I'm new to the forum, thanks for all the great info. I grow hay and deliver myself. I have a 99 250 sd ptd. I bought a new fifth whl trailer - 12 ton capacity, 8 wheels, elec brakes. 7200 # empty. Great trailer, but now I need a bigger truck! I would like to haul 13500 # of hay at a time as the trailer can tow it. I am looking at either a new f550 or about a 2001 model. I like the 7.3 ptd I have now and have seen on a trailering site that a 2001 550 drw, 4x4 with a h.d. tow package that could tow 21000p#. Havent found one yet.
Any thoughts on new (6L) vs. 2001 low mileage (7.3), or any other options for me? This vehilcle has to be my "run around" transportation vehicle also so I can't go much bigger than the 550.

bermudaman

 

Get the 7.3L More reliable and a great truck.

Fire Rooster

 

yea get the 7.3 and a 6spd
my say's he pulls 10-12 rolls of hay(i think it is a fish story to say that his Chevy can pull more than my ford kind of thing) with a 2500hd 8.1
but he recently started to buy a couple superduties to replace his BRAND NEW 3500 and 2500HD the 3500 has a DURAMAX/6spd it has been replaced by a 00 F350 4x4 PSD 6spd
and i have seen him with 6 rolls and a John Deere 2555 4wd on a 35 ft g/n pulled by his trusty F350
Fords must really suck then to replace a family who has been buying Chevrolets for 60 years

 

what about a lo pro 650? that would work as a daily driver especially with a CAT 300horse !!!!

 

That would be great, but you have to shell out a lot more bucks for that truck.

I'd recommend the 7.3 PSD over the 6.0. They are proven engines and you won't have to deal with all Ford's teething problems on the 6.0.

 

You're sounding good on the F550 diesel 6spd. I would pick up a cheap riceburner ratbox to drive around town though and save the miles and wear on that F550 for the work it was meant to do. It will probably last a good many years longer if not subjected to alot of short stop and go around town trips all the time.

 

Thanks for all the help. I'm still considering the auto tranny though because of the 30000 gcwr on the 2001 model. Any big questionables with an auto?

By the way you got it right with the hay. I'm hauling big bales, actually small ones bundled to look like big squares, plus a small tractor to stack them.

 

yes only 4spds no creeper gear either
lots more maintnece
burn up if you don't watch tranny temp while towing heavy loads
its the same 4spd that the F250's get