Just bought first Powerstroke!
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 58
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From: Jasper, IN
Just bought first Powerstroke!
Hello all,
I just bought a '97 F250, Powerstroke, 4x4 CrewCab this weekend up in Michigan. I absolutely love this truck! 19.22 MPG on the way back too! TBH, I could have purchased a brand new, or newer model, but I really appreciate the look of a traditional truck. Plus, I am tired of losing 50% of a vehicle's value in just a few short years. Plus, with all the $ I'm saving on car payments, I can afford to get more goodies for the truck. I bought a Leer canopy for it, (For the dog, really, lol) that will be ready in a few weeks and installed my XM radio. Next step will be some Carr step hoops, then I want to put a good alarm with a remote start and a turbo timer. This is my first full size truck as I have always been a SUV man. But as my family grows, the plan is to trade in our Trailmanor 3124KS for a fifth wheel and obviously I need a proper tow vehicle. I have learned so much from you all in this forum. From selecting a good used vehicle, to some great maintenance tips and the vast selection of available accessories. For example, I just bought a jug of Diesel Clean and put some in the tanks this morning. I can't imagine it improving mileage much more, but we will see. I am also interested in replacing all the fluids with synthetics as I get the time. Thanks to all of you guys that post, and I'll be checking back to learn more!
I just bought a '97 F250, Powerstroke, 4x4 CrewCab this weekend up in Michigan. I absolutely love this truck! 19.22 MPG on the way back too! TBH, I could have purchased a brand new, or newer model, but I really appreciate the look of a traditional truck. Plus, I am tired of losing 50% of a vehicle's value in just a few short years. Plus, with all the $ I'm saving on car payments, I can afford to get more goodies for the truck. I bought a Leer canopy for it, (For the dog, really, lol) that will be ready in a few weeks and installed my XM radio. Next step will be some Carr step hoops, then I want to put a good alarm with a remote start and a turbo timer. This is my first full size truck as I have always been a SUV man. But as my family grows, the plan is to trade in our Trailmanor 3124KS for a fifth wheel and obviously I need a proper tow vehicle. I have learned so much from you all in this forum. From selecting a good used vehicle, to some great maintenance tips and the vast selection of available accessories. For example, I just bought a jug of Diesel Clean and put some in the tanks this morning. I can't imagine it improving mileage much more, but we will see. I am also interested in replacing all the fluids with synthetics as I get the time. Thanks to all of you guys that post, and I'll be checking back to learn more!
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 88
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From: Huntsville, AL
One word of caution on the 5er is that with a CC 250 you have a limited payload. My 2002 has about 1650# of payload without the back seat being full. Check into the pin weight on the 5er before you buy. The weight on a 5er is about 20% on the pin so 20% of full up weight of the tow is on the rear wheels of the truck as payload and there is about a 200# hitch to consider too. Just some things to consider before you go out and look at that 36' new toy.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 58
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From: Jasper, IN
Bruce,
Thanks for the advice. Yes, getting the CC forced me to give up some payload, but as a daily driver it was something that had to be done. I am very weight conscious of what I tow, as I was using a 2001 Pathfinder with load equalizer bars to haul my Trailmanor. It was close to the limit, but did a great job. Most of our trips are just long weekends and I always run with dry holding tanks. I am pretty sure we will be happy with a 28'-30' 5er. Depending on the model we eventually get, I should be OK.
Rooster- I saw your truck and trailer in your gallery, what kind of hitch are you using with your short bed?
Joe
Thanks for the advice. Yes, getting the CC forced me to give up some payload, but as a daily driver it was something that had to be done. I am very weight conscious of what I tow, as I was using a 2001 Pathfinder with load equalizer bars to haul my Trailmanor. It was close to the limit, but did a great job. Most of our trips are just long weekends and I always run with dry holding tanks. I am pretty sure we will be happy with a 28'-30' 5er. Depending on the model we eventually get, I should be OK.
Rooster- I saw your truck and trailer in your gallery, what kind of hitch are you using with your short bed?
Joe
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, AL
Good deal, that is around the size that works out for your truck. Some do not look at the payload figures and just look at the combined weight and go from there. It is hard enought to tow without having the load driving you. I am pulling a 33' Jayco TT right now with a bunkhouse in the back and storage doors on the side. Use the back for storage or grandkids which ever is necessary. Pulled it 2500 miles this summer and I am pretty tickled with the combination of the trailer and F250. Mine is a daily driver also so understand what you are saying. 
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