Towing Advice Needed
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Freshman User
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With this goal have you considered a slide in camper? The truck you have isn't enough for a decent one of those either but could change your needs.
Fifth wheels of course tow better as well.
If you're saying you have a regular cab short box I can't imagine that truck doesn't have pretty decent value in TX.
Like others have said plenty of decent trucks out there that can be had at decent prices that will do what your asking. Exact what is best depends, need a bit more info on that recommendation.
EDIT.. FWIW I think a 4WD F250HD Super-Cab Long Box with a 7.3 or 7.5 is a heck of a decent all around truck that's good bang for the buck and will do what you're asking.
Fifth wheels of course tow better as well.
If you're saying you have a regular cab short box I can't imagine that truck doesn't have pretty decent value in TX.
Like others have said plenty of decent trucks out there that can be had at decent prices that will do what your asking. Exact what is best depends, need a bit more info on that recommendation.
EDIT.. FWIW I think a 4WD F250HD Super-Cab Long Box with a 7.3 or 7.5 is a heck of a decent all around truck that's good bang for the buck and will do what you're asking.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Over There
I do have a single cab SWB, and I'm pretty sure I could get $2500 if the right buyer came along (base model F-150 with A/C, no rust, straight, rust free body.) However, truck prices in Texas are always higher than most other states. So that means I'd be paying more for any truck. Diesels are especially higher priced.
With your budget and unfamiliarity with diesels I'd swear off power stroke diesels right off(94.5 and up), you'll never get a good one within what I assume your budget is. And they can be VERY expensive to repair. But IDI diesels(84-94.5) can be quite cost effective, truck prices are lower, repairs quite cheap, and they really last. But while I'm a IDI fan and prefer them myself gas might be better for you.
If you need to save money don't get a 4WD, that can cut the cost of a truck in half. I just put 4WD in there cause they're more versatile. If 2WD very little difference between a F250HD and F350.
What part of TX you in?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Over There
That's a complicated question that really comes down to one basic question, who does the work. With this Forum and it's IDI section as a resource if you can do your own work they can be very cheap and much easier to work on then a gas. Which is in large part why I prefer them. But if you have to rely on others to do the work then some aspects are a specialty that can be hard to find. If your traveling and suddenly need a good mechanic to fix your IDI that could be a real nightmare. You're best bet at that point would be to post in this forum Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums before doing anything.
If you have basic skills, tools, and a mobile internet connection to get on this site you'll be able to handle 99% of anything likely to come up and all maintenance. But if you have to have someone do even oil changes then a gas is a safer bet. Many good mechanics can fix the gas engines in these trucks. A break down that you can't fix while traveling with one of those engines isn't typically a big deal.
If you have basic skills, tools, and a mobile internet connection to get on this site you'll be able to handle 99% of anything likely to come up and all maintenance. But if you have to have someone do even oil changes then a gas is a safer bet. Many good mechanics can fix the gas engines in these trucks. A break down that you can't fix while traveling with one of those engines isn't typically a big deal.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2013
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Diesels are typically more expensive maintenance wise but with fuel prices basically equal I call it a wash because diesel can double the mileage of a big block. With the idi a worst case scenario is $1000 for pump and injectors, $200 for a starter, $200 for good batteries, $50 or less for return lines, $100 for electric fuel pump conversion. Really that's all I can think of as far as repairs I've made, I picked up my truck for $750 because a guy needed money, but then I've done all of the above for a rough total of $2300 for a reliable, tough, truck.
These figures assume you can do the work yourself so shop labor can greatly increase costs. However if any diesel engine is rookie friendly it is the idi.
These figures assume you can do the work yourself so shop labor can greatly increase costs. However if any diesel engine is rookie friendly it is the idi.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Over There
I little more after PlumCrazy7.
My first diesel was an IDI(89 F350 4WD Crew) that had sat for years and I bought for $100. I towed it home, put new fuel and some used batteries in it and it fired right up. Been driving it for about 3 years since and the engine has only needed a couple hundred bucks worth of repairs.
My second IDI (90 F250 SCLB 4WD) I traded for a few hundred bucks worth of parts, had had a fire, and again sat for years. A few wires, a couple new batteries, and it's a runner.
These engines just refuse to die, but they are unique, you just have to understand and accommodate that.
My first diesel was an IDI(89 F350 4WD Crew) that had sat for years and I bought for $100. I towed it home, put new fuel and some used batteries in it and it fired right up. Been driving it for about 3 years since and the engine has only needed a couple hundred bucks worth of repairs.
My second IDI (90 F250 SCLB 4WD) I traded for a few hundred bucks worth of parts, had had a fire, and again sat for years. A few wires, a couple new batteries, and it's a runner.
These engines just refuse to die, but they are unique, you just have to understand and accommodate that.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,376
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From: Mi'kma'ki
i just helped my sister get one.a little winnebago lesharo and she loves it.easy to drive,fun to use and affordable.
a lot easier than towing something on long trips.just hop in and go.it's cheap enough to use as your commuter for when you get there too.probably cheaper than driving a pickup around even.
https://www.google.com/search?q=winn...w=1024&bih=624
Lesharo Land Testimonial - Why LeSharo
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I can do my own repairs, although I do lack a little in electrical troubleshooting in non carburetored engines. But, I was an instrument tech in a chemical plant so I guess with the forum's help I would be okay. Anyway I like a good challenge!
I hope I can come across some of the deals you have...
I hope I can come across some of the deals you have...
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From: Central Mississippi
Pardon me while I derail this thread for a moment with a bit of levity. You might be a bit familar' with this character & lo-cals mentioned... 
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Freshman User
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you can get older RV's in the size of van conversions with 4 cylinder engines that push high teen/low 20 mpg's.
i just helped my sister get one.a little winnebago lesharo and she loves it.easy to drive,fun to use and affordable.
https://www.google.com/search?q=winn...w=1024&bih=624
Lesharo Land Testimonial - Why LeSharo
i just helped my sister get one.a little winnebago lesharo and she loves it.easy to drive,fun to use and affordable.
https://www.google.com/search?q=winn...w=1024&bih=624
Lesharo Land Testimonial - Why LeSharo
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
I can do my own repairs, although I do lack a little in electrical troubleshooting in non carburetored engines. But, I was an instrument tech in a chemical plant so I guess with the forum's help I would be okay. Anyway I like a good challenge!
I hope I can come across some of the deals you have...
I hope I can come across some of the deals you have...
EDIT, WOW I was just looking on craigslist for the kind of truck you'd be after. You weren't kidding slim pickings and expensive, maybe some traveling is in order to find a truck.
Maybe I need to start a biz importing trucks to Teaxs
https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/5321980611.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5334796245.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5334796245.html
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In that case the IDI might be prefect for you, no computer, no complicated electronics, electronics wise it doesn't get much simpler. If you get one with the overdrive automatic transmission that will have a computer, but that's it.
EDIT, WOW I was just looking on craigslist for the kind of truck you'd be after. You weren't kidding slim pickings and expensive, maybe some traveling is in order to find a truck.
Maybe I need to start a biz importing trucks to Teaxs
https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/5321980611.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5334796245.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5334796245.html
EDIT, WOW I was just looking on craigslist for the kind of truck you'd be after. You weren't kidding slim pickings and expensive, maybe some traveling is in order to find a truck.
Maybe I need to start a biz importing trucks to Teaxs
https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/5321980611.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5334796245.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5334796245.html
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 116
From: Saskatchewan Canada
Just my take on campers and diesels, but I have been camping with a 1989 E350 based bus. 7.3 IDI and E4OD gets me around 20 mpg when everything is just right. This is the kind of vehicle you typically see for handicap transport, or maybe a casino or airport shuttle. I did my own camper conversion and it may not be as slick as a factory built, but structurally, the fibreglass and aluminum construction is far superior to the sticks and staples campers I have had in the past. The IDI will pull just about anything and I've added a class IV hitch, but it won't pull it very fast.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,305
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you mentioned "bumper pull" a couple of times and i don't see where anyone has corrected you on that yet ... a bumper pull tow hitch is suitable only for a lightweight utility trailer filled with garden trimmings. anything heavier than that will require a REAL frame mounted trailer hitch.
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Freshman User
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Just my take on campers and diesels, but I have been camping with a 1989 E350 based bus. 7.3 IDI and E4OD gets me around 20 mpg when everything is just right. This is the kind of vehicle you typically see for handicap transport, or maybe a casino or airport shuttle. I did my own camper conversion and it may not be as slick as a factory built, but structurally, the fibreglass and aluminum construction is far superior to the sticks and staples campers I have had in the past. The IDI will pull just about anything and I've added a class IV hitch, but it won't pull it very fast.