Awesome feedback folks. This is exactly what I was hoping for. Kind of feels like I'm walking around the Fort. Everybody's helpful and friendly. Note: I've asked similiar question on a couple of Truck Forum's, and you would have thought I asked everyone to take sides on a political issue.
My sig has what I pull and what I pull it with. I've always owned a Ford truck and have never had any problems with any of them.
Seems like Ford has a lot of loyalty out there. That's always a good sign.
I know this is overkill, but this is what hauled me, five other family members along with a dog and a golf cart this past May:
It is a little tough as a daily driver though.
I would recommend any of the 2500/250 series trucks wether they be Gas or Diesel. If you plan on keeping the truck for 200K plus miles then opt for the Diesel, but if you are going to swap out at 120K or less the gas is better.
Simply put....I'm jealous
That F250 Diesel would be good, you may upgrade again some day and you will be ready. We have a GMC 3500 Duramax diesel Dually for our 5th wheel..
Whoa, you got the big boy. Maybe someday I'll get there. That thing just screams power.
I love my 2500 HD 6.0 pulls great nice to daily drive.
Looked at the GMC lot the other day. They had only one 2500 diesel left. I like the Allison transmission on them. Nothing is bullet proof, but it's close.
As long as you are looking at a 250 min and diesel then power, wt. won't be issues, but I think you will really be surprised at that expected 16 to 23 even not towing will be down in the 12 to maybe 15 range with a good mix of freeway/in town mileage. Ford has in their diesels the worst mpg and the older 5.9L Cummins were killers and the D/A still up there above the Ford diesels.
All this is just from what I have heard owners report and often those figures are really not that accurate so take all this for what you paid for it .... NOT MUCH.
Larry
Totally agree on the mileage thing. I guess since they are heavier "work" type vehicles, the gov't doesn't require official stats. Too bad.
Hubby pulls our 5er with a 2008 Ford F250, diesel. Got a great deal on it---bought it used. It's the King Ranch edition. His first truck ever and, boy, does he LOVE it! He's already mentioned the 2011 F250 and I had to slap him upside his head!
King Ranch is the fancy one with all the extras. My neighbor has one, and he loves the ride. The interior is very plush, which might make that 1000 mile trip down, just a little more comfortable.
we have two gmc 3500HD d-max the first one is a 02 with 106,000 on it so far it's been great it pulls a 7000lbs. trailer with little effort, the second is a 07 with 12,000 on it and like the first so far no problems....if you are going to keep it for a long time then diesel is the way to go, I don't care what anybody says no matter what brand you end up getting they all have problems at some point thats just the nuts and bolts of a man made machine. Good luck on your purchase no matter what you buy!!!
That's a pretty good testimonial. If you like the first one enough, that the second spot in garage is the some kind. Diesel seems to be the way I'm heading. The new powerstroke in the Ford is BioDiesel compatible up to 20%. Not sure that's a selling point. Maybe all the brands are B20, but don't advertise because it's not a delineator.
Hey, How about them cards? It's time for a skipper change. Now with that off my mind, let's talk real good stuff.
I got a 2006 3/4 ton Suburban with 6L and baby does this do a nice job. My camper is around 6Klbs and life has improved greatly with the upgrade, plus I have extra space. I bought my used in 2008 and saved about $20K from buying new. A two yo diesel may be hard to come by, but you are right with proper maintenance, you can expect longevity 200-300K.
How many miles a year are you pullings? Not sure if the new truck you mention has an established engine platform, but I know from research, the older(2000-2205+/-) 6.0 had major issues all around. Father in law got ride of his, cause it was in the shop way to much.
Ouch!
I think the Cards are realizing you can't win a pennant with 2 superstars and 3 Cy Young types. The supporting cast needs to carry some weight. Not sure I want to lay it all on Tony's back, because there's a lot of blame to go around.
Interesting idea of a Suburban. I hadn't thought about that, so I'll have to add it to my research list. I've heard about some of those problems that Ford had when they teamed up with IH. I think I agree and will definitely steer clear.
We pull with a 2006 F250 Superduty (Diesel) and Love it! We get very good gas mileage in and out of town. We have never had any problems with it. If you buy used I would stay away from the 2010 F250's. We have a few friends who have had a lot of problems with theirs.
This sounds a lot like where I'm currently leaning. Those 2010's have taken quite a beating. I bet there are some good ones out there as well, it just doesn't seem like you ever hear about them.
I pull a 30ft jay feather w/ a 2009 F 250 crew 4x4 w/ the V10. Like you we just make it down every 12 - 18 months. Otherwise it is 2 mile trips to and from work. MPG's suck - 9's pulling the trailer, 10's-12's at home, but I have a heavy foot and could probably do better (if I was a tree hugging hippie). I would get a deisel if I had another vehicle for home. I like my Ford's though and have not tried anything else. Quality and reliability have been great.
P.S. Used to pull this same trailer w/ an F-150 and it did very well - made 2 trips w/o issue. No matter what your towing with watch your weight, and your weight distribution and definately have good anti-sway.
"Not a tree hugging hippie" - Your opinion counts double.
I also have an F-150 Crew 5.4L with Tow package. Even with Weight distributing hitch, and multiple sway control, it still had a little "tail wagging the dog" feel. Then again, maybe I'm imagining it because I'm trying to justify a new truck.
We pull ours with a 2010 Ford F150 super crew with the towing package. We have a 23 foot hybrid TT that is 30 feet when opened up, the truck hardly notices it is there!
Sounds very familiar
FORD F-250 V8 5.4 Pulls our 10k LB. 31ft TT just fine.
7 Trips so far.
I think the F250 is the sweet spot for me. Since it really won't be a work truck.
I'm a Cumins diesel fan. Never had any problems with the motors when they are left stock. (if you chip it be sure the intercooler end caps are metal not plastic) If you can find a 5.9L you can get 20-23 mpg in a non 4x4. The new 6.7L will get you a little less in a single rear wheel non 4x4. You can currently find the Cumins in the Dodge line of trucks which are not that bad either. My daily Driver is a 3500 4x4 dually and I am well pleased
Wow, the whole "intercooler end caps" thing is way over my head. But it is definitely going in the "keeper" file for important tips.
side note: I really like the way the Dodge front end looks. I know that's superficial, but it really looks cool.
2004 Duramax Crew Cab. I've got about 260k on her. I do lot's of traveling for work. Kept a lot of Rotella in her. Always used it in all my diesels and don't wanna go to the synthetic at this point. I've thrown a lot of lubes in her and I think that's what keeps her going. I've changed the starter and alternator and the batts a couple times. Other than that it's been good. One thing I suggest if you go with a diesel is change the fuel and air filters often. IMO the fuel filter is critical.
Rotella....check
Regular fuel filter....check
You have gotten 260K out of your truck. Based on that alone, your wisdom is golden. If I can get that much on my next truck, it will make it a lot easier to amortize it. Mentally, it will feel like it's cheaper per mile.
It works the same way when I've having a tough round of golf. I just tell myself that I'm driving the per stroke unti cost down.
