Hi Ed, I posted a question in a thread about your Bakflip. I wasn't sure if I should msg you here or there. I need to know how much room it occupies when flipped up to the cab. How far from the bed headwall does it still reach back. I want to keep my floor mount tool box but don't want to waste a bunch of space between it and the headwall.

Thanks!

Just thought I'd stop in and invite you to join the TEXAS CHAPTER.
Here is the link to join
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/profile.php?do=joingroup&usergroupid=46

We just had a GTG(get together) at Lake Bryan(near Bryan College Station) and are currently planning one on July 10th at Quintana Beach park near Brazoria county

Hey brains06..I actually still have my 2003. That 7100 pounds would certainly be the limit of what I would tow with the 5.4. I actually have a bigger 5th wheel now, which is the reason I'm looking at a different truck. My old camper was about 5500 loaded, and my boat is around 4100. My truck tows the boat great. The camper, it towed very nice, but did have to have the OD locked out in the hills. But overall, it towed great. With the OD locked out, it would tow anywhere all day long. I put the 4.30's in (actually swapped out the whole rear end). The difference was not night and day, but it really did make the get up and go a lot better. But yes, right now I am getting between 15 - 16 mpg with those 4.30's. This is primarily highway driving, since my drive to work is freeway almost all the way. Towing I get between 8 - 11. I think if you can get the 4.30's in at a decent price, it will certainly be worth it. Especially with that big of a boat.

Good luck.

ed,

I read that you just traded up but I wanted to ask you a few questions since no one seems to be responding to my post. I'm about to inherit a 99 250 SD with the 5.4 and I'll be towing a 26' boat that should have a total weight of about 7100# including the trailer. How much did your trailer rig weigh and how did your truck do on long hauls. I also see you have 4.30 gears...did it come that way or did you install them yourself? My truck will have 3.73's which should give me ok mpg's but if you got 15-16 on the hwy with 4.30's then maybe I should consider that just for the piece of mind. Thanks for your help!