Ford Diesel, 31 foot AS??

[Dano57]

Well, I have been away from here for a while and the wife and I seemed to have gotten away from working on our referb of a 79 Excela but we have new vigor and are getting the Itch to finish it up so we need to get a tow vehicle. I have found a 2005 Ford F-250 equipped as;

4 door, air, power windows, locks, mirrors, & seat, tilt, cruise, AM/FM in dash 6 CD shuttle, tinted windows, alloy wheels, leather, power sliding rear window, spray in bed liner, tow package, Lariat trim, FX4 4X4, 6.0 liter, Powerstroke Turbo Diesel, automatic, 58,000 + miles.

First, is this sufficient to tow said trailer safely in the Rockies, and second what does a FX4 package entail? They want 29.5k and that is as low as I can get them, according to NADA that is the trade-in value. Total newb here so any constructive comments are graciously welcome.

Dan

[Goin camping]

Yes it will tow that trailer over the Rockies and the Alps.

The FX4 is Rancho shocks and some skid plates IIRC.

Some '05 Fords had turbo etc. problems. So get an Oasis report to see if this one was/is one of those. A clean Oasis report is usually indicitve of a reliable truck.

Good luck.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Some '05 Fords had turbo etc. problems. So get an Oasis report to see if this one was/is one of those. A clean Oasis report is usually indicitve of a reliable truck.

Injector problems too. Oasis report? Sounds like a good idea. You can research specific engines at TheDieselStop.Com Forums - Powered by UBB.threads™. But there are many satisfied Ford diesel owners who made it through that period just fine -- a good indication would be if this particular truck made it through without problems.

[TIMEMACHINE]

Goin and Canoe have given very good advice, I would add the price is right IFthe tires and brakes are new and of good quality, and make sure they do the 60,000 service prior to taking delivery at their cost, it can be a big ticket item. The Oasis report is a must, if the selling dealer provides the report, have them sign it as proof they were the ones giving it you, that way if anything turns up (it is not unheard of that a dealer gives a customer the wrong report) you are in good shape.

The F250 PSD will pull your AS anywhere with ease.

time

[safari 28]

Originally Posted by Dano57

Well, I have been away from here for a while and the wife and I seemed to have gotten away from working on our referb of a 79 Excela but we have new vigor and are getting the Itch to finish it up so we need to get a tow vehicle. I have found a 2005 Ford F-250 equipped as;

4 door, air, power windows, locks, mirrors, & seat, tilt, cruise, AM/FM in dash 6 CD shuttle, tinted windows, alloy wheels, leather, power sliding rear window, spray in bed liner, tow package, Lariat trim, FX4 4X4, 6.0 liter, Powerstroke Turbo Diesel, automatic, 58,000 + miles.

First, is this sufficient to tow said trailer safely in the Rockies, and second what does a FX4 package entail? They want 29.5k and that is as low as I can get them, according to NADA that is the trade-in value. Total newb here so any constructive comments are graciously welcome.

Dan

If you are not trading in go to edmunds and get trade in price and offer 500 over that. WALK AND LET THEM CALL YOU BACK.

[Dano57]

Safari 28,

I checked with NADA and the asking price (firm) is 50 bucks over trade-in value. The average sales price is over 33k. I have been studying up on the engine and I wonder how reliable it is?

[jdalrymple]

Plenty of truck. I would check with Ford and make sure any long term warranty (power train or otherwise) gets transfered. Also, depending on the original delivery date, there should be some bumper to bumper warranty left. With any luck major problems would be covered.

[ALANSD]

If you want to save a few thou you can look for a V10 F250, as that engine is
also very reliable, and will pull the trailer no problem. You might save 4-5 grand over a diesel.

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by Dano57

Safari 28,

I checked with NADA and the asking price (firm) is 50 bucks over trade-in value. The average sales price is over 33k. I have been studying up on the engine and I wonder how reliable it is?

You know the reliability issue is odd some trucks like Timemachines had trouble where mine has been flawless. An Oasis report would tell you if the truck has been trouble prone. A lot of folks who chipped thier trucks had trouble too so keep it stock. If I were in your shoes and the truck was a problem baby I'd pass on it. If its had no problems I'd get it. You may want to extend your warranty for piece of mind just make sure it's a Ford warranty and no other.

[2airishuman]

hi dano

what cab/bed combo? does it have the integrated brake controller too?

the fx package is 2 skid plates and the uprated shocks, and the fx stickers

does it have the added rear antisway/roll bar? that is a nice addition on this truck.

the bumper2bumper is long gone but the diesel (including turbos) is warranted to 100k miles.

are they including the new 200,000 mile warranty?

if not, i'd get that added somehow, even for a little more coin.

approaching 60 k, it is time for the 2nd tranny service, which really should be pan off, to do the internal filter.

the truck is likely on a 2nd set of tires, if not get new tires.

while it might be time for brake pads, mine are 60%+ at about the same mileage.

i've towed a triple axle over 50k miles and across most of the big hills in the west with good results.

i'd also expect fresh/new air, oil and fuel filters(2)

the service record is very important,

there should be a long list of oil changes, fuel filter changes, at least one tranny service and 2-3 recalls completed

[safari 28]

Originally Posted by Dano57

Safari 28,

I checked with NADA and the asking price (firm) is 50 bucks over trade-in value. The average sales price is over 33k. I have been studying up on the engine and I wonder how reliable it is?

Well I am not a diesel fan, and second the post on a v10 if you can find it. Check edmunds, fo to used vehicles and click pricing., they give a true value number that is based on current auctions in your area. It usualy is much lower than NADA. Check with inland Andy, he thinks 1/2 tons actually protect the trailer better with softer suspension and 3/4 tons may actually be too stiff. good luck.

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by Dano57

First, is this sufficient to tow said trailer safely in the Rockies,

Dan

This will definately do it. I have towed my 06 classic over the rockies several times. once with a gas and twice with a diesel. Diesel is the only way to go if you want power to spare climbing those hills.

[Dano57]

2airishuman,

Good points, I'll have to ask about much of it. Thanks.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, so far all of my good friends have given you great advice, but I want to add one thing; If the vehicle and or engine has been modified [intake, exhaust, computer, turbo, and suspension Etc.] you might want to walk away from it. I would. Otherwise it sounds like a good deal.

[Dano57]

Thanks folks, keep the comments coming. Tomorrow I'll start doing my research on the truck, I like what I see and if it proves to be mechanically sound I think I make work on the deal.

[Dano57]

OK folks the Oasis report looks good according to the local Ford dealer, biggest thing is 2 injectors and an EGR cooler repair. 58k miles, 29.5k dollars, looks great, I plan to drive tomorrow, so....buy or no buy?

[thecatsandi]

2 injectors at 58K why? EGR why? Was this moded in any way? Injectors? Water in fuel, not changing the filters often enough?

[Dano57]

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

2 injectors at 58K why? EGR why? Was this moded in any way? Injectors? Water in fuel, not changing the filters often enough?

I don't have a clue The service manager that pulled the Oasis report didn't seem to think it was very serious. I know there is a mod out on the EGR cooler which he said had been done, something about the old ones cracking. The injector issue I am not sure about, I know it was in for hard start problems when the injectors were replaced but that is all.

[DFord79]

Buy it if it looks good. You won't be sorry if the truck has been taken care of but that is usually obivous. As far as being enough tuck...YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING. It will pull twice what you have...and more. Up any mountain faster than you wanna go. MORE truck than you need.

[TIMEMACHINE]

Originally Posted by Dano57

OK folks the Oasis report looks good according to the local Ford dealer, biggest thing is 2 injectors and an EGR cooler repair. 58k miles, 29.5k dollars, looks great, I plan to drive tomorrow, so....buy or no buy?

If you have not bought the truck yet...stand by,

I think the Service manger may have meant "intercooler", EGR valve, and injectors. I don't belirvr there is such a thing as an EGR cooler.

Read my thread "We dumped our diesel for a gasser" (link Below)and specifically the posts about my F250's technical problems. With that Oasis report, I wouldn't touch that Ford.

Just my opinion, take it for what it is worth.


http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ser-38681.html