Need Suggestions - Used Tow Vehicle
- Thread starter Grumpa Wally
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ovrszd
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As to the original question. No where near enough information to give an applicable answer. 
My '00 F250 7.3L PS with 250K miles on it will pull the hitch out of your trailer at whatever hiway speed you choose getting 12-13 mpg until the wheels fall off your trailer. But,,,,,, would you drive such an antique???
My '00 F250 7.3L PS with 250K miles on it will pull the hitch out of your trailer at whatever hiway speed you choose getting 12-13 mpg until the wheels fall off your trailer. But,,,,,, would you drive such an antique???
Wolfy
Veteran Member
Yeah well I hear a lot of fluff. The fire department in the town I work at has two ambulances with the 6.0L that are very NOT reliable. I never said anything about the transmissions.
Snobdds
Elite Member
It's use to be the best kept secret, but I think the word is getting out...
I bought a 6.0, mint from a guy in 2005 that was scared to death of it for cheap. He though I was nuts.
I had a good friend that knows 6.0 inside and out go through it and update everything. I gave it to my day and he still drives it today. He loves it and I don't worry about him going to our cabin alone anymore.
A friend of mine has a garage kept 2007 king ranch dually with 30,000 miles on it. I’m waiting for him to say it’s time for a new one. My 2001 with the 7.3 has almost 80,000 on it, but it’s got some rust issues, plus it has the turning radius of a school bus with those front leaf springs.
4570Man
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A duramax is the only diesel truck I'd buy under normal circumstances. The selected few low mile 7.3 ford trucks in a 2000 body stile truck bring a pretty penny. The 6.0 trucks don't sell cheap so I wouldn't have one. I "can't" afford a newer ford truck. I'm generally not a dodge fan. Of course at the right price I'd buy nearly anything which is why I added the under normal circumstances part with the duramax.
OP
Grumpa Wally
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I have a friend who found a 2000 Ford diesel from his previous home state of Michigan that looks and runs great. I'd be proud to drive it. From what I've heard so far I'll be looking for a used heavyweight gasser.As to the original question. No where near enough information to give an applicable answer.
My '00 F250 7.3L PS with 250K miles on it will pull the hitch out of your trailer at whatever hiway speed you choose getting 12-13 mpg until the wheels fall off your trailer. But,,,,,, would you drive such an antique???
adkhunter1590
Member
The 6.0s are great engines once “bulletproofed” as the diesel crowd calls it. International made a few mistakes when they put them together but nothing a couple aftermarket parts can’t fix. The prices are coming down pretty fast in the north east on 6.0s, just need to watch out for rust problems. A buddy picked up a bulletproofed king ranch crew cab 6.0 last summer for 12k with 105k miles on it. It’s spotless and runs good.
Unless your going to tow a lot on a regular basis, your better off getting a gas engine. Fords 6.2 V8 in a F250/350 would be a good option. Plenty of power to tow any camper where you wanna go. You’ll get a little less gas mileage but your saving yourself a lot on maintenance costs and possible crazy expensive repairs down the road on a diesel. I had a 2002 7.3 diesel ford and then a 2010 Cummins. Both great trucks but cost me a lot more to run than my current 2011 F150 ecoboost. Granted I can’t tow as much now but I also don’t need to. I can tow up to 11,300 with ease and the eco boost engine is phenomenal. I’m about to roll 150k on it with only a replaced o2 sensor and 1 coil pack. Next truck will likely be another eco boost once I retire this one to farm only duties.
Unless your going to tow a lot on a regular basis, your better off getting a gas engine. Fords 6.2 V8 in a F250/350 would be a good option. Plenty of power to tow any camper where you wanna go. You’ll get a little less gas mileage but your saving yourself a lot on maintenance costs and possible crazy expensive repairs down the road on a diesel. I had a 2002 7.3 diesel ford and then a 2010 Cummins. Both great trucks but cost me a lot more to run than my current 2011 F150 ecoboost. Granted I can’t tow as much now but I also don’t need to. I can tow up to 11,300 with ease and the eco boost engine is phenomenal. I’m about to roll 150k on it with only a replaced o2 sensor and 1 coil pack. Next truck will likely be another eco boost once I retire this one to farm only duties.
crashz
Veteran Member
Get out and test drive a few. The gas trucks (3/4) pull OK - but are all heavy. My 2012 Chevy is about 7000 lbs empty and with a moderate trailer (7000 lbs) it grunts a little. The big benefit you'll feel is the stability of the chassis. That cannot be overstated.
If you haven't driven a newer diesel, don't do it. They are addictive and you'll always want one. I love driving my old 2003 F450 with the 7.3 and 6 speed stick. I drive it every weekend, even if I'm just going to the dump or store. They are great to drive, have loads of power and the stick shift adds to the fun. I'd rather drive that rusty dump truck than pretty much anything else.
The diesels are pretty expensive, both in sticker price and maintenance once they get some years/miles on. The gas trucks just keep running, and the mileage penalty is not that bad.
If you haven't driven a newer diesel, don't do it. They are addictive and you'll always want one. I love driving my old 2003 F450 with the 7.3 and 6 speed stick. I drive it every weekend, even if I'm just going to the dump or store. They are great to drive, have loads of power and the stick shift adds to the fun. I'd rather drive that rusty dump truck than pretty much anything else.
The diesels are pretty expensive, both in sticker price and maintenance once they get some years/miles on. The gas trucks just keep running, and the mileage penalty is not that bad.