Tow vehicles

[Razorback]

Great choice in tow vehicles, Mark. There’s no replacement for displacement!
Precisely why we keep our 1995 F250 that has the 7.3L PowerStroke Diesel engine.... only 143,000 miles, great shape, and like you: no payment!!!!

[pbsled]

Our 30P has been in the family since new, and it’s been pulled 80k plus with a 90’ 1500 5.7 Suburban, about 10K with a 2015 Cummins 2500 (to much truck), and now a fresh start with a 17’ F250 6.2

[silverloaf]

Our 30P has been in the family since new, and it’s been pulled 80k plus with a 90’ 1500 5.7 Suburban, about 10K with a 2015 Cummins 2500 (to much truck), and now a fresh start with a 17’ F250 6.2

You made a wise choice with the 6.2L. In my opinion, the 6.2L is one of Ford’s best engine design achievements.

I was part of its 1st design team in 2004. The engine went through 3 separate sets of design eyes before finally launched into low-volume 2010 F-150 Raptors. It went into full production in 2011 Super Duty trucks a year later. I bought one of the first 2011 F-250 6.2L trucks in late 2010. The truck was built for trailer tow and did not disappoint.

Although since retired (2007) from Ford, I have a habit of periodically visiting Ford dealers about the 6.2L. The usual response is “We’ve not seen any problems”. That’s a good measure on the engine’s robustness and acceptance in the field.

[pbsled]

6.2 did great on first trip. It was 700 miles total with some good elevation change and heavy headwinds on the way back. 10.8 mpg on the way down and 9.6 on the way back at 65, which is about expected. I was surprised how well it pulled up the 7% grade back up the mountain at 55-60, with only a 3 degree temp rise on tranny. My only real criticism is the ride was not that great on bad sections on concrete highway, as it was rougher than when empty. Perhaps the tires on the truck were over inflated for the load.

[Dode]

Hi I'm new here. When I hook up my truck is going to be 500 to 600 lbs overweight. What do you guys think? Should I be concerned? Thanks...Al

[pbsled]

You will get lots of advice on that one I am sure, and you could answer this simply by the numbers. However, one way too look at this it is simply to ask if you are comfortable and relaxed behind the wheel with your setup? A proper match (setup) between tow vehicle, trailer and especially the hitch is the key to that one. A comfortable driver and a predictable rig is easy to spot on the road, which is just as important as any numbers you may be concerned about. Design margins are just that - margins.

When I read, “It drives like nothing is back there” - I also worry. Those are the rigs that forget something is back there and cause problems.

[Razorback]

Hi, Dode.... welcome to the Avion world!

Here's my .02

Those ratings are there for a reason. My general rule of thumb is to not go more than 80% of those ratings, but even at 100% of the ratings, I think you're just asking for trouble. Why take a chance?

What are the possibilities of getting a more capable truck? There are lots of them around.

What Avion do you have, and what is your tow vehicle?

[Kirkus]

1989 30p
2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost with Max Tow.
11,300 Towing capacity.

[KYAvion]

What sort of mpg are you getting pulling your 30p?

[Kirkus]

What sort of mpg are you getting pulling your 30p?

13 or 14 ish