Considering towing a 28' Classic with 2004 F250, short bed, 6L diesel, Crew Cab (I think wheelbase on this will be around 155"), and Hensley Arrow hitch.
Would like to hear your opinions of this combination.
Sounds like you will have it made with that equipment. The only thing I might be leery of is the new 6.0 Powerstroke but perhaps they will have all the kinks worked out of it by then. As of now they are still having trouble with them. If I were you I would look for a new 7.3, there are still a few on the dealers lots, you just need to search a bit.
So, any guesses on how much all those goodies will run ya?, I'm thinking what, over a 100 grand, huh?
That truck should certainly pull the trailer in great style. Not being a diesel owner, I can't comment on the longevity of the 6.0 engine. if I were to buy a diesel today, I think I would go with the diesel 2500HD with the Allson transmission.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2004 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
bad news guys, Ford is no longer producing the 7.3L powerstroke. I was told by my local dealer that production ended early this year. I guess I was lucky to get a 2003 with the 7.3L
Originally posted by Chas Sounds like you will have it made with that equipment. The only thing I might be leery of is the new 6.0 Powerstroke but perhaps they will have all the kinks worked out of it by then. As of now they are still having trouble with them. If I were you I would look for a new 7.3, there are still a few on the dealers lots, you just need to search a bit.
So, any guesses on how much all those goodies will run ya?, I'm thinking what, over a 100 grand, huh?
Chas
Well, I have also heard about the problems with that engine. My thought (hope, I guess) is that since is the third model year for the 6.0L, that a lot of the bugs will be gone by now.
Yes, I think by the time all's said and done, it will be around 100k. However, I'm comparing that rig, and the utility of having a separable p/u, against a 100k new MH, and the A/S combo wins every time. For us and what we want to be doing, at least. Let you know in about 40 years when we're done with it...
Originally posted by Pahaska That truck should certainly pull the trailer in great style. Not being a diesel owner, I can't comment on the longevity of the 6.0 engine. if I were to buy a diesel today, I think I would go with the diesel 2500HD with the Allson transmission.
I'm particularly interested in the tradeoffs of 2WD vs 4WD, and SRW vs DRW - any thoughts there?
I have 2wd and non dually, although its not a 6.0L I get near 19mpg highway not towing and approx 14 when towing 29' a/s.
Duallys get less mpg but are a little more stable and are designed to carry a load. If your towing on the receiver hitch you could go either way but I would go without a dually because your not carrying a load just towing it. 4wd v/s 2wd well that a personal thing, are you going off road? 2wd requires less maintenance in the long run, gets better fuel economy, and in my opinion rides better, if you need the 4wd then by all means go that route.
Greg
I would choose SRW. The load is down low, not high like a 5th-wheel. SRW will be a whole lot more pleasant when not towing.
OTOH, 4WD is a real nice thing to have, especially with a heavy trailer. Prevents spraying gravel or mud on the trailer when getting out of side roads and the like. I have used low range on mine to get up a steep hill where I had to start at the bottom from a dead stop. Mine has the automatic 4WD and I always put it in that mode when towing in rainstorms.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2004 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
We pull a '72 Sovereign (31 foot) with a 2000 F350 PSD (7.3L) 4x4 crewcab shortbed SRW. I installed a Hensley Arrow and I'm extremely pleased with the overall combo. It's long! Probably about 15% of campgrounds we've stayed overnight in we'll have to unhook. You'll be a little better off with the 28'.
I like having the 4x4, but have only had to use it with the trailer a couple of times on loose gravel, just to keep the rear wheels from spinning. Definitely put on a pair of good mud-flaps to protect the front of your trailer from rocks. The A/T tires are really good at picking up large debris and throwing it at the trailer!
I'm not an expert on the virtues of the 7.3 vs. the new 6L. I have heard of problems with the new engine. I bet the tranny is awesome, though, and there are more than a few problems with the 7.3's tranny. Either way, if you're buying a Ford, you'll get to know your local service guy pretty well!
MY MAJOR GRIPE with the Ford is the "vague" steering. I don't think they've ever worked this out. If you drive big trucks all the time, you may never notice it. If you drive sports cars and european or japanese imports, it'll drive you nuts. The 4x4's are worse than the 2wd models in this regard. There are some fixes available. I've tried them all and they don't solve the fundamental problem. I recommend taking a good long test drive and see if you can live with it. I put up with it because this truck has an awesome engine. I got to know a GOOD local alignment guy and invested in the "lifetime" alignment plan! I need it aligned every 10-15K miles. YMMV.
I found the factory hitch on my 2000 was very, let's say, flexible! I don't think this is the same hitch as you'll be getting. I replaced it this year and I'm very pleased with my new Putnam.
I replaced the factory shocks twice. Once with Rancho adjustables, then with Bilsteins--I'm very pleased with these. I am considering airbags in the rear just to soften the ride.
I got rid of the factory Firestone A/T's as soon as possible. I'm using BF Goodrich A/T's. I might change to Michelin LTX M&S (if I get over my grudge against the French before the BFG's wear out!!!).
If you spec out your truck I'd recommend the "camper package" which includes a rear stabilizer bar to reduce sway and improve cornering. Also, I think the "off-road" package includes the front steering damper. This is essential to keep the truck on the road! I've replaced mine with a better aftermarket one by Pro-Comp. I got the dual alternators on mine. I'm not sure if the 6L comes with that option or not. I would recommend you consider the F350. It's got a higher load rating than the 250. Once you put the powerstroke engine in the F250, there's not much room left in GVWR to haul anything! I put in a 45 gal auxillary tank to stretch out the fuel stops since the stock tank is only 30 gals. When I load up the generator, tools and supplies, spare tire, wife and put the tounge weight of the Airstream on that was 9860# on our last trip. That's way over the 8800# GVWR of the F250!!
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