Agreed. Don't screw around, if you're already looking at a 2024, spend 15k more and get a new one with zero miles, zero history and full factory warranty. Wasting time debating which transmission is best when one hasn't been manufactured for 7 years is pointless.

 

The 10R80 has been installed in trucks for 10 years. The 10R100 and 10R140 have been in them for well over 6. And Ford's iteration of the 10 speed is burlier than GM's. I don't consider it a point of concern. If you feel it is--then I suggest buying a Dodge.

6.7HO without towing does not burn DEF. I don't even think I've used 10% of it yet...and I've put nearly 1000 miles on mine since I bought it. 5th Gen really does lean into DEF as an alternative for EGR. I haven't ever seen the metrics on EGR use/percentage for 5th gen, but if you're reducing/eliminating it and using DEF to compensate--that would make sense. I've seen 1 regen cycle, and it was totally seamless and i didn't even see a notification for it happening; just watched the DPF filter dropping %.

I agree that if you're not towing as much, the 7.3L gasser makes more sense. I never seriously considered it, because 1. Gasser isn't an option on the F450 and 2. No gasser has a rating for a 22k GVWR trailer. So even though I'm driving unloaded 100% of the time currently--that's not how it will remain in the future. Same reason I'd go with a CCSB like you test drove, instead of a RCLB or CCLB. LB makes sense if you're pulling a big trailer. Not so much if you're used to the limits of an Excursion's towing capabilities--because you wouldn't need the extra length. And LB other than the F450 is a PITA to maneuver.

58k miles is barely even broken in--as far as a PowerStroke is concerned.

I'll have updates to my thread on 5th gen year-to-year changes...hopefully this weekend. That'd be the best place to identify the "sweet-spot" on features you want. Mine was tailgate camera and backup sensors (2024 was the last year). 100% Lariat as a minimum would be my recommendation. There's just too many "have to check that option box" on the XL/XLT to ever recommend them. I love my Limited, and I didn't want the hassle of trying to determine if a lightly used one had all of the features I wanted--so I opted for the Limited. Barely cost any more than a Platinum of the same year/mileage. And new wasn't an option in 2026--since I wanted those tailgate features.

I started looking into a SD about 2 years ago. I initially set 4th gen as my "minimum" (wife REALLY wanted White Gold). When I started looking into it more, I set 2020 as my "mimimum", as I really wanted the efficiency of the 10 speed. At that point, I might as well just go with the HO engine and the features upgrades for the 5th gen--so 2023 became my "desired minimum". And because I'd done a lot of research about 5th wheel RV towing, I decided that the 450 was the ticket. And buying those new--is kind of a PITA it would seem. So I found a Quebec/Habs special (SD sold in Canada, used, and then resold back into the USA). Something with ~7,000 miles. So pretty minty. And I'll hopefully keep it for years to come.

For you, based on everything you said, I stick to what I posted above. 7.3 Godzilla. CCSB. Lariat or higher. And you can probably find a solid deal on a 2026 as the 2027's are about to start rolling out. 250's are going to be far easier to come by (even 350's).

 

I'm on my second 6.7L and they've been amazing! No issues with either one, and the 10 speed is a great transmission. I like it better than the 6 speed just for more range, but it also allowed me to get 3.31 to get better fuel economy than the 3.55 in my '17, yet it tows better.

If you can wait 6 months, I've got a pristine '22 Platinum that'll be available.

 

My .02 is go new or 23+ 7.3 unless you have a big trailer you are towing all the time or often in the mountains. Both are solid choices and the best out there, I'm not biased one or the other. New with full warranty is really nice or at least a 6.7 still under warranty with the upgraded cp4, 9th injector and trans.

I just picked up a new 6.7 HO 3.55 F350 and it is awesome no doubt, BUT seriously my 7.3 truck with 4.30 is more fun to drive around. Its just different, it's sportier, lighter and sounds better. The 6.7's are cool in their own way, pulling trailers on grades is #1 on it's "pro" list to help offset the few extra on its cons side of the list.

Can't go wrong with either though I always side with newer and warrantied- especially diesels. They aren't all going to explode like some people think but a $8-12k repair bill would upset me to no end

 

Thank you all, for some great advice! Really appreciate the collective knowledge on the FTE!!

Honestly speaking, I love this forum for this. Straight and proven advice, instead of snarky comments like on FB. I will surely take a look at the 7.3 gas trucks.

My last "new" vehicle purchase was in 2003, and I swore never to buy another brand new one and take the hit on the depreciation. I just can't afford to lose all those $$.

As stated above, I will walk over to the gas trucks section and give them a go!!

The search has recently begun. If I don't settle on another one, I'll look out for your ad

 

But keeping a new one long term is better than buying one every few years because it was used with 50-70k and needs replaced sooner. You can buy a new one similarly priced or cheaper than a 2-3yr old one with 30-40k, that's been my experience anyway.

 

I do not believe that you have said anything about what type of towing you might do. If you plan on doing long distance towing and plan on buying the 7.3 the 34 gal fuel tank will be a bit of an annoyance and getting the long bed will give you a 48 gal tank. The diesel is not really the best for a DD.

 

I currently do not own a TT/Camper etc. Usually just rent them when needed. This is also 'cos I used to live in a HOA governed subdivision. Last year we moved to another place where I can now have my own. Will be looking at a 5th wheel soon.

 

If you can find a lower mile 17-19 6.7 I personally like them all around. I had a few covid era cars including an F350 and I recommend skipping those years, you cant build a reliable car working from home 🫪.

Towing with the 6.7 is ok with the 34 gallon tank, acceptable. Not with the gas though. That is a crew cab short bed tank size.

If you do a 5th wheel you will want a 350 or high capacity f250 if you find one you like (air up the tires to 80).

Long bed crew cab gets you a 48 gallon tank.


The pic of the truck you test drove looks like a bro wagon lift, not something that will tow or work.

 

CCLB isn't just about the increased tank size. It also makes its benefits known when you're bumper-pulling something 30-40', where the longer wheelbase has advantages.

 

While FB offers no shortage of immediate shot from the hip quips, what is indeed best about FTE are the well considered, as well as considerate responses, as evidenced by the replies from our illustrious members who have posted above.

With your having owned three Excursions now, and my having followed your journeys with each of them over the years, I'd like to suggest that you combine any planned for outdoor summer chores in your new place with a pickup truck rental from Enterprise.

Norfolk Truck Rental
7436 N Military Hwy
Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone: (757)853-1772
Fax: (757)853-1961
Branch: E121Z2

Nearby Locations
1
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716 Woodlake Dr,
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone: +1 757-361-9016

2
LYNNHAVEN TRUCK RENTAL
1112 Lynnhaven Pkwy,
Virginia Bch, VA 23452
Phone: +1 757-876-7314

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TRUCK NEWPORT NEWS
618 J Clyde Morris Blvd,
Newport News, VA 23601
Phone: +1 757-316-8239

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TRUCK RIC NINE MILE
1109 E Nine Mile Rd,
Henrico, VA 23075
Phone: +1 804-750-6565

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MIDLOTHIAN TRUCK OP
9401 Midlothian Tpke,
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: +1 804-330-4467



3/4 Ton Gas Pickup Truck
3/4 Ton Diesel Pickup Truck
1 Ton Gas Pickup Truck
1 Ton Diesel Pickup Truck


1-Ton Pickup Truck Features

Much can be learned by having the truck to yourself, at your home, in your neighborhood, on your routes, doing your business (or recreation), without a salesperson present, and without fear of damaging the dealer's inventory, and without being short circuited on test drive time.

With a truck rental, you can self-resolve questions about the compromises of vehicle length, vs fuel capacity, vs tow porpoising, vs parking situations, vs ride comfort, etc.

Sure, a rental adds a significant expense to the vehicle acquisition/transition cost, but the rental expense is substantially less than the whipsaw of depreciation after a discovery through use that the wrong size truck was purchased before adequate auditioning, which must then be traded in for the right size truck.

 

And easier maneuvering with a 5th wheel.

Just hitting the basics but I bet if he is serious about buying a 5th wheel and also using this as a daily driver he will end up in a crew cab long bed F350 6.7 4x4.

I actually have a 2025 like that in King Ranch HO 6.7 I am going to sell soon. 14k miles.

 

You know, I hear that a lot, but I've towed fifth wheels for probably 30k miles with a short bed truck and have never had an issue. You just have to watch the corner, but it's not a big deal. It's worth it to have the shorter truck for those tight spots, not to mention normal driving.

 

Yeah I only use mine for Gooseneck and towing a 14k conventional trailer and short bed works better.

I maybe hooked to a trailer 5% of the time but when I need to go I need to go.