I'm sure this has been asked before, but I was unsuccessful in pulling any info from a search.

The wife & I have a 24' TT that weighs in around 4600# dry. We are thinking of taking it to Yosemite or Yellowstone next year, & I have been thinking of upgrading from the F150 to a 250 or maybe even a 350(SRW) Crew Cab. The truck will be a daily driver around town, & will haul the TT only on the weekends during the summer. I've been thinking of getting the V10, as then I don't have to worry about the cold weather, or the extra $5k . However, we may trade the 24' bumper pull for a 27-30' 5th wheel. Any advice or comments on what engine would be better?

Thanks!

 

Ahhh - the gasser vs. diesel Holy War! You are quite right - there have been several threads on this very subject. Let me start off by saying that I do not have a PSD, nor have I ever had one. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't own one - just found myself in the same situation as you where I wasn't really sure about spending the extra $$$ given my usual driving patterns.

Here are some threads you might want to look at - some are actually 5.4 vs PSD, but may contain some useful information:

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As far as pulling a 27'-30' 5th wheel - I think that you would be OK with either of them. I have a 27' TT (7720# GVWR) that I pull with no problems with my V10. It is probably all going to boil down to what you can stomach in terms of $$$$.

 

Hi Fanatic

Know what you mean. Im also thinking about upgrading to SD with V10/PSD?

Im just undecided on which engine. Lots of pros/cons.

JDM gives good input. Just gotta decide whats right for you. My situation similiar but maybe TT alittle lighter. V10 would work for me. MPG on PSD are better than V10, but thats not reason enough for me. Theres alot more to it than that.

If your really interested in a 5th wheel...you may already know?
You might need the 8ft. bed? Crew cabs are nice, but with long bed...hmmmmm?

Good luck...OT

BTW....Recently went thru Yellowstone Park, early Oct 02. Worthwhile.

 

Thanks for the help! After all that reading, it looks like I'm leaning towards the V10. PSD would be great, but I really don't need it. Plus, I can't justify the cost for the minimal amount of towing I will be doing.

 

Fanatic,

Glad to help. Like I said, I was in your shoes back in April. I don't think you will be at all disappointed in the V10, but I will tell you up front that the stops at the gas station can be painful! However, I didn't buy it for fuel economy, and I am sure you aren't either.

 

I think another thing to look at is, how many miles do you drive per year. If you are putting on high miles over 20K and doing a lot of towing the diesel makes sense. If you are putting on less under 10K or 15K per year, then get the V-10. I have a F250 Crew Cab LB 4 x 4 with a 5.4. I don't tow and I never have anything more then myself and a briefcase in it. I do about 8K per year, the 5.4 works for me. Good luck.

 

We'll probably put 12-15k/year on it....only tow the TT on the weekends, about an hour each way. For a vacation, we may drive to CA w/the camper....but that will be the exception, not the rule. It still sounds like the V10 makes more sense for what I'll be needing it for.

 

Fanatic,

Some people may look at ya funny for getting the V10 instead of coughing up the $$$$ for the PSD. I know I have had a few of those - but you know what - the heck with them. I don't think I would be any happier with a PSD than I am with my V10 given my driving/hauling habits. I KNOW that I would much rather have the payment that goes with the V10 instead of the PSD, all things being equal.

Good luck finding the one you want (if you aren't ordering). I had a heck of a time finding a V10 on the lot equipped like I wanted. As a matter of fact, I even looked at dealers up in your neck of the woods, along with about 7 more states!

Jeff

 

I had the same dilemma as you: occasional weekend 24' TT towing with desire to get a bit bigger 5th wheel. Couldn't justify (or afford) the PSD, with most of my driving around town, or towing the boat to the ramp.
Got 2002 SD 4x4 V10 in May. I love the power and torque! I keep looking to the mirrors to make sure TT is still there.
Had a 97 4x4 4.6 before SD. Even with a SuperChip, Airforce One, and Exhaust (which all helped some), I was way under powered. You'll really like the V10!

 

PRO-Diesel...

When towing the diesel will shine, up in the mountains- no comparision...

The PSD will get 40% better fuel mileage...

If you are going to get a bigger trailer, I would consider the PSD...

The little trailer and towing minimum, you can get buy with the V10...even though you have to stop for fuel all the time...

Good luck in your decision...

 

I went straight to the PowerStroke diesel to pull my 2002 Jayco Kiwi Too 28R.

I've been towing in the NC mountains with my F150 SuperCrew and the comfort level of having the pulling power of the 6.0 diesel is worth the expense.