The Mom-in-law is looking at getting a new F-450 or F-550, and needs some advice fairly quick, or I'd wear out that search function.
I'm a Dodge/Cummins guy when it comes to diesels, so I admit I'm totally ignorant here (watch it, watch it!)
I know the '03's had some problems that I'm sure have been worked out, and I know the '08's are a bit different to comply with the new emissions regulations, so here's the thing...
She's got her choice between a handful of new trucks, from '06 to '08, and I need advice on what to recommend.
I appreciate any help!

 

Well Buddy, the popular opinion on here is that Ford got the bugs worked out in the 05 to 07 6.0's. The auto tranny is bullet proof! Hearing good stuff about the 08 with 6.4, too early to recommend to a relative...Brian

 

Based on your limited "listed" selection choice, I assume "She" will be towing with this truck??? Simple, do the math on the work the truck will be tasked with, weight it will either carry or tow then deside.

Since she's looking F450-F550, which are very heavy duty trucks, the choice is pretty simple, Ford! Seeing how Dodge/Cummins, or Chevy/Duramax are either limited or non existant in a compariable type vehicle.

Just my .02

 

Thanks guys!

she is limited to the 450 or 550 because of her fifth-wheel weight, but she has her pick of a few with the 6.0 or 6.4...and I was pretty sure the 6.0 bugs were worked out from '03, but I don't know much about 6.4...but being as they're brand new, there's not much real-world info out yet.

 

Everyone that I've talked to, that has driven a 6.4 absolutely loves it. My only problem with it is there aren't many gas stations around here with ULS diesel. Something to think about.

 

Going to have the problem of looking for ULSD no matter which truck you get. All oil burners built Jan 1, 2007 and onward can only use ULSD. I'm fortunate that the filling station just around the corner from me sells the stuff @ 2.99 a gallon. There's one station that doesn't sell too much diesel and they don't even have LSD (500 ppm diesel) in their tanks. No wonder they are selling for $2.75 per gallon, trying to get rid of it. In California, dealers don't have to have the ULSD until they've sold all of their current inventory. Takes a few cycles of fuel to dilute what's already in the holding tanks, so if the station doesn't sell all that much diesel, it could take a long time before they can certify their diesel as ULSD. Bummer since California refiners have been putting out ULSD since October 2006.

 

Sorry if my question was too vague...
She's looking at 450's and 550's because either will handle her fifth-wheel weight, that wasn't the question.
the question was, she has her choice of multiple "new" trucks on the lot from year 2006 to 2008.
since the biggest "real" difference between the years is the transition from the 6.0 engine to the 6.4...
While I know the 6.0 had a slew of problems at the beginning...I assumed they got worked out, but am looking for opinions on the 2006-2007 6.0's vs. the 2008 6.4.
which seemed clear enough to me when I posted...I assume from your signature that you don't own a truck with either the 6.0 or the 6.4, so I am a bit puzzled why you chimed in at all...but I apologize for the confusion.

 

I bet they're lining up to help now.

 

MConstable, your assumption is incorrect having had several 7.3's and one 6.0 which thankfully now is gone.
My F450 is due for delivery this week and will be used to tow a 40' fifth wheel. Your question appeared to me to be one of the selection between F450 and F550, if indeed my assumption was wrong I apologize.
Based on my experience with these trucks, the question is clear to me. Although the problems with the 6.0 had been agruably resolved, I choose to steer clear of greatly rebated 06-07's with the 6.0 with my order of an 08 6.4, again just my opinion.
Next the towing, F450 vs F550......here's where you need to do the math and determine which truck you need. IMO - The F450 should handle just about anything you or Mother in law wanted to throw at it, give you great ride and real world function most larger MDT trucks cannot.

 

It's the Mom-in-law. Started the paperwork on a 2008 F-450. SInce my fifth wheel is nearly 19000 pounds, I was impressed with its capabilities. Please tell me that all these stations that have the new "low sulpher" diesel fuel is exactly what I need? Any mpg yet on the new F-450?

 

I assume you are getting the F450 pickup, not the chassie cab. The F450 pickup is new for this year. Towing a 5'vr that starts its weigh in at 19K means that you will probably need the 4:88 year end. (good for 24K) not the 4:30's (good for 20K). There has been post's on here for the 450 from 9 to the low teen's. But they are still in the break in period. So hopefully they will get much better.

 

1968gtcs is correct 4:88's is the way to go with that weight. Another soruce of information as it relates to Towing and 5ers is the Rv.net forum. There are allot of camping folks, full and part timers who are a wealth of knowledge and support.
Good luck with the new truck!

 

Thanks. I am getting the pickup with the 4:88 diff. I had a Dodge 3500. It worked fine in most circumstances but the mountains were killing me. Ford claims I should be able to climb the mountains without even trying. Wouldn't that be a kick!!

 

Holy Crap!!!! the Mom-in-law is in the house...
Treat her nice fellas, I'm a Dodge guy, she's in your hands now!

 

THanks loads. You'll be hearing from me. Will visit RV.net.