Need Towing Advice, please...

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 4, 2007 | 08:40 AM

#16

2002ford4RV

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 32

Likes: 0

From: East Tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by avmike

While the F150 will do the "basic" job for you, I have found that the problem you encounter is the top end acceleration and down hill control. I have used the F150, while sufficient, didn't really feel like I was in control all the time, expecially on down hill grades, not to mention cross wind stability and stopping capability of the larger trucks. I moved from the F150 to the Diesel (350) and cannot believe the difference it makes in all aspects of towing.

I say move to the diesel. It will handle any present and future needs you may have, and will last you a very long time if properly cared for.

My experience exactly. I Bought a 6,700 lb tag-a-long. While looking for a bigger tow vehicle, I used my ’97 F-150 4.6 once… for a 3-mile white-knuckle ride. No way!!! Lawn tracker at best. Next time I borrowed a 2004 F-150 5.0 for a 50 mile trip. Adequate for a pinch, but wouldn’t dare to venture any further. Never felt totally in control. Finally found a 2002 F-250 7.3 long-bed automatic, stock everything. Pulled the trailer 400 miles over and back across the Smokey’s. While still nervous (still getting used to all the new sounds and tendencies of a Power stroke), much, much, much, better ride in all aspects. Acceleration, handling, hill climbing, and breaking.
<O

></O

>

You spent the money on the camper. Would be much more fun to be able to get out of the neighborhood for adventures.<O

></O

>

<O

></O

>

Down side. If your truck is also your everyday vehicle, as currently mine is, diesel prices are presently a kick in the wallet. Oil changes and normal maintenance is higher and replacement parts seem to be more expensive than the gasser. But, I've heard of 7.3 going 300, 400 thousand miles if properly took care of.