I recently purchased a 31' TT weighing 7700 lbs (dry). My 2002 F-150 Supercrew pulls it, but struggles. So, I'm thinking about the X, but which one????

The X will be my daily commuter, where I only average about 12,000 miles/year. In addition, We'll probably take 4-5 local trips/year (i.e. within 200-300 miles of home base in NC), but are planning a Left (er...West) coast trip next year to see the National Parks.

I've read over several posts regarding the pros/cons of the 7.3, 6.0 or even the V-10 gasser. Here's what I can surmise:

7.3 - good engine. Fairly bulletproof, but slightly under-powered compared to the other engine options. The diesels get better MPG than the gasser.

6.0 - with some good preventive maintenance (i.e. head bolts, EGR, ball joints, etc.), the 6.0 rocks. I'm a shade-tree mechanic at best, but have never messed with a diesel, so I'd probably have to get a local mechanic to do the major stuff, which seems pricey. Plus, I'm unsure sure if my driving habits are best suited for a diesel (I DON'T have a lot of idle time in traffic...which appears to be a good thing for diesels).

V-10 - good power; poor gas mileage. Being a gasser, I'm concerned about higher engine maintenace costs as the miles pile up. Most X's for sale locally are higher mileage. I've even researched CNG conversions on a gasser. It's pricey too (around $5Gs), but pays for itself in about 2-3 years based on my usage.

So, what am I missing? Any thoughts on my dilemma? Thanks.


--2002 F-150 Supercrew Lariat, 5.4L, 4x4

 

If you do some of the deletes you won't have to worry about the idleing issue. I idle mine for an hour at a time without issues. I did a lot of preventive stuff to my engine because its my only driver and because of my job I cannot be without a car for any length of time.
The 7.3 is a great engine, but unless you are paying cash its tough to get financing.

 

For such low mileage driven, you'd be better served with a V-10

However, I love my 6.0

It's a good, no great engine that has been badly overblown by haters. Buy a Scangauge II and check your ECT vs EOT on the test drive. People speak of bulletproofing. It's not needed. Actually, removing the EGR has been shown to cause overheating issues (depending on PCM calibration). A clogged oil cooler is the root of all the 6.0 ails. Catch it before it gets bad and you'll be fine without popping a head gasket or EGR

Be prepared to put money into balljoints and other high mileage repairs. Nature of the beast, especially with a heavy 7-8k vehicle

 

See my sig... been there, done that. Unless you love the smell of diesel in the morning or haul a huge trailer regularly then there really isn't a reason that the V10 won't suffice for you needs. You will pay more for a PSD X. The extra cost along with the higher priced fuel will take years to make up. The V10 is a strong reliable workhorse that won't have any problem pulling your trailer.

 

The V10 works like a champ - mileage is terrible but cheaper to purchase, maintain and repair if needed (no real significant problem areas). The early (up to 2002) V10's can have an issue with spark plugs but not if they have been changed and installed correctly. Having a 4.6 or 5.4 in your F150 you are probably already familiar with the exhaust studs popping off - similar in the V10. It can cause exhaust leaks so I'd check it before you buy as it can always be a negotiating point.

Where in NC are you located? If you are in a smog county then you will not be able to do the EGR delete and pass inspection. I'm in Dare county which is safety only and we have to check to ensure the smog equipment is installed - we just don't have to check if it is actually working correctly or not like the smog counties. Just something to think about if you go the 6.0 route.

 

Thanks for the tips. I'm in Mecklenburg County, which has smog requirements. I wouldn't have thought of the smog/inspection piece until it was too late (and costly).

I got my eyes open for the first good and aFORDable X. Wish me success.