I am new to the forum and new to heavy towing. I have had a pop up camper for years and towed it with a GMC 4.8L with no issues.We have upgraded to a much heavier camper. It has a dry weight of 8,400lbs. I am now looking for a different truck because my 4.8L is only rated for 7,000 lbs, and frankly I think that might be generous to say that of it.I have been looking at a 2010 Ford F 250 with a 5.4L Motor. I have heard mixed reviews of this motor. It is rated to tow 9,500 lbs. Is this enough of a buffer over it's dry weight. I usually am in the truck by myself and the kids ride with their mother. With that said, I have five peoples worth of clothing and groceries in with me.Any help on the subject would be appreciated. Thanks

I say no. Nobody tows at dry weight. Add at least 1500lbs for food, clothes, propane, ect. What is the gross weight. A F250 with 6.2l gas would be minimum.

By the time you load the trailer and truck, you will likely be above the manufactures tow rating on the truck if that is important to you.The answer of being acceptable depends on your expectations. That combo will likely downshift a lot and run high RPMs. Some don't mind those characteristics, and some can't stand it. Where do you fall?If it was me, I would look for more truck/engine.

look for a V-10. you will get the same mileage and have plenty of power!

The 5.4 is a good strong engine and served many people well. My father's F150 has it, and he towed a 7500 lbs Wildwood 5th wheel with it, and never had a complaint. He now has a heavier Heritage Glen 5th wheel and a 2014 F150 with the 6.2L. He liked the F150 combo better and believed it towed better. Apples to oranges since it's different trucks and different RVs.The 5.4L does have a significant problem with blowing spark plugs out of the aluminum head of the engine, it's an extremely expensive fix, so I would be careful buying a 5.4L with high miles.

Is Ford F 250 with 5.4L enough truck? | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

Speedogomer
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
The 5.4 is a good strong engine and served many people well. My father's F150 has it, and he towed a 7500 lbs Wildwood 5th wheel with it, and never had a complaint. He now has a heavier Heritage Glen 5th wheel and a 2014 F150 with the 6.2L. He liked the F150 combo better and believed it towed better. Apples to oranges since it's different trucks and different RVs.

The 5.4L does have a significant problem with blowing spark plugs out of the aluminum head of the engine, it's an extremely expensive fix, so I would be careful buying a 5.4L with high miles.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jan 11, 2015
look for a V-10. you will get the same mileage and have plenty of power!
ccso58
Explorer
Jan 11, 2015
Thanks for the help.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jan 11, 2015
By the time you load the trailer and truck, you will likely be above the manufactures tow rating on the truck if that is important to you.

The answer of being acceptable depends on your expectations. That combo will likely downshift a lot and run high RPMs. Some don't mind those characteristics, and some can't stand it. Where do you fall?

If it was me, I would look for more truck/engine.
iawoody2
Explorer
Jan 11, 2015
I say no. Nobody tows at dry weight. Add at least 1500lbs for food, clothes, propane, ect. What is the gross weight. A F250 with 6.2l gas would be minimum.

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Is Ford F 250 with 5.4L enough truck?

25 Replies

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