Thanks to all of you for a fantastic forum. I have spent many hours anonymously researching info and opinions for my upcoming purchase on this site. The information is amazing. I've also participated in enough forums to know that my thread here is way too long, most people won't read it, so I apologize and thank you in advance.

I may be doing this in the wrong order, but here's the deal... I have a 2002 Ram 1500 and a small, old motorhome. We are looking to sell our old motorhome and move "up" to a travel trailer. It didn't take me long to realize all the more my Ram can tow. We have not decided on a TT yet, but wanted to open up the options by first buying a bigger, BETTER truck. Enter, the F250. I've driven several, I see them everywhere, and I suffered from serious sticker shock when I went to a dealer.

Here's what I want... a truck that I can drive to work 2-3 days a week, 60 miles round-trip, and a truck that I can tow a nice TT, 25-30'. I've already decided, I want an F250 and reality is that it will be a used truck, not a new truck. The toughest decision is V8, V10, or Diesel. Like I said, I've read and read and researched and researched on this site.

Can you help me with my newly learned information? Here's what I think I understand... The fuel "economy" will be close to the same with a V8 and V10 due to the weight of the truck. I've read that many think the 5.4L works a little harder, thus uses more gas. The V10 doesen't work quite as hard, but 10 cylinders suck plenty-o-gas. The diesel probably gets the best mpg, but with the price of diesel fuel and the trade-off for oil and filters and upkeep, the cost may remain similar.

I don't think I need a diesel, I don't think we will buy that big of a TT. So.... after all this long-winded talking, I'm looking at 2 vehicles; a 2008 F250 V8 and a 2006 F250 V10, both near the same price, both with about 35,000 miles, both with 4.10:1 gears. I'm leaning toward the V10.

What would be your advice? And please feel free to correct me if I'm thinking wrong about this. Thanks again!

 

I'm curious about this too

 

V-10 hands down. The V-8 will be an underpowered turd.

 

Wherevare you towing the trailer? It your not in a lot of mountains, the newer truck with the 5.4L can get the job done and probably get better fuel mileage empty.

My truck is about the heaviest configuration you can get (crew cab 4wd) and I am happy with the V8. But it sounds like you're looking at a decent sized trailer. Even with the 4.10 axle ratio, I'd try to keep the weight of the TT below 9000 if you tow frequently or through the mountains.

Whatever you do- try to get the integrated trailer brake. It's very nice and seamlessly works with the truck to give a great towing experience, especially when used with the Tow/Haul function on the newer (05+) automatics.

 

Thanks guys. I guess one man's turd is another man's trophy.

 

Diesel.. once you go there you wont come back. Diesels are easily upgraded to provide more power with better fuel economy as well. Kinda works backwards on the gassers. The v10s can pull anything. My uncles v10 get 10mpg cruising down the highway(empty) or pulling a house.. just gets 10mpgs all the time . I am not sure I would ever consider having the same engine used in a 1/2 ton truck on my 1 ton or 3/4 ton. I have never personally driven a f250/350 with a 5.4 though.

 

If you can deal with 10 to 12 mpg as a daily driver, get the V-10. However, the 5.4 won't get much better mileage - maybe 14. They would both get about 8 towing a big TT.

 

Agree'd.

 

They are both proven motors but for towing anything you will want the v10