I want to start looking at used F250s so that I can tow a camper next summer. This would also be a 2nd daily driver. It will be a 4x4 crew cab. I most of the time drive only 5 minute to send the kids to school and maybe once a week will drive from 20km to 200km for work. We would tow only during summer and probably move spot every week, sometimes every day or two.

How bad really is the 5.4 for towing 7-10k of stuff(trailer+liquids+gear)? Is it just about being slow on acceleration or are there other problems?
Seems like the 6.8 is a bad choice when paying a little more would get me a 2011 with a 6.2
How about diesel? Is the 6.4 a big risk on maintenance and repairs expenses? What about the 6.7 (probably not for me; 2011 diesels are expensive)

I'd like to get a real feel for the risk associated with the 6.4. Are we talking 500$/year in maintenance at the dealer + a 10% risk of 2000$ repairs in the next 3 years? Worse? Better? I'm not a mechanic; I can repair a few simple things but assume that everything would be done at the dealer.

 

First off, where are you towing? On the flat or the mountains? The 5.4 will handle less than 10,000 on the flat, anything more or in the mountains and it's honestly probably not the best choice. Your acceleration won't be great but it will do it. Really nothing to be afraid of w/ the 6.8 though, it honestly only gets a couple mpg less than the 5.4 with quite a bit more power. Either way, don't be afraid of letting the engine rev. I would suggest a 2005 and later for the 3 valve engine which has more torque and hp as well as the torqshift transmission which is a big improvement over the older ones. One thing to note, if you go w/ a 2005-early 2008 5.4 or 6.8, make sure the spark plugs have been changed, they can stick and break. If you want to spend the money, you certainly can't go wrong w/ the 6.2 either!

I'm the first to admit I'm not an expert on diesels, but it really seems like overkill for your use. They don't really like short drives or sitting, but your once a week longer trip should negate that. You can read up on the 6.4 here and those guys can answer any specific questions. 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Good luck, come back and let us know which one you choose...so long as it has a blue oval you really can't go wrong!

 

I would look the 6.8 or 6.2 for your use. The daily 5 min trips would be hard on the diesel. It takes about 25 or 30 miles to get a diesel up to full operating temp. If you use it as a dedicated tow rig with few or no trips that don't get it operating temp. It would worth considering.

This will upset bunches here, but I don't feel the 5.4 should have ever been put in Superduty trucks. The mpg advantage is very slight cruising empty, loaded it often does worse. It's only advantage is weight which is not an issue for most. There is nothing else it does better than the bigger motors.

 

I have been extremely pleased with my 7.3. Had it nearly 11 years now. It tows our 5th wheel great. I have a friend that had a Crew cab 4x4 F250 with the 5.4 and he also towed a 5th wheel (30 foot). His truck would tow it, but it was painful to follow him and he stopped for fuel quite often. So he supercharged the 5.4. Better, but still not pleasant. So he bought a 7.3 truck, put a tuner on it and has never looked back.

As far as reliability...I have personally been very pleased with the 7.3 and 5.4.

 

You'll kill a 6.4L or really any diesel using it like that in short order. The 5.4L and 6.8L will get damn near the same mileage, might as well go with a V10 to have more power. Go with a '05+ for the torqueshift.

 

Based on your requirements, I'll also concur with much of what has been said. The 5.4 will get the job done, just not quickly nor much cheaper then the 6.8 V10. Hard to beat cubic inches when it comes to torque. As has been said, the 2005's would be the oldest you look at. THe older auto trans have pulled a lot of trailers but at approaching 9+ years old it's day is past and the new torqueshifts are a far better unit.

 

A 5.4L will easily get the job done for you. I tow 9000+ pounds often, without an issue.

 

curious why u think the 6.8 is a bad choice..??

you have to be confusing that motor with soemthing else.. cuz the reality is the 6.8 is about as bulletproof of a design as u can get.

 

this application would best be suited for a gas motor. Diesels for long heavy hauls.

 

The fuel mileage is about 1-2 mpg less with a V10 vs the 5.4. The V10 will get you the power for the hills. The 5.4 will do the job just fine, just be prepared for single digit towing mileage. I say go gas, a 7.3 will not get hurt that bad going on short trips in the summer months. New diesels are very strict with engine operating temps due to the re-gen and EGR systems. Really both gas motors will perform well, its all in the gearing.

 

I can't add anything to what's already been said. But I do have to commend everyone on keeping a level head

 

I don't think a diesel truck would be out of the question for the OP; his usage won't hurt either engine. I'm on my third Super Duty at the moment, and my previous two were diesels. I'm really enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a machine that can't cost me $10K if it breaks. Either 6.4L or 6.7L can do horrific things to the finances of a hapless owner who has a high pressure fuel pump die, and that fact prevented me from considering owning either of my diesels out of warranty. It's not that they are unreliable, but by most accounts modern diesel engines are less reliable than modern gas engines.

 

need to know your budget cause your all over the place 5.4 ... 6.8 ... 6.4 ... 6.2 but to me the obviuos choice for you is a gas truck ...$500 a year dealer maintenance actually sounds low and $2000 for something serious ....uuumm yeah gonna be a lil more

 

Gas motor but definitely need to factor in budget because that is what really determines what you are able to use.

I was in Canada for some work and we used 5.4's (ranged from 07-09) towing about 8-9K in alberta. Not exactly steepest mountains but by no means flat on any part of the land. If you're looking for something that will get the job done then the 5.4 should be fine. And they're right, don't worry about letting engine rev cause these trucks were made for it.

If you have the money, 6.2 for sure. More power, the better. Newer too.

 

As far as budget goes I am not decided yet. I expect to pay at least 20k and may be willing to go up to 30k. I want at least a 2008 because this is only 1 generation back from the current models and because rust is a really big issue here so newer is preferable to less mileage.
I have seen a low mileage 2011 FX4 with 6.2 for 34k; I expect the prices will go down a little between now and summer and maybe I can find a good deal for a direct owner instead of a used car lot.
The interesting thing about 2008-2010 is that I could probably get a better equipped one that could eventually become our main car. Right now this is an Acura MDX that seats 7 and has heated seats and auto-climate; we enjoy it very much.