Great response, as you stated it can be a sticker shock when comes to upkeep and repair. I chuckle sometimes when reading some posts that guys make with the cost of driving these beasts. I would tell my workers that if a repair was less than $250 I was happy. Keeping in mind that I'll rack up 50K+ miles a year.

 

...if you would prefer for me to move this elsewhere, I'll be glad to.

We're looking at trucks. Anywhere from a F250 and up.

Here's what it will be used for (priority at the top)

* hauling a 2 horse, bumper pull trailer 2-3 weekends every month
* commuting around town - to work, to the barn
* next year, upgrading from bumper pull trailer to a 2-3 horse gooseneck

Rather sure we want diesel. Just seems to be the way to go when you're pulling loaded horse trailers. Need the power to get going on the interstate. Nothing scarier than trying to merge onto the highway in a truck that can't GO!

Today we came across a truck that I fell in love with. Hubby isn't so sure. He doesn't want a dually and insists we don't need it. I figure more power the better - gives us something to "grow" into.

We found a 2003 F350 dually with the 7.3 diesel engine. Is 4x4 automatic with 181,300 miles on it.

Has some cosmetic issues, but they're all fixable. Looks like someone ripped the gooseneck hitch out of the bed though. We plan on taking the truck to our good friend who's a diesel mechanic, next week.

We test drove it. All 4 back tires are bald, so those would have to be replaced right off the bat. Should we be concerned that all 4 back tires are bald? Does that mean someone was doing some heavy duty hauling, or that someone wasn't taking good care of it?

Other than the tires being bald and causing a little bit of a rough ride, the truck drove nicely. Picked up quick for the merge onto the highway. Drove nice in town.

Started well. No smoke, no hesitation, sounded great.

They want $15,995.00.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks!
Pam

 

If you're not too picky I'd say stick with your Ranger's (4 cyl) or if you really want to go bigger it sounds like you don't need anything bigger than a 6cyl F150. Manual transmission will also save your gas (unless you have a lead foot or just always shift late)

 

A two horse trailer could easily be pulled by a SRW F250 or F350 Diesel. You be adding more maintenance with a DRW. Two more tires, for one, and a greater chance of trans problems due to the DRW's heavier drivetrain, but has the same 4R100 as F250's. I don't see you exceeding 10K on the trailer, and that can be done with a SRW F250. Save your money, spend it on the animals. A good F250 Diesel 4x4 CC or Scab should be able to be had for less than 10K with < 180k, IMO. I got mine (with 230K on it) for $7500.

 

Pam, it sounds like a good truck for what you want to do, although 10-20% overpriced (in my opinion).

Bald back tires? Yes, she's been towing some heavy loads or smoking the tires at the local hamburger stand.

With that many miles and the bald rear tires, take a closer look at the transmission. If you pull the dipstick does the fluid look work or fresh? Does it smell burnt? If so, the vehicle may be needing a transmission rebuild soon.

If the truck steered OK, then the front suspension is probably OK. Bald rear tires can sometimes mean front suspension problems. Loose steering components cause uneven tire wear. Some sellers will throw those tires on the rear of the vehicle in an attempt to mask the problem.

While a dually may seem like overkill, once you start towing a gooseneck the DRW truck will shine.

As for the ride...it probably rides like a truck. .....Go figure.

 

I think the truck is way overpriced if it has some issues and bald tires. A single rear wheel truck is fine for a 3 - 4 horse gooseneck slant. I'd keep looking and see if you can't find a better deal or talk them down in price. Here's some reading for you if you're interested in a 7.3 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html

 

Get a 7.3 you can find a nice one priced just right. Get a Tuner on it and you can have them make them custom for your truck. I Average around 15-16 SMASHING the go peddle! I make 17 or 18 mixed driving. and yes my diesel does make 20's on the highway. Tires and your foot are the biggest players in MPG. I did injectors turbo Tranny upgrades gauges intake tuner. and Im making a deal deal over 400HP and still making my fuel milage also.

Yes there are some guys who can get their diesels to break 16. Make sure you get the 3.73 rear end and dont get a dually.

And everything in MSGTG's post

 

Here is what I do I go to autotrader.com and put in what im looking for in 200 miles of me. I looked for me here in NC there were 155 listings anywhere from 6000 dollars to 26,000 however you have 181k On that truck as odd as this is gonna sound, That is a fair price right now and You can probably find one with less milage for around the same price.

The thing is the Diesels with Pre-DPF emmisions seem to be holding there Values. that goes for Chevyies and Dodges as well. There is Market for them and Thankfully there is a good Surplus to shop around you will probably find something better.

 

All you get from the dually is added pinweight (payload) for the bed. The GCWR is the same between single and dual rear wheels.

 

and the wider track stability.. which I notice over an srw

Sam

 

Even with a 3 horse goose neck trailer you're still going to be under 10K and an F-250 or F-350 SRW will pull your load just fine.
I have an F-350 SRW and my race car trailer weighs about 10 K. It has pulled that all over the East coast.
I also tow my 8K # skid steer and it weighs about 13K with the gooseneck tailer. That is pushing the limits of the truck but it is fine for the 10 to 50 miles I tow it.

 

OP: If I were you, I'd look for a 97-04 f150. They make great work trucks.
My parents bought a 2000 f150 supercab, longbed, 4wd, 4.6l with an auto and 3.55's. I've driven it tens of thousands of miles over the years (travelling, hauling, and a little towing). It's been an outstanding truck, and it pulls in 17.5mpg at 64-68mph. Around town, it's a few mpg down, probably 13 or so, just like most anything else.

If I were you, I'd look for a 4.6 with 3.73 gears for a little more power. Hope that helps.

 

To the OP.

I'd go with an F-150 if you want more room than a Ranger. If you like the Ranger and can deal with the smaller size get another 4.0l Ranger. The F-150 is no longer available with the V6 because mpg increase is nil compared to the 4.6l. I'd go with the 4.6l 3V or 5.4l 3V at least until the 6.2l is available. I still forsee you getting better mpg as well as less cost per mile with the Ranger over the F-150. If I was in your shoes and had to decide on a new Ranger or F-150 or a used diesel it would be the new Ranger or F-150 all day long. Despite what some people say any SD regardless of engine can cost you more money than a smaller truck when going for parts or maint items, the diesel being the most costly.