Hi, I just found this site, and am hoping for some advice! I am looking at upgrading my gas '88 F250 with a 2000 F350 CC dually, V10 6.8L gas, 4.30 rear end. I have been doing the gas vs. diesel debate (undecided as to that!), and this gas rig has come along. I will be pulling a 28' 5th wheel with it, mostly British Columbia semi mountainous driving. Does anyone have any advice on this vehicle?

 

I drive a diesel, so I may be biased. On the other hand, you're talking about pulling quite a bit of weight in a very hilly area. The gas will be sufficient... it'll get your trailer up and down those hills successfully. The diesel will do it a whole lot easier, with much better fuel economy, and much more performance.

 

Welcome to the forum victoriafordguy

I'm in Terrace and have only towed my race car with my V-10 but it has no problem at all.
Pop down to the V10 forum, which is a ways further down on the main forum page, and you'll meet lots of guys that are happy towing 5th wheels with their V-10s.
Wrenchtraveller has towed his all over BC and really likes it.
I was never undecided as to the gas vs. diesel debate. I work at a Ford dealership and wanted a V-10 as soon as I drove one. I don't drive enough, or tow often enough, for a diesel to ever pay for itself but that's just me.

 

I do alot of towing, heavier loads than a 28' 5th wheel, and I am very happy with the V-10. If the only thing you will use the vehicle for is towing the fiver up and down the mountains the deisel may be worth it.

 

I have a 2001 F250 crew 4x4 with a V10 and have done a few trips up through the Coq to Penticton and Kelowna and can't say enough about this engine. Leave Hope and put on the cruise control at 110 km/h and your done. With a couple of simple mods your mileage can be increased by 20-30%. First hand experience with an aftermarket air intake increased my mileage by 25%, no BS either!!!

 

Great responses so far, thanks all.

 

So no matter what the V10 or the diesel is your best bet pullin in the mountains it all depends the v10 should probably do the trick but i agree the diesel would probably do it easier and of course you can mod the V10 or the diesel

 

What intake did you put on that increased your mileage that much? What kind of exhaust are you running also?

 

yeah, I would luv to know what combination your using, i would give my left arm if i could get 18 mpg out of my 99 f250 SD.

 

I went with the Airaid system for the intake and then had the factory 'y' pipe on the exhaust replaced with a full flow item off of E-bay. Just have a look at what they did to restrict the exhaust? Unfortunately I don't have any dyno results to prove any power increase, but it certainly is there. I put an average of 300-400 miles a week on my truck, so any saving is a big deal. Good luck and hopefully someone will achieve similar results.