Purchasing Ford F350 Dually, Need Advice

[P_Colahan]

Hello all,
Been some time since we posted here. We live in Everett, WA on board our boat. Which we have loved. Now we are looking at purchasing another Cab Over to do some land cruising in addition to water cruising. I need to get a larger truck and want a Ford this time.

I am interested in a truck with a 7.3 ltr but that means I would have to get a truck that is 2002 or older. I don't want a 6.0 ltr as I have heard and read just too many issues with them. I test drove a 2009 6.4 ltr today and it seemed ok but I have no knowledge of these engines or trucks. Looking for some very candid responses regarding issues, years to look out for, etc.

Thanks much in advance.

[joeshmoe]

You want candid? Do NOT buy a Powerstroke of any variety unless you know what you're doing and know what you're getting into. Many, not all, of the "failures" of the 6.0 were due to user ignorance/negligence and or flat-out failure to maintenance. That's a fact since there are tons of people who have never had the problems. They got to know the engine and upgraded what needed upgrading or had a good mechanic do it.

6.4's cost twice as much to repair when necessary.

7.3's are few and far between nowadays. They're out there, but tough to find. Depending on the maintenance done, 200K is nothing for a diesel. Certainly nothing for a well maintained diesel. Don't let 200K scare you away. That's just silly. These engines can go over 500K.

[BB_TX]

There is little praise for the 6.4. I would suggest getting a 2012 or newer 6.7. I would avoid the first year 2011 6.7 as I just do not like getting the first year anything.

[Golden_HVAC]

2011 and later have a much quieter engine and more power. 2005 and later has a LOT of cargo capacity, so the dually after 2005 can carry about 5,000 pounds, while a 2004 and earlier are less than 3,800 pounds.

I agree, you should avoid the 6L and 6.4L - even though they have some great add on's that will make them a lot more reliable, yet you never know if the used truck you are driving is only a few miles from failure, or if it will go a lot further.

After a water coolant filter is installed, and changed at 800 miles, 3,000 miles and 9,000 miles, the coolant becomes pretty clean, and the oil cooler failure is much less likely, when the oil cooler plugs with debris, then the exhaust coolant filter gets no water, and it cracks, and then you end up with water in the engine. . . $15,000 later and you have a engine (new one) that is good for 100,000 more miles or so. .

The 7.3L was a great engine, but sadly most will have well over 200,000 miles on it. That is like buying a boat with 5,000+ hours on the engines. Besides the engine and transmission needing attention sooner or later, there are steering problems, and other suspension things that will wear out too.

So if you can find a dually F-350 that has less than 200,000 miles on it, it should be a great deal. Probably something much more reliable would be a 2011 and newer F-350 dually.

Or look for a gas V10 model. They are also reliable, but will consume a bit more fuel. Depends on how many miles you plan on traveling each year. If more than 10,000, you might spend more on the V10, but less, and the $45 oil changes are pretty nice, as well as lower cost per gallon fuel. It is rated at 26,000 GVWR in the motorhomes, and 30,000 GCVWR in some of the trucks.

Good luck!

Fred.