Short version. I'm looking to replace the Winnebago (460) with a new F-250/350 and a hybrid TT (4500-6000 lbs).
I need some help with deciding on a few key options, engine and gear ratio.
Long version.
I'll be getting a CC with 4wd and gas engine.
I'd like to get the long bed for the larger gas tank and cargo capacity.
It will be a 6 speed manual.
I commute by motorcycle 75% of the time, but this will be by wheels during bad weather, or days I just can't ride for whatever reason.
Towing will be in the Northeast corridor. Maine to Va and western NY and PA. Not too many mountains, but not flat either. Plus, you can encounter bad traffic sometimes.
Dealer says I'll definitely have to get one built to get the CC with a manual.
Nobody buys a super-duty for the gas mileage, but gas is expensive, so I'd like to get the configuration that will yield the best mileage without compromising functionality.
Realistically, while not towing, I need to be able to cruise at 65-72 without the engine being too busy.
While towing, I'd like to be able to cruise at 60-65, mostly to avoid making a complete nuisance of myself.
I think the v-8 will be fine for my intended usage, but the v-10 has the appeal of knowing you've always got enough power.
Then there's gears.
With the v-10, I'd get the 4.10 so that's not an issue.
With the v-8, I can get the 3.72 or 4.10.
Plenty of posts say the 4.10 gears are better for towing, but here the crux of the issue for me...
With the v-8 and either rear-end, is towing in 6th gear realistic?
If so, then the 4.10 is probably the better choice.
If not, and I'm going to be in 5th gear at 60-65 mph, just cruising along, the 3.7 rear end would be a bit more relaxed than the 4.10.
I can test drive an automatic and 4th/5th in the auto are almost identical to 5th/6th in the manual, so I can get some feel for the difference that way, but there will be no towing on a test drive, so I'd like to hear what those of you that have towed moderate loads with the gas motor have to say.
There's 1mpg or less difference between a 5.4L and a 6.8L Superduty. The 6.8L will tow in the highest gear alot easier than the 5.4L will. A 6000lb hybrid will be no problem at all-my longbed F250 CC tows my 32 foot Jayco Eagle TT in OD without a problem at all...and it weighs over 7000 dry. Get the 6.8L-it'll get from 11-14 mpg most all the time(depending on driving habits),and around 9-10 mpg towing.
JL
I believe you will find, so long as you are within the weight ratings of the 5.4, that your mpg WHILE TOWING would more or less be the same between the V10 and V8, from the point of view that the smaller engine would just turn more rpm's. The main perception of difference would be in acceleration and power on hills, etc.
So then, if the truck is truly going to sit in the driveway or garage like a Winnebago and only be used for the occasional recreational use, then you won't care about the mpg because its just the cost of fun... But then if 90% of its use is unloaded, and with gas at $4 (and then what...) that could be a tipping point.
By the way, if mpg is a concern, I understand there are some F-150's rated at 9,900 pounds. They're not SuperDuties of course, so they don't have the heavy brakes, chassis, etc., but htey definitely get better mileage.
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2005 F350 V10 6spd dually, 15K receiver. No 4WD, no LS, no A/C, no special cab - just a lean mean towing machine!
I have the older 5.4L (2V) and tow my TT (about 5500lbs loaded). It does an admirable job, but it could be better for sure. I think if you are even going to think about mountains and hills, you should opt for at least the 4.10 if you go with the 5.4L, but I'd go with the 6.8L if I were you. The difference in gas mileage between the two is not that much different, and as you pointed out, you've always got the power there when/if (and I'd probably stress the "when") you need it. And the V-10 only adds another $600.00 to your price tag. I say go for the reserve power.
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Ed
2003 F-250, Superchip, K&N
4.30, Bilsteins
i realize there is something to be said for the 5.4L. i know my particular truck has a few mods but let me relay my story. i live in the mountains of montana the heaviest load i haul is close to the weight rating for this truck.. i really need to snap a pic of it one of these days... so envision this... my truck with 2- atvs on a rack in back (approx 2k lbs total), 24' camper trailer approx 6k lbs, & 14' boston whaler boat hitched to the camper (approx 1500 lbs)
i dont really take this setup on super long journey's but for the few hrs to things around here it works fine. i can cruze hwy speeds 65-75, climbin hills (depends on hill) but 45-55 isnt unreasonable. my mpg with this set up ranges but on avg id say 8-9 best was 10 mpg ...
just driving my truck mixed driving not towing i only get 13-14mpg ...
alot of times with some of my smaller towing needs, like a 4k lbs flatbed for construction materials or the atvs i get about 12 mpg not much dif... if im only towing the boat its like its not even there...
my last point ... good luck finding a functional ram air hood for a V-10....
you will like the capability of choosing your gears with a manual and my guess is u may get and increase of 1-2+ mpg becasue of it.
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2007 F-250 CC SB 5.4L V8 FX4 WHITE 3.73 Torqshift auto
Aeroturbine exhaust
Superchips programmer
Ram-Air hood & intake
Onyx bedliner+undercoating
Leer topper
sound deadening
Custom stereo system
bushwacker pocket flares
seat covers
If I go ahead with this, it will be the v-10.
Resale value on the manual will be close to zilch, so I'd better love the truck.
At < 12,000 miles/year, a difference of 1-2 MPG only works out to a few hundred dollars per year. I'm more likely to be dissatisfied with mediocre performance than a 10% increase in fuel costs.
The 5.4L would be great for your needs but with a CC and a long box 4x4 I would want the 6.8L to help move that hunk of steel a little faster. With a resonably light trailer like that I would just go for a F150. Towing that light behind a SD you will hardly even know it is there. If you travel a lot with the trailer then it might be wiser to step up to the F250. This is just my opinion so go with what you gut tells you.
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'07 F-350, True Blue, SuperCab, LB, SRW. Mods: Line-X, Putnam Class V hitch, Power Steps, window tint, chrome package grill and mirror caps, chrome door and tail gate handles, Line of Fire lights with white reverse lights. Marathon Superhides. 55w Reverse lights
With a resonably light trailer like that I would just go for a F150. Towing that light behind a SD you will hardly even know it is there. If you travel a lot with the trailer then it might be wiser to step up to the F250. This is just my opinion so go with what you gut tells you.
Agreed,
Not to go off on a tangent, but, if the F-150 was available with a manual transmission, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
Agreed,
Not to go off on a tangent, but, if the F-150 was available with a manual transmission, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
Thanks,
jb
Weight is not your enemy when towing a TT(to a point)-wind drag is. There's very little difference in towing performance when towing a TT that weighs 4500lbs vs one that weighs 7000lbs if the aero profile is the same or similar.
JL
I tow a 3500 pound trailer (pictured) with loads inside easily exceeding 4500 pounds on a regular basis with my 2007 3V 5.4L engine, even with the 3.73 gears I have no problems accelerating to traffic speed and staying there. A 5.4L with the 4.10 gears is rated to tow over 11,000 pounds. While a V-10 is a wonderful engine for towing, unless you're towing over 50% of the time it might be too much engine.
Oh, when towing 8000 pounds my 5.4L V-8 will get 8.5-10 MPG, depending on weather.
With either gas engine gearing has a minor effect on fuel consumption.
The V-10 crowd will steer you away from the 5.4L, claiming it isn't enough engine, yet the 2005+ 5.4L puts out more horsepower (and will easily outpull) that 460 in your motorhome.
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2007 F-250 Super Cab Short Bed 4x4 XLT Sport Package 5.4L 3.73 LS Tow Command
Presently working as a military contractor in Afghanistan.
Go all the way with your set up. Get the V10 with 4.30s, especially since you are getting a 6spd. In the older 2V V10s there was very little if any MPG difference between 3.73 and 4.30. Not sure if that is true in the newer 3V engines.
I have owned 2 V10s (see signature for details) and I wouldn't have my V10 any other way, got to have 4.30s.
I tow a 3500 pound trailer (pictured) with loads inside easily exceeding 4500 pounds on a regular basis with my 2007 3V 5.4L engine, even with the 3.73 gears I have no problems accelerating to traffic speed and staying there. A 5.4L with the 4.10 gears is rated to tow over 11,000 pounds. While a V-10 is a wonderful engine for towing, unless you're towing over 50% of the time it might be too much engine.
Oh, when towing 8000 pounds my 5.4L V-8 will get 8.5-10 MPG, depending on weather.
With either gas engine gearing has a minor effect on fuel consumption.
The V-10 crowd will steer you away from the 5.4L, claiming it isn't enough engine, yet the 2005+ 5.4L puts out more horsepower (and will easily outpull) that 460 in your motorhome.
I agree with most of redfords post, except...'too much engine'??? OK...well...For the $600 option for the V10 you can believe you're basically getting an engine that acts like V8 with thousands of $$ of reliable & smooth performance mods
No, I ain't knockin' the V8. It's a motor that will do the job too.
__________________ Good Ford...Good Times! - 2006 F250 Lariat FX4
Super Cab / Long Bed
3V V10
Torqueshift
4:30 Limited Slip
Go all the way with your set up. Get the V10 with 4.30s, especially since you are getting a 6spd. In the older 2V V10s there was very little if any MPG difference between 3.73 and 4.30. Not sure if that is true in the newer 3V engines.
I have owned 2 V10s (see signature for details) and I wouldn't have my V10 any other way, got to have 4.30s.
Plus, when you order the 4.30 gears the front axle is upgraded from a regular Dana 60 to the Dana Super 60. The Super 60 is a little beefier than the regualr 60.
__________________ 2008 Black F-350 Lariat CC SB: V10/Auto, esof 4X4, 4.30ls, Line-X, Husky Toolbox, 15% tint, 18X9'' American Racing ATX Thugs, 325/60R18E Wrangler Silent Armor ProGrade.
Plus, when you order the 4.30 gears the front axle is upgraded from a regular Dana 60 to the Dana Super 60. The Super 60 is a little beefier than the regualr 60.
Uhhhh...I don't think that's how it works...
Anyways, the V10 and 4.30 gears would be an awesome set-up for what you want to do.
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