F350 advice needed
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F350 advice needed
I am considering a new business venture which will require me to purchase an F350 truck and I could use some experienced expertise in the form of free advise.
This truck would be used in the vehicle transport business and the model calls for an F250 as a minimum and the F350 as the recommended truck. The recommended trailer would be a Featherlite (or similar) 44' gooseneck enclosed car hauler. The model is based upon transporting two cars at a time.
I am researching equipment now and am looking at a 2008 F350 6.4 diesel 4wd.
extended cab. The truck has less than 20 thousand miles on it.
Price vs reliability is a big issue for me.
Information that would be helpful to me would be the reliability record of this engine. Avg. milage under similarly loaded conditions, 2 wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive, things I should look out for, years and engines I should stay away from, etc.
Any information concerning this combination and it's intended purpose would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
This truck would be used in the vehicle transport business and the model calls for an F250 as a minimum and the F350 as the recommended truck. The recommended trailer would be a Featherlite (or similar) 44' gooseneck enclosed car hauler. The model is based upon transporting two cars at a time.
I am researching equipment now and am looking at a 2008 F350 6.4 diesel 4wd.
extended cab. The truck has less than 20 thousand miles on it.
Price vs reliability is a big issue for me.
Information that would be helpful to me would be the reliability record of this engine. Avg. milage under similarly loaded conditions, 2 wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive, things I should look out for, years and engines I should stay away from, etc.
Any information concerning this combination and it's intended purpose would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 345
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From: Taxachusetts
A general rule is to stay away from 03/04 6.0 powerstrokes they have a poor record some are fine but others have issues most prefer 05+ 6.0s as the kinks tend to be worked out. The 6.4 is known to suck down fuel although there are different things to do to improve it, however some methods are less than legal. I would skip 4wd if all your going to be doing is on road driving and definitely pass on the ex cab. I have a 4wd ex cab long bed and would absolutely not want to be trying to turn the truck with a 44 foot trailer anywhere. Also start looking at drw pickups it will be advantageous to have one. Have you thought about a new 6.7 at all? The ideal truck imho would be a 350 regular cab xl 6.7 drw
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Thanks for your reply. I am considering the 4wd for no other reason than I live in up state NY and we had over 2 feet of snow fall since last night. As this is the norm for this time of year I guess what I am saying is that I will be driving in less than favorable conditions at least 5 months out of the year. I would be curious to know the advantages vs the disadvantages of 4 wheel drive. I have thought about the 6.7 but price keeps me out of that venue. By drw I am assuming that you mean dual real wheels. If so I would agree that my research so far has brought me to that conclusion.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: near Daytona
I would go for the 4x4 extended cab or crew cab. Driving up in those conditions. Long hauls, a regular cab could get uncomfortable, pulling over for a little sleep and living out of the truck for a week or two at a time the extra room would be important. If your planning on using this as a grocery getter then the long wheelbase wouldnt be a good idea. Duals are nice for the extra stability with a heavy load and a little more reliability on the rear for flats. they do make a short bed dually but they are hard to find and I'm not sure what years they were made. I have two friends with 6.4s and they are both very happy with them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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The immediate question is how much weight are you talking about?
2 cars can be 3,000lbs a piece, or 6,000 or more each.
If they are loaded with stuff, I can see 2 SUVs that tip the scale at 17,000lbs.
Plus trailer.
The former puts you into 350/450 territory.
The latter puts you squarely in the medium duty 550 range.
2 cars can be 3,000lbs a piece, or 6,000 or more each.
If they are loaded with stuff, I can see 2 SUVs that tip the scale at 17,000lbs.
Plus trailer.
The former puts you into 350/450 territory.
The latter puts you squarely in the medium duty 550 range.
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No SUV's. The anticipated use would be luxury and collector cars so I think your 6000 lbs. estimate would be pretty close to the expected upper limit. At any rate, I believe the preferred truck used by those who do this is the F350. There are those who use the F250 they are in the minority.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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My advice is to get a 450 if you can.
Tow ratings are the biggest exaggerations in the world.
With 6,000lbs, you are still adding 1,500 or more lbs for a trailer, making for 8,000lbs with some slack.
If you are towing seriously, I tend to derate factory tow ratings 20 to 30%.
That leaves plenty of safety margin for an occasionally overweight vehicle, emergency stops, etc.
Tow ratings are the biggest exaggerations in the world.
With 6,000lbs, you are still adding 1,500 or more lbs for a trailer, making for 8,000lbs with some slack.
If you are towing seriously, I tend to derate factory tow ratings 20 to 30%.
That leaves plenty of safety margin for an occasionally overweight vehicle, emergency stops, etc.
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Senior User
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From: Taxachusetts
I agree with the 450 argument but one thing to consider is that 450s with the pickup bed are always crew cab lariats or king ranches. These will be considerably more expensive. If it were me i would look for a chassis cab 450 or 550 with those type of weights. Then I would add a flatbed.
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Post Fiend
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 345
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From: Taxachusetts
gvwr will depend on how the truck is configured
here is the table for 2005-2007 trucks
http://www.fordf150.net/specs/05sd_specs.pdf
here is the table for 2005-2007 trucks
http://www.fordf150.net/specs/05sd_specs.pdf
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
While the 2008-2010 6.4L Power Stroke is a reliable engine, you might want to look into fuel mileage and try to estimate your fuel budget before you proceed.
An F-350 DRW will handle the load. I don't think you need to step up to an F-450.
An F-350 DRW will handle the load. I don't think you need to step up to an F-450.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
You are aware that, as a business, you will require a CDL. It may not need to be a class A, but it will still have to be commercial. Along with commercial insurance, a DOT number, and commercial plates, depending on the state.
New User
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The 6.4 has internal fuel rails at the engine and can push fuel by the piston rings, over filll the crankcase, the engine will digest its own oil and burn pistons and heat treat the cyl. heads, a recipe for a new long block and business down time. A good used motor in the Ford line is a 07 or 06 w/ the 6.0 as the updates have been done. A Ford tech I talked to today praised the new 2011 diesel engine,,,,but it's the first year it's been avail. to the public, however it's been out for 3 years.