I am new to this very helpful site. Our plan is to go fulltime mid next year. After researching and thinking for some time we would like to start with a used 3/4 ton truck (~15-20k) and a used smallish 5th wheel (<10.000 lbs wet).After reading many positive comments about the Ford 6.8L V10 on this website I now believe that this engine in a F250/F350 would be a good good choice.I am hoping to find a 2005 or newer F250/F350 (automatic transmission) with 100.000 or less for around 15k. I am interested in feedback to the following questions:- are there any major engine issues from 2005-2010?- are there any transmission issues?- does short/long bed matter?- are all V10 capable of towing 10.000 lbs?- when buying a used Ford V10 are there specific points to consider?Please don't hesitate to comment freely, all tips are welcome. I am excited and glad that I found this community.ThanksHannes

To know actual tow-ratings of any particular truck, the rear-end ratio must be known.As for mileage, you can find amazing low mileage rigs if you keep looking. My current truck was sold brand new in Jan 2008. Over the next three years the owner put 600 miles on the truck. We figured it was sold to "an old man" that got too ill to drive and it took that long for him (or his estate) to sell it.It was then resold in Jan 2011 to someone that put 6000 miles on the truck in 5 months. He was using it as a daily commute vehicle the the poor-gas mileage was killing him.I bought it in July of 2011 with 6500 miles on it.

I think it was around the 2005 time period that Ford had a lot of problems on all their modular engines including their V10 with blowing spark plugs. As in you are driving along and a spark plug blows out of the head taking a chunk of the head with it.This happened to my brother in law on his 2002 Excursion.Something you might want to research a bit before settling on which year you want to buy.

Just sold my 2008 F250 XLT V10 Short Bed 410 rear. My FW towing wt is 12,500lbs. Truck had no problems in 50,000 miles. Have been from Florida to Canada. Towing 9-10 mpg, solo highway 15, around town 9-10. Sold for 16,500 with Superglide hitch & truck box. Truck looked like it was built yesterday when I sold it. Just bought a 2015 F250 XLT 6.2 long bed 430 rear with Ford Factory hitch. If you have any questions send me a PM.

Thanks n7bsn. Have you had any issues with yours? What gearing do you have? How heavy is your trailer and how does the truck pull it? Thanks so much!

oughtsix wrote:I think it was around the 2005 time period that Ford had a lot of problems on all their modular engines including their V10 with blowing spark plugs. As in you are driving along and a spark plug blows out of the head taking a chunk of the head with it.This happened to my brother in law on his 2002 Excursion.Something you might want to research a bit before settling on which year you want to buy.No. It was very early on when they had the plug blowing issue. It was around 98 (when the Triton motors came out) they fixed the plug issue in late 01 or early 02. I have an 02 with the better heads with more threads to keep the plug from spitting out. With that said the Triton is a great motor! I'm towing 9200lbs with mine and have no issues. The later V-10's have more power and the 5 speed auto. You will be extremely happy with one. When looking, look for one with at least 4.10 gears. The Triton loves to rev.Good luck!

Ford V10 Questions | Good Sam Community

51 Replies

idaho_camper
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
Tennessee_Nomad wrote:
Aside from it's slight drinking problem, which I overlook in favor of its work ethic.

This is the best quote on this thread!

I went back to gas from ~10 years running oil-burners, and the V10 was the only engine I would even consider. I love mine (2003 2-valve). It makes its best power >3500rpm, so I had to adjust to that style of driving coming from a Cummins. It's never EVER given me any problems whatsoever, and I would buy another one tomorrow.

I'm running 5-star tuning software, and I have headers in my future. If I could find one, I would STRONGLY consider trading mine for a 2005+ model if only for the coil front suspension -- turning radius is markedly improved with coils up front. But in my neck of the woods, finding a 2005+ is like trying to find a unicorn.

Good luck in your search.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
I have owned 4 Ford modular motors since 2003. 1-4.6L, 2-5.4L's and 1-6.8L. They have never caused me any issue whatsoever and I have never done any repairs to any of them. My current tow vehicle is a 2009 Ford F-250 CC with the 6.8L and a 4.10 rear gear with 55,000 miles and has been a dream truck. It is an absolute towing machine! I don't give a flip about the mileage when towing (9 mpg's) when I need HP and torque.
hkury00
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
MegaCab_PL wrote:
Hkury00 -

Buying from the owner or the dealer.

If dealer, ask them to replace the plugs.

Thanks. That's what I did. The mechanic said there were new redesigned plugs in it. However the truck sold in the mean time. Well, I am not really unhappy about it because there seam to be many V10s out there.

Hannes
MegaCab_PL
Explorer
Nov 07, 2014
Hkury00 -

Buying from the owner or the dealer.

If dealer, ask them to replace the plugs.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2014
buddyIam wrote:
F100 used to be the 1/2 ton.
f150 was the heavy half until they got rid of the f100.

My understanding is the truck is a 3/4 ton frame. The front hubs are 5 lug but you can upgrade to 8 lug by just a bearing change. The springs/twin I beams are 3/4 ton up front. In the rear same with the 3/4 ton leaf pack. And mine has a overload leaf spring pack.

I have never seen it sag. Before I permanently mounted the camper I have cut wood and loaded the bed up along with a trailer full

The rear end is a 9". 35 spline.

By putting in 8 lug front hubs and changing out the rear axle it is said you would have a base 3/4 ton.

Thanks! Great explanation

Jeremiah
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2014
cpaulsen wrote:
Tow my 5ver which is a little over 10K. Truck...01 F350/CC/LB/4x4/V-10.
Had a plug blow out once....had the heads pulled and steel inserts put in all the heads. Truck weighs about 7800 lbs. Tows just fine with 3:73 gears but changing them to 4:30's this week. Usually get about 6-7 mpg towing and around 15-16 empty. It has been a really good truck for me.

You`ll love the change to 4.30. You should end up seeing 8-9 mpg towing with the 4.30`s. and you hwy mileage should be 14-14.5mpg.

The V-10 is a workhorse! just when you think you`re pushing it too hard it will say "thank you sir, may I have another" LOL!
cpaulsen
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
Tow my 5ver which is a little over 10K. Truck...01 F350/CC/LB/4x4/V-10.
Had a plug blow out once....had the heads pulled and steel inserts put in all the heads. Truck weighs about 7800 lbs. Tows just fine with 3:73 gears but changing them to 4:30's this week. Usually get about 6-7 mpg towing and around 15-16 empty. It has been a really good truck for me.
hkury00
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
Tennessee_Nomad wrote:
I tow with what's in my sig below. It tows like a champ. No problems with the truck at all. Aside from it's slight drinking problem, which I overlook in favor of its work ethic.

Hi TennesseNomad and others,

I am considering making an offer on a 2007 F250 Lariat 6.8 V10 with 113,000 miles, 1 owner, good condition. I am thinking 15,000 would be reasonable price. What do you think, should I go lower. Thanks for your feedback.
Tennessee_Nomad
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
I tow with what's in my sig below. It tows like a champ. No problems with the truck at all. Aside from it's slight drinking problem, which I overlook in favor of its work ethic.
talonhead
Explorer
Nov 05, 2014
Just sold my '99 CCSB 4wd F250 V10.
It spat out a plug a couple of years ago. Took it to Ford, fixed it and my A/C compressor right before my trip to pick up my 5er. She had 4.30 gears. (Didn't know they were available OEM w/ 4.10s)
Now, I stepped up to a Ram MegaDually 3500 CTD/Aisin w/3.73's :)

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Ford V10 Questions

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