Looking for a "well" used tow vehicle for about 2,000 miles a year. I am currently using my 2013 F150, which, although does great with power and on two lane roads, struggles with heavy winds for obvious reasons and I am over on my rear axle. Dumping my F150 is NOT an option at this point. TT loaded is 9,160 with a tongue of 1,280. Thoughts on the vehicles below?http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/615939685/overview/http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/615157961/overview/http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/120083980/overview/

With a trailer the weight of yours, I'd personally avoid the 5.4L V8. The first one with the V10 seems like a nice truck for what you have. The dually is also nice, but seems like more truck than you need for your trailer.I don't see any issues going with an older truck so long as you look it over good, try to get a carfax to check accident history and ensure it's mechanically sound. For example, I tow with the 2000 Expy in my sig. Pulls my 6K gross TT OK. I would not want more behind me, but it does the job just fine. No issues, but I am very meticolous with my vehicles, both mechanically and cosmetically.As to Ford specifically I've been a Ford fan for many years now. I feel they build a quality product, but mechanically and body wise. However, all of the "Big 3" I feel build decent products, pros and cons to all of them. If you found the right Chevy or Dodge I would not hesistate on those either. My .02Good luck.

All three of those have the improved crank, 2-valve V10. Which makes 305 HPYou would have to get a 2005 or newer to get the 3-valve V10, at 362 HPI believe the 2001 has the head issues (not enough threads for the spark-plugs). While spark-plug failure was not common, you should be aware of it.

I would eliminate the F-250 with 5.4 PDQ and take a good look at the red 7.3 PS dooley. But what do I know?

I've had both of the gassers, and have researched the 7.3. Forget the 5.4; you won't like the towing experience, especially on hills, let alone mountains. For your limited use, the v10 would serve you well, although thirsty. If you ever anticipate going bigger, the 7.3 drw is the way to go. Ford's best diesel to date, but check the trans, as that was the weak spot on those. Good luck!

I would also stay away from the 5.4. The 7.3 is a great engine as is the V10.

Thoughts on a used Ford tow vehicle...?? | Good Sam Community

40 Replies

OH48Lt
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
I liked that black F350 with the V10 until I saw all the rust on the rocker panels. Look at the photo with all four doors open.
hotpepperkid
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
Find a 7.3 with less than 250,000 mile on it
wintersun
Explorer II
Sep 28, 2014
Don't ignore the rear end gearing of your present truck and any replacements for towing. With a gas engine I want 4.10 gears and have never bought anything with taller gearing that I wanted to use for towing.

Ford F-150 with the 5.0 V-8 and 3.31 gears has a towing capacity of 7,900 lbs., which increases to 8,300 lbs. with the 3.55 gears, and to 10,000 lbs. with the 3.73 gears. So you can get a 25% increase in not only towing capacity but actual on the road performance with the lowest gears provided.

I went with the 4.10 gears when all that was available were 4-speed automatic transmissions and still got better gas mileage than others with taller gears and this was towing or not. Now with 6-speed and 8-speed transmissions with multiple overdrive gears available there is no reason to not go with the lowest gears that you can get.

I would sooner hold onto the current truck and spend $1000 to fix the gears if it does have 3.31 or 3.55 gears - which you can determine with a VIN lookup.
wintersun
Explorer II
Sep 28, 2014
Don't ignore the rear end gearing of your present truck and any replacements for towing. With a gas engine I want 4.10 gears and have never bought anything with taller gearing that I wanted to use for towing.

Ford F-150 with the 5.0 V-8 and 3.31 gears has a towing capacity of 7,900 lbs., which increases to 8,300 lbs. with the 3.55 gears, and to 10,000 lbs. with the 3.73 gears. So you can get a 25% increase in not only towing capacity but actual on the road performance with the lowest gears provided.

I went with the 4.10 gears when all that was available were 4-speed automatic transmissions and still got better gas mileage than others with taller gears and this was towing or not. Now with 6-speed and 8-speed transmissions with multiple overdrive gears available there is no reason to not go with the lowest gears that you can get.

I would sooner hold onto the current truck and fix the gears if it does have 3.31 or 3.55 gears - which you can determine with a VIN lookup.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Sep 28, 2014
That's a very nice truck... We purchased a 7.3 Super Duty earlier this year for Farm/Ranch work and so far it's been a jewel.
ib516
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2014
Dang that is a sweet 7.3L Kevin!
TXiceman
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2014
On the older Ford trucks, the 7.3 was strong as is the V-10. We have friends pulling a 32' coachman with his V-10 that is approaching 200,000 miles. Still doing a good job for him.

For towing avoid the 5.4L. Not enough power and a gas hog. The 6.0L and 6.4L diesels were dogs in my book. The last year Ford used the 6.0L it was not a bad engine. The 6.4L had it's share of problems and was know as a fuel hog as well.

Ken
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Sep 26, 2014
Kevin O

That is a great find!!!! Good Luck with it !! It looks great
lbrjet
Explorer
Sep 26, 2014
Wow, that's a great find. Congrats Kevin. I love my F250, I'm sure you will love that truck just as much.
Kevin_O_
Explorer
Sep 26, 2014
I just sold my F150 ecoboost and bought a 2001 F350 Lariat with a 7.3L. It took awhile to find one that wasn't a complete rust bucket. I was lucky enough to find one down south with next to no rust. It averages about the same mpg around town that my F150 did and now I'm able to haul more and tow more at half the price of my F150. :) I would try and find a good 7.3L Powerstroke.. Good luck, Kevin