I was pretty excited when I came across this site, spent a few late nights/early mornings reading thru some posts.
Now Im not to sure.

Im just overwhelmed and lost as to really what would be the best engine for my needs. People are pretty much one or the other.

I currently have a 98 DodgeRam 2500 QuadCab V-8 5.9L 4x4
Im looking to get a Ford F250 CrewCab, Auto, 4x4
I will not be doing any kind of a lift kit but I do plan on getting a wider tire that sticks out from the wheel wells more.
Will probably get rid of it at around 100,000. atleast thats been the norm as of lately

Will be a daily driver, used mostly around town, so alot of stop and go, some highway use, more in the summer than winter. But mostly in town driving. Will need to use it to plow snow for ourselves, but not commercially. Will be plowing around 6hrs at a time, but not every day, only when needed. Must be able to handle a 8.5 V-Blade (its heavy). The plow will be on and off the truck during the winter.
I rarely leave it on All winter, however it may stay on for 3 weeks or so, just depends on the weather.
In the summer I wil be towing a Flat bed trailer, hauling equipment around town. Once again its on and off the truck usually the same day. No campers as of yet, no big boats as of yet.
So whats the best option for me.

V-8 Underpowered? Better Gas Mileage, Cheaper engine option.. 3.73
gears. Gas Cheaper than Diesel, Upkeep cheaper, may not have
enough Ummphh!!! Can always add a turbocharger to it for more
umpph I suppose and for that nice sound.

V-10 Hard to Find, Sucks up the Gas. Poor MPG? ...4.10 gears
Gas Cheaper than Diesel, upkeep slightly more than V-8, Less than
Diesel or do you have to run Premium gas in it?

Diesel, More MPGs, 3.73 gears.. however Diesel is more than gas where im
at, more money for diesel, Upkeep is twice as much as the V-8,
Great ride compared to the V-8, Love the sound of the turbo.
Will be making short trips on and around the property durning the
day. With my short trips around town(& property), Ill always be
waiting for that cool down period when i get to where im going. Im
pretty much coming out of the truck now before it actually comes
to a complete stop ... ...Maybe overkill for what im doing/need.

So whata think

 

i would get a f-250 with snow plow prep package and get the tow package and camper package. even if you don't tow or camp those packages give you alot of extra needed features. i would go with the v-10 or 5.4.

 

the v10 would be my choice the way you drive.we have a company near me that has 8 v10 for plowing and has not had any problems. gas wise my own gets the same mpg as a 5.4. 11 to 12 and a run down to va i got 15. not half bad for a 7500 pound truck. take a look down in the v10 performace area we have many running posts about the great 05/06 3 valve motor.
i'm not saying a 5.4 will not do what you need a truck for it will. it's just the 6.8 v10 can do it easier. and at only a $600.00 option.

 

V-10...........

 

I have an 04 V10 and absolutely love it. I run pretty much the same way that you do, except I don't plow. I've towed up to a 9,000 lb boat behind it and it does just fine. Mine is a daily driver and I wouldn't have it with a 5.4, just not enough umph. I don't tow so much or so heavy that I need a diesel. The V10 fits me for MY needs.

 

I just ordered a F350 w/ the V-10

 

Even though I love my Diesel, I think the overwhelming advice here is the V10 for you. And yes, opt for the plow, FX4, Camper and Towing packages. What you save on the price of the V10 vs Diesel will get you some nice features.

 

The 05/06 V10s are 362HP and 455 ft lbs torque. They come with 4.10:1 or 4.30:1 rear gear.

You need the snow plow prep package for the heavier front springs.

I can easily recommend the V10 as my experience with this motor for the last five years is all good.

 

This may be a little biased since I've not personally driven the deisel version. But, my 2000 v10 just turned 72K miles (purchased at 45K miles) and it's still running like a champ with nothing more than normal maintenance. I did test drive an 01 model with the v8, not bad at all, but I liked the extra kick of the v10.

Yeah the fuel milage kind of hurts a little, but for the performance and ability of this truck I'll pay the few extra bucks at the pump.

 

V10 seems like a perfect fit for your needs. I love my V10.

 

Get the V-10. I wish I had!

 

Get the diesel. Even though it is more expensive than the gassers, there is nothing more satisifying to the ego than passing gassers up the mountain passes towing a trailer at 80+ and not even having the engine breathing hard. It's worth every penny!

 

V10, read all about it it the V10 Forum.

 

ryansmo

What you fail to understand sir, is that busting up Loveland pass at 11,946 feet in a V10 powered King Ranch that cost $3800 less than the exact same truck with a 6.0L PSD, and the look on PSD owners faces when they see the big beautiful Triton V10 badge leading the pack. BTW she was scaled at 22,857lbs and the new 3v V10, 5R110w and 4.30:1 gears was more than able to pull the weight. BSEG indeed!

Now once you add to that expensive $3800 motor the costs of all the add on toys necessary to gain back that "worth every penny" ego trip, many of us V10 owners will still have the BSEG because we really don't give a rats behind that you have money to burn. Thanks for playing, and keep on helping the American economy! You sir, are a great American!

 

Get the Diesel.It will work all day pushing snow, and get close to 20 mpg when not working it.