Decisions!

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Mar 27, 2011 | 04:37 PM

prairieguy

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Decisions!

Just sold my 04 diesel, and am stuck driving a chev temporarily till it is sold and can't decide if I should be buying another superduty with a gas or a F-150. I do tow a camper 5-8 times a year but the rest of the time its just a commuter. My question is does the 5.4 have more towing power with the 5spd torqshift than the 4spd in the 1/2 ton? Before the diesel I had a 99 v10 that disapointed me while towing, great in 3rd gear but would not hold OD (camper is only 7-8K loaded). Help me out with your experiences please!

Mar 27, 2011 | 04:42 PM

acf6

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From: Manchester, CT

Im no towing expert, but i dont think you are supposed to use overdrive while towing except on very flat highway. and the 5.4 would definitely be better with the torqshift tranny

Mar 27, 2011 | 04:43 PM

5.4f250sd

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From: Duluth,MN

If it was me I would buy the new f150 with the gas eco-boost. I have herd some good things about the power and the truck. Mileage is not great, but it is adequate for a truck that is rated to pull 11000 some pounds!

If you didn't like your v10, you wont like a 5.4 even with the torqshift.

Mar 27, 2011 | 05:25 PM

prairieguy

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It's not that I didn't like the v10 just thought that if I had to be in 3rd anyway it may as well be a v8, an the early 2v v10s were less powerful than the 3v and only slightly more power than the 3v 5.4 (on paper anyways). I am only on flat ground, bald azz prairie!!
Can't justify the cost of a new truck although it would be ideal.

Mar 27, 2011 | 07:59 PM

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

I pull 8000 pounds with my 2007 5.4L, 3.73 gearing and a 5 speed automatic. It works fine.

A lot depends on your expectations I guess. I don't have any problems merging into traffic and can easily cruise at the speed limit.

Mar 27, 2011 | 09:46 PM

prairieguy

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That's what I wanted to hear. Hows your empty mileage?

Mar 28, 2011 | 06:15 AM

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

I get 15-18 highway driving, 12-13 or so for a normal mixed city/rural/hiway, 10-12 towing (depending on weight). Pretty close to what I was getting in my 1995 F-150 with a 302.

Now, keep in mind that I am in the Midwest, so I am not pulling any mountain passes in the Rockies, Sierras or Cascades. If that was the case I would say you need the 4.10 gearing for the 5.4L engine.

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Mar 28, 2011 | 08:33 AM

5.4f250sd

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From: Duluth,MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by redford

I too am in the midwest and have the truck in my sig.....but my mileage is a lot different then yours Redford. I get 12! If I am really lucky I have seen 15 but that is gas station to gas station on the hwy cross country in the summer with a tail wind. This winter my mileage was down to 8.5. Granted I am towing and driving around in the city and out on the hwy.(real world driving). I would say that I average 12. If I was to buy another 5.4 it would have to be one with 4.10's. I too pull anywhere from 7000-9000 lbs. I am not posting this to be an a$$ just want him to know what my experience is like too.