Will I be happy?

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Jan 9, 2007 | 09:58 AM

#16

drbond

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 76

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From: Pen Argyl, PA

Another vote for a PSD, used, 7.3. You can find them out there, just have to hunt them down. If not, then 250 with towing options. Just can't beat "good brakes".

Just my $.02

Bondo©

Jan 11, 2007 | 03:00 PM

#17

strait 6

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Joined: Jan 2007

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the 300 strait 6 will pull ne theing u throw at it but only at low rpms so dont try it at 70 mph

Jan 11, 2007 | 07:50 PM

#18

RIsuperduty89

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Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 189

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I have a 2004 5.4L F250 and I tow 9,000+ lbs with it. It does fine and would be great for what you want to do. I can easily drive at 70 MPH with the load.

Jan 19, 2007 | 08:07 PM

#19

Gparcels

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 320

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From: South Jersey

I can tell you my experience. I have an 06 F150 KR with the 5.4 and 3:73 gears, it's the 7700lb gvwr. I tow a 22' Grady White boat motor and trailer, when it's empty it weighs in at 5000lbs, loaded with equipment and fuel, 150 gals of gas it's around 6000lbs. I can tell you with the exception of the occasional rough road I really forget it's behind me. Pulling up a ramp, passing, and braking are easy work for this truck. You have to remeber the 97 F150 is a totally different, only 235hp 2v motor, compared to a 5.4 with 3valves per cyl with 300hp + 365 lbs of torgue compared to 330 lbs of torgue. I had a 98 with the 5.4 and 3:55, I can tell you my new one does a much better job. Good luck.

Last edited by Gparcels; Jan 19, 2007 at 08:13 PM. Reason: Add comment

Jan 21, 2007 | 10:53 PM

#20

DND58

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 870

Likes: 9

From: Carbondale, CO

I could also use some input on truck selection. I purchased used 25’ 5’er last summer, weighing @ 6500lbs. loaded. I pulled it with a 1988 F-250 4X4 w/ 460EFI. Truck has @ 145000 mi. on it. I was happy everywhere, except on mountain passes in Colorado. 35mph tops. I estimate 10-12 trips/year. Question is would I see about the same performance with a V-10? Not sure this infrequent towing justifies a diesel.

Jan 22, 2007 | 07:17 AM

#21

Kwikkordead

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 25,090

Likes: 1,112

From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DND58

You'll get that sort of reduced performance with any gas engine at those altitudes. From what I hear you'll do a little better with the v-10, but I don't have any first hand experience to verify that one.
The difference is the forced induction that the turbodiesels have. The turbocharger is the altitude equalizer, it will feed the engine the same at sea level as at 10,000 feet, so you don't suffer a loss of performance.
I've had two 460 Fords before my current truck and there is simply no comparison to the pulling power of the turbodiesel.

Jan 22, 2007 | 08:30 AM

#22

redford

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 23,174

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From: Stephensville WI

Those that are steering you away from a 5.4 have not driven a newer 3V 5.4. That with the Torqueshift automatic makes a good tow vehicle. I would get the F-250 just for the transmission.

The 5.4L 3V F-250 will suit your needs well. Mine does a great job hauling a 24 foot enclosed car hauler. When not towing (most of the time) you get better fuel mileage than a V-10.

I have a 3.73 differential. If you live in the west I would get the 4.10 instead.

Jan 24, 2007 | 10:16 AM

#23

jferrar5

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2006

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Thanks all. I'm leaning towards a F250 with the 5.4 versus the F150 because I can get the 5speed Torque shift versus the 4speed in the F150.

I have heard that this trasmission is a major advantage when pulling even if it is mated to a 5.4.