Trucks
 

Does anyone have any experience with a 99 F250 V10 4x4? Good or bad I'd like to hear your thoughts. I've been browsing around and came across one for a decent price. I've also been looking at some Silverado 2500 HD. Don't think I want a diesel, I only tow a couple miles to the launch and would like to use the truck as a weekend warrior. Right now I tow with a 99 Tahoe, and as much as I love it I would really like to be in a truck with a better tow capacity.

OR- if you have something for under 8k please let me know! Thanks!

Jay

Hi Jay,
I've had two 2001 F-250 Crew cab V-10 4x4's and have had great luck with both of them. One of the first you will notice in this upgrade is how much better and safer the braking capacity of your rig is. Not to mention a more stable ride.

Thanks Spaz! I know it's a truck and all, but how was the mileage with a V10?

A friend of mine bought an F250 4x4 with the v10 and driving he got decent mileage (13 to 14 in town) but when he put the boat behind it(30ft Profile) on the highway all it could manage was 7 mpg in fact he ran out of gas out on the Sawgrass Expressway bypassing Miami with not a station within 10 miles of him because he thought it would do better mileage wise.

I have a E350 van w a V 10 in my work fleet. Strong motor uses about qt of oil every 1500 or so. It has about 125k on it now. Milage NOT good Maybe 12.
I would look for a Expedition w a V10 if Ford is what you are leaning toward. I think they can be had pretty cheap.
A friend has one w over 175k and no problems.

I get really good mileage with mine. The key to getting good mileage in the V-10 trucks is to opt. for the 3.55 gear ratio axles. I know this takes some of the towing cap. away, but for me the biggest boat I pull on a regular basis is a 311 Formula. The truck pulls it well.

What makes you think a diesel can't be a 'weekend warrior'?? Read some diesel mags and get yourself up to speed on those motors and their capabilities.

Get a diesel. Take the maybe it will be ok out the equasion. Mine was dependable, but lacking in power and mileage when towing, or in a strong head wind.

Get a diesel. I don't have personal experience with the Ford V10, but a good friend does. He bought it to tow an enclosed trailer full of 4 wheelers. It did great on local trips, but one long trip to Texas and the damn thing nearly blew up. It just couldn't handle the long trip with a sustained load.

I didn't think it would be all that great for mileage. I have a Ford Ranger I use for work with a 4.0 6cyl and it is TERRIBLE on gas! It can pull a house though if needed!!! I would consider a diesel if I could find a great deal on one. I'm not looking to spend much, probably under 8k and cash. I just got done with payments this past spring and I kinda like being debt free on vehicles! I would like to find a 2000 or newer with under 125k on it, 4x4 with at least an extended cab, but would prefer a quad cab. For now I'll just keep "browsing" seeing as though I won't be towing til next spring anyways....

I had a 1998 Ranger Supercab with the 4.0 and 3.55 rear axle. You probly have the same setup. It's not a good tow vehicle because the shocks and rear springs are weak.

I had to tow my 5000lb rig from Fountain to Ft. Worth(1400 miles) and it was the worst experience I'd ever had towing. It took forEVER to get up to highway speeds and the brakes wouldn't stop it without gearing the 5 speed automatic trans down. I stayed at least 100yds behind the vehicle in front of me at all times.

Get a 2500 HD with a big block! They pull like the D-max, but suck down the fuel.

You can find one under 8 if you shop around a bunch, but your milage might need to be higher. Shouldn't matter though, as it's pretty bulletproof and will go for way past that and has the Allison tranny.

All I can say is it's a good thing Byrdman doesn't post anymore. You gas-guzzlers would be in for a tongue-lashing.

I'm not worried about the diesel fanatics, I post on diesel place plenty. If they wanna make the large upfront investment for me that will take 100 years to pay off in milage as much as my drive I'll gladly take a D-max!

Until then I'll save my money upfront, on maintenance, etc and burn a bit more gas.

That's how I felt too. And in addition to that, when i take the snowmobiles out, I like it to be warm in the truck for the ride to the staging area! :drink:

Well the key is really can your truck 1) tow the load without rear sag and 2) can it stop the load in a reasonable distance without too much brake fade.

I wouldn't tow anything much over 10,000lbs with a gas motor but that's just me.

You're right in your first statement, and the gassers and diesels have the same running gear so both will get it done.

I'm pretty sure the big block will tow right with a stock diesel up to 12K + lbs (which is what both are rated for). I wouldn't want to be pulling the 20K with a 2500 some guys do anyways.

I wouldn't want to be pulling the 20K with a 2500 some guys do anyways.

LOL several years ago I read on a diesel forum about this idiot driving his 12 valve Dodge 2500 from Houston to Billings, Mt. He picked up a 40' gooseneck trailer loaded with a 35,000lb building and hauled it to somewhere in Alaska. :eek: :eek:

Talk about crazy... :lolhit:

I have a 99 F-250 V-10 with 110,000 miles on it. about 70,000miles of it were towing a 312 fastech, and have had no problems with it. I liked it so much that I bought a 2004 V-10 and pull my 382 fastech with it every where. I did chip the 99 though as back then they were just a 2 valve motor and had a little less ponies than the three valve trucks have now.