So, after all the research, tips, and advice on this forum and others, I finally made the decision to purchase used. 5 years of payments, a large enough down payment to avoid large monthly payments, and HUGE depreciation were what led to me to the used market.Went with tried and true American truck.2003 Ford F-350, 6.8L/V10, Crew Cab, 2WD, SRW, Standard Bed. 62K original miles and very well kept from second owner. Top condition inside and out.Solid and smooth riding! Just drove 400 miles from where I purchased it and it was just what I was looking for....smooth, solid, proven dependability, and capable!The venerable V10 is a towing beast as far as gad engines go. Tried and proven, reliable tow vehicle.Payload is 3860#!!! Not bad for a 14 yo truck!Now, do you any of you tow with this or similar truck?If so, what can you share about mods, maintenance tips, etc.Thanks to all for your input during my research.Now, I can pretty much pick out any 28-30' TT / 5er of my choosing! Nice to have the payload freedom and not feel over stressed by the limitations of a 1/2 ton.

Our '04 excursion has almost 190,000 a lot of it towing. The last TT we had was 33ft and about 8500 lb and it was fine stock. We did nothing to it except tighten the slop in the steering box.

I recommend changing the so called 100,000 mile plugs now. The longer theyre in the more difficult it is to get them out.

I have a 2003 with the V10 eng. Best eng that I have ever had. 105,000 miles on it. Changed the plugs at 103,000 miles . No problems changing them. Recentlythe check eng light came on and had to change the computer in the eng. That cost me $1,100. Other than tires, breaks, tuneup its been a maintenance free P/Up. I have had 3 TV with the V10 eng

I like it! Nice rig. Super Duty build quality is second to none IMO.

New to me Tow Vehicle! 2003 Ford F-350 V10 | Good Sam Community

blofgren
Explorer
May 27, 2017
Congratulations! That's a great find. A beautiful truck with an excellent super reliable engine. I had a 2003 F-350 that I really loved and would still have it if it wasn't for the 6.0L diesel that was in it.
danrclem
Explorer
May 27, 2017
Great looking truck. Enjoy!
kw_00
Explorer
May 24, 2017
Nice truck, great find, enjoy it and keep us updated on your trip experience.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 24, 2017
Baja Man wrote:
dodge guy wrote:
I use an OBD WiFi dongle ($20) and use my IPhone with the Dash Command app ($30) and you get way more info than you`ll ever need.

I considered one but like the idea of not being phone dependent.

My iPhone will be sued for...NAV, music, etc and will also connect to an Apple Car Play stereo (Double Din) I will install.

I agree. But I have my sons old IPod, my daughters old IPhone4s and a tablet All have the app on it. And I can set them up in any configuration of gauges I want. The tablet is even better because I can have 6 gauges and it will be easier to read.
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 24, 2017
Fordlover wrote:
phillyg wrote:
I recommend changing the so called 100,000 mile plugs now. The longer theyre in the more difficult it is to get them out.

You are thinking of the 05 to late 2007 engines. Those are a bear. The earlier engines have a few cases of spark plugs being launched out from insufficient torquing. I've read over torquing just a bit will prevent any issues.

According to my research on the spark plug blow out issue you are correct. I will be changing them soon. Anti seize and torque to 22 ft lb should prevent any blow out issues.
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 24, 2017
dodge guy wrote:
I use an OBD WiFi dongle ($20) and use my IPhone with the Dash Command app ($30) and you get way more info than you`ll ever need.

I considered one but like the idea of not being phone dependent.

My iPhone will be sued for...NAV, music, etc and will also connect to an Apple Car Play stereo (Double Din) I will install.
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 24, 2017
kopy kat wrote:
Baja Man, another thought....I used a Scan Guage 2 on both of my v10's....it really does a great job of keeping track of important temps!

I just mounted it on top of my dash with a Velcro patch, that way it was in my direct line of sight and small enough to not be in the way.

Happy trails, Larry

Did you consider the Blend Mount which is slim and sleek and mounts to rear view mirror arm and the gauge sits just above glass portion? Nice place and out of the way.

I like to keep my dashboard clutter-free....if possible!
Fordlover
Explorer
May 24, 2017
phillyg wrote:
I recommend changing the so called 100,000 mile plugs now. The longer theyre in the more difficult it is to get them out.

You are thinking of the 05 to late 2007 engines. Those are a bear. The earlier engines have a few cases of spark plugs being launched out from insufficient torquing. I've read over torquing just a bit will prevent any issues.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 24, 2017
I use an OBD WiFi dongle ($20) and use my IPhone with the Dash Command app ($30) and you get way more info than you`ll ever need.
kopy_kat
Explorer
May 24, 2017
Baja Man, another thought....I used a Scan Guage 2 on both of my v10's....it really does a great job of keeping track of important temps!

I just mounted it on top of my dash with a Velcro patch, that way it was in my direct line of sight and small enough to not be in the way.

Happy trails, Larry

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New to me Tow Vehicle! 2003 Ford F-350 V10

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