Looking at buying a newer/used truck…..<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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What my needs are; <o></o>
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1. Not a daily driver<o></o>
2. I have a budget of 10,000 to 15,000<o></o>
3. Prefer 4x4 because in the winter months I travel to snow area often like snowboarding<o></o>
4. summer moments would involve pulling a boat and/or cabover camper so I think a F350?<o></o>
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I have no preference for Gas or Diesel…lifted or not….or engine size.<o></o>
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I’m interested in hearing feedback with good or bad models for my needs that I mentioned above.<o></o>
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Thanks for reading and commenting<o></o>
Joe<o></o>

 

I'm in the same boat, but having some sort of preferences helps to narrow things down bit.You need to really know what you're going to be doing with this truck.You say not a daily driver with 4x4. What size boat and camper are you hauling.

 

My biggest decision is cloth or leather.I know i will already be installing an alarm/remote start, but the wife doesn't do cloth..

 

Cabover is a Lance 3500 lbs and boat is Bayliner 4500lbs. Usually towing seperatly but will haul at times together.

 

Hauling those together then i would say diesel if you can afford the diesel plus diesel maintenance cost.Otherwise V-8/V-10 with proper gearing(i've just been schooled on) but gas mileage suffers.

 

Absolutely get the F350. You didn't say which cab you wanted, regular cab, super cab or crew cab. Since its not a daily driver, I would recommend the F350 single rear wheel, with the V10 gas engine, auto trans and you choice if cab configuration. You can add air bags if you need them. Also you have an option to get a F350 with dual rear wheels which will help with stability when hauling the camper but I think if the camper is under 3500lbs. you will be fine with single rear wheels.

 

I like the look of the extended cab but it not critical....more concerned about 4x4 and towing. Does the cab factor into powertrain or something?

 

Different cab configurations have different GVWR(gross vehicle weight ratings). For example my '08 F350 crew cab v10 long bed has a CVWR of 11,200lbs, where a super cab F350 might have a GVWR of 11,000lbs. A super cab truck would weigh less than a crew cab thus the difference in GVWR. The Diesel option in those same trucks would have a higher GVWR because the Diesel engine itself is heavier than a gas engine, so Ford raises the GVWR so it has the same carrying capacity as a gas truck. Make sense?

 

Ok, got it. Thanks!

 

05-08 V10 DRW 4.30 gears and whatever configuration you want! If the vehicle is not a daily driver then do not go diesel. Im not trying to start a war but diesels need to be driven and warmed up otherwise you will have issues. IMHO it is not worth the extra maintenance cost if its only going to be used a handful of times per year.

 

Awesome, exactly what I was looking for!!

 

F250's have a max GVWR of 10,000lbs. regardless of cab. That's why I suggest a F350. Depending where you live, you might never get a second look from the man, but I have to watch my weight because trucks in my area are always getting pulled over and weighed. However they almost never pull over someone who has an RV, unless that person is driving in a dangerous manner.

 

Good info, will keep that in mind when I am looking.


Thanks!!

 

You will be happier with the 05+ trucks as they upgraded the brakes, Went to a coil spring front end (they turn like a dream) updated the interior/exterior and added a much upgraded transmission that tows like a dream.

 

The 2005 and newer trucks have bigger/better brakes, coil spring front suspension, more powerful gas engines and MUCH better automatic transmissions.