I currently drive an 07 F150 with 5.4L, but it's just about maxed out towing our 6,200lb (loaded) travel trailer. Our next truck purchase needs to be a slam dunk. We've got 4 year old twin boys, and while we know we'll always have a travel trailer, we've ruled out a 5th wheel. I like to use the truck bed to haul the messy stuff (generator, extra fuel, maybe a dog carrier one day). I'm also one of the weird ones who actually likes bumper pulling over 5th wheel hauling.

So here's the thing, I need to decide what engine will be the best choice for a family that will tow a 10,000lb GVW trailer and still offer enough creature comforts to be driven every day. I fully understand that heavy duty trucks don't make "comfortable" daily drivers, but we also accept that compromise given our camper hobby.

My choices are:

* get a close-out 2010 V-10 at a good rate when the newly designed 2011 models hit the streets

* splurge and purchase a new 2011 gasser (or diesel)

* purchase either a gently used F250 or a used Ram 2500 (gasp)

We're really stumped on this purchase. Considering that our kids are only 4, we know we'll be using our truck quite a bit. I hate the idea of buying a beater used truck that one of us gets stuck using every day. I'd like to find something capable, well equipped, and that will last us a long time. As much as I like diesels, I think they may be overkill for our needs.

What would you guys do? I'm leaning towards picking up a new 2010 V-10 F250 (loaded) and taking advantage of Fords almost certain 0%/72 month financing. I know they'll be trying to dump all of them considering the V-10 is going bye-bye. Regardless, I'm going to wait until the new 2011's hit the streets. Perhaps the new 6.2L V-8 will be an even better balance of daily comfort and towing capability?

 

i would say a 2010 v10...im a firm believer in not getting the first year model

and as much as i love my diesel. i would say unless you can afford the maintanence...dont get one. mine gets an oil change, and fuel filters every 5k miles, mind you it takes about 15 quarts and 2 fuel filters lol

 

Thanks for your reply. While we're certainly not rich, we're not opposed to paying for superior quality and durability. I'm going to be towing for a lot of years, so a diesel makes sense on many levels. How much does it cost to maintain your diesel on a routine basis? $100/oil change? How about the big scheduled maintenance events?

Thanks

 

I just wrote a $202 check to the dealer this week for an oil change and fuel filters before that I wrote them a $2100 check for two injectors and a new FICM. Diesels are not cheap.

 

Thanks for providing me with those numbers. Without question, this is going to be a tough decision. As much as I love diesels, the "value" may still be with the big gassers; particularly if I'm only going to be pulling a travel trailer or small 5'er.

 

Your welcome my truck has 147k on it and we are towing a 28ft 5er with one slide that grosses out at 11k and it works the diesel but I wouldnt want to tow it with anything else. Diesels are a huge commitment but the rewards are there as well. I saw that ZeroDormancy had said he changes his fuel filters every 5k and I am changing mine out to every 15k.

 

Thanks a lot. I'm in the very stages of trying to decide what our next truck/trailer combo will look like. I like 5th wheels and diesels a lot (who doesn't?), but we still might go with a lightweight travel trailer and a new F150. I'd love to find a rare supercrew F150 with the HD payload package.

 

I had a lot of the same questions when it was time to buy a newer/better truck. My F150 just couldn't haul/tow a heavy boat w/ people and gear especially in the mountains. I bought a new 2003 F250 crew cab w/diesel (7.3L) and lots of creature comforts. It holds six large people with no problems. I always put caps (or some people call them toppers) on my truck to lock up tools, dogs, boat toys, guns, etc. It's my luxury vehicle. For maintenance questions, if you're somewhat handy, normal maintenance such as oil and fuel filter changes aren't hard to do. I just changed my fuel filter (should be done on my diesel every 15K) cost $30 and takes 5 minutes. Oil changes are easy also but my diesel takes 15 quarts ( they should be done around 6K miles -diesel oil and filter cost me about $45 - $50). Only tricks that I know are to prime/fill the filter with oil before you install it to prevent zero oil PSI at first start up and if you don't like working under a truck and getting messy - punch a screwdriver thru the filter to drain out the 2 quarts it holds. Getting rid of the used oil these days is the hard part. Hope that helps. Good luck with your decision.

 

I agree here, but after downsizing trailers to about 5000#, I am back to an F-150. My 2008 F-350 6.4L diesel was a great truck, but the regenerations that started to kick in at 25,000 miles started way too frequently and my 16.5 to 17.5 mileage tanked to 12-13, so it went bye bye. Even though I bleed diesel, until the mileage comes up on these new diesels, I'm out. Had the new 6.2L gasser been out and tested, I'd probably gone that route. Oh well, there is always next year.

As for the oil filter precharge and draining with a screwdriver Bluebeast references above, that is only on the 7.3L. The 6.0L and the 6.4L are the easiest things to change on the planet. The oil filters are on top of the engine. I'd come home from work with kakhis on and a white shirt, toss down an old moving quilt just to flip the Fumoto Valve to drain the pan, pop open the top-engine mounted oil filter cap to let it drain, and go have a beer while it drained. An oil change on these is quick and not messy at all. You can practically change it in a suit. The only oil you get on your hands (if you have a Fumoto) is from pulling the filter out of it's cap.

 

I personally feel the diesel is superior. Never felt that way until I drove one. Now I don't ever see myself going back to gas.

Yes, more $ in maintenance. Yes, more $ in initial investment. However, better mileage, better resale and better longevity.

I believe the pros/cons of diesel vs V10 are pretty even overall. It really comes down to towing and personal preference. If you tow a lot of weight, a diesel should get the nod.