Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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Well, our trip to Gettysburg last weekend painfully illustrated to us that my extended cab F250 just isn't big enough for a family of four anymore, with two growing kids.
When I bought the truck 3 years ago, we took a trip up to Lake George (about 8 hours driving), and had no problems. As my wife has pointed out from going to doctor's visits, our kids have grown over 6" each since then.
I am looking at 4 door F250 or F350 trucks. Chevy and Dodge are possibilities, but the basic 4 door cab on the Fords seem a little bigger (except for the monstrous Dodge MegaCab).
I am curious about peoples experiences with the newest Ford 5.4L engines and matching transmissions. I am leery of the new Ford diesels -- they haven't been out long enough for my comfort.
I am going to desperately miss my 7.3L diesel -- it is a great, dependable engine, with (from talking to other people) better fuel mileage than the newest diesels.
Also right now, for a limited time (as always!), Ford has "employee pricing", and a bunch of other "incentives" just for the 4th of July weekend. My one big advantage over the salespeople is that we don't need a new truck right now. I want one before October, when we will be pulling our TT down to Fort Wilderness.
One semi-interesting note, on some quick searches over the internet I have seen few used 7.3L diesel trucks available (that are in good shape). People that own them don't want to get rid of them (for many good reasons). I am going to sorely miss the fuel mileage, as I most likely will be getting the gas 5.4L engine from the looks of it.
Any comments, opinions, maybe words to comfort me as I enter the evil lair of car dealerships?
_________________________________________________________
2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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mpfireman
Cook County Il
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Joined: 12/26/2003
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The only thing I could say is, do not limit your TV by going from Diesel to Gas. Down the road you might just want to upgrade your TT or move up to a fiver. With that gas engine option, you might again have to look for another Diesel TV.
1998.5 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Cummins
1998 Sunnybrook 27RKFS Fiver
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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You want a bigger heavier truck with less motor??? IMO look for great deals on used trucks right now. Don't get lured into a new truck when you just need the full size cab. 350/3500 srw over the 250/2500 any day.
If you are going to stick with the 21' trailer maybe you would be better with a crew cab 150/1500HD especially if you are looking at the 5.4 or similar.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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If you want a cab to handle the kids, then the Dodge Mega Cab is probably the best answer. In fact from all reports there will be fighting among the passengers as to who gets to sit in back! Should be able to find some nice used 5.9L Cummins megas on the used lots. And believe it or not, it is actually shorter OAL than a crew cab from the other guys!
Donn
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chadsalt
sc
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Joined: 04/04/2005
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V10
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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I would go with the diesel or V10 and an F350, or the GM diesel and a 3500.
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
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69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
B&W TurnoverBall g-neck Curt Magnum rr DrawTite ft
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4.56's & Lock-Rite rear
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Rob_NC
Walnut Cove, NC
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Whatever you decide on, prepare to get hosed on your trade. Resale values have fallen into the basement and beyond. Some dealers won't even take a truck on trade.
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C.B.
APPLETON WI USA
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Joined: 12/15/2003
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IMHO If you go new F-350 crew cab V-10
IMHO If you go used F-350 crew cab 7.3 or 6.0
I've had nothing but diesels in my tow trucks since 1994.
I'm currently putting together a 2008 Ford F-550 84" ca tow truck with a =========V-10 gas
CBVP2004~FORD~F350~CC~LARIAT~SRW~SB~4X4~6.0D~
TORQSHIFT AUTO~PULLRITE 16K SUPERGLIDE~DEMCO GLIDERIDE
PRODIGY BRAKE CONTROLLER~C-BETR MIRRORS~ROTOCHOKS
CB Family Fleet
Butch&Barb 03Cardinal~Duane&Holli 05CedarCreek~Kris&Katy 06Cherokee~ Brian&Maia 04Jayco
 (2).jpg)
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Terryallan
NC
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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If you are going to stay with the 21 footer, or even go to a 25 or 28' TT. You should look at F150 Super Crews. While a 5.4 isn't enough motor for a 250 or 350. It is plenty for a 150, and a 150 is more than enough for the TT you have. MOP
Terry & Shay
Pioneer 23T6
04 F150, 5.4, Lariat SuperCab
Lazy Campers
NC
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concretecamper
Macungie, PA
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Joined: 11/13/2002
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Terryallan wrote:While a 5.4 isn't enough motor for a 250 or 350. It is plenty for a 150
2008 F150 with a 5.4 and 3.73 rear GCWR 15,000
2008 F250 with a 5.4 and 3.73 rear GCWR 16,000
2008 F250 above w/ 4.10 (not avaialble CC F150) GCWR 18,500
Mike
2004 Excursion Limited 4x4
6.8 V-10, 3.73
2003 Outback 28BH-S
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