Who’s still using a 7.3 diesel truck

I have a 1997 7.3 Powerstroke with 5 speedstandard shift. Bought it brand new with the camper package specially for hauling my 9.5 ft. 1993 Sunline. Both are in excellent shape as they are garage kept when not traveling. Truck has 147,000 miles on it and has only been used for camping.

2000 F350 7.3. 160,000 miles. Replaced a few hoses. Always service trans and coolant every 50K. Oil changes (whatever Costco has on sale) every 5K. New fuel filter and clean the air filter every 10K. It just keeps on chugging. I keep in on a trickle charge to keep the batteries up. If I had to put $5,000 into it, it would still be worth it.
While the mileage doesn't match up to my Prius, it is still relatively good. 13mpg towing my 10K 5th wheel and 16mpg+ during routine daily driving (more on highway only, of course). I'll see if one of my grand sons wants it when I decide driving it is a chore. Then they can throw all that high horsepower **** on it while having fun with it.

Kayteg1 wrote:
New technology will always come with baby teeth, but just from my experience.
3 years ago new DPF was $3000, while cleaning shops were rare and DIY cleaners not available. Also lack of driver education, when aborted regenerations create cascade of troubles.
Now aftermarket DPF cost $600, you can buy monitoring scanner for $49, plenty of DPF shops around and DIY cleaners are not needed, when you monitor the system work and accordingly.
The 230-250 HP 7.3l is slow and gas guzzler comparing to "not so new" 6.7l.
I can only wonder what newer diesel will bring.
My huge Sprinter van delivers 22 mpg, when the engine introduced 4 years ago in Europe delivers even more, with more HP.
Can we expect 25 mpg from new Powerstroke?
Bottom line, I am not looking back to 7.3l and I am not picky about pollution.

This is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are equally good for what they are and what they do but they aren't the same or even in the same category of functionality. Maneuverability, reduced noise and fuel mileage are great assets of the Sprinter but that is about it in comparison to a heavy duty pickup truck. An F350 (regardless of year) gives you the option to move 6 people in comfort and safety. It also allows you to carry a 5000lb camper and tow a trailer carrying all the toys. You can drop everything at camp and drive to town or go exploring in just the truck if you wanted. You can use the truck at home to haul stuff when needed or even daily driver it if you wanted. You can haul a 5th wheel when the family of six declares the camper is to small to camp in. Don't get me wrong, the Sprinters are fantastic rigs for what they do and I would strongly consider one if it was just the wife and I touring the country but that is a completely different life than I have right now.

In regards to the speed of the 7.3 (or the lack as you suggest) that is easily addressed with a few upgrades. Granted I probably have ~$12k in performance upgrades under the hood but really a simple 6 position tuner chip will unlock a lot of potential for a few hundred dollars. Not having driven the 6.7 myself, I can't say for certain if I will outrun one but I am confident that I would give it a run for it's money. It is easily the fastest vehicle I have driven.

The thing about the 7.3 is that while it isn't perfect, the foundation is there to give you years of trouble free miles and potential for significant power upgrades if that is your thing. All without the complications of having the EPA shove an emissions system that when it fails is too expensive to replace.

mellow wrote:
Thank you for your 2cents that no one asked for Keyteg :R

Are you OP ?
Having double handles is against forum rules.

mellow wrote:
I hate the picture capabilities of this site.
Here is mine:

Dang!! Which model is that TC and what’s your camping weight?

I should have typed that out better but yes the 99-03 7.3 powestroke! I have a been keeping my eye on a couple locally (northern Alberta) I think these trucks are starting to turn around in price if they’ve been Well kept! This truck is gunna be a dedicated tow pig as my daily is a f150. I love the older diesels as many have mentioned before the simplicity is great and parts are cheap compared to new.

Don’t get me wrong I love the new ones but it’s not in the cards and I’d rather be able to get out there camping with and dogs this year! Of course with a minijet boat in tow lol

mellow wrote:
I hate the picture capabilities of this site.

Me too.

I hate the picture capabilities of this site.
Here is mine:

Thank you for your 2cents that no one asked for Keyteg :R