Medic911,

Was the SD a Diesel? (I assume it was but I'm not that "savy" with all this yet). If it was, I believe that tags another 5K on the sticker. Looking in the neighborhood of 25k (Have access to Ford's "X" Plan). That usually takes about 5-6k off the sticker.

Diesel would also explain the awesome mileage.

Keep the good advice coming.

 

Just jimmy
Yea..it was a 7.3L PS.....awesome engine......nicely equipped...but 2wheel drive.
New truck is 04 F150 Fx4...5.4 with 51/2' bed

Sticker price on 2000 F250 was within $300 of the 04 F150
Keeping in mind 2WD vs. 4WD


Mike

 

If you have access to fords x plan I would look at a 250, even if you get it with the 5.4 you will be that much safer towing the trailer. I've been pricing them out myself because I will be able to take advantage of the x plan when the time comes and a 2 wheel drive xl reg cab can be had for something like 19grand. I dont know what options your looking for but a 4 wheel drive xlt can be picked up for about 25 or 26 I believe. When it comes to towing a trailer that big, the bigger the truck the safer. As far as fithwheel towing goes I had the same convo with another gentlemen, if the trailer is low but close you can always do an axle flip, I dont know if you know of this or not but basicly your axles get flipped from the top of the leafs to the bottom. I would find out what trailers you may consider in the future and find out what there hitch hieght is.

 

I would suggest you consider the wheelbase length when determining what size truck / trailer combination you will have.
It's not just the "beef" of the tow vehicle, it's handling and stopping.

A regular cab will have a shorter wheelbase than an extended cab with the same size bed.
Just a very strong suggestion.

I'm debating between an ext cab 150 and 250 ... but I really am not sure I can justify the 250 - which would have to be the V10 - I really need to call my insurance company and check. I think the suspension on the rear of the F150 being moved outward will greatly enhance towing.

I currently haul a 2450 pound (empty) trailer (bumper pull type) with less than 2400 pounds of horses and equipment using a 2002, ext cab, 4x2, 5.4 with 3.73 ls & tow package. I'm just under max for the installed hitch (5000) and well under the max tow weight for that vehicle. With 140" wheelbase, I'm borderline if the horse(s) move around. If I come off the gas when something large is passing me, I can feel the trailer getting "sucked" sideways. I also don't tow very often or in mountains.

 

gabz, with any trailer that has as much height or lenght to it like a horse trailer does its going to be pushed and pulled around, It might not move the truck around that much because of the weight and wheel base of the truck but it could still cause quit the situation in a strong side wind. Do you use a sway control at all, or a weight distrubuting hitch? Those items make a big difference in the way the trailer moves around.