Which tow vehicle to buy?

[HGM]

It should be a no-brainer; wait and get an '07 F350 with the vastly improved 6.4 diesel. First, I have an Expedition with the 5.4. It can't pull itself along a highway that has any hills without constantly downshifting! Hooking up the kind of weight you are talking about behind a 5.4 liter would be a very, very sad situation. If you go up any hills, you'll have bicycles passing you! On the 6.0 Ford diesel...er,...uh,...I can't think of one single positive thing to say about it. If you can't wait for the 6.4 (it should be a hint to you that the 6.0 diesel didn't even have but a 3 year run), buy a used one with the 7.3 diesel.

Myself, since I pull heavy all the time, I had no choice but to go with the Cummins and spend some serious bucks on a bulletproof aftermarket tranny to go with my juiced Cummins.

Couple of things to remember if you do go with a 6.4L(even though its not a listed option)... The 6.4L will be an '08 released EARLY '07.. So, if you are inclined to go that route for the specific reasons or getting a 6.4L, make sure thats what your getting(shouldnt have to say that, but you never know whos listening )

As for the 6.0L, I've mentioned it in the past, but its not going away because of problems.. That may be conveniant, but not the reason why.. The 7.3L would not pass '04 emissions.. The 6.4L was not ready(common rail fuel system), so the 6.0L was designed to fill this time slot for emissions purposes.. The 6.4L was needed to pass '07 emissions.. The '07 currently being produced have '06 6.0L engines in them to meet this critera, the 6.4L will be its replacement for emissions purposes.. Obviously, everyone is expecting the 6.4L to be flawless(as much as possible) to help counter the reputation that the 6.0L has gotten(some deserved, some not)..

Dargo,for what you wanted and have done, you made the right choice.. The Cummins is awsome, no doubt..But not everyone needs a 1000ft lb engine to tool around in.. I know you have some kind of background with these things and see some of the failures, but trust me, I see my share and can promise(anyone who cares) that a large number of these failures are from neglect and abuse(ie: chips, programers, other modifications, oil change intervals,fuel filter intervals, overloading, excessive idle times) that this engine cannot handle.. In stock form with proper maintenace, these engines can go a long way... I'm just adding this point, again, to give a different perspective from the anti 6.0L group.. You may notice that several guys here have 6.0L's and are happy with them..

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I just can home from the dealer and it wasn't a good trip. The 350 I was interested in was an ROR which means it's a lemon. It has had tranny issues. While I was there I took an 07 350 DRW PSD for a spin and loved it. However the 50k price tag was alittle much. The 250 5.4 is being brought over from the sister dealership tomorrow for a road test. I'm not too optimistic however.
I took a gmc with the duramax and allison for a ride and loved it but the dealer was unwilling to move and was riduclously low on the trade. There is one more 04 250 PSD on the lot I haven't test drove but I really don't want to got that route. I think I maybe stuck with the 07 250 gasser. It will only be for a couple years(2-3 max) and as much as I will need to tow it may just be perfect. It's the 10400gvw 4:10 ratio. I don't think much of the immediate towing will be interstate most likely town roads. Lets talk Dodge for a minute. A few years back I wouldn't even consider a dodge but it seems they've fixed there flawed vehicles. I know the cummins is bulletproof but what about a 3/4 ton hemi? Could this be the next best thing to diesel? Any new Dodge owner (05 or newer) that could shed some insite.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Dargo]

I know you have some kind of background with these things and see some of the failures, but trust me, I see my share and can promise(anyone who cares) that a large number of these failures are from neglect and abuse(ie: chips, programers, other modifications, oil change intervals,fuel filter intervals, overloading, excessive idle times) that this engine cannot handle...

Amen! Amen! Amen! I've seen so many people with diesel pickups that swear that they take the absolute best of care with them to only find out later that they change the oil every 25k..or so.

 

[JESSE1]

There were quite a few issues with the early '03 6.0 PSD's but most of the problems had to do with electronics, mainly sensors. The major problems were mostly ironed out by the '04's, with the latest engines being very good. I have an '04 F-350 Dually with the 6.0 and 5 sp torqshift trans and it has been very trouble free. Very powerful and fast, IMHO it doesn't need any help from a tuner. If this truck can't move it, you need a bigger truck.

 

[bx23barry]

I have a '05 f150 with a 5.4 and while I only tow 5000-7000 lbs (two horse trailer, little tractor or jeep on 16' car hauler or 28' travel trailer) I can pull donner at 55. Sure it winds up and I've installed a cold air kit, cat back system and reprogramed the computer. Not a powerhouse but it runs pretty good and I usually keep up with my brothers cummins that has a banks kit (of course he gets twice the mileage I do).

 

[rback33]

I have a '05 f150 with a 5.4 and while I only tow 5000-7000 lbs (two horse trailer, little tractor or jeep on 16' car hauler or 28' travel trailer) I can pull donner at 55. Sure it winds up and I've installed a cold air kit, cat back system and reprogramed the computer. Not a powerhouse but it runs pretty good and I usually keep up with my brothers cummins that has a banks kit (of course he gets twice the mileage I do).

Get Dodge or 7.3 Ford... I love my current Dodge and loved the ford I ahd before that....

 

[Dmace]

I know the cummins is bulletproof but what about a 3/4 ton hemi? Could this be the next best thing to diesel? Any new Dodge owner (05 or newer) that could shed some insite.

Thanks
Matt

I have an 03 Ram 1500 4x4 HEMI and that engine is incredible. 5.7 liters 345ci - 345 hp and 375 lb. ft of torque. I towed a 3800# car on a 2000# trailer 4 hours up Maine on I95 with some decent hills in the north. Left it in overdrive and it only downshifted a couple of times. I averaged 13.2 mpg and that was crusing at 80 mph. A 3/4 ton 2500 with the Hemi would be a great daily driver / tow vehicle in my opinion. You can get it in 5-speed or auto too! Unloaded I get 16-17 mpg. Definitly worth looking at for your needs. Plus the 05 and newer models are available with MDS (Multi Displacement System) for better gas mileage.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

As for the GM 6.0 vs the 5.4 the ford has 365 ftlbs and the GM 360. And the Ford makes that a lower rpm.

Matt

 

[jmt1271]

I just can home from the dealer and it wasn't a good trip. The 350 I was interested in was an ROR which means it's a lemon. It has had tranny issues. While I was there I took an 07 350 DRW PSD for a spin and loved it. However the 50k price tag was alittle much. The 250 5.4 is being brought over from the sister dealership tomorrow for a road test. I'm not too optimistic however.
I took a gmc with the duramax and allison for a ride and loved it but the dealer was unwilling to move and was riduclously low on the trade. There is one more 04 250 PSD on the lot I haven't test drove but I really don't want to got that route. I think I maybe stuck with the 07 250 gasser. It will only be for a couple years(2-3 max) and as much as I will need to tow it may just be perfect. It's the 10400gvw 4:10 ratio. I don't think much of the immediate towing will be interstate most likely town roads. Lets talk Dodge for a minute. A few years back I wouldn't even consider a dodge but it seems they've fixed there flawed vehicles. I know the cummins is bulletproof but what about a 3/4 ton hemi? Could this be the next best thing to diesel? Any new Dodge owner (05 or newer) that could shed some insite.

Thanks
Matt

I have an 06 Ram 1500 QC 4x4 with the Hemi and 5 speed auto. I am very impressed with the engine/trans. I tow (1-2 times a month) an 18' trailer that weighs around 7K with the 3520 on it. It pulls it literally effortlessly. Given I live in pretty flat ground, but it handles the hills I do have with NO probs. Couldny justify the diesel, as its my wifes daily driver. Dodge was at the BOTTOM of my list when I was test driving, UNTIL I drove it. It was at the top then. Test drive one and give it a chance. I would upload a pic, but this forum makes it too difficult. The power of the Hemi and the looks of the Ram sold me.

 

[jmt1271]

Think I got it.