Just got back from a vacation pulling the travel trailer.
I have a 2011 FX4 SD F250 6.2 with 170k on it.
On the way down my battery light came on.
I pulled off the freeway to check under the hood.
All looked great, so I was thinking my alternator must be the problem.
Found an auto repair shop that looked pretty good, busy, and had a generous lot to pull my trailer in.
I told them my problem, they said they were booked but would try and help.
Well, they did, and I believe I paid a premium price for it and a new belt that was original.......
We were thankful to be back on the road and only a few hours behind schedule, so I ain't complaining.
Here is my question, my water pump is original too, and I have some longer trips planned this summer, you think it would be a good idea to get it replaced now instead of waiting for another surprise in maybe no-wheres-ville?
Should I also do the hoses and a radiator flush?

Thank you!

 

There have been no water pump failures that I’ve heard of at your mileage, but I would highly recommend that you do a flush and make sure you use the new Ford coolant.

 

I replaced my water pump at around 110000 miles. No matter how many miles on them, water pumps come and go at the times you need them most. You are usually going to pay a premium price for work on a trip, whatever premium means. How much? I don't recall how much my pump cost, but it wasn't your old water pump, from the 70s-80s. It takes a little getting to, like a lot of other stuff on the 6.2. Mine started making some bearing racket, never leaked. At that mileage, and travel plans, I might replace it.People tend to recommend Ford antifreeze, whatever color or flavor of the month. I have always just grabbed the cheapest stuff at the Autozone. Ford doesn't make their antifreeze, so go with what someone else says. not an issue with me. My 2011 250 has about the same mileage as yours, and I'll probably be changing out hoses before long. Mine are original and no problems, but they blow at odd intervals, like water pumps. Maybe I'm just lucky. I hope that helps.

 

Yes, thanks..... I have researched this a little more and the conventional wisdom and to be proactive and error on the side of caution......
It's one thing to be driving around in towns and cities where you live, a horse of another color to be out in the boonies with your travel trailer attached and she decides to crap.
Yes, it comes with a cost, but the peace of mind sure allows me to enjoy the scenery a lot more as I pull my trailer around in retirement.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY!!!!!

 

I would be more concerned about the idler pulleys and belt tensioner than the water pump.
Denny

 

Apples to Oranges, but I did the same when my OE alternator bearings went bad in the F450. I replaced the alternator, belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch (also stuck), hoses, and thermostat housing. Also upgraded the radiator. Did it all while the truck was down over the winter in 2018. I don't drive it in the salt, so I had the time to do it.