Airstream 30 RB mate too F250 7.3 Godzilla

[B.trudeau]

That's it I just throw the towel! I've just ordered a F250 3/4 Ton truck to pull my Classic 30 RB!
Recap. Our equipment was a 26U FC mated to an F150 Platinum. That platinum had a 1334 Lbs Payload. With the 26U we were busting the payload considering the 900 lbs of the tongue weight. We have just replaced the 26U by a Classic 30RB. The Classic 30RB is another ball game! Simply put I couldn't relied on my F150 to do the job, I was busting the payload, GCWR and GAWR all together.
It was a painful decision because our F150 is only 9 months old and it's fully loaded with hybrid motorization. This truck was the perfect daily driver and to be honest was up to the task in pulling our 26U, and when we bought it I was doomed to rely on the marketing bullshit instead of looking at the door sill sticker, the result is 10K lost. (When you don't know about something you need to inquire and really get the full story otherwise you're in for big trouble)
So we've ordered an F250 Platinum (a must for my fancy wife) with the 7,3 Godzilla gas engine! Now I will get all these comments, you should have get the Diesel...NO because I had 3 Diesel already and did not want to paid for that extre 13 k more and to get into the logistic of owning such a piece of complex machinery, todays Diesel are pumping 30000 lbs PSI injection, with Turbo's DEF, filters, high maintenance cost with $500.00 glow plug and cutting the payload by 800 lbs because the engine put on so much weight!
So this truck is perfect for my application, it has a 2700 lbs payload, HP and torque are about the same as my Powerboost, so it will pull easily a trailer from 8000 to 13000 no problem! It's a rock solid big block with very few parts and old technologies pushrod, making this unit very easy to work with since I'm doing my own maintenance. Up fron the truck is 13 K less than the Diesel version, and fuel consuption is somewhat near the diesel if you add in the diesel cost, all in all it is by far the cheapest option when compare with a diesel! is this comparable? NO I don't think so, the Diesel is the ultimate towing machine in all aspect, however I'm not a contractor and don't work with the truck, and dont owned a 25000 lbs fifth-wheel and I will tow 3 to 4 times a year, the balance of my daily driving will be short empty haul (20 Min. drives to work) with very few yearly km's so a Diesel in my case would be silly! If I would be rich or if I would be a contractor I would definetely get the Diesel without hesitation and buy a Prius for my daily commute, but this is not the case!
So I will finally have the right set up truck and trailer! unfortunately after reading 1000 post and reply, after losing 10K and stressing about making that bloody decision because I have finally understood what towing is all about!...The MFG should in the build price sheet show your payload everytime you add an option off course they don't do this because they surely love when people make mistake like the one I did! (Seems like I'm not alone either).
It was definetelty important for me to be within the limit of the numbers because towing a 17000 Lbs GCWR train on the highway is something that usually go very well, but could also turn so wrong!

[Andy543]

You're right. You have to use a diesel long enough to make it pay. If you're only going to use it for towing a few times a year a gasser may be cheaper. I figured that the break-even point for a 6.7 diesel is about 100k tow miles. For a 3.0 liter diesel, it's about 30k tow miles. Alas, the EPA killed off the 3.0 liter diesel, which was the most efficient, most environmentally friendly Airstream tow engine.

[majorairhead]

I love my F250 6.2 V8 GAS HAWG!!!

3,111 pounds payload

Just did 9,100 miles this past June and July, pulling our 30 foot International.

We even went over Wolf Creek Pass and lived.

Congrats on the 7.3, she's a beast!

[RRHJR]

I totally agree with your well written comment.
My 28ft FC is about 6000lbs empty and close to 7000 when fully loaded
I will never pull a 20000lb trailer. Never have,never will!
I can buy a lot of gas for the $10K to $13k price up charge!
I find my 2015 F250 with the 6.2 gas totally adequate in payload and towing!
And if I need to replace it then the 7.3 Godzilla will be my choice!
-been camping 60+years and towing all types campers 50 years-

[danjoe91]

I am going to do the same thing a year from now when I want to replace my F-150. My current truck pulls my 31' Airstream with ease, but I am always concerned with how much extra weight I want to throw in the pick up bed. Diesel engines work most reliably when they have a load they have tug around, and I just don't tow often enough. Also, my ecoboost only averages 12 mpg and has since new ( it's a 2012), so the gas F-250 sounds like a deal to me averaging higher than that and having more torque.

[CRH]

I have no regrets buying a gas F350.

[SVTRIDE]

Good decision to opt out of diesel..the exhaust after treatment mechanisms are oh so complex and CEL DTC prone. I got tired the stupid constant emission driven PCM reflashes...
IMO, you shoulda just ticked the box for a 350...better metrics for same truck.

[cbburke]

Now that the walkout is over at the Louisville Truck plant Ford is beginning to ramp up production. My King Ranch order was placed in July when the order bank opened. I started to get build notices for October. As they dealt with '23 quality challenges it got moved in steps out to November and changed to a 2024 order. Currently I have a Dec. 4 start build date. So along with shipping delays I should see it in Mid January. Fingers crossed. I'm also making the change from a 6.7L diesel to the 7.3L gaser. All for the same reasons you gave.

[jcl]

Originally Posted by Andy543

You're right. You have to use a diesel long enough to make it pay. If you're only going to use it for towing a few times a year a gasser may be cheaper. I figured that the break-even point for a 6.7 diesel is about 100k tow miles. For a 3.0 liter diesel, it's about 30k tow miles. Alas, the EPA killed off the 3.0 liter diesel, which was the most efficient, most environmentally friendly Airstream tow engine.

The diesels require exhaust treatment which is complicated, expensive, and requires more servicing. But the EPA didn't kill off the 3.0 diesels, RAM and Ford did. GM will sell you one.

[Life is a Highway]

Smart to get a 3/4 I would have gone Ram Hemi. I understand your rant trying to make us diesel owners feel bad- Not! on a 7.3 over a 6.7. Every day you will say should have got the diesel , anyway you make some sense except you should have better researched the embarrassing failures of 7.3 camshaft and lifters. Change oil before the clock runs out no idle no start stop as Ford is playing games with variable oil pump low pressure to save fuel. The engine was developed for contractors to idle opps! That failed. I own a 6.7 but I also own extended warranty and maintenance is spot on and early. The answers will soon be the Dodge gas inline 6 hybrid and Ford is following with a SuperDuty same theme.

I hope you got the upgraded alternator and up fitter switches and if not to late make it say 350 not 250

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

Smart to get a 3/4 I would have gone Ram Hemi. I understand your rant trying to make us diesel owners feel bad- Not! on a 7.3 over a 6.7. Every day you will say should have got the diesel , anyway you make some sense except you should have better researched the embarrassing failures of 7.3 camshaft and lifters. Change oil before the clock runs out no idle no start stop as Ford is playing games with variable oil pump low pressure to save fuel. The engine was developed for contractors to idle opps! That failed. I own a 6.7 but I also own extended warranty and maintenance is spot on and early. The answers will soon be the Dodge gas inline 6 hybrid and Ford is following with a SuperDuty same theme.

I hope you got the upgraded alternator and up fitter switches and if not to late make it say 350 not 250

I have been driving a diesel F 250 for several years and yet to spend a penny on all these expensive repairs and maintenance items everyone is bashing diesels here. I have a great heavy duty truck with 920flb torque all mountedon a long 160 inch wheel base making it a very safe tow vehicle in every aspect.
While the gaser will get the job done just fine the diesel is a lot more truck period. And yes it is an unnesessary luxury but so is a 190 k 30' Air Stream Classic.
I find these discussions and diesel bashing a bit sophmoric.
It would be very refreshing to simply state I did not want to spend the extra money and simply lieve it at that.
Full disclosure, I spent my entire working life in heavy infrastructure construction and lieved in my truck. My daily driver was an F 250 diesel and I spent more time in the office than in the field.
I love the raw power and the sound of the disel purring along and could care less how much it costs.

[emelaich01]

Been shopping off/on for a7.3 as I've just about talked myself out of the 6.7 Powerstroke.

It's a good engine and the best of the Powerstroke 6.7 to date but its weak spot is still the Bosch CP4 injector pump. By some standards, they do OK in the first 100,000 miles; some fail before and some, after. Chevy uses it which has escalated to class action status for those that have failed prematurely while Dodge discarded it in favor of their own.

Without a gauge to measure the output pressure, the pump can fail gradually, unknown to the driver until the pressure reaches critically low levels but by then the damage is done: metal deposits in the fuel rails, lines, injectors as well as other critical components.

Failure can be forestalled by meticulously following Ford's maintenance schedule but even so, the CP4 can fail prematurely but outside of warranty.
Were it not the the CP4, the 6.7 would still be on my 'watch' list but with the $10K upcharge for diesel, the difference in fuel cost would take somewhere north of 120K miles to recoup figuring I'd do my own maintenance work.

The 7.3 is not without its detractors, some who are concerned with valve lifter galling shortly after going into service as well as other internal issues. But these seem to be rarer and in the first few thousand miles, well within the confines of the factory warranty.

The 7.3 engine is a torque monster and its design, a throwback to single camshaft, pushrod engines known for their simplicity and durability. I'm a little freaked out with my F150 5.0's complexity, even at nearly 100K, and waiting, waiting...until I can test drive another 7.3 before making the plunge.

But like everything else, it'll get done and I think I'll be better for it. Like you!
Congratulations on your new TV!

[NC Camper]

Bravo! Great post and a smart decision. We towed our 27' GT for about 2 years with our F150 Platinum, including a trip from North Carolina to Utah and back. The payload was terrible, we were barely within towing specs, and the brakes had to be babied over the mountains. We traded up to a F250 Platinum 7.3L Godzilla in 2020 and haven't looked back. Everything from brakes on up is beefier on a Superduty. It tows like the Airstream isn't there. We very intentionally did not want a diesel for the exact reasons you listed. I expect you will be very happy. Congratulations on your new truck and rig!

[Gibson3798]

The only 2500 series trucks I've had for towing were/are diesels. The first on sold me on the second, both Ram/Cummins.

I'm sure the improvement you'll experience with the gas 2500 will be just as satisfying.

Congrats!

[StuartsDad]

I just had the catastrophic Bosch CP4 fuel pump failure on my 2014 F250 Lariet 6.7 at 63000 miles. Just south of $15k to replace pump and everything it destroys when it disintegrates inside. It happened to us on 10/22 leaving Alumilina in Marion, NC. Lots of information on the internet of the CP4 pump, what diesel trucks it was and is still used in, causes, etc. Worth a read if you have a diesel TV, especially a powerstroke. Went back to NC on 10/31 to get repaired truck and AS. At that time, they had a F350 in the shop with the same issue. Confidence is shot for this truck. It will be replaced soon.

[B.trudeau]

Originally Posted by SVTRIDE

Good decision to opt out of diesel..the exhaust after treatment mechanisms are oh so complex and CEL DTC prone. I got tired the stupid constant emission driven PCM reflashes...
IMO, you shoulda just ticked the box for a 350...better metrics for same truck.

lol, I thought about it but then I think you have to stop somewhere!, If I go with this thought process that the next truck as better metrics I will end up with a Limited F450 6,7 Turbo Diesel Duely...

[B.trudeau]

Originally Posted by danjoe91

I am going to do the same thing a year from now when I want to replace my F-150. My current truck pulls my 31' Airstream with ease, but I am always concerned with how much extra weight I want to throw in the pick up bed. Diesel engines work most reliably when they have a load they have tug around, and I just don't tow often enough. Also, my ecoboost only averages 12 mpg and has since new ( it's a 2012), so the gas F-250 sounds like a deal to me averaging higher than that and having more torque.

You definetely should look into it, I came to understand with all the numbers at stake that an F150 is great....for all AS under 23 ft, over, 25,27,28,30 and 33, you need to mate these thing with an HD truck, it's not just about the weight, it is also the size and the inertial momentum transferred to your F150 that has not been structurally build to handle such stress! a HD is more beefed up from the receiver to the suspension, frame etc.

[B.trudeau]

Originally Posted by NC Camper

Bravo! Great post and a smart decision. We towed our 27' GT for about 2 years with our F150 Platinum, including a trip from North Carolina to Utah and back. The payload was terrible, we were barely within towing specs, and the brakes had to be babied over the mountains. We traded up to a F250 Platinum 7.3L Godzilla in 2020 and haven't looked back. Everything from brakes on up is beefier on a Superduty. It tows like the Airstream isn't there. We very intentionally did not want a diesel for the exact reasons you listed. I expect you will be very happy. Congratulations on your new truck and rig!

Thanks so much for the kind words, yes its always nice to get confirmation from other Airstreamer that you have made the right decision on such a concern! the 27 GT has a tongue weight of about 1000 lbs so now I think you're all set! cheers from Quebec!

[B.trudeau]

Originally Posted by StuartsDad

I just had the catastrophic Bosch CP4 fuel pump failure on my 2014 F250 Lariet 6.7 at 63000 miles. Just south of $15k to replace pump and everything it destroys when it disintegrates inside. It happened to us on 10/22 leaving Alumilina in Marion, NC. Lots of information on the internet of the CP4 pump, what diesel trucks it was and is still used in, causes, etc. Worth a read if you have a diesel TV, especially a powerstroke. Went back to NC on 10/31 to get repaired truck and AS. At that time, they had a F350 in the shop with the same issue. Confidence is shot for this truck. It will be replaced soon.

OMG I feel sorry for you! I've read about this! that was one of my stressing point, see I had 3 Diesels, and everyone of them were so costly to maintain that all my fuel saving was ditch at maintenance! That CP4-2 Pump is a real turn off but then I've read a lot about the Duramax and the Cummins and all have their flaws!, heck, the Duramax 3.0 had an engineering defect of using a rubber belt in the engine that is immerse in....yes you guess it OIL! so at 150K Miles (As regular maintenance practice) you need to separate the transmission from the engine and this is a 5K job! Todays Diesel are not so appealing anymore, in order for these engine to meet the strict emission regulation they are loaded with devices that makes them heavier, weaker, unreliable and costly to operate!, back in the day you had mechanical pump and nothing around the engine, nowaday Diesel are packed under the hood and its, really intimidating....and I dont like to be intimidate by something I dont understand! this gas 7,3 is very very basic in technologies and I have good hope that it will render its due!

[B.trudeau]

Originally Posted by emelaich01

Been shopping off/on for a7.3 as I've just about talked myself out of the 6.7 Powerstroke.

It's a good engine and the best of the Powerstroke 6.7 to date but its weak spot is still the Bosch CP4 injector pump. By some standards, they do OK in the first 100,000 miles; some fail before and some, after. Chevy uses it which has escalated to class action status for those that have failed prematurely while Dodge discarded it in favor of their own.

Without a gauge to measure the output pressure, the pump can fail gradually, unknown to the driver until the pressure reaches critically low levels but by then the damage is done: metal deposits in the fuel rails, lines, injectors as well as other critical components.

Failure can be forestalled by meticulously following Ford's maintenance schedule but even so, the CP4 can fail prematurely but outside of warranty.
Were it not the the CP4, the 6.7 would still be on my 'watch' list but with the $10K upcharge for diesel, the difference in fuel cost would take somewhere north of 120K miles to recoup figuring I'd do my own maintenance work.

The 7.3 is not without its detractors, some who are concerned with valve lifter galling shortly after going into service as well as other internal issues. But these seem to be rarer and in the first few thousand miles, well within the confines of the factory warranty.

The 7.3 engine is a torque monster and its design, a throwback to single camshaft, pushrod engines known for their simplicity and durability. I'm a little freaked out with my F150 5.0's complexity, even at nearly 100K, and waiting, waiting...until I can test drive another 7.3 before making the plunge.

But like everything else, it'll get done and I think I'll be better for it. Like you!
Congratulations on your new TV!

Thanks so much for this very informative response, yes I've read about it all over the place and that was one of my concern, read the threads below someone had a 15K failure with its bloody CP2! I know about the 7,3 weak point but then I know the bottom end is rock solid, If I ever have a problems with cam's that is a concern but not so much of a serious concern because in the worst case I can do the job myself, and/or find any mechanic that will do it! Back in the day you would do 1 million miles with a diesel, today not so much, it is just too over engineered in any sense to meet those regulation! I know I'm done with the Diesel, although very appealing for the real man in me I try to stay away from complicated thing!