I had this in the tow section and zero response, so thought it may be more appropriate to ask here.

This is really a multi-faceted question, but here it goes...


I'm looking at getting a 40'-50' gooseneck trailer w/living quarters in the front that will be pulled mostly on the east coast with an occasional trip to the west cost (couple times a year). The couple I have looked at have been in the 18K and 21K GVWR range. After doing some reading/research on here, it looks like an F-450 might be in order?


Although a 2012 would be nice, I'm leaning more towards used. There are a ton of 08's, some with low miles, some with more. I am totally unfamiliar with the 6.4 or 6.7 other than the "horror" stories I have read about fuel systems. I'm wrestling with the decision on the best course of action to take. The "conventional" wisdom would dictate I look for a truck with lowest miles for the best price, but I'm wondering if a "proven" truck (with a few more miles that would have revealed early problems) is not the prudent choice here. There seems to be some decent deals on '08 6.4s, but not sure if there is a reason for that or not (other than the obvious). Are the early 6.4s any good, or were there problems early on in its life, much like the early 6.0s? Should I be looking for late model 6.4s? Is the 6.7 exponentially better that I should consider spending a little more to get into an '11?

Fire away!!

TIA

 

Tia what is the dry weight of the trailer it would help us out alot with what you are trying to find out? Also how old are you willing to go as far as age of the truck? I personally am not familiar with diesels but do know that alot of people like the 7.3L powerstroke.
Trav

 

To be honest, what you really need for towing something that size is a medium duty tow rig, not a pickup.

 

Actually, I have been looking at those as well, but not sure it's what I want to be driving around town when I'm "unhooked" out of town.

 

Trav,

Not exactly sure what the dry weights are, sorry. I just have the GVWR for worst case.

I LOVE the 7.3, believe me, I'm just not sure if it's my best bet for this tow.

 

There is no vehicle that would be able to tow 21-23000 pounds and can easily drive around town.

An F-450 would be capable of doing both and is probably your best compromise. Depending on where you live, a crew cab, 8 foot bed, dual rear wheel truck can be a hassle. For instance, I would not want to drive one in Boston.

Depending on how often you tow, you might want to consider something heavier than an F-450, such as an F-650 conversion or a CXT.

 

Understood Redford!

It will towed approx. 25 weekends/weeks a year. A 450 was first choice due to the "compromise" you spoke about.

I browsed a few F-650s, but they all seem way to tall to accommodate a gooseneck and most looked to for show.

Thanks,
George

 

Just another opinion but my dad has a 350 dually with a 7.3 and a 08 450 with the 6.4 and the 350 has a half inch of dust on it... if you know what I mean. Those 450s are worth checking into, much nicer to drive around daily than a 650 of course

 

George, if you're not specifically needing a pickup, another option would be an F-450 or 550 chassis cab with either a towing / hauler type of bed or a flatbed.

 

Thats ok I don't know much about diesels so I will let the other guys help you out on this one. I do know a load like that is probably best for a F450 maybe even a F550 because those trailers some times will wear out something that can just do it where as a truck that will do it if you know what I mean.
Trav

 

They do make some nice 450/550 tow rigs that would probably handle a trailer of that size just fine. A flatbed with a gooseneck hitch would work just as good as one of these custom tow rigs too, and would probably cost quite a bit less.



I would still be more comfortable towing something that size with a MDT like an F-650 or the International I posted above. Maybe that's just because I am used to driving that type of truck. This is the truck I drive every day for work:

 

Ooph!!

I just reread my last post. Please forgive me, it was made after a 17-hour day on VERY little sleep!

Anyways, thanks for all the replies and keep them coming.

Rocky,
Good to know!

PS72,
I don't specifically need a pick-up, just thought it would come in handy ocassionally. I'll see what I can find in that type of set-up.

Trav,
I hear you.

KD,
Nice rides!!

 

Any info./advice on 6.4 vs. 6.7, or should I poke my head in the diesel section?