Thanks for all the input. Much appreciated.
The V-10 is now in my consideration set.

I just wish the 6.0 wasn't so pricey -- and there appear to be no pre-owned 6.0's out there yet.

Dave

Bought the V10/gas December 2001, have about 25k miles, so far zero problems. However, didn't have problems with the Suburban until 50k, then the nickel and dime torture. Believe I tow about the same weight as your talking and its a piece of cake - even at 110+ temps crossing the desert with both A/C's at max! Like it a lot more than the Suburban primarily because of the extra room inside. Downside - empty it rides like a tank and turning radius is a problem for parking at the mall etc. Mileage stated above sounds about right.

Beware of the 6.0L's....Lots of problems:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=107

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...2003Drivetrain

More problems than I would have ever expected....

We have 2000 model with the V-10. We took it 5,400 miles from Nashville, Tn to Vancouver and back in less than 7 days. We pulled a 22ZX Donzi up and brought back a 30' Cobra Cat. The Cobra weighs about 7,500 on the trailer. It pulls the boat great!

The only thing that it could do better is climb very long very steep grades and use less gas! The only time we saw any lack of torque was going over the mountains in Idaho. Across the plains we cruised at 85 plus for hours on end and it road straight and true. Plus with four people, two can be awake and there is still two "beds" for those "off duty"!

I plan on getting a new Excursion in 2004 right before they quit building them. I'll probably get the new 6.0 Powerstroke diesel, but the V10 is a great motor. It's probably better for a mix of daily use and towing. Either way the Excursion is perfect for a 6,500 lb. trailer.

You won't be sorry!!

I haven't had any problems yet........that 6.0 cranks the HP and Torque! I've had only an intermitant problem with HP being there after I start it. I just turn it off and start again and it is fine. I'm waiting to find a repeatable way to show them.


The V10 sucks GAS!!!

Hey Nort,
When the 6.0 is running right, it can really run!! It's an awesome motor, with some trick technology, just may take a little while to get the bugs out. When I turn the key, I like to have 100% of the motor working 100% of the time...Best of luck with yours. When cruising the boards above, it just struck me as odd how many problems some folks are having.

That's a bad-ass truck you have, BTW!