2013 F-250 Crew Cab 4×4 6.2L a journeyman performer for the working man who needs a little towing muscle from time to time
By Bruce W. Smith
Look around any heavy construction jobsite and the majority of the ¾- and 1-ton Crew Cab Ford pickups are going to be diesels. Not surprising as diesel Super Duties are the go-to truck when towing and hauling heavy loads are part of the daily work load.
But when such tasks only come up a couple times a month, shelling out $8,000 for the diesel option might not make economic sense for some business owners.
The 385hp 6.2L gas V8 fills every inch of the F-250’s engine compartment.
That’s where F-250/F-350 Crew Cabs powered by the line’s base 6.2L gas V8 work well.
Ford’s heavy-duty gassers have the same maximum tow capacity with a conventional hitch (weight-distributing) as their diesel counterparts – but without the added cost.
The 6.2L gas V8 makes 385hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque, and with the optional ($390) 3.73 axles it’s rated to tow the same as the 6.7L Powerstroke that makes 400hp and double the torque.
We tested the Crew Cab 4×4 diesel version two years ago (February 2011) and used it as the base for our Project Super Crew in 2012.
So it was an easy transition into a 2013 powered by the gas engine for this road test.
THE RIGHT OPTIONS
For an HD, the 2013 Super Duty XLT F-250 Crew Cab 4×4 is moderately priced. The one I tested came with $5,700 in options, bringing the sticker price to $47,390.
Cloth seating is both comfortable and durable. Mini-console a good option.
Those options included mostly functional add-ons valuable around the jobsite: rear view camera; tailgate step; electric shift-on-the-fly transfer case; skid plates; spray-in bedliner; sliding rear window and tow mirrors.
It also came with Michelin LTX A/T 2 “all-terrain” tires – a $955 option – that one soon finds out are best suited for dry conditions.
The Michelins are good street tires, but not that great for off-pavement use. (Our advice, save the grand and pick your own tires if you want better off-pavement traction.)
On the other hand, the cloth seats with the $300 40/console/40-configuration are worth the price.
The mini-console is roomy and serves as a fine armrest during longer drives.
COMFORTABLE RIDE
Speaking of comfort, for a pickup that has the 9,900-pound GVWR package, Ford’s big gasser is a comfortable ride. It’s quite inside and absorbs road irregularities with aplomb for a heavy-duty truck.
Standard 60/40 fold-up rear bench seat fine fit for the work crew.
The interior ergonomics are also quite well done, too, making it a very good crew transport.
Ford’s interior designers have all the controls and switches in locations that make sense. It’s an easy truck to get comfortable in quickly.
The “upfitter” switches, a $125 option, are a nice touch as they make it easy to add auxiliary lights, warning lights and other switched electrical components.
Upfitter switch panel makes it easy to install additional lights and 12V accessories.
Another nice feature of this truck is the manual/automatic front hubs. They allow the driver to lock them in manually before driving in off-pavement situations where traction varies from good to bad as you drive.
Having the hubs locked lessens the chances of blowing a hub should it not be locked all the way and then automatically slamming in when the tire is spinning.
STEADY PERFORMER
Fuel economy is commensurate with most 5.0L- 6.0L V8s: 13.2mpg city driving and 15.4mpg cruising down the interstate at 70mph on a wind-free winter day.
I saw 16.5mpg running 55mph and 14mpg at 75mph.
The 6.2L is very sensitive to a heavy throttle and wind drag above 55mph.
Manual/automatic front hubs give the driver the option to lock them in when necessary.
The E85-capable 6.2L V8 features a single overhead cam with variable cam timing – advanced features that help optimize power throughout the speed range as well as fuel efficiency.
The engine, backed with the 6-speed automatic, is one of the quietest, smoothest running HDs we’ve tested.
The shift points are well placed so there’re no lag spots when driving. It’s just velvet-smooth.
On the dragstrip it performs like one would expect from a 7,000-pound 4×4.
Our 0-60mph sprints at Gulfport (MS) Dragway averaged 9.8 seconds while 60-0mph panic stops averaged 140 feet. The best 1/4 mi: [email protected].
(In comparison, the 6.7L diesel is about a ½-second quicker to 60, and 2/10ths and 3mph faster at the end of the ¼-mile.)
All in all, my take on the 2013 6.2L F-250 4×4 Crew Cab is this:
The gas V-8 base engine is an excellent alternative for the company who needs the Super Duty’s big load carrying/towing capacity, but not often enough to warrant the much higher price tag of a Powerstroke.
Ford’s gasoline-powered HD definitely has its place on the jobsite.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: 2013 Ford Super Duty
Model: Crew Cab 4×4 XLT
Base Price: $40,620
Price as Tested: $47,390
Engine: 6.2L V8 Gas; 385hp/405 lb-ft
Axle Ratio: 3.73 (auto-locking diff)
Transmission: 6spd Auto
Observed MPG: City 13.2 / Hwy 15.4
Max Towing Capacity:
Conventional: 6,000 lbs. w/o WD hitch; 12,500 lbs. w/ WD hitch
5th Wheel/Gooseneck: 12,400 lbs.
Max. Payload: 3,240 lbs.
Performance: 0-60mph: 9.8 sec.; ¼-mile: 17.3 sec @ 83.6mph
