F150 vs 250 pwerstroke for towing

ms98 · #1 03-23-2004, 04:56 PM

I'm going to be pulling a 24' closed race car trailer. Probably about 7500lb full up. I'd LOVE to get an F150 w/the 5.4, but most folks say I'll need a Powerstroke. Since I'll do a fair amount of just plain driving around in the truck, I'd really like something cushier than the F250. Has anyone pulled a loads with the F150 5.4 combo? I'm not worried about how FAST I can pull, but just stability and wear and tear on the driveline.

Help!

ModMech · #2 03-24-2004, 12:50 AM

I've pulled MORE with a F-150 4.6L. Would I suggest that it be done often? No. With the 5.4L it would be less of a problem.

The other thing to consider, is that the new 6.0Ls are NOT "ironed out" yet, and they still have some significant issues. Given that, I'd go with the 5.4L.

ms98 · #3 03-24-2004, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModMech

I've pulled MORE with a F-150 4.6L. Would I suggest that it be done often? No. With the 5.4L it would be less of a problem.

The other thing to consider, is that the new 6.0Ls are NOT "ironed out" yet, and they still have some significant issues. Given that, I'd go with the 5.4L.

Thanks. 5.4 Lariat Supercrew it is!

97chevyman · #4 03-28-2004, 12:44 AM

The 6.0's as of NOV 03 are ironed out. I am a poster at fordtrucks.com, and we have seen a large decrease in problem since that engine buld date. I would go to the extream of saying that 95 percent of the problems have been ironed out.

wycowboy · #5 03-30-2004, 05:47 PM

What are you thinnking??? There is no compason between towing with a PSD to a 5.4 150. Fisrt of all I with the psd you will get better MPG all the time. and much better towing. I know a guy who get s well over 20 mpg with the 7.3l diesel. If you want cushy buy a car , if you want a truck get a real one. as far as the 6.0 lhaveing problems they have most of them fixed. but there is nothing wrong buying a used 7.3 PSD. 7.5K wil real be maxing out the 150's stopping power too.

ModMech · #6 03-31-2004, 09:03 AM

wy,

NO arguement about the 7.3L PSD, but the 6.0L PSD is a POS. It might get better mileage, but it would have to make it off the lot first. The diesel mechanics at the local dearlers report nearly a 100% failure rate (tow in, not running) on the '03 6.0Ls.

I would not suggest one to anyone.

wycowboy · #7 03-31-2004, 10:02 AM

Actuly the 6.0 PSD gets the same or worse MPG, Than the 7.3, Most of problems seem to be worked out of the late 03's and 04's. personaly, Idont see why you would buy a new truck any way, you can pay $35,000 for a new 6.0 or $18k for a low mile 99 or 00, I would much rather pay 1/2 as much for a better truck., and you can get a good used PSD for 10,000 if you look around, I dont know a bout you but I don't have 40K just lieing a round to spend on something that is no better thanaused one, and that will loose $4000 in value the minute it gose off the lot,l

ModMech · #8 03-31-2004, 01:00 PM

Agreed.

I was referring to the PSD vs 5.4L mileages, not 7.3L to 6.0L, sorry I was clear as mud on that.

wycowboy · #9 03-31-2004, 04:12 PM

Gotcha! No big deal, Any why, back to this thred, It seems to me that better gas milage is one of the big{or only} reasons to get a smaller truck, and that is not the case with a diesel, you get the best of both worlds, Nice big tough truck, and great MPG, 250 all the way I have a 96 f-150 5.0 I can save $300 a year just in fuel, by driveing a diesel, Thats a fair bit of change

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