Looking to buy F250 SD, for pulling a 5th wheel. Have heard that the V10 over heats pulling steep grades while on the other hand the 7.3 diesel runs cool pulling steep grades. Does anyone have comments regarding the over heating issue. Also after reading the board apparently in 2000 the V10 will have more horse power. Do you think this might eliminate the over heating problem? Any comments on V10 versus diesel would be welcomed.

 

I would try the V10.

There is a big cost difference from start to finish.

$4k up front for the PSD, fuel is definitely more expensive, oil changes cost 2-3 times as much, the time without your rig while the Ford gasser tech will spend learning on your PSD. The ride is not as good either.
Towing, can't beat the PSD...but the price is high...how much is it worth? If you gear the V10 for towing it should preform well. Don't consider anything under a 4.10 rear. With this 5.4L V8 a 3.73 is marginal.

P.S. have you been to www.ford-diesel.com forums yet?

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1999 F250 SD CC, LWB, 5.4L, Auto, 4x4, Power TT mirrors w/ marker lights installed, White, Full Tint, PendaPro SR
open airbox w/ K&N filtercharger.



[This message has been edited by spaceace (edited 07-26-1999).]

 

Where are you hearing about overheating? I've heard just the opposite. I've an F250SD V10/4x2/SC/4.30 and the temp peg never moves from cool/normal. I use for almost exclusive towing. Trailer currently is only a 6,000 lb'r, possibly you're hearing from some who pull much more.

I'm planning to purchase a 12,000 lb 5th wheel end of season and hope there are no heating problems then.

 

The PSD may be $4k more but keep in mind your getting a heavier transmission too. My father-in-law (retired Ford, hence my source of Z-plans ) has one for pulling his fifth wheel trailer.
it's a S-Cab 4x4 and he tells me he get 20MPG around town...you'll never see that with the V-10.

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Red 99.5 Lightning, SuperChip (on the way)

 

Chaz, what size 5th wheel are you gonna pull? There was a GREAT article comparing the Ford PSD with the V-10 in Trailer Life (April ??) See if your local library has a copy.
They saw no indication of overheating during their tests. I spent last weekend going from sea-level to over 7000' in just a few miles without getting a budge on my Temp guage!

I bought my 250 for towing and love the V-10.

Good Luck to you.

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1999 F-250 XLT Super Duty Crew Cab Long Bed
V-10, Automatic 4R100, 4.30 Limited Slip.
GVW = 6700# Towing Capacity = 13,300#
4 Wheel ABS disks + Reese 15K hitch
Dark Hunter Green. Ford Running Boards.
Grey Rhino-Liner. Captain's Chairs. CD+Tape
* * * Non-Leaking Sliding Window * * *
http://members.home.net/jchartier/jnctrk.html