Will I be happy?
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New User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Will I be happy?
Need some of your input on a new truck selection. I pull a 5,000lbs TT with my 1997 F150 SC, 5.4 & 3.55 gearing. Very unhapping with its towing performance.
The wife and I want to move up but are not sure if the new F-150 CC, 5.4, 3.73 gearing will make us happy or should we go with a F-250 CC, 5.4, 3.73 gearing? (love the towing mirrors and heavier frame on the 250)
Power Stroke is out due to budget. I pull the camper 5 times a year around the Great Lakes area and a 2,000lbs trailer in the winter 5 times a year.
Any comments from similar users would be helpful.
Thanks
The wife and I want to move up but are not sure if the new F-150 CC, 5.4, 3.73 gearing will make us happy or should we go with a F-250 CC, 5.4, 3.73 gearing? (love the towing mirrors and heavier frame on the 250)
Power Stroke is out due to budget. I pull the camper 5 times a year around the Great Lakes area and a 2,000lbs trailer in the winter 5 times a year.
Any comments from similar users would be helpful.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 457
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From: SW ND
You better stick with the 150 due to the 250 being quite heavier. I don't know if you'll be happy even with that. Best describe why your not happy. Your basically doubling the weight your motor has to pull which will make it work harder. The newer 150's should do better since it's has to 3 valve heads, but you might want to add some towing enhancements to make it better, like a tuner.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
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From: Wayland, MI
I would stay away from the F250 with the 5.4L if you want to tow better. Don't get me wrong they will tow what you want but it would be a side step from the truck you have. The new F150 will do what you want better, if want a superduty and can't afford diesel go with the v-10. Same fuel economy as the 5.4L (at least mine was) and it'll pull anything. I had a 99 with the 5.4 and it couldn't hardly tow my 1500# cargo trailer using the overdrive. I moved to an 02 Excursion with the v-10 and it didn't know that the trailer was there. I could actually get better towing fuel economy with the v-10.
Toyman
Toyman
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What I think will make you the happiest will be a F250 CC with V-10/4.10. Do not let the dealer talk you into the 3.73.
If you can live without a CC and need to save a few bucks go with F150HD SCab and 4.10 gears. It will be a good bit better than your current truck. This is what they used to call the LD F250. GVWR is 8100 lb.
The primary thing you want to do is make sure you are cut out for a gas motor. If you are not willing to let it spin 4000+ rpm on the hills its never going to pull like you want.
My 300 bhp 5.4L does a pretty decent job at 14,700 GCW turning 4800 rpm up the hills. Of course I'm used to yanking 80,000 lb with 500 bhp so my standards may not be as high.
If you can live without a CC and need to save a few bucks go with F150HD SCab and 4.10 gears. It will be a good bit better than your current truck. This is what they used to call the LD F250. GVWR is 8100 lb.
The primary thing you want to do is make sure you are cut out for a gas motor. If you are not willing to let it spin 4000+ rpm on the hills its never going to pull like you want.
My 300 bhp 5.4L does a pretty decent job at 14,700 GCW turning 4800 rpm up the hills. Of course I'm used to yanking 80,000 lb with 500 bhp so my standards may not be as high.
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I guess what I mean about towing better is pedal response. I pull around 65MPH and my current truck spins high rpm's (w o/d off) and its annoying after a day in the truck.
Sounds like the V-10 may be the best alternative or a used 6.0L (for cost sake)?
Sounds like the V-10 may be the best alternative or a used 6.0L (for cost sake)?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,353
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From: Nothern Indiana
Originally Posted by jferrar5
I guess what I mean about towing better is pedal response. I pull around 65MPH and my current truck spins high rpm's (w o/d off) and its annoying after a day in the truck.
Sounds like the V-10 may be the best alternative or a used 6.0L (for cost sake)?
Sounds like the V-10 may be the best alternative or a used 6.0L (for cost sake)?
I would go with the F-250 and a used one if thats what your budget allows.
6.0 CC SWR 3.73 Would fit you very nice and if you ever do want a bigger trailer you will have a truck for the job.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Windsor, Colorado
I agree with fire matt!
At least with a 250 your towing options are much greater, not to mention safer!
At least with a 250 your towing options are much greater, not to mention safer!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Hesperia, So Cal
i drove a 02 F250 SC 5.4 as a work truck, constantly towed 10k+ weekly in overdrive(i know, i didnt know not to tow in O/D at the time) but it did it, 70 MPH was no prblem, i just made sure i stepped on those brakes extra extra early, and the gas mielage wasnt bad either, i got about 13 GPM with that set up. just my 2 cents, Dustin
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Hesperia, So Cal
ok, 2 cents more, a F250 will have better brakes and a higher GVW then the f150, not to mention, your truck will be heavier, so the trailers shouldnt push you around..honestly, i dont think youll have any problems with an F250 with good brakes and an electric brake setup
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I would also consider an older PSD model - you can pick up a really nice older (95-97) F-250 with the PSD for a lot less than you can even get a new F-150. From the sounds of it, a F-150 is not cut out for the job you want it to do, even with 4.10 gears.
Either that or the V10. I would skip the 5.4L, not because it's a bad motor, but it just doesn't put out what you want.
Either that or the V10. I would skip the 5.4L, not because it's a bad motor, but it just doesn't put out what you want.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,866
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From: Rockford, Il
put my name in the heavier truck crowd also. An f150 may be okay for occasional towing but if you are putting on miles and a heavier trailer you really need the bigger truck. My buudy has the v10 and a 5 gear, he gets 15-17mpg on the road and about 13 towing a skidloader. You hardly know anything is back there. you really need the heavier duty truck, besides if it helps you they cant give away v10's and 5spds. Just my .02
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 400
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From: Hesperia, So Cal
bought this 3 years ago with 45k miles, for only $15,000 since then added wheels, tires, extened out the front bumper, added a custom 150 gal fuel tank with matching paint, rhino liner, turn over goose neck hitch, 6 inch exhaust, banks turbo outlet, and banks big hoss module, and e4od just rebuilt with HD parts, lets just say when you put a trailer behind it, you dont even know its there!
Junior User
Joined: May 2005
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Guys I dont know how many of you are familiar with the F150HD but at 8100 lb GVWR, with 4.10 Gears, 10.5 Full Floating Rear Axle, 4R100 transmission, Big Brakes and 7-Lug Wheels and a 2500-2900 lb Payload they are not your typical F150.
I would agree that if you are willing to buy used a 7.3L or 6.0L PS F250 or F350 SRW would likely give you the "effortless" towing you prefer.
I would agree that if you are willing to buy used a 7.3L or 6.0L PS F250 or F350 SRW would likely give you the "effortless" towing you prefer.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by jferrar5
I guess what I mean about towing better is pedal response. I pull around 65MPH and my current truck spins high rpm's (w o/d off) and its annoying after a day in the truck.
Sounds like the V-10 may be the best alternative or a used 6.0L (for cost sake)?
Sounds like the V-10 may be the best alternative or a used 6.0L (for cost sake)?