Would like some info on a truck to pull my trailer

[GMCSIERRA4ME]

As my name suggests, I'm a GMC fan.........but that doesn't mean I can't be converted back. Yes I said back. My first and second trucks were Fords. I don't remember why I switched, probably got a deal on the GM or something like that. Anyway, I'm looking for some info on a truck. I did a search and found a few things, but I'm looking for more. We just bought a fifth wheel camper,(25' about 8000#) and my 1500 isn't quite strong enough to pull it, so I need something stronger. I found a 2003 Ford F250 Lariat King Ranch 4x4. It has a V10 with 116,000km on it. What can you guys tell me about the V10 engine and what should I look for when I go see it? Any other suggestions on which other Fords would do the job? or am I on track? THANKS for taking the time to read and reply to this. Terry

[bubbasz1]

The V10 will pull it with the proper gears, see if you can get the gear ratio code off the drivers door and you will be able to look it up on the internet. You want 433's for a nice pull but I'm sure the 4.10's would do it also. The 373's which is what I have in my 2WD would do it but it wouldn't like hills or mountains. Check the trans out good, the 2003 has a 4R100 in it, if you can afford a later model I believe the 2005 has the 5R100 which from what I hear is far superior. The 4R100 will be ok but you will want to make sure it has been serviced properly.

[HB76]

I have a 03 F350 with 62000 miles... I just got it in August and by what I've been reading on here I would make sure the plugs have been changed by someone that knows what their doing. and look over the front tires at the exh manifold and see if you have any broken exh studs... Sounds like a real pain to change them as you have to drill some out... By what I can tell I have a broken one on each side... Guess come spring I'll be putting headers on it...
Other wise its a great truck so far...All kinds of power pulls a dump trailer with 5 ton like there's nothing back there after you get up to speed... And that doesn't take long...

[NM04FORD]

I have a 2004 F350 cc auto with 3.73 and 285 tires. We pull a 28' (8000#) bumper pull TT. it handles it pretty well. If you can find one 2005 or newer it will have the newer transmission and the 3 valve v10, but the one you discribe is more than capable of towing a 8000# fifth wheel. As for problems mine with 82000 miles has had no problems, my brother-in-law also has one 2001 cc auto with 183000 never been in the shop and I have been with him to get firewood several times, last load was probably 10000-12000# including the trailer handled it fine.

[bubbasz1]

All depends on where you plan to go for vacation. Our 4WD has v10 and 433's, big difference, no difference in unloaded MPG. The 4wd tows much nicer with the 433's, but my 2WD V10 with 373's tows just fine.

[Lubbockguy1979]

you will love the size difference in the cab. i have a crew cab and it is awesome. now i get clausterphobic in other trucks

[GMCSIERRA4ME]

WOW!!!! 96 views and only 5 replies.

Either people here are shy, don't pull trailers, or just don't want to share their thoughts or experiences.

I will say THANKS to those that have replied, and will keep your suggestions in mind when I look at the truck tomorrow.

[smlford]

I'm not sure the '03's had the option of the Tow Command but it is a great feature if it does..It's the main reason I bought my '06

[kelly67]

I would say try an get 05 or higher it is well worth it. best friends has 2000 and he likes mine with new tranny and 3 valve. night and day and he has 4:10 gears i have 3:73. i think newer tranny and 3 valves make a big differences.

[Lubbockguy1979]

Originally Posted by smlford

I'm not sure the '03's had the option of the Tow Command but it is a great feature if it does..It's the main reason I bought my '06

tow command is 05+ trucks also the same year they started the 3v gas engines and the torqueshift.

[redford]

I regularly pull 8000 pounds of enclosed trailer and antique car (well, I do when I am home anyway) with a 2007 F-250, 5.4L V-8 with 3.73 gears, conventional hitch.

You should have no problems at all pulling with a V-10, even a 2V engine has plenty of torque.

[radium]

Without a doubt the 10 cylinder will pull lots of torque I have a 2010 F350 5.4 4.10s and I pulled 10,000 I don't think you'll have any problems and most of the time I'm pulling that weight up mountain roads in New York State's steep grades. I would definitely try to get the newer transmission I think it makes all the difference in the world. that 10,000 pound load is a 60 hp tractor with a 84 inch Bush hog and loader with a heavy duty grapple,I pull it up to my cousins place in Speculator about 60 miles each way twice a year my 2007 FX 150 5.4 4.10s would do it but trust me it would scare the @@@@@@## out of me going up and coming back down a few times it felt like the rear end was getting pushed off the road talk about white knuckles, the super duty is so stable it makes the entire trip enjoyable you're in total control of the load it's actually quite impressive to feel the difference between the two trucks you will have no regrets. Take care

[Pinky Demon]

I personally love my V10. Easy to work with, reliable as hell, and good if you are not familiar with diesel. Like the others have said, 05 and up have 3v and the TorqShift. I prefer the 2v just a wee bit more though, simply because there is a larger aftermarket for it, but only by a slim margin.

[GMCSIERRA4ME]

THANKS for all the replies.
I had a look at this truck tonite, and it looked FANTASTIC. No sounds like leaky exhaust at the manifolds. I made sure that the engine was cold when I started it. It fired right up and was nice and smooth. Took it for a drive and I couldn't believe the smooth ride for a 3/4 ton.

I was impressed.

Now I have to see what my banker has to say.

[Mud Doc]

It will be a good truck, but a 3-valve and 5-speed auto would be that much nicer......