I got the 7700 to haul a camper. And it would do a great job at doing so...but I want a larger camper in the 9-10 foot range. The shortbox was limited to an 8 footer. Plus, I want to go back to a manual transmission.
So I ordered an 03 F250 SC LB XLT 4x4 with the 5.4/6spd/4.10LS with Camper pkg and some other goodies. It should be here the end of May.
I really like the 7700, it is a great truck. It has that solid heavy duty feeling, and it does ride firm. I just need a long bed!

So if anybody needs an F150 7700...

 

Congratulations to you!

I dont want to be a bummer on your happiness, but I dont want to see someone disappointed either.

If you still can, order the V-10 or if you can swing it the PSD.

The truck weighs about 7000 by itself, you'll want more power when you load it up. I think the V-10 option is only $800...

 

I would echo what bikenut said. If at all possible, change your engine choice to either the V10 or PSD. While the 5.4 is fine for the truck itself, once you start adding any weight to it, I would consider it borderline underpowered. When I went from my '00 supercab to my '02 crew cab, I went from the 5.4 to the V10 and have been very glad that I did.

Regardless - congrats on ordering the new ride. I know you will enjoy it.

 

I have a 2001 F-250 4X4 extended cab with 5.4 V8 engine and 3.73 gears and I tow an 8500 lbs boat with no problem I think the engine would be fine just my opinion Harry

 

I think the hills are bigger in Oregon than Florida , so more power would be money well spent. In my '00, I towed maybe 4000 lbs through the Ozark mountains, and there were times when it had to work a little harder than I would have liked. i don't have that problem with my '02 and 8000 lbs.

My $0.02USD

 

This was kind of a hard decision, and I appreciate all the opinions here. I test drove both the V10/6spd/3.73 and the V8/6spd/4.10 and to be honest they didn't feel very different. Both were strong through the rpm's, and didn't take much to get up to speed. In fact, the V8 SD felt stronger than my F150 with 3.73's, so I knew I couldn't go wrong.
I've loaded my 7700 with 2000 lbs of rock and barely knew it was there, so the SD will move the weight that much better. And I don't think it will know a 2500lb camper is back there either. I don't tow anything except for my driftboat, if I did tow heavier trailers...you bet, a V10 or PSD. Towing is a lot different than hauling. Besides, the V10 sounds great, but IMHO the V8 sounds better!
And yup, there are a some big hills out here!

 

You made the right choice by pairing up the 4.10 with the 5.4. That will definitely help, as I just had the 3.73 in my '00.

I hope the wait doesn't kill you!!

 

Howdy. I think I made the right choice. It felt very strong, the 5.4 seems to go with the 6spd and 4.10 very well.

 

Hi 7700

Congrats on the new ride. Even thou you decided on the 5.4L...that manual tranny and 4:10 will sure help.

However, im curious. If i understand you correctly..you want a bigger cab over (slide in) camper. Could weigh 2500#...with F250 GVWR of 8800#...you better belive your gonna know its back there. JMO!

Just a suggestion..you may already know..but unless you can verify from seller the true actual loaded wt. of that slide in...LOOK OUT. If any doubts about it at all...load it up..go to scales before buying. Better safe than sorry.

Meantime...crossing off the days in anticipation. I know

Good luck...OT

 

Congrats on the new purchase... The guys at the Kentucky Truck Plant based right here in Louisville will take good care of you!

ENJOY!

RP

 

Man believe me, I am not trying to rain on your parade at all. I feel half terrible about posting like this but I feel obligated...


The reason I went from my 02' F150 with the 5.4 to my current truck was because of its Towing ability NOT its empty performance.

If at all possible, bring your camper to the dealer and tow it with the different power options! It's only $800 bucks to get the V-10 and you wont regret too much power....

I honestly feel you will regret getting the 5.4 the first time you tow...

 

I may be wrong, but I think he is talking about a truck camper (i.e. cab-over camper). I got that from his post where he said he didn't tow anything besides his boat.

 

Yeah it is a slide in camper. One thing about them is that you can get way to much camper in a hurry. Mine will be around 2000lbs or under dry, mainly to stay within the GVW. With these SD's you can max out the GVWR way before the GAWR. A couple friends have slide-ins and sure you know it's there just because of the shear bulk they have and they are a little top heavy. But putting stuff in the bed is alot easier to deal with than pulling heavy trailers. Believe me, if I towed anything over 3-4000 pounds on a regular basis the V10 would be a no-brainer!
Anyway...it is too late to change anything so I have to live with this for a while. I'll keep you guys posted as to how the new rig handles everything if you're curious. It should be a great truck for my needs...and I understand some of you 'have been there done that'...and that is why you have the V10! I just can't wait to get back to shifting my own gears.

 

Okay, Well at least you got the good gears and stick so now all you need is to call Mike Troyer to 'hook you up' with all the goodies!!

Get a Superchips microtuner first, then get the exhaust of your choice and maybe the K&N FIPK. You'll be fine, the 5.4 is really a workin' machine

Did you order the tow package and/or the camper package?

If not, make sure you have a good tranny cooler and rear sway bar. I hear airbags help alot with slide-ins since they usually put all the heavy stuff (fridge, water tanks, etc. ) on one side cuz the slide out takes up the other side.

My father in law just got a new slide-in about 6 months ago. It has an aluminum frame and is REALLY nice inside. When you go inside its amazing to think your standing in the bed of a pickup!

Good luck eh

p.s. When you buy your camper, try to avoid the Generac generator, get a Onan if at all possible. ~Better quality and MUCH quieter

 

Well, engine choice is yours but the F250 is way wrong. You'll be over the GVWR of 8800lbs. Camper + gear + passengers + fuel + water + propane.... well, you get the idea. A V10 F350 is what you should have ordered. Good luck.