Wife wants a larger travel trailer as more grandkids are on the way, so I guess the time may be right for a diesel. Without doubt, diesels are the way to go pulling bigger rigs.

Looking at a buying a used 2001-2003 F-250 or F-350 7.3 Crew SRW as I have friends who have had really bad luck with the newer 6.0 engines.

Can any of you all give me the best advice as to best model year and were engines, transmissions and HVAC systems better in certain years? Thanks in advance for your help!

Mike

 

I vote for the 2000 F250 PSD, no problems so far..

 

What size trailer is the wife talking about? Reg trailer or fifth wheel? This will make the difference in vehicles.

 

Probably a 26 ft tag along, weight in the neighborhood of 7K loaded.

 

F-250 crew cab (for grandkids) with diesel and auto would do very nicely even in the mountains and give you a lot of passenger room. We tried the extended cab in our 93 (see sig) for the 3 of us and it was cramped.

 

Really want to focus on the best years for the 7.3 F-250 and whether or not there were build problems with any particular year. As mentioned above, I am leaning towards the 2001 to 2003 model year when I start my search.

 

From what I've been reading the 2002 was the best year.

 

i hope you are right since mine is an 02..! no problems, but she isn't stock anymore..! now she really runs..!

as for towing a tagalong... when i got my 02, and it was still stock, (wink), i used to pull a 26' that wieghed about the same 6-7k... i could pull that rig up the highway at 74 mph, and i would FORGET that it was behind me...! i could go up some rather steep hills and it would NEVER shift out of overdrive...! if you are thinking about a diesel for towing... get it...! you will love it..! as for the cab... go with the crew if you think you will have one riding with you...! the extra space of the extended cab is nice for storage or for sleeping space for a small dog, but for adults or anyone other than very young children it is not comfortable for any serious trips...

 

I have both, an 02 and an 03...can't see an ounce of difference between them. They both pull like a champ and havn't had any trouble with either one of them. If $$$$$ are not a problem, I'd look for a low milage 03 with the 7.3L. Can't go wrong!

Might just add that the seats in the 02's and 03's are the same..at least in the XLT series. They are real firm and this is what I like...had a 99 and seats were way toooooo soft!

 

I vote for the crew cab as well. Also I recommend an F-350, they have a straight front axle and have a shorter turning radius. Makes a big difference in parking lot maneuvers. If you're never going over 10k in trailer weight than a single rear wheel is great. Two less tires to buy when the time comes. If you want to live with a wide rear axle the stability of a dually is much better than singles. Plus if you want to get a BIG 5th wheel it will tow it no problem.

 

You will be safe with a F250/350 2000-03 w/7.3. Stay a way from the 99 if you cannot afford a big one like Kwikordead's because they have steering box problems. Although you will find V10's for real cheap, follow your gut and get the diesel. The V10's are awsome but suck gassssssssssss.

 

Thanks Gato and others. Any difference in gas milage and handling between 2wd and 4wd? We have little need for 4wd but most seem to have it. This truck will be used mostly for highway travel towing a travel trailer. Thanks!

 

I would get the 4x4, you never know you might need it...I never go off road but there has been times that I have used it..

 

Also, if it has 4x4 it will make the truck a lot easier to get rid of when the time comes. However if you find a 4x2 at a steal I would go for it.
Mileage differance is minimal (maybe 1/2mpg at most).

I would also heartily recommend a stick if you can find one. They have a lot less problems than the 4R100.

 

Interesting, I'm glad to here that my F350 has a better turning radius. Are the front straight axles the reason for the shorter turning radius..?