 7.3... then supercharge it when the warranty runs out... Talk to many many Ford dealers here in Colorado with 6.7 powerstroke waiting for parts for 4 to 6 months🤯 no thanks
I would like to one day supercharge mine. I can't imagine the power it would have. I wonder about the transmission behind a supercharged 7.3, though. Would it hold up?
We tow a 30 foot Grand Design fifth wheel with a RAM 2500, 6.4 Hemi, 6 speed transmission and a 3.73 rear end and get similar numbers. Around here in Texas I get 8.5 but when when get to the mountains or open plains I would say we average about the same as y'all did.
My 22 f350 with 7.3 I get 1.5 mpg better by putting it in manual shifting and using the cruise. Mine likes to go from 8th to 6th in auto mode. 90% of the time I don't need to downshift past 7th. Thinking about a tuner to make it hold gears a little better. I sure do love my 7.3 tho.
I've toyed around with what you are talking about. Now that I know there is the possibility of that much of a mileage increase I'll give that a shot. Thanks!
My work trurk is a f600 6.7 with crane tools, etc, its 17,000 lbs. I noticed one day, if in cruise control it would hold 10th gear pulling hills 26 psi boost. Out of cruise it down shifts at around 20 psi boost. Manual mode to reduce down shifts for me is worth around .8 mpg. I like to use manual mode down hill also truck over down shifts then uses fuel to maintain speed easy to spot on instant mpg bar. @blueridgefamilyoutdoors
Great video, this is exactly what we needed to see/know. I have a 22 F350 7.3 Godzilla with the 3.73 like you. I will be towing my 8,800 lb 30' travel trailer starting this summer. I was using my 08 F250 with the 6.4 powerstroke previously, so I felt the new gasser would do the job, but haven't experienced it yet. Funny you planned your family vaca around the daughter's softball tournament. We have been doing the same thing for years!
Softball has dictated most of our time off for years now. You might as well figure out how to make vacations around it. You will be pleased with the 7.3 gasser. I've seen videos where folks pulling a load like yours get close to 10 mpg. Thanks for watching!
Very good video with great information on the 7.3. It’s a great truck and I’m glad to hear it did good with the engine and trans braking. I’m used to diesel towing, but this gives us something to think about. Thanks for sharing.
@@randyphillips559 this is true. From my research, most any camper of 10K really benefits from the diesel. Plus it’s early to fuel up at truck stops. But it’s good to know the gasser is a good one so far.
Damn that's not good milage. MY 2000 f350 crew dually flatbed, 7.3 power stroke, auto / shift kit carrying a '90s era Lance 11'6" slide in camper while flat towing a Wrangler gets 11- 13 mpg at 70 mph. That's fully loaded or completely unloaded LOL
I liked those 7.3 powerstrokes! I would like to find one with low miles. Thise were good engines. I can only hope the 7.3 gas burner I have is as dependable as those were.
Great video. I live near I 70 just west of Denver and took the same truck out last week with my 11,000 5th wheel. One difference is I do have the 4.? rear end. I found even with manually shifting to 3rd gear going downhill the truck was wanting to still speed up past 55 mph. What gear were you down shifting to when going on the speed hills in the Rockies?
The transmission shifts down as it deems necessary. The more aggressive you brake the further, it downshifts, or so it seems. The engine brake alone won't keep you below 55 mph towing that weight, however, if you brake intermittently to knock 5 mph or so off your speed and let the brake work as it slowly picks up speed, you end up using the engine brake more than your truck brakes. That's how I utilized it and it worked well.
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This was a great video, i'm in the scope of looking for a larger truck with a gas engine. I currently have a 2020 DC Tundra and i'm towing a 27' TT and getting 6.5MPG. So this video was extremely helpful in making a decision. Thanks for making this video.
Tundra's are great trucks. However, there is no comparison to the capability of a super duty. Thanks for watching!
This is the best, most informative video on the 7.3L, 3.73, MPG. Thanks for sharing all that information. Very well done. Keep putting videos out.
Thanks! I have a few more video ideas I'm planning on using. Thanks for watching!
Great video thank you
Thanks for watching!
@blueridgefamilyoutdoors I'm thinking about buying a 2023 F350 with the 7.3 I really appreciate your video
How fast do you drive
I drive around 65 mph most of the time. 70 tops.
New subscriber - thanks for the video. I am enjoying your channel and hearing about your journeys. I like the southern drawl, kinda relaxes me to listen to as my grandpa's family is all from Georgia and I enjoy their accent.
Welcome to the channel! Appreciate the comment.
Curious to know if you used the cruise control and lane assist at any point for towing and what that did.
I tried cruise control, but it wanted to "hunt" for the right gear too often. I felt like it would wait too long to downshift, causing it to drop 2 gears instead of 1. I'm not saying you couldn't use it, I just didn't seem efficient to me. As for lane assist, I don't have that option on my truck, so I can't answer as to whether it works. Thanks for watching.
Do you think this would be a good motor for a class A motorhome ?
I think so based on my experience. It's the same motor. Just tuned a but different to fit the application.
Thanks for the great video. Today I got a call from my Dodge Dealer about my 2010 Dodge 3500 dually 4x4 Cummins 6.7 with 126k miles on it that needs a new turbo and I expect a $6,000 bill. I’ve always been a Ford guy and loved my F250 v10. Today I have become a born again Ford Gasoline guy.
I've enjoyed mine since I've had it. Looking forward to many great miles of towing!
Did you try 93 at all towing
I did not. But I just put out a video detailing daily driving with 93 octane, among other grades and the results were good. It's still cheaper to daily drive with 87, regarding cost per mile but mpgs were definitely better with 93 as I would assume they would be while towing as well
What was your average speed?
I would guess 72 or so. I never got over 75 the whole trip.
I have a question. How would that exact f350 you got do with a 3000lbs slide in camper. You think it would know it’s back there?
My specific payload is 4350 lbs. That would easily leave enough payload for fuel, occupants, and some additional items. So, in terms of capability youvwould be good. I can't speak to handling and sway with a single rear wheel and slide in camper. I would think it would be good, but can't be sure.
@ thanks for the feedback and the video.
What kind of gas u use . thanks
I used 87 octane on the whole trip.
Ok sir thank you so much for that info thank you.
@@michaeljrender1247 anytime
What grade of fuel did you use. Mid grade or premium
I use 87 octane the whole trip. From around hone that is low grade. Once you get in the Midwest, the 87 octane is mid grade. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors thank you
@@garyh5558 Anytime!
We bought our 7.3, 10sp, 4.3 rear end, Tremor almost two years ago now with 28k miles on it. 90% of the time, it has a 38ft bumper pull at 11.3k gross RV behind it. Been to Chicago and west coast twice, western states all over. Lifetime MPG says 8.3mph. Flat highway, 10th gear about 10.5mpg. 1-5 percent grade in mountains, truck putting in 5-20% effort. Rarely on the brakes! Truck is capable all over the place, looks good, and comfy.
I'm pushing 25,000 miles on mine within a year. Half it's like has been pulling our fifth wheel. I agree with the capability. These engines are awesome! Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoorsthank you fur this video.. will you be doing an update puller the 5'er?
How’s the brakes on the steep grades out west ( Colorado etc etc ) did you have any issues ? ? Works you recommend upgraded larger brakes & possibly banks exhaust system as well ? Thx again great info & video . 👍🚗⚾️
Good video, very informative. First time I’ve ever heard about locking out the 2 higher gears
Thanks for the comment. It seems to help keep the torque converter locked more and rpms up a bit. I've heard of others who don't do this. I'm gonna try it the next time I pull to see for myself. Thanks for watching.
Works well. Do the same thing in my f150. Makes it easier on the transmission, plus the gassers like rpm
Agreed. That's why I do it.
Asking a question. I enjoy my 7.3. 22f 250. You were talking about the engine brake. Does the truck engage the wheel brakes to help hold the speed. Hard to get an answer from Ford.
The backpressure from the engine holds the rolling weight back byvdownshifting the transmission. It's technically nit and engine brake, but does the same thing. Think about downshifting a straight shift tryckbtobslow down instead of using the brakes.
Thank you for responding. I was on 70 coming down Loveland pass. Running about 65. Using cruise control. Truck hold speed just fine. But I had to brake for some slower trucks. I did not think I used the brake much but after clearing the traffic., I could not engage my cruise. Message on dash was cruise control unavailable, brakes are hot. Just make me think that the cruise control used the wheel brakes to hold the speed.
Thank you again for responding
Dream beard and truck.. one day I'll have the truck. Thanks for posting
Thanks for the compliment. You won't regret the truck. As for the beard, throw the razor away and watch it grow!
I just bought a f250 7.3 gas. And wonder how do you turn on or use the engine brake. Thanks
The engine brake is not really an on/off as much as it's a function of the transmission when in Tow/Haul. It's really no more than the transmission using gears and the backpressure of the engine to hold the truck/rig back when going downhills. It's similar to downshifting a manual transmission to slow down or stop instead of using your brakes. But it does all the shifting for you based on speed, how hard you brake, etc.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors thanks so very much
You're welcome!
Ordered my 7.3 tremor the other day. Can’t wait.
You will be happy with your purchase!
The big question is when you went over wolf creek pass did you sing the song? Lol
Haha. That song was a little before my time, and I've never heard it till I looked it up just now. Good song though!
Excellent video and thank you for sharing.
We have a 22 F350 with the 7.3 engine and 430 gears. So far here in North Carolina we’re averaging about 8 to 8 1/2 at 65 mph with a grand design reflection, 337RLS fifth wheel.
The weight is about 11,000 empty and max weight is 14,000 and we are somewhere in between currently.
So far the truck has about 5500 miles on it and he’s doing pretty doggone good. We are really impressed with how well it handles with and without the trailer. I should also mention that we put a goosebox MK3 in place of the standard pin box and the b&w goose ball hitch and pucks to hook up the trailer to the trucks 0EM fifth wheel prep package that came from the factory.
The truck unloaded gets about 14 1/2 miles per gallon at 70 to 75 mph per hour which is not too bad for having 430 gears
Thanks for the comment! These trucks are impressive for sure. I considered the 4.30 gears but opted for the 3.73 because we will never get a bigger camper than we have now. Sounds like your 4.30s perform well all around. I I definitely wouldn't want the 3.55's for my purposes.
well I love my 2021 7.3 f250 but when the power steering pump went out at 60,273 miles and has been in shop for 2 weeks and counting because can't get one
That stinks. Hopefully, it is back on the road soon. Thanks for the comment!
what speed did you drive? my current vehicle gets 12 mpg at 60mph and 8 mpg at 70mph
I stayed between 70-75 mph for the majority of the trip. In the I-70 West portion, through Kansas was closer to 65-70 mph due to wind. Thanks for watching!
My next door neighbor this winter, bought a new to him huge 3 axle toy hauler, 14000 pounds. He got the gasser and it tows that trailer OK.
I've never pulled anything that heavy but have researched where people have with much success. Maybe I need to talk my wife into a bigger fifth wheel..
Just traded in my 2017 f-250 with the 6.7 diesel for a 2023 f-250 with the godzilla in it with 373 gears hoping that i love it supposed to be in right around labor day we pull a 2023 335cg keystone outback outback about 10,000 lbs crossing my fingers i made the right decision,, thanks for the info
Glad I could give useful info. I think you will be satisfied. Thanks for watching!
Iv noticed that 67mph gets the best mpg in my 7.3 I get about 7.5 mpg at 67mph I bumped up to 72 mph same trip and dropped to 6.3 mpg. I have a 13k 38f toy hauler so she's heavy. But 67 mph seems to be the sweet spot for most Efficient fuel economy.
Thanks for the feedback.
Do you like the truck so far? Have you had any issues?
I love the truck. It's going on 60,000 miles, 25,000 of which are towing our fifth wheel, and no issues.
this video was great. i own a 97 7.3 PSD and cannot stand how poorly it goes even with all my modifications-i regularly pull 10k across the rockies from one end of colorado to another. i also regularly use a 2020 tundra for the same purpose and surprisingly they perform about the same (big plus to the tundra! a modern half ton compared to an older 3/4!)
that being said, i was gonna buy a 6.2 ford. however, the 6.2 is pretty comparable power wise to the 5.7 iforce and i just haven’t been super impressed with it over the rockies. i plan on eventually getting a gooseneck race trailer and it struggled pulling i70 at 6.2mpg with ONE car, so i decided to hold off on buying a truck and wait til i can just buy a 7.3. this video confirmed my choices! not only was it comparing a tundra, but it also included my stomping grounds and the roads i regularly drive!
ps, tundra has 4.30s:)
just last week, i pulled a 5000lb truck on a 4600lb trailer with the tundra over i70 and i am not exaggerating, from silver plume to the start of vail pass right as it flattens out i was at 5800rpm. so about 13 miles, or close to 15 minutes straight. pulling hills or engine braking. with the exception of it went to 3rd gear while in the eisenhower tunnel lol
I've been there and done that with our bumper pull camper. The Tundra will do it, but the 6 speed transmission hurt it. Staying in 3rd is its only option, and rpms are high. Love my 10 speed in the super duty!
You won't be sorry for picking the 7.3 gas engine. It performs well in tough conditions and is cheap to maintain compared to a diesel. Thanks for the commet!
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors i hope so! well see how interest rates and prices go, and if i find i even need a truck or not next year. funny you talked about higher MPGs going over the pass, it’s always funny hearing road trippers discuss that.
the biggest use of energy are velocity and vertical displacement, but if your overall magnitude of velocity is constant, vertical displacement is the biggest contributor to energy usage. so if you start at 5,000’, climb to 11 and go to 6, you’ve netted a +1000’ elevation gain and therefore have more potential energy that you started with, which came from your fuel.
now imagine starting at sea level and climbing to denver, that’s +5000’ extra potential energy. since your rolling resistance, speed, and aerodynamics stay constant, height is the big one:) i can still get 20mpg going from grand junction to denver in my 7.3 either way lol
I love my 2022 F350 SRW FX4 7.3 Long Bed truck. That motor is truly well thought out design. I am VERY pleased with my purchase decision. I have enough money to buy my truck the way I want and I chose to go gas engine since I mostly use the truck as a daily driver not under load and I don’t haul 20,000 pounds ever.
That's exactly why I ordered this truck. I saved enough by opting for the 7.3 to add a few features I wanted and didn't pay for anything I didn't want. Thanks for watching and commenting!
What is the engine brake on the 7.3 engine? Because i have a 22 f250 7.3>
It really the transmission downshifting and using the compression of the engine to help slow down When in Tow/Haul. It works well.
My 7.3 is the same. I don’t lock it out I just let the tow haul mod do it’s job I live in salt lick , ky I tow my tractor and my cattle it’s a great truck. I really don’t care about fuel mileage to much were it’s always loaded. It seems to be the same even when I tow my gooseneck
Seems like a lot of times it stays in 8th gear even if the gears are not locked out. Rarely has it gone to 10th gear when I've towed this way, which is not a lot.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors same here it’s a good truck. I’ve got 200k change oil every 5k mobile one don’t burn a drop of oil
I have 2022 7.3 with 4.30 rear axle it’s a monster didn’t buy for fuel mileage
True statement. Thanks for watching!
If fuel cost is important, just slow down. I’m getting at least 10 mpg going west and as high as 11.8 mpg going east. F150, 5.0 liter, 10 speed, 3.55 axle, towing a 8,000 to 9,000 lb trailer from MN to AZ at 58 to 60 mph. I lock out 7-8-9-10, and run 6th gear on the flats at 2700 rpm, and 5th gear in the hills at around 3200 rpm. Non towing is 22 mpg highway.
That's pretty good mog's for towing that weight with a half ton. I've been towing around 65 and seeing higher mpg's as if late. Glad to see someone else lock-out gears. Seems a lot of people aren't familiar with doing that.
I have a 2020 2500 Duramax that we also pull our 278bh with, which looks like your rig. I had a gas Chevy before that, and really like the diesel. Enjoyed most using trucker lanes to fill up. However we are considering a different truck and the 7.3 has really caught my eye. Obviously plenty of ability to our trailers but even if we go a little bigger later. I am disappointed in my fuel economy at only about 8.5 in the duramax. Seeing your numbers makes me really consider the gas. My question is, on your long trips how was finding gas stations to fuel up at with the trailer? Did you have issues with that?
We've made 2 trips out west and several other trips all over the southeast, totaling 15,000 miles or more with this truck and camoer combo. We've never run into the issue of finding fuel if needed. There are times when the gas station is on the smaller side, requiring a more thoughtful approach to entering/exiting the pump, but it's never been more than is manageable. Thanks for watching.
25 mph headwind means you were running with teh equivalent load of towing at 95 MPH if you were doing 70. yikes. glad to hear it didn't loose speed though!
Kansas wind is no joke!
I had no idea that The 7.3 had an engine brake! 😮
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Tundra with tow package has 4.30 gear
Thanks for watching and commenting.
My 2021 E350 cutaway van with the 7.3 Godzilla motor has the 4.56 gears 😱
What kind of mileage do you see with thioe gears?
@blueridgefamilyoutdoors 10.5 in the summer, when it's colder 11.4 - 13 2.
The van weights about 10,000 lbs.
A converted RV
How much mpg would you think the 250 with 355 gears would get? I pull around 9000 pounds at the most.
It's hard to say as there are several variables to consider. I'm pulling 10,000 lbs but as a fifth wheel which has a lot of drag from the front cap. 10,000 lbs on a flat trailer would give me better mpgs than those discussed here. Either way, I would guess your mogs would be improved over mine slightly given a similar set up.
Awesome video, and Why are you worried about towing in ninth or 10th overdrive’s?
I feel like in those gears, it allows the torque converter to slip more than in lower gears, which creates heat and inefficiency. I could be wrong, but that why I do it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors yeah if they don’t lock up or it constantly shifts back and forth I totally understand that. Was really wondering if it had the power to hold it in 9 and 10th….?
you can use 9 and 10 now days. the PCM will drop back when needed based on load and save you fuel when lower gears isnt needed. 7.3 makes 400lb-ft at only 1500 RPM
I've been using those upper gears the last few trips. It certainly makes a difference. Thanks for the comment!
I ordered a 22 7.3L F-350 SRW with the 3.73 In December of 21. I took delivery at the end of August of 22, and have put 5K on it. Unfortunately I have only towed once with it because it was the end of the camping season, and looking for spring to start again so we can tow more with it. The truck is absolutely great. Around town I consistently get 13mpg. When on the highway I was getting 17. Towing the 1 time I was averaging the same as our F-150 with our 8K 30' TT at 10mpg.
You're gonna love it the more you tow with it. They are towing machines.
I was thinking about getting a dully for the extra tires in case of a blow out. Am I overthinking it ?
I had a dually, but only because I needed the payload for the camper I had at the time. Something to consider is the fact that you can't rotate tires on a dually. So tires don't last as long, and you have to buy 2 extra ones. Fuel mileage suffers slightly as well. If I didn't need a dually, I would bother getting one IMO.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors thank you for your reply.
What do you get mpg wise empty?
Here is a link to a video I made detailing my mpg running empty...ruclips.net/video/NkVMGEmx51k/видео.html&feature=share7
Thanks for watching!
Great info! We’ve been really happy towing with our new F350 with the 7.3. We’ve done several videos on the topic. Great truck! Your trip looks awesome.
Thanks for watching! I'll check-out videos out!
My buddy has one, he pulls a toy hauler from Texas to Utah and Nevada, he had his tuned with HP tuners, which are licensed by Ford to change the computer programing, not a chip bypass, and he is now getting 10.3 MPG. When tuned for the work the truck is doing and the fuel you intend to run, tuning optimizes the engine for an efficient clean burn. Remember ALL vehicles are set to match California climate NOT the climate you are in or elevation. This makes tuning a must for your intended use and area. I had my 5.0 flex fuel tuned for my elevation, Corpus Christi, sea level and hot climate and my fuel mileage improved and so did my performance. Well worth the 300 dollars for the tune.
That's great info. Thanks for the comment. Did ge tune them himself?
Questions. How many miles are on your truck and do you feel confident about engine reliability. Thanks.
I'm at 44,000 right now. I've sent oilbsampkes in to Blackstone Labs from the last 2 oil changes. So far, nothing has indicated premature wear. As a matter of fact, the reports say I'm wearing less than normal. I plan on doing a video soon about it.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors curious because I’ve seen some failures on the engine and supposedly I’ve a 24 model to be built barring the UAW issue. I really wanted to purchase the truck to keep forever . I also do my own service. Curious what oil brand and intervals you do. I’m just trying to figure out do I Bail now or stay the course. Enjoy your video. Thanks.
thanks for the information i have a 2020 f 350 with 7.3 and 373 gears, going to south Dakota in may from Pittsburgh pulling a 32 foot 5 wheel
Thanks for watching!
I just bought a 2020 F250 STX 7.3 and tow a 5000lb travel trailer which has been a dream in the Colorado Rockies and averaged 11.2 mpg. I have seen my numbers down to 10.8 when driving over the mountains in Baja California with a head wind. And I would like a bigger camper but know the mpg is gonna drop but I rarely drive faster than 65 and usually keep it at 60 because I don’t need a ticket and not in a rush.
11.2 mpg isn't bad for 5000 lbs. I think a lot of the decreased mpg with my career is the fact that it's a fifth wheel and has significantly more drag due to the front cap being elevated behind the truck versus in line. You may be okay with a bigger travel trailer.
Why do you lock out the upper gears when towing? I’ve not heard that before.
It keeps the torque converter locked more of the time and rpms a bit higher. Overdrive gears, while pulling heavy loads, tend to cause more slippage and heat in the torque converter. It's common to do that in 1/2 ton trucks while hauling. It's probably not necessary in a 1 ton. Just old habit.
When I look at dealer lots I only see the 6.8 motor for the 2024 models, is the 7.3 engine discontinued?
Shouldn't be. The newer model cone factory with the 6.8 liter for gas engines. The 7.3 is an option. Likely the dealers aren't ordering trucks with the 7.3 liter option.
Very detailed video! Those 7.3’s sure are in a class of their own.
I agree. I'm glad I made the choice.
What engine brake ? Gas engines do not have engine brakes like a diesel truck.
U talking about downshifting ?
I am. It's popularly called an engine brake even on gas trucks, although it's not a physical engine brake as installed on diesel trucks. But you are correct. It's simply downshifting. I guess in reality, it should be called "engine braking" as that is all that's going on via the downshifting and engine backpressure holding back the whole rig.
Why no towing in 9th and 10th?
Sometimes, towing in those genes causes the transmission to "hunt" for the correct gear, which in turn causes additional stress on the transmission. 9th gear is not as bad when on flat land, but 10th is typically never used anyway when towing. At least by me.
Transmission temperatures while pulling up and while engine brake
Transmission temps vary between 208 and 220 degrees at any point in towing. There's really no difference in the situation from my experience.
Cool info. I was wondering what these got, and thinking about the Ram REV coming next year. It's the range extender EV. The say it will average 20mpg with the gender running, and roughly 2 miles per kwh from the battery. Tows max 14k lbs. With about 8-10k lbs, perhaps will see half the 20mpg, so 10mpg. If that's the case, then that's in the realm of some super duty trucks, and a reasonable alternative to the 6.4 hemi. And run on much cheaper electricity when empty, local routes
Thats certainly something to condisder. If Ford ever comes out with a PowerBoost Suoer Duty with the 7.3, I'll seriously consider that. With additional available towing ability and the 7.5kW generator with 30 amp hookup up, it would be a sweet set up.
This is a great video with a ton of data points to consider. Great comparison and real life experience. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! I'm glad to be able to bring it to everyone and give them some real data points to consider.
We have a '22 F350 with the 7.3 and 4.30 axle, and we are towing a GD Reflection 311BHS which is a little bit bigger and heavier then yours (11k Dry/14k GVWR). We live in NH and have been around NH/S. ME/NY and out to KY with this setup. Cruising on the highway (cruise control for the most part) at 65MPH I can typically get a good solid 7.5 MPG hand calculated. If I go up to 70 MPH I'll drop to about 7 MPG. This past weekend we went to a campground about 75 miles from home and took "scenic" 2 lane state highways with the highest speed limit at 55MPH and got 8MPG on that tank. I typically do not lock out gears, although on our last trip out to NY I tried locking out 10th and the truck seems a little smoother in picking gears on the hills but not significantly better. I say that because you mention locking out 9th and 10th on your truck, and I'm thinking that is effecting your MPG's more then you think... you might just be able to break 8MPG with your setup if you let the truck use all it's gears.
Thanks for the comment. I just arrived at the beach, 600 miles from home. Based on others recommending what you just did, I tried 65 mph with only 10th gear locked out. Looks like I improved mpgs a bit by doing so. Thanks for watching!
Great, informative review! Thanks!
Curious as to what the truck gets without a load, in eco-mode on the highway?
Here is a link to a video I made with that information. ruclips.net/video/NkVMGEmx51k/видео.html&feature=share7
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the well detailed trip mileage, the course taken, total package weight, wind, elevation and grades. This adds a lot to understanding the fuel mileage.
I have a F-350 SRW, Diesel, 4wd, crew cab The payload penalty of a Diesel, along with its substantially higher maintenance and repair costs lead me to consider trading it for the 7.3 gas engine.
You mentioned how mileage suffered due to the Kansas headwinds. This is one topic I've studied in detail on my truck. With a negligible load, on a flat grade, and no trailer, I have recorded the following MPG (below). The bottom line is winds and high cruising speeds are VERY significant fuel mileage detractors.
60 mph = 20.0 mpg (went over 900 miles on one tank of gas (48 gallon tank on the long bed trucks)
65 mph = 18.3 to 18.8 mpg
70 mph = just under 18 mpg
85 mph = 13.3 mpg (on Interstate 80, outside Salt Lake City, speed limit 80 mph)
11.0 mpg (Speed was 65 mph BUT there was a ~40 mph headwind. So, the wind load was comparable to ~100+ MPH
When I saw the mileage dropped to 11.0 mpg, I thought something was wrong. But as soon as my heading changed and I got out of the wind, the mileage returned to 18+ mpg.
These trucks are as aerodynamic as a large wall. Pulling a tall fifth wheel is even worse. I bet that if you slowed from the 70 mph you mentioned to 65 or even a leisurely 60 mph, your mpg would jump up quite noticeably
Thanks for the info. I agree that these trucks are not exactly aero dynamic. The fifth wheel definitely makes it worse. Since this video, I've tried driving at 65 like you suggested, based on advice from others too, and it did make a noticeable difference. Thanks for watching!
New sub…just now, looking at the 250 3.73, Godzilla, previous diesel guy too. I am pulling a 5800# TT (dry) with a 6.4 Hemi. Does good but want more without going to the diesel.
I think you would be pleased with the 7.3. It does all I need and more with 10,000 lbs. Thanks for subbing!
Watch you rollers and cam at 45,000 mi...seen alot of delaminating....garbage parts internally no matter your maintaining track record. Also we went to Moab and green river , utah.. loved it we drove from Cleveland to Moab 1600 mi each way and I have a 17 ft travel trailer about 3 tons and with a 1500 silverado we ran about 10 mpg in the rockies...
I hope it stays together. Moab is a unique place. We enjoyed our time there other than the 110° heat. Thanks for watching.
@Blue Ridge Family Outdoors thanks for posting..people doing these vids is what got me to travel with my family more..God bless and God speed
@A HILL Thanks for the support! Checkout our other videos, too. We've been to some interesting places. We enjoy bringing these to people.
2021 coachman pursuit 35 ft gas 7.3 class a towing 2019 Colorado avg 68 /70 mph getting 7.5 avg mpg if i ran at 65/68 prob get 8.0/8.5 mpg.
Those are good numbers for a load that heavy.
you do know these are wiping out camshafts and lifters at like 20-40,000 miles correct?
I have a lifetime warranty. No worries here.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors just wanted to make sure you knew😎✌🏻 safe travels!
Excellent video! We have a 2021 Class A motor home with the 7.3 Godzilla gas motor and 6spd transmission. On our last trip we averaged 7.3 mpg, weighed about 22k lbs, tow a small car and clocked about 6900 mi. We went from south Mississippi to Montana, over to Philadelphia and then back to Mississippi. The engine brake worked really well in the mountains. It was loud but worked well.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Those are pretty good numbers for the 7.3!
Engine brake, huh?
first thing id do is change my oil and have it checked for gasoline traces
I'm sending my last oil change sample off this week. I'm anxious to see the results.
70mph is way to fast to tow if you’re concerned about fuel economy. We get about 7.5mpg at 70 but 12 at 55.
I'm definitely gonna try to slow down next time.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors I know it’s hard to. I always have to do the math if time savings is worth the fuel burn.
Agreed
It's very hard to drive 55 mph
Great review, thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Good job laying out the numbers. I run 2004 Silverado 2500hd 8.1(496ci) allison 5 speed 4x4 crew cab long bed. Tow 35ft fifth wheel. Dry weight 10,200. Combined milage for my last trip 1400 miles was 7.5 mpg.. All calculated by hand as my truck doesn't have trip computer. Thanks BRFO
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!
Good honest review I'm very pleased with my F250 7.3 with 4:30 gears. I tow smaller weights than you, hay bales and tractors about 10,000 to 11,000 lbs so not enough to benefit from a diesel but more than I was comfortable with from my F150. Like you I tow in 8th gear but this is on back roads not highway. Will have to check out your other videos.
Thanks for watching!
Great Review Love the 7.3. One of the biggest things I notice is that traveling west to east, tail wind, is always better than east to west, head wind.
Totally agree! We may try the reverse route when we make the trip again.
Time for the transfer flow 58 gallon tank install
That's a thought. Most of the time, a tank (34 gallons) lasts me about 3.5 hours, depending on conditions. I like to refuel and stretch my legs for a few minutes.
Thank you for posting this video. I've made many trips from Kansas City to Moab with an F250 diesel, slide-in camper, towing a trailer and Jeep. I'm intimately familiar with both routes you took through Colorado. My overall mpg for this trip is 11 mpg. The difference in the cost of diesel compared to your experience with gasoline is nil. For myself, I cannot justify the added cost of the diesel engine when the performance of the Godzilla across the Rocky Mountains is acceptable. An yes, I always get better mileage in the mountains than the plains.
Thanks for watching and commenting. The Godzilla does well for sure. Pleasantly surprised me. No more diesels for me! We plan to go back to the Rockies often. Beautiful place to see.
It may be there but I did not hear it.
What speeds were you running?
I consistently run 65-70 mph. The only time I go any faster is to pass on occasion. But I always run at least 65. Based on other's comments, I'm gonna try to run about 60 mpg and see how my mileage improves. Thanks for watching!
I might have missed it (new to the channel) - why not go PowerStroke for all of the towing? Less complexity and acquisition cost of the 7.3?
I went with the 7.3 because the initial investment was $8,000 less for gas vs diesel, plus a cheaper cost of ownership. No fuel filters or DEF to purchase. Oil changes are cheaper, and although diesels get better mpg's for the majority of the time, it drops significantly during regens. If I had to pull heavy loads frequently, I would go diesel hands down. But for my needs, the 7.3 is more than sufficient. Thanks for watching.
Well done !... I've Rv'd for~ 45+ years in all sorts of rigs. We ordered a 21' F350 7.3 Godzilla with 3.73 SRW. We tow a 30' tt weighing in at ~ 8200-8400#'s. We mostly travel around the Pacific N.W. up & down a fair number of hills. Last year at this time we did a 4k mile snow bird trip to AZ & back. We averaged 10.3 mpg. We had a couple of legs with big side winds and at times head winds. Got 6-6.5 on 2 of the short legs. As you stated, plenty of power and very good engine braking. I do keep it tow / haul mode but I do a lot of manual shifting going up or down hills. Usually running at about 2500 rpm or 3000-3400 going up the large or steep hills. Friend with a Duramax diesel was averaging ~ 1.5 mpg better. we run at ~60-62 mph. He also paid ~$9k more for the engine option + DEF + about $1 a gal more for fuel. He has more torque going up hills but I have no trouble keeping up. I'm very pleased with my choice.
The upfront cost of the diesel and more expensive fuel were the main factors that lead me to the 7.3. You do give up some torque when climbing. However, there is still plenty of power to get the job done! Thanks for watching!
My ram 3500 drw with 18,000lb grand design momentum I get 12mpg…1750 rpm 60mph
@@robertpayne1153 those are pretty good numbers for a rig that heavy.
I have a 2021 f250 with the 6.7 psd. 55,000 kms on the truck 45,000 of them towing and I’m averaging 15.8 L/100kms. Sucks how expensive diesel is though lol. Wait and see what diesel prices do over the next year to decide if I’m going to change in the future. Nice video
@@jonathan9649 thanks for watching!
I just subscribed. I have the same truck but a 2021. I love the truck but just wish it had just a little larger tank. Yes the engine brake does work very well.
Agreed on the tank size. We usually refuel every 3 hours anyway so we can stretch our legs. But 34 gallons is a bit on the small side.
Holly crap that is some crappy milage in my opinion. Our ram with the 6.7 Cummings under a 20,000 load gets on average 14 mpg. We run a hotshot company and put about 100,000 miles a year on our trucks. Out Cummings spend about 1/2 the time in the shop as our ford's
It's not great, but for the $10,000 ininitial investment to option up to a diesel, more $$$ for a delete and tune, DEF, Fuel Filters, and increased price if diesel vs gas, it's not half bad. For those who don't tow over 12-14k, the gas option is credible. You can buy several trips worth of gas for the increased cost of owning a diesel mentioned above. But to each their own. Thanks for the info for comparison, and thanks for the comment.
I have a 2020 F350 7.3 with the 6.7ft bed. My biggest complaint is the size of the gas tank, it’s smaller than my old F150 5.0 :(. I’ve searched for a larger tank but can only find larger for the 8ft bed.
What size is your tank? Mine is 34 gallnons. It's not overly big, but big enough to get 250 miles or so before refueling. I'm ready to get out and stretch by then anyways so it works out for me.
Same here, mine is 34 gallons, my F150 was 38.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors
There has been a few times I wish I would've ordered my truck and gotten the 3.73's instead buying the 3.55 that was on the lot, but so far it's done what I've needed it to do.
I did a bit of research and discovered that ordering an F350 automatically gave you the 3.73 gears and rear locker rather than having to option up to them from the F250. I'm pleased with mine so far.
The only thing that concerns me about the 73 is that I've been hearing and scene and other videos it the Cam shaft lifters and the Cam shelves are delaminating after about 40 to 50000 miles.
I've heard. Seems like it was the 20' and 21's. Mine is a April 22 build. I hope it's past all the issues.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors me too.
What grade of gasoline did you run ?
I ran 87 octane. Around home, that is low grade fuel. Once you get into higher elevations around Colorado it ends up being mid-grade fuel.
When you mentioned engine braking, is that just downshifting? I know the diesel has an engine brake. I didn't think the gas has anything like it? Thanks for the information.
Yes. The gasser doesn't really have an engine brake as the diesel does. It just monitors you braking as you go downhill and downshift accordingly to help hold the load back. Fortunately, the 10.5:1 compression in the 445 cubic inches of displacement does a pretty good job of "engine braking." It met and somewhat exceeded my expectations.
Great info on 7.3 and your trip I have a 2020 f350 7.3 with the 3.73 gears and love it, we have pulled our 40ft 5th wheel 14,500lbs. loaded over 4000 miles and avg has been 7mpg overall, the truck has 36,000 miles on it now.
I've wondered what the mpg would be towing those weights. Not bad IMO.
I'm torn between the 3.73 & 4.30. Have you towed out west (CO & Utah) with that much weight?
Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts! We live in Colorado so we know the roads well!
My favorite part of it is the Colorado State Line. Big dip to start things off with a bang and your teeth rattle for the first 30 minutes or so due to the rough roads. It is beautiful country though. We plan on going back.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors our roads are terrible!
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors come on back to our state! Book your camp sites as early as possible.
@@JAMESWUERTELE We will be back in the next year or two. We love the area!
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors me too 😁. Born and raised from Pueblo originally, now I live in Colorado Springs.
I have a 250 with the 3.73 gears
How is your fuel mileage?
Glad to find a great channel.
I have a much smaller setup.
2020 150/w 2.7. Outfit weights just under 9000.
I have been impressed with the ability of the truck. 14.9 MPG, plenty of power.
May try another 350 if the prices drop.
Appreciate the great video.
Thanks for the comment and for watching! Those Ecoboosts are impressive. I've owned 2 of the 3.5s. They always performed well.
I have the same F150 but my TT is around 7700. I tow with no issues but concerned with the mountains out west. lt alone Mt. Eagle in TN, have not tried that either
@@kenschernekau9805 I have been on just a few steep runs hills in Tennessee and North Carolina and had no issues at all.
I did not check the mileage but am certain it was a good bit less.
Most of my driving is interstate to South Georgia and Florida. By the way I meant the truck and trailer are just under 9000.
Appreciate your feedback and Godspeed to you.
@@dougblalock5175 Thank you for replying. My total is little more than yours, I am at 13,000 total with my TT around 7100. I have gone to NJ from GA as well as FL and the Gulf coast with no issues. I want to go out west and feel I need a F250 with the bigger engine. Thanks for your help.
@@kenschernekau9805 I think it would be vise to move at least to a 250. I too am considering moving up just to have a little more room and carrying capacity.
I have always loved camping but my wife had absolutely no interest whatsoever.
Then a few years after I retired, she started watching Traveling Robert on RUclips and two weeks later we were on our first trip.
God really does answer prayers he just didn’t do it on my schedule.
Very similar fuel consumption with our 22 F350 crew cab long bed 4x4 4.30... Our trailer is about 9500 and like most TT's it's like pulling a parachute.
I've wondered how the 4.30 gears would perform regarding fuel mileage. Sounds like it isn't a huge difference.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors I'm sure there is some "measurable" difference at high speeds on the highway. There's bound to be some exact theoretical difference out there in the Googleverse
Just did a trip out to Utah from Miramichi New Brunswick, Canada. 2022 XLT F350 6.7L crew cab short box single axel 3.55 rear end. Towing a 2012 Jayco 265RLS 5th wheel (most with water in the tank). Total trip was about 13 000 km computer said I averaged overall 17.1 L/100 KM (13.7 MPG).
Those are good numbers. How much did your rig weigh? I averaged around 11-12 ( based on truck computer) when I had my 2016 6.7 Powerstroke.
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors Didn't have it on scales but dry weight is 7400 GVWR is 9950 lbs for the camper. Plus 50 gallons of water. Truck was loaded down with 180lb hitch 3200W generator 3 jerry cans. I usually tow at 100km/hr (62 MPH) and rarely exceed that.
7.3 Godzilla is notorious for lifter and cam failure, starting at 35,000 to 49,0000 miles. It seems the lamination eats of the lifters and cam. Watched it on YT
I'll keep an eye out for it. Fingers crossed, it won't happen.
Are you referencing FordBoss?
Great review.... I'm in the market for a 22 platinum tremor 7.3... then supercharge it when the warranty runs out... Talk to many many Ford dealers here in Colorado with 6.7 powerstroke waiting for parts for 4 to 6 months🤯 no thanks
I would like to one day supercharge mine. I can't imagine the power it would have. I wonder about the transmission behind a supercharged 7.3, though. Would it hold up?
@@blueridgefamilyoutdoors absolutely.... It's been done a bunch. Look up svt superchargers
We tow a 30 foot Grand Design fifth wheel with a RAM 2500, 6.4 Hemi, 6 speed transmission and a 3.73 rear end and get similar numbers. Around here in Texas I get 8.5 but when when get to the mountains or open plains I would say we average about the same as y'all did.
Thanks for the comment! Now we have something to compare too. I know a few people who tow with a similar setup and see those numbers.
My 22 f350 with 7.3 I get 1.5 mpg better by putting it in manual shifting and using the cruise. Mine likes to go from 8th to 6th in auto mode. 90% of the time I don't need to downshift past 7th. Thinking about a tuner to make it hold gears a little better. I sure do love my 7.3 tho.
I've toyed around with what you are talking about. Now that I know there is the possibility of that much of a mileage increase I'll give that a shot. Thanks!
My work trurk is a f600 6.7 with crane tools, etc, its 17,000 lbs. I noticed one day, if in cruise control it would hold 10th gear pulling hills 26 psi boost. Out of cruise it down shifts at around 20 psi boost. Manual mode to reduce down shifts for me is worth around .8 mpg. I like to use manual mode down hill also truck over down shifts then uses fuel to maintain speed easy to spot on instant mpg bar. @blueridgefamilyoutdoors
Great video, this is exactly what we needed to see/know. I have a 22 F350 7.3 Godzilla with the 3.73 like you. I will be towing my 8,800 lb 30' travel trailer starting this summer. I was using my 08 F250 with the 6.4 powerstroke previously, so I felt the new gasser would do the job, but haven't experienced it yet. Funny you planned your family vaca around the daughter's softball tournament. We have been doing the same thing for years!
Softball has dictated most of our time off for years now. You might as well figure out how to make vacations around it. You will be pleased with the 7.3 gasser. I've seen videos where folks pulling a load like yours get close to 10 mpg. Thanks for watching!
Dang, how big of a tank do you have on that truck?
34 gallons. It usually keeps us going for 3-3.5 hours. By then I'm ready to stretch my kegs anyways. Works out well for out family.
13:50 Start here for those who want the conclusion.
Thanks for watching.
Very good video with great information on the 7.3. It’s a great truck and I’m glad to hear it did good with the engine and trans braking. I’m used to diesel towing, but this gives us something to think about. Thanks for sharing.
It certainly does. Thanks for watching!
I agree.... until you get over the 8,000lb or so range trailer, then you just can't beat the power of the 6.7 Diesel.
@@randyphillips559 this is true. From my research, most any camper of 10K really benefits from the diesel. Plus it’s early to fuel up at truck stops. But it’s good to know the gasser is a good one so far.
Your welcome. Thanks for watching watching!
Damn that's not good milage. MY 2000 f350 crew dually flatbed, 7.3 power stroke, auto / shift kit carrying a '90s era Lance 11'6" slide in camper while flat towing a Wrangler gets 11- 13 mpg at 70 mph. That's fully loaded or completely unloaded LOL
I liked those 7.3 powerstrokes! I would like to find one with low miles. Thise were good engines. I can only hope the 7.3 gas burner I have is as dependable as those were.
Great video. I live near I 70 just west of Denver and took the same truck out last week with my 11,000 5th wheel. One difference is I do have the 4.? rear end. I found even with manually shifting to 3rd gear going downhill the truck was wanting to still speed up past 55 mph. What gear were you down shifting to when going on the speed hills in the Rockies?
The transmission shifts down as it deems necessary. The more aggressive you brake the further, it downshifts, or so it seems. The engine brake alone won't keep you below 55 mph towing that weight, however, if you brake intermittently to knock 5 mph or so off your speed and let the brake work as it slowly picks up speed, you end up using the engine brake more than your truck brakes. That's how I utilized it and it worked well.
Thanks, at least now I know what to expect. @@blueridgefamilyoutdoors
Youvare welcome
I assume you ran 86/87 octane fuel for this run. I saw somewhere that ford says there is an actual benefit to higher octane when towing with the 7.3
That is correct. I've never tried the higher octane but might run a test to see how it does.