32storm

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a new tow vehicle. Down to either the Ford F250 SD 5.4 or the GM/Chevy 2500( non HD)with the 6.0. Both with 3.73's. I know the 2500 HD is a nice rig, but can't get it with the 3.73's, minimum of 4.11's with the HD. I don't want to suck gas all year, for the little towing I do. Either package will put me just enough towing capacity( glad I have an aluminum trailer!). Looking for pro's/con's, and gas mileage, towing and not towing.

Summer Heat

You get the 3:73 with DuraMax and Allison transmission. We tow around 11,000 wet with this setup through TN and it is sweet....all the torque you want when you need it.

32storm

Yes, you are correct. The 3.73's are available in the 2500 HD with the Duramax diesel. Didn't want to go the diesel route. No question the diesel is a beast, but also a few extra $'s for a lot more towing capacity that I don't need.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Yes, but if you can swing the diesel your resale will be better, and your mileage and fuel fill ups will be better.

Hydro

Check out Freightliner's business class. I just took one out for a test drive. It has a Mercedes engine that gets 13 MPG. You can have sleeper cab put on it for $3,000-5,000. The cost of a fully loaded truck $50,000 without a body. That included A/C, CD player, air ride seat and suspension.

Semper Fi

This is SO TRUE. Longevity will be much greater also. If you want to keep the truck for a longtime-get the diesel!

CigDaze

F-250, V-10. It's only 600 bucks more than the 5.4 and the milage isn't much worse at all. I get 15mpg on the highway at 70mph empty.

32storm

People I've spoken to with V-10, love the engine, but not the gas mileage. All of them say the V-10 sucks gas. Baja Daze what gears do you have in your F250 with the V10?

tssteph

I have towed with both. I have the 2500 HD version with the 6.0 motor, I tow close to 9000# wett and it does very well. Mine does have the 4:10 gears. I get 14.25 MPG empty unless I run 80 mph. Towing I get around 12 mpg. Power is very good and the ride is great.

The Ford 5.4 that I used once just did not have to power to get it moving very well. On the highway it was downshifting all the time. I have personal experience with both and the only thing different was the rear gear ratio. I personally don't think the 3.73 will make any difference in fuel. It is all how you drive. I am like you and drive mine everyday and tow on the weekends in the summer.

Think of it this way:
Gas 6.0 14 mpg
Diesel 17 mpg (I am told)
For every 1000 miles the diesel would have saved you a tank of gas. At $6500 and at $2.00 per gallon with 23 gallon fill ups at 141,000 miles the savings in fuel would have broke even with the diesel. The other side to this is the diesel would be worth more on resale.

I think the key is how mush weight you are towing. I would love to have the diesel, just could not justify it. Just my 2 cents.

Brian

32storm

tssteph....thanks for the info. I've had a friend tow my Hustler a couple of times with his 5.4 F250 SD with the 3.73's, it did fine. I'm leaning toward the GM 6.0 in the non-HD 2500, so I can get the 3.73's. I only haul the boat a few times a season, so with either package I don't see running down the highway at 80 MPH towing. But, you never know.

I agree on the diesel, it's tough to justify the $ jump. Definitely a nice package in either rig. But, you have to really run up the miles to get the return on the $'s.