Is a SuperCrew good enough?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Seattle, Wa
Is a SuperCrew good enough?
I race. I have a 3200 lb Camaro that I've raced in the past (and is for sale) and a 2700 lb latemodel that I'm about to start racing. I had an open trailer which was quite light (except too much tongue weight due to a box someone put on) and am switching to an enclosed trailer. I'd estimate the enclosed trailer is close to 2000 lbs. Probably less but I don't know the exact number. Tools and equipment will be another ton or so bringing the loaded trailer weight to anywhere from 5500 to 6700 lbs.
Currently I have a F250 supercab long bed with a 460 gasser. It's been great but it's getting "tired". The tranny is sloppy and it doesn't like starting in the cold. It also only gets about 8 mpg normal and about 6 mpg towing.
I was looking at the SuperCrew as a replacement. The F250 is overkill for what I need but it's great being able to do 65-70 over mountain passes w/o effort. I know people who use the Tahoe for the exact same scenario and it's rated at 7300 lb capacity compared to the SuperCrew's 7700 (with 3.55 rear)
I have seen on the forddirect.com website that there's a 3.73 for the SuperCrew but it lists no towing numbers. From the other models I'm assuming it adds 800 lbs to the capacity bringing it to 8500 for the SuperCrew. That would be more than adequate if I can find such a beast.
1) Is a SuperCrew strong enough (5.4L of course) for 6700 lbs once a week an sometimes over a mountain pass?
2) Is the increased cabin size worth the extra cost over a new F250 supercab with the same equipment? I'd probably get the diesel, though, which eats the cost difference.
3) Do they make an Arizona Beige SuperCrew 5.4? The only Beige ones I've seen are 4.6s.
4) Why don't they put a 7.3 in the SuperCrew and solve all my problems?
Currently I have a F250 supercab long bed with a 460 gasser. It's been great but it's getting "tired". The tranny is sloppy and it doesn't like starting in the cold. It also only gets about 8 mpg normal and about 6 mpg towing.
I was looking at the SuperCrew as a replacement. The F250 is overkill for what I need but it's great being able to do 65-70 over mountain passes w/o effort. I know people who use the Tahoe for the exact same scenario and it's rated at 7300 lb capacity compared to the SuperCrew's 7700 (with 3.55 rear)
I have seen on the forddirect.com website that there's a 3.73 for the SuperCrew but it lists no towing numbers. From the other models I'm assuming it adds 800 lbs to the capacity bringing it to 8500 for the SuperCrew. That would be more than adequate if I can find such a beast.
1) Is a SuperCrew strong enough (5.4L of course) for 6700 lbs once a week an sometimes over a mountain pass?
2) Is the increased cabin size worth the extra cost over a new F250 supercab with the same equipment? I'd probably get the diesel, though, which eats the cost difference.
3) Do they make an Arizona Beige SuperCrew 5.4? The only Beige ones I've seen are 4.6s.
4) Why don't they put a 7.3 in the SuperCrew and solve all my problems?
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: El Cajon, CA
Sounds like you would be better off with a F-20 with the V10. Here is why I think this would work for you...
- The V10 is a great engin, lots of power, tons of torque and will turn the higer RPMs for hauling ***!!! unlike the Deisel.
- The SuperChip for the V10 puts out even MORE gains than the superchip for the 5.4
- If you don't care about going fast then you could get the desile that is really nice (as you know) and the chip for that can bost the HP and Torque by over 100!
- For speed the 3.55 rear end might be better for you but the 4.10 would be great for the power of towing.
- The F-250 has the R100W transmission vs the R70W that is in the SuperCrew. This is a stronger transmission that is made for more towing etc.
- The crewcab on the F-250 is about the same as the SuperCrew, the SCREW is a bit nicer as far as interior goes but do you care.
Now the pros of the SuperCrew...
- the 5.4 is no slacker and can definatly tow. You can change out the 3.55 gears to the 4.10 gears afterwards (unfortunallty Ford does not make this an option as buying time as far as I know even on the 2002)
- There are supercharger kits for the 5.4 but the transmission would need a shift kit and some other stuff to handle it.
- It is nicer and there are more options like the moon roof, etc.
- You can talk to us here in the SCREW forum if you go this route!
HMMMM desisions.....
- The V10 is a great engin, lots of power, tons of torque and will turn the higer RPMs for hauling ***!!! unlike the Deisel.
- The SuperChip for the V10 puts out even MORE gains than the superchip for the 5.4
- If you don't care about going fast then you could get the desile that is really nice (as you know) and the chip for that can bost the HP and Torque by over 100!
- For speed the 3.55 rear end might be better for you but the 4.10 would be great for the power of towing.
- The F-250 has the R100W transmission vs the R70W that is in the SuperCrew. This is a stronger transmission that is made for more towing etc.
- The crewcab on the F-250 is about the same as the SuperCrew, the SCREW is a bit nicer as far as interior goes but do you care.
Now the pros of the SuperCrew...
- the 5.4 is no slacker and can definatly tow. You can change out the 3.55 gears to the 4.10 gears afterwards (unfortunallty Ford does not make this an option as buying time as far as I know even on the 2002)
- There are supercharger kits for the 5.4 but the transmission would need a shift kit and some other stuff to handle it.
- It is nicer and there are more options like the moon roof, etc.
- You can talk to us here in the SCREW forum if you go this route!
HMMMM desisions.....
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Joined: Jan 1999
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From: MO, USA
If I was going to tow on a reqular basis I would go with the diesel. The 5.4 is no slouch but I think it would need a chip and maybe a new intake to feel right under my foot. The diesel is built for towing and you can get the F250 trimmed pretty nice. I have seen some decked out, leather wrapped F250 crew cabs that look pretty nice. I'm not sure if they come from the factory that way but... half the fun of owning these trucks are making yours a reflection of you (see sig. 
)
Good luck! I don't think you can go wrong with the choices given.
)Good luck! I don't think you can go wrong with the choices given.
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Joined: Feb 1999
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The SuperCrew will be adequate. It won't tow as easily as with what you're now used to. On the other hand, the SuperCrew will probably do it with greater comfort and economy. Besides, it'll be a hell of a ride the rest of the week.
I tow 6,000 lbs with my '99 5.4 SC without any problem. Haven't had a chance to tow it with my SuperCrew yet, which BTW is Arizona Beige and has the 5.4.
If you were going to tow hundreds of miles a week, I'd say go with the F-250.
I tow 6,000 lbs with my '99 5.4 SC without any problem. Haven't had a chance to tow it with my SuperCrew yet, which BTW is Arizona Beige and has the 5.4.
If you were going to tow hundreds of miles a week, I'd say go with the F-250.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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I was kinda in the same boat as you, KBrown.
I tow my 4x4, which weighs around 2500#, trailer @ 1000#, and a weekends worth of spare parts and camping gear @ ~500#.
I also would use my new truck as a daily driver. To work and for running around town, grocery store, etc.
I have a 19 month old son, definitely wanted a crew cab.
I really wanted a diesel. The dealership let my take one for the day to try on for size. A crew cab, short bed diesel F-250. That's a big-*** long truck! It had the power I'd need for towing, which is only around once a month, but it was just too much truck for daily commuting and drive thru windows! A crew cab diesel ain't cheap, the turbo diesel alone is a $4,700 option. Worth it in my opinion.
I drove my SuperCrew, 5.4L, 3.55:1 limited slip, and knew right away this would be enough truck for what I tow, plus it's not much more cumbersome around town in tight spots than the short bed, regular cab F-150 that I had. Plenty of power, plenty of interior space, and over $100/month less than the F-250.
If I towed any more than I do, I would have gone with the diesel. The Power-Stroke option is a costly one, but you get power and dependability. The diesel engine has a 100,000 mile warranty.
I don't know much about the V-10. I don't see many of 'em around here. Get out on I-40 here in Tennessee and pay attention to what people are using to tow big horse and camping trailers..... I bet 90% of the rigs are diesel Fords.
For me, I feel the half-ton with 5.4L will be fine. But since you tow more weight on a regular basis, I'd say go with the diesel power. If you can get it paid for, you'll never regret it!
I tow my 4x4, which weighs around 2500#, trailer @ 1000#, and a weekends worth of spare parts and camping gear @ ~500#.
I also would use my new truck as a daily driver. To work and for running around town, grocery store, etc.
I have a 19 month old son, definitely wanted a crew cab.
I really wanted a diesel. The dealership let my take one for the day to try on for size. A crew cab, short bed diesel F-250. That's a big-*** long truck! It had the power I'd need for towing, which is only around once a month, but it was just too much truck for daily commuting and drive thru windows! A crew cab diesel ain't cheap, the turbo diesel alone is a $4,700 option. Worth it in my opinion.
I drove my SuperCrew, 5.4L, 3.55:1 limited slip, and knew right away this would be enough truck for what I tow, plus it's not much more cumbersome around town in tight spots than the short bed, regular cab F-150 that I had. Plenty of power, plenty of interior space, and over $100/month less than the F-250.
If I towed any more than I do, I would have gone with the diesel. The Power-Stroke option is a costly one, but you get power and dependability. The diesel engine has a 100,000 mile warranty.
I don't know much about the V-10. I don't see many of 'em around here. Get out on I-40 here in Tennessee and pay attention to what people are using to tow big horse and camping trailers..... I bet 90% of the rigs are diesel Fords.
For me, I feel the half-ton with 5.4L will be fine. But since you tow more weight on a regular basis, I'd say go with the diesel power. If you can get it paid for, you'll never regret it!
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: West Virginia
Id go with the Crew Cab F-250
V-10 would be good for this towing application but mileage is gonna be a thing to worry about!
The diesel is a powerhouse plenty of juice for the job but if its an every day driver remember that a diesel is very very noisy and is also expensive! (e.g) Oil changes
Id go with the V10 option in the superduty but whatever floats your boat
JJ
V-10 would be good for this towing application but mileage is gonna be a thing to worry about!
The diesel is a powerhouse plenty of juice for the job but if its an every day driver remember that a diesel is very very noisy and is also expensive! (e.g) Oil changes
Id go with the V10 option in the superduty but whatever floats your boat
JJ
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Menomonee Falls,WI USA
If your going to use the truck as a daily driver then I would go with a Supercrew. I love the F-250 crew cab short box but it's awfully long for around town driving.The Supercrew is coming out with a deisel 6 cylinder in 2003 (rumor has it) as an option. I also heard that the 5.4 H.P. will be pumped up to around 300-320 to compete with chevy's 5.3l (also heard this rumor).I would look into lower gear's if you get a Supercrew (4.10).
Later...Mike
Later...Mike
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Woodbridge, VA
The 150 will do, but you may want the 250/350...
The 150 with the 5.4L and 355 LS is what I have. I woulddefinitely recommend the superchip and AirForce1 intake and Magnaflow catbacks to get you the most bang for your buck...with these additions, I think you will be happy with the towing capabilities...
I dont tow as heavy a load, I drag around motorcycles and other gear in an enclosed rig, and before I did the chip and intake/exhaust mods, I found the 150 searching for power on hills and shifting excessively... after the mods, it is MUCH more comfortable all around when towing. I have no problems with stability, but am now going to install some Edelbrock IAS shocks over the factory pogo-sticks ( we did a long trip over christmas holiday and after only 13K miles the OEM shocks feel reall mushy and bouncy...)
I test drove a Deisel 250 crewcab and ALMOST bought it except that my 150 had such a crappy book value I decided it wasnt worth the tradeoff even with the 0% financing deals... I am not diasppointed, just would have looked at and driven BOTH before buying the 150 ( I boughtthe 150 without comparing the 250/350 since I was coming out of a Toyota 4-runner and the 150 was a HUGE upgrade... thought I was going big enuf with just the 150 at the time...)
Anyway... good luck in your decision, take your time, and test run all your choices...
Mosa
I dont tow as heavy a load, I drag around motorcycles and other gear in an enclosed rig, and before I did the chip and intake/exhaust mods, I found the 150 searching for power on hills and shifting excessively... after the mods, it is MUCH more comfortable all around when towing. I have no problems with stability, but am now going to install some Edelbrock IAS shocks over the factory pogo-sticks ( we did a long trip over christmas holiday and after only 13K miles the OEM shocks feel reall mushy and bouncy...)
I test drove a Deisel 250 crewcab and ALMOST bought it except that my 150 had such a crappy book value I decided it wasnt worth the tradeoff even with the 0% financing deals... I am not diasppointed, just would have looked at and driven BOTH before buying the 150 ( I boughtthe 150 without comparing the 250/350 since I was coming out of a Toyota 4-runner and the 150 was a HUGE upgrade... thought I was going big enuf with just the 150 at the time...)
Anyway... good luck in your decision, take your time, and test run all your choices...
Mosa
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Houston, Texas
This is from some one who owns (owned) both. I traded in my 99 F250 4x4 Crewcab PSD for my 2001 Screw 4x4 5.4 in A. Beige.
Pros of the F250:
With a Western Diesel Chip it made awesome power and speed. (faster and more powerful top end than my Super Crew)
Better gas mileage 16 city, 18 highway. (dont get the V10, terrible gas milage)
Bigger and better brakes for really heavy loads.
Huge payload.
Engine will last 300,000 miles+ (has a 100,000 mile warranty)
Don't for get the testesterone (sp?) feeling
Cons of F250:
I had the Crew Cab Short bed and it was still very LONG!
Much wider feel and hard to park in a lot.
Burned up TWO auto transmissions. ( myself and several others, mismatched for the torq. Manual is suposed to be very strong though)
Somewhat sloppy steering.
Not near as comfortable for long trips or every day driving.
The cost of the truck is about 7-8 grand more.
Pros of F150 SCrew:
Cheaper to run
More comfortable for everyday and long drives.
New steering box gearing for sports feel.
With the 5.4 and 3.55 rear, tows well.
Great for parking with a tighter steering pattern.
Much cheaper price (with more features)
And just overall more fun to drive. (and for me that was the selling point)
Cons of F150 SCrew:
Lower payload and pulling power of larger loads in excess of 7000lbs.
And thats all of the cons.
The answer is, if you pull consistant HEAVY loads get the F250 PSD. If not get the F150. Its as easy as that and is a no brainer!
Cap
Pros of the F250:
With a Western Diesel Chip it made awesome power and speed. (faster and more powerful top end than my Super Crew)
Better gas mileage 16 city, 18 highway. (dont get the V10, terrible gas milage)
Bigger and better brakes for really heavy loads.
Huge payload.
Engine will last 300,000 miles+ (has a 100,000 mile warranty)
Don't for get the testesterone (sp?) feeling
Cons of F250:
I had the Crew Cab Short bed and it was still very LONG!
Much wider feel and hard to park in a lot.
Burned up TWO auto transmissions. ( myself and several others, mismatched for the torq. Manual is suposed to be very strong though)
Somewhat sloppy steering.
Not near as comfortable for long trips or every day driving.
The cost of the truck is about 7-8 grand more.
Pros of F150 SCrew:
Cheaper to run
More comfortable for everyday and long drives.
New steering box gearing for sports feel.
With the 5.4 and 3.55 rear, tows well.
Great for parking with a tighter steering pattern.
Much cheaper price (with more features)
And just overall more fun to drive. (and for me that was the selling point)
Cons of F150 SCrew:
Lower payload and pulling power of larger loads in excess of 7000lbs.
And thats all of the cons.
The answer is, if you pull consistant HEAVY loads get the F250 PSD. If not get the F150. Its as easy as that and is a no brainer!
Cap
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 513
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From: Raleigh, NC
F250 PSD... no doubt. If you are pulling that much it isn't as much for the torque, but the stopping power of the heavier brakes. Mileage is much better than the V10, I know someone with an F350 PSD Crew Longbed that has a 110hp chip and got over 21mpg on the highway. That's awesome... and it'll burn the tires right off the thing.
Brakes.... safety... being able to stop when you want/need too.
Brakes.... safety... being able to stop when you want/need too.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 90
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Don't get the supercrew or F150 towing that much on a regular bases will strain the drivetrain go with F250 LD or F250 SD
this guy just got a Superduty
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=1
If I was towing on a regular bases I would get the PSD my cousin has a 1995 F350 4x4 it hauls he has the PSD
This link will give the ratings for 2000 models
http://www.trailerlife.com/towratings/tr00_ford.cfm
This is for 2001
http://www.trailerlife.com/towratings/01towingguide.pdf
it doesn't list supercrew but I think it's close to supercab F150
one other thing to consider you're towing approx 6700lbs now will it increase in the future
Hope this helps I ruined a 5.8 in a crown vic stressing it towing in mountains 4000lbs it was rated for 5000 lbs but in combination with 100'F heat & 6% grade
this guy just got a Superduty
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=1
If I was towing on a regular bases I would get the PSD my cousin has a 1995 F350 4x4 it hauls he has the PSD
This link will give the ratings for 2000 models
http://www.trailerlife.com/towratings/tr00_ford.cfm
This is for 2001
http://www.trailerlife.com/towratings/01towingguide.pdf
it doesn't list supercrew but I think it's close to supercab F150
one other thing to consider you're towing approx 6700lbs now will it increase in the future
Hope this helps I ruined a 5.8 in a crown vic stressing it towing in mountains 4000lbs it was rated for 5000 lbs but in combination with 100'F heat & 6% grade
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Seattle, Wa
Thanks for all the replies. You've given me way more information than I already had.
I'm leaning towards the Screw (first time I'd heard it called that was here, I love it!). I have a load balancing hitch setup for my enclosed trailer so I'm not too worried about it swimming too much on passes.
And I won't be pulling over passes often enough to warrant the length and extra cost of the 7.3 CrewCab.
One interesting item: The Screw is 1/10" shorter than my garage stall at home. Time to trim the sheet rock!
I'm leaning towards the Screw (first time I'd heard it called that was here, I love it!). I have a load balancing hitch setup for my enclosed trailer so I'm not too worried about it swimming too much on passes.
And I won't be pulling over passes often enough to warrant the length and extra cost of the 7.3 CrewCab.
One interesting item: The Screw is 1/10" shorter than my garage stall at home. Time to trim the sheet rock!
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 18
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From: tomball,tx
KBROWN, You will have no trouble at all with a supercrew 5.4. I have a 35' Avion travel trailer Triple axle that weighs nearly 9000# fully loaded. I have pulled it in some pretty healthy hills for some pretty long distances and had no problem holding 70 mph. It will not hold overdrive, have to drop it out. Milage is pretty bad pulling that much weight, about 9. For occasional towing, the diesel is a waste. You can buy a lot of gasoline for the extra money you would spend on a 250 diesel. I am not anti-diesel, I own 5 eighteen wheelers and manage many more. You probably will want a weight distribiting hitch and maybe an anti sway control but other than that you will be fine. I do have the 1.42" radiator. I have no heating problems at all. If you talk to ford they will tell you it will not do the job. A lot of the towing capacity rating is based on brakes. If you have good trailer brakes you will be fine. Good luck.