Opinions needed, possible truck purchase

[rusty ol ranger]

My 97 F250 has pissed me off for the last time, so im thinking of offing it in favor or a newer truck.

Im looking at mid 00s super dutys, reg cab/long boxes.

I really want a V10/6sp, but they are impossible to find in the configuration i want.

So my question is...how would a 5.4L do towing a 7000 lb travel trailer? Im pretty dead set against an auto. Im not dead set against a 5.4L if itll do the job. Ive had 5.4s in the past but they were early ones (pre 99) coupled with autos, and never really towed over 4 or 5k with one.

I know it wont pull like my 97 460, but any input is apperciated.

 

[Kurt.king870s]

I think it would do the job, but it would be a pretty big job for it if you need to be able to get around good. If you only haul heavy stuff a couple times a year, I think it might be a good option.

Personally if I wanted a full size ford tow rig, i'd go for a 7.3 with a zf5. In fact, I want to get one at some point. If you get a ts5 or ts6 you'll be able to get above 16 mpg empty (if you keep your foot out of it) and it would have enough torque to tow 10,000+ lbs.......my best buddy has a 7.3 with a E4OD, stock tune and straight pipe, and it tows better than a 6.0 chevy gas, but not as good as an 05 duramax. And with a manual, it would do it alot better......again, this paragraph is all opinion, so nobody go hating too hard.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I only tow it maybe 3-5 times a year. Otherwise it might tow a couple lawn mowers, or a 2horse trailer.

Im not after a 7.3 mainly because what id pay for a tattered diesel truck would buy me a rather nice gas truck, plus im not a fan of the higher maintenence costs and other little diesel annoyances.

I thought about jumping ship to GM, but i dont like 3/4tons with independent front ends, and the 03-07 silverado are some of the ugliest trucks on the road

 

[Kurt.king870s]

I only tow it maybe 3-5 times a year. Otherwise it might tow a couple lawn mowers, or a 2horse trailer.

Im not after a 7.3 mainly because what id pay for a tattered diesel truck would buy me a rather nice gas truck.

If you don't pull it often , i'd say that a 5.4 would probably be fine. I've heard some good stuff about them. A 3/4 ton pickup would pull nicer, but get worse fuel economy.....so if it's within the rated capacity, I wouldn't be afraid to do it with a 1/2 ton. Just make sure to get a sway control hitch, they work wonders on a windy day.

I understand the frustration that comes with diesels.......but I tow logs quite a bit with a pickup, and when the trailer weighs 10k-15k, nothing can beat a diesel......but again, if you don't do heavy hauling much, it isn't worth it.
Good luck. I hope what you decide to get works good for you..

 

[IMenriched]

The 5.4 will do fine for a few times a year and around the 7000lb mark...weather in a f250, f350 or f150.
The f250 & f350 tend to come with more tow friendly gear ratios, like 4:10 or 4:56, etc.

so "IF" you would go to a f150 then the chore becomes finding one with 4:10 gear ratio, or putting in different gears and some heavy duty shocks