I know nobody likes to go here but I need help with a decision.
I currently own a 2000 SD250 V-10 CC SWB 4WD Lariat. LOVE the truck, love the V-10......except when Im pulling my 33' Fifth wheel. Ford says my tow rating is 10,500 and my trailer weighs 7800 yet it feels like I am driving with the parking brake on when I hit any incline. The other factor is the 5 mpg I get while towing. Now, my dilemma is I only tow maybe 10% of the time. I know how awsome the PSD is at towing. If you guys had a chance to trade the 2000 V-10 for a 2002 PSD for the same payment, would you? I am planning a trip from MI to the Keys in 2 weeks and need some advise.
Thanks,
Ranger

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Apr-02 AT 02:46 AM (EST)]Just a couple observations. Have you weighed your rig? 7800+/- pounds seems light for a 33' 5ver. What gears do you have? I noticed on another post that you have 295x75x16 tires. Did you have the speedo recalibrated? Even if you have the 4.30 gears you haved reduced your towing capacity somewhat(alot if it's the 3.73's)

My suggestion is to make sure the speedo is correct, keep the tranny cool and invest in a Banks Power Pack or Borla exhaust system. I don't think you will ever make up the $$ difference if you traded you V10 for a PSD and added the usual mods to the PSD. A PSD with mods will really tow good however.

 

Well Ranger, you just helped me make a decision. I have about the same truck as you and have been looking at a used 33ft 5th wheel,17ft slide, with a GVWR of 12000 lb.
Sorry I couldn't help you but you sure helped me with my decision.

 

I agree, you need to weigh your trailer. When you weigh your trailer make 2 measurements. 1. Weight of tralier only on scale unhitched from the truck. 2. Hook back up and pull forward leaving till your rear truck wheeels are off the scales and you trailer wheels all that is left on the scale.
Take the difference of these two measurements and you have your pin weight. This will help you in balancing the trailer. Your pin weight should be 18-20% of your trailer weight.

With that said here is my experience pulling a fifth wheel.
I have a 27' with 8' slideout. Weight at scales loaded for a 2 day weekend is 8500 pounds. Max gross weight of trailer 9400 pounds. My pin weight is 16% and I feel it, the truck bucks a little. Needs more pin weight IMO. On our last trip to the Hot Springs Area I averaged 8.6 MPG towing interstate and back roads. I tow interstate between 65-70MPH. The worst mileage was 8.2 and this was after climbing steap hills (2nd gear)on a winding backroad at 30 mph.

My truck is a 2000 F250 V10 with 3.73ls gears and is a 4x4 crew cab. Everthing is factory.

I was getting 6 MPG towing and the truck sucked on power. Always downshifting even on flat road. It was also getting a lot of pre-ignition. Made the truck sound more like a diesel when towing. I complained to the dealer and they tweaked the computer. Gas mileage is now in the 8 MPG range. Not great but liveable for a V10.


JW

 

I do have the 373's and I stand corrected it is a 31' fiver,aluminum framed, dry weight is 7700 and GVWR is 10,200. I never load much in it when towing, mostly weekend jaunts. So I dont figure I could be Much over 8000-8500 max. I agree I have lost towing capacity with the 295's but I didnt think it would be that dramatic. I even had some trouble with the stock 265,s in the foothills.A gear change is definetly not in the budget. The dollar differance in the trucks is equaled out by much better intersest rates on the PSD right now. Thanks for your input.

Still pondering,
Ranger

 

Just wanted to add that there is a 3000 pound difference in tow ratings between the 3.73's and 4.30's. Best of luck with what ever you decide Ranger.

 

You still need to weigh your trailer. I think you will be surprised. The manufatures dry weight doesn't usually include the A/C, awning, frig, full propane tanks, and other options. Your documentation should tell you what they leave out. My trailer was 1000 pound over dry weight before I added dishes, clothes, linens, and things. Also if you normally carry fresh water in your tank be sure to fill it before you weigh. If you are considering towing a larger trailer in the future you may look at the F350. It allows you to tow more weight Legally and I think only cost around $800 more.

JW