2004 F-450 6.0 DRW Bullet Proof

Our dealer that knew we were looking for a TV called us about a 2004 F-450 DRW 6.0L Diesel, the Lariat package, that's been bullet proofed. It has 77,000 Miles and one owner who used it for pulling horse trailers. There is a lot of paperwork included showing all the work done. It has balloons? Airbags? that raise or lower the rear suspension. Includes a gooseneck hitch. $21K

It's more truck than we were looking for but I'm thinking you can't have too much truck. It won't be a daily driver and right now we are only pulling a max of 6500 lb TT but plan to upgrade to a small (27 - 30 ft) FW in a couple years.

My question is...with all the problems of the 6.0 does the bulletproof actually make it reliable. We are looking at this being a long-term (10+ years) ownership. We always buy new because we do better with a budget of a monthly payment and a bumper to bumper warranty than with surprise repair bills but at the price of new trucks that is out of the question for something that will be a TV only.

I totally agree that within reason we cannot have too much truck. However, you might check the Calfornia revised statutes for registering a truck with that gross weight and whether you will need to comply with truck weight stations. I would start with the Motor Carrier division and ask questions. A F350 dually will do everything you want especially if you are only looking for a relatively short and light fifth wheel. For a 38-40 foot toyhauler or other heavy fifth wheel the 450 makes sense, but a 350 is more than enough for your near term future plans. Just trying to save you some money and possible DMV headaches.