Gas or diesel… what’s better for towing?

Seeking Help
1

I’m planning to buy a new F-250 this spring and need advice on engines. I’ll mostly be towing an 8,000 lb, 30 ft trailer across North America. The salesman suggested a gas engine because repairs and servicing are cheaper. What do you all think?

2

I’m towing something similar with the 7.3 gas engine. It’s got plenty of power and is simpler than diesel. I’m really happy with it so far.

Big plus is the payload—I’ve got over 3,000 lbs available. Downside is the MPG. Towing on the highway, I get around 11-12 MPG. The small 34-gallon tank is also a bit annoying. But honestly, saving the extra $10k from not getting the diesel is worth it to me.

3

@Jordan
Thanks, I’m leaning toward the gas engine now.

4

Kris said:
@Jordan
Thanks, I’m leaning toward the gas engine now.

I’ve got a 2017 F-250 with the 6.2. It handles my 7,500 lb 30 ft trailer perfectly. The 7.3 would be even better. The only downside is gas mileage, but with diesel costing 30 cents more per gallon where I live, plus the $10k extra upfront, gas feels like the better deal.

5

@Keaton
Makes sense, thanks for sharing.

6

Kris said:
@Jordan
Thanks, I’m leaning toward the gas engine now.

Same here. I got a 7.3 4x4 last August. The simpler maintenance and lower costs compared to diesel are a big win. There was a time I’d have gone diesel no question, but I don’t regret the switch at all. I used to have a gas Raptor, so it wasn’t too big of a leap for me.

7

I went with the 7.3 gas Tremor package. While diesel has great torque and better MPG, the cost only balances out after about 100k miles of towing. Diesel is pricier here and isn’t available everywhere, so it’s less convenient. Plus, the extra weight of the diesel engine reduces payload capacity unless you go for a one-ton.

Towing my 8,000 lb trailer with the 7.3 has been smooth. Around town, I get about 13.5 MPG, which isn’t bad. Towing drops me to 9.5 MPG, but I think that’s due to my rear axle ratio. The gas engine is less complicated, easier to work on, and has some room to spare in the engine bay. Hope this helps.

8

@Sia
That’s really helpful, thanks a lot.

9

I chose gas for a few reasons:

  • I tow 8,000–10,000 lbs, and the 6.2 engine handles it fine.
  • Repairs are much cheaper. You can even find a 30k-mile junkyard engine for $2k.
  • The upfront cost is lower, leaving me money for other hobbies.
  • I don’t need to deal with additives or DEF.
  • Personally, I think diesel lost its cool factor after all the emissions regulations came in. Long live 2-strokes!

Fuel economy is worse with gas, but the benefits outweigh that for me.

10

@Jessie
Thanks for breaking it down.

11

@Jessie
Same here—6.2 gas engine for towing a camper. It’s also my daily driver, and I’ve put 16k miles on it in just over a year with no issues. It has plenty of power for towing the camper and gear.

12

Ira said:
@Jessie
Same here—6.2 gas engine for towing a camper. It’s also my daily driver, and I’ve put 16k miles on it in just over a year with no issues. It has plenty of power for towing the camper and gear.

Good to know, thanks!

13

Diesel is the way to go.

14

I’ve been using diesel for years, and it’s a beast for heavy towing. If you’re doing long-distance towing all the time, it’s worth the cost. If not, gas might make more sense.