Will 2008 F-350 5.4L gas be a good match for our camper?

[theclarkster]

Hello all

Our search for a Camper + Truck combo continues but we've at least narrowed our choice of camper down to 3: Wolf Creek 840, Wolf Creek 850 and Camplite 10

All of these campers are for long bed trucks and when loaded will be about 3000-3500 lbs. Now we just have to find a good truck then we'll make the drive to Washington state to pick up our new camper.

We've found a local truck, 2008 F-350 5.4L gasser, for about $15k with about 150k km mileage.

It seems quite affordable. However we worry about the 5.4L engine. We know it'll struggle a bit going up steep hills but will it handle the camper okay? Fuel economy wise I don't expect it to be great but it's okay because we'll only be using it less than 10k km/year.

Another truck option we have is a 2011 Chev Silverado 3500 LT gasser 6.0L vortec V8 with about 135k km mileage. I know this truck will handle the camper well but it will cost us $26k and we'll need to travel far to get it.

Any opinion is welcome. We never owned a truck before so know very little about engine size vs. hauling capacity, etc.

Thanks!

[wintersun]

I would go with the GM in part as it has independent front suspension which provides a more forgiving ride and a smaller turning radius. There is no reason that you have to pay $26K for a 2011 truck with 135k on the odometer. Check the Kelly blue book for a private party sale and use that number to negotiate. The seller would definitely take $25,000 and may go as low as $22,000.

The GM gas engine is more than adequate. Gears as mentioned make a big difference but this is usually overlooked. The GM tow capacity for a gas engine truck with the 4.10 gears is 25% higher (3,000 lbs.) than for the same truck with the 3.73 gears. Same difference with 3.55 gears. Ideally I would want a truck that had the 4.10 gears but settle for one with 3.73 gears, and walk away from anything else. You can use the VIN to look up the factory configuration and gears installed on the truck (or have the local auto dealer part department do it for you.)

I would not worry overly about the mileage of the GM. The only major item to repair is the transmission and these usually are good for 200,000 miles or more. The rest of the engine, alternator, fuel pump, water pump, etc. can be a problem at 80,000 miles so only avoided by getting a new truck and this is not a way to save money.

If you plan to drive 8,000 miles a year with the camper then the truck should last you for the next 5 years at least and probably longer.

[CaveRun]

theclarkster wrote:

We've found a local truck, 2008 F-350 5.4L gasser, for about $15k with about 150k km mileage.

Why not get a F-350 diesel ?

150k is a lot of miles for a gasser and the price is ''high''!..IMHO

I'm in the market for a F-250 or F-350 diesel... Look on AutoTrader.com for a truck.

I've been searching on there and I have found some great deals! (diesel)

[billtex]

Not trying to slam gassers...they can do the job with a TC if not towing.
Both of those are pretty high mileage for gas motors.

The 5.4 is a dog to start with. At 150k it surely is losing compression and due for a rebuild.
The Chevy 6.0 has more hp/tq and is probably a better choice...but that aint' no spring chicken either at 135k.

I don't see either one of those as a bargain either.

Keep looking for something with lower mileage.

That's my $0.02

Bill

[fla-gypsy]

I've towed 9k with the 3v version of the 5.4L with a 3.73 rear gear in an F-250 and it did fine as long as it is allowed to wind up when it needs to.

[thejustin]

Not sure about cargo carrying but I had an 09 F250 with the higher gear spec package (4.10) and it towed adequately. My 5th wheel was at the upper echelon of the weight limit at approx 10,000 lbs but the truck lugged it around ok. Steep hills will make the engine RPM's scream however. Had to replace the exhaust manifolds twice on mine...... I'd say if you can get the 4.10 gearing it might be worth a shot but with the 3.73's a heavy camper will probably make that truck slow down to a crawl.

[janechucknicode]

INMHO poor people cannot afford to buy cheep. get the biggest engine you can. Go with the 6 vortex YOU will never regret it.
I have a 2500 Silverado HD 6 liter You will not even know you have a load and feel like a god going over thoose smalll lumps called the Rockies..
Good luck
Chuck

[big_whitey]

IMHO it would not be a good match. Small engine, heavy truck/camper = misery.

[hedge]

The good is that you should have lots of weight capacity as it's the lightest engine you can get in a 350. My FIL had the same truck in a 2wd and honestly it was a dog, I think that's why they are so cheap.

[jimh406]

The gearing on both will make the biggest difference. It won't be a powerhouse, but I expect the 5.4 will be fine in Tow-haul mode. Worst case, you can improve the power by relatively simple mods like K&N air filter and more free flowing catalytic converters, mufflers, and exhaust pipes.

BTW, I towed a 6000 lb trailer over the Cascades for a while with a '97 5.4 Expedition. My guess is the overall weight should be about the same although the 2008 5.4 should be more powerful by quite a bit.