F250 superduty

wincher · Feb 7, 2009

I am looking for a bigger truck to do so towing with, this truck fits the bill and i seem to be able to find a number of used ones to compare. I am wondering how the milage is with the 5.4 and is it any different on 05 and newer since that is the year power went up. Second any one know of any problems with the manual trans. Thanks for any info.

Diamondpilot · Feb 7, 2009

You are looking at the wrong motor. The 5.4 in a Superduty will tow less than a 5.4 in a F-150 due to the truck weighing more. The 6.8 V-10 will tow the same as the diesel but obviously the diesel will do a better job but cost an extra $8000.

The 6.8 V-10 is the way to go in todays economy for most. Its only a $600 upgrade and will tow nearly 10,000# more than the 5.4 V8 Also look at steeping up to a Single Rear Wheel F-350. They are only another $500 or so and you get a lot more truck capable of hauling another 1,500# in the bed over a similar F-250

Chris

Builder · Feb 7, 2009

wincher said:
I am looking for a bigger truck to do so towing with, this truck fits the bill and i seem to be able to find a number of used ones to compare. I am wondering how the milage is with the 5.4 and is it any different on 05 and newer since that is the year power went up. Second any one know of any problems with the manual trans. Thanks for any info.

Before you buy anything, let us know what is it you want to tow. What does it weigh?

wushaw · Feb 7, 2009

If the manual tranny is still the Zf-6 then it's a pretty decent tranny, Ford and GM used it for many years in their 3/4 - one tons.
I also agree with Diamondpilot, the 5.4 only belongs in a 1/2ton, it does not have the tq someone needs in 3/4 - one ton.

wincher · Feb 8, 2009

This vehical will be used and a daily driver for me to get to work, about 30 miles a day. 4wd is a must and i feel more comfortable with standards. I will be towing a tractor and trailer with a combined weight of approx 8700lbs max distance of 80 miles one way. Top speed will never be over 55 and the mileage unloaded is more important to me then the loaded. Diesel would be idea but if most of my driving will be unloaded then why bother. My 96 dodge ram 1500 get 15 with 210,000 on it and if i could stay at that i would be happy.

JDGREEN4ME · Feb 8, 2009

I have an '03 F250, automatic, and I get around 15 MPG on highway runs, closer to 12 MPG in town and around 10 MPG when towing 7K. My brother has an '02 F250, standard and he gets close to 18 MPG on highway runs. (Both trucks are 5.4 V8s)

drivadesl · Feb 8, 2009

OK I realize this is not what youre asking. Seems there are some deals out there on used trucks, and with the savings over a newer model you could upgrade to a diesel. I'm getting 20mpg with my 99 7.3 PSD. Just for example:

F-250 2006 XLT Super Duty 4x4 Turbo Diesel -

2003 Ford F250 Super Duty Super Cab Long Bed

2002 f-250 superduty 7.3 turbo diesel 4x4

Good luck with your search!

Builder · Feb 8, 2009

wincher said:
This vehical will be used and a daily driver for me to get to work, about 30 miles a day. 4wd is a must and i feel more comfortable with standards. I will be towing a tractor and trailer with a combined weight of approx 8700lbs max distance of 80 miles one way. Top speed will never be over 55 and the mileage unloaded is more important to me then the loaded. Diesel would be idea but if most of my driving will be unloaded then why bother. My 96 dodge ram 1500 get 15 with 210,000 on it and if i could stay at that i would be happy.

You could easily do that with a base model V-8 3/4 ton or even 1/2 ton 4x4 truck.

There's no need for a bigger block gas engine or a diesel, unless you want one for the fun or extra power. Otherwise you're wasting your money.

Diamondpilot · Feb 8, 2009

wincher said:
This vehical will be used and a daily driver for me to get to work, about 30 miles a day. 4wd is a must and i feel more comfortable with standards. I will be towing a tractor and trailer with a combined weight of approx 8700lbs max distance of 80 miles one way. Top speed will never be over 55 and the mileage unloaded is more important to me then the loaded. Diesel would be idea but if most of my driving will be unloaded then why bother. My 96 dodge ram 1500 get 15 with 210,000 on it and if i could stay at that i would be happy.

For the driving you do and the occasional towing you need to look at a half ton 4x4 truck like a F-150. I have a 2007 F-150 FX4 4x4 with the 5.4L and 3.73 gears. It gets 16.4 mpg average, mixed driving. bought it new in May of 2007 and it now has 21,000 miles on it. We take it on a trip to Knoxville, Tn area from Northern Indiana a few times a year with 4 people on board in June, July, and August. On that 1,000 mile round trip towing the boat in the picture. It weighs 7,000# and we fill boat with our gear and the bed last trip had over 35 cases of water, pop, and beer. It got 11 mpg doing 70-75 on that trip. Towing around secondary roads like I do every weekend from late April to late October it gets 11mpg also at 55 max.

It is very comfortable and quite and rides like a dream. Easy to get around the parking lots for day to day use and I would not hesitate to put 9,000# behind it. By the way the tow rating is 9,300#.

Chris

Solo · Feb 8, 2009

I have an '04 F250 with the 5.4 motor, it also has 3:73 gears, 6 speed manual transmission. I wouldn't want to tow anything this truck. With this gearing it is only a highway truck, no torque . If i'm on a steep hill I use low gear to start. I average around 11.5mpg the most I have got from it is 14.5 on a long trip.

Solo