Alchymist, I agree with you 100%. Occasional hills...no biggie but I was taking Veedubber's situation in to account. He will be towing many mountains with a 5th wheel (usually has a bigger frontal area). He was also looking at a 1999 5.4 which is the two valve. In my opinion and from my experiences (not with a 5.4) that is not a good engine for his situation. Even though it might work it would leave out the possibility of any future trailer upgrades. When towing in the mountains alot it will be easier on the truck and the driver to have a little more power.

The other thing to take into consideration is the 7100 lb max trailer weight of the 5.4 equipped super duty (2002 3.73 4x4) vs 10500 for the same truck with a V10. With 4.10's it becomes 8600 vs 12500. Numbers are approx from ford's web site. I like to have as many options as I can and getting the bigger engine opens up that many more options (especially with mountian towing).

And don't forget...No one has ever gotten the bigger engine and later wished they would have gotten the smaller one instead (that goes for any brand and make of truck). You even stated that you would like to have a V10 but there weren't any available at the time you looked.

Thanks for the good debate on this without it becoming some flame war. These forums are great and if nothing else Veedubber will have plenty of information to process during his buying decision.

 

I tow a 28 ft. 5th wheel that weighs 7k with my 99 f250 5.4. The secret is to try to get the trailer level when pulling it, otherwise the motor will strain to pull it. I drive 60-65 on the highway depending on conditions such as traffic, hills, and straight-a-ways. I also keep the truck in OD all the time. Sure it downshifts alot, but I just back off a little going up grades. Anyway, pulling a 7k trailer at 60-65 is plenty fast in my opinion. Also, try using unleaded plus when towing.

Relax and enjoy the scenery, you'll get there.

 

The reason I went with a diesel is I use less fuel. It was costing me less at first, but I still like 13mpg with my diesel compaired to 7mpg with the gas rig I had. This is pulling my 9700 lb 29 foot fifthwheel.

 

I agree with Fistek although the price of the diesel offsets the fuel savings. The good thing is that you don't have to fill up as often while on the road.