F-250 SD FX4 ShrtBd & 25 Saf SE

[Steve Heywood]

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

I am towing at 2006 31 Classic with a 2004 F-250 4X4 Regular cab, long bed, 5.4L gas. Going uphill is slower than prevailing traffic but it works. A V10 would be better. A diesel would be have been over kill, not to mention the expense.

If you don't mind being stuck behind slower traffic in the mountains (because you don't have enough power to pass them UPHILL) then I guess a turbocharged diesel is overkill.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by Steve Heywood

If you don't mind being stuck behind slower traffic in the mountains ...... turbocharged .....

My first trip to Yellowstone really struck me about how much power I lost at normal mountain altitudes with a normally aspirated mid-sized engine for what-evah vehicle I was driving.

[Steve Heywood]

Originally Posted by Canoe stream

My first trip to Yellowstone really struck me about how much power I lost at normal mountain altitudes with a normally aspirated mid-sized engine for what-evah vehicle I was driving.

EXACTLY what I was talking about! I don't know the "derate" altitude of my 6.0L Powerstroke is but I had no trouble outaccelerating a family sedan uphill in the Sierras (about 7,000') while towing my Excella.

What I DID notice was an increase in the "turbo lag" compared to sea level. That (lag) is my only gripe about my 6.0L/automatic combo compared to the 2 7.3L/6-speed manuals I used to own.

[tpi]

I pull a 25' Safari w/ 1999 F250 supercab shortbed diesel. Pulls great, plenty of power and 12-15 MPG. I've heard these engines make full output up to 10,000 ft. but can't cite the sources. I've done plenty of towing at 7000-9000 ft. and can vouch for the fact the engine is losing little, if any, horsepower compared to sea level.

[Minnie's Mate]

One thing you might consider: My garage is exactly 20' deep. My super crew F-250 short bed just fits into the garage with the garage door down. I have to exit the truck and walk around the rear of the truck before closing the door, but it fits. An F-250 long bed, even and extended cab, wouldn't fit.

I use a Pro-Park mat under one of the front tires to let me know when I am all the way in without hitting the front wall of the garage. I drew an outline of the mat with a marker on the floor of the garage so I know when it is properly aligned.

[MarkExc500]

Originally Posted by ernesto ca

This forum has been great on my research..Too Good ..my initial research was rather to pursue the 19' or the 23 since I already have a LandCruiser 97..BUT am planning ahead and am lookin at the 2006 F250 SD FX4 SuperCAb not crew with a Shortbed and am Now looking at th 25 foot Safari SE., probably the 2006..My question is with the shorter wheelbase at 142" have much or any impact or affect?...Otherwise the Dude is just to Long..Any comment from the Airstream experts?...Also..my wife kinda wanted me to look at the Dodge 2500 HD but I am partial to the F-250...Any opinion on that issue?..Thanks in advance...

I also purchased a 2006 F250 FX4 Diesel Short Wheel base to tow a 31 Excella and after doing my research comparing the Dodge I went with the Ford and recommend staying with your partial favorite F-250.

I understand that many are having good service from the Dodge Cummins but Ford seemed better in my comparisons including practical components, resale values and 2006 upgrades in my opinion. I also found a good turning radius on my F250 and like the quieter engine this year.
Mine also has the "Optional" tow command brake controller and towing mirrors along with the upfitter switches for powering additional items like a winch or fog lights.

With all that said I really like my F250 Diesel after upgrading from a 2004 Toyota Tundra and I would think you will be happy with the power and brakes of the F250 in Diesel or even Gas although the ride and fuel mileage may or may not compare to your LandCruiser.

Mark

[TGK]

I have a 1999 F250 Superduty Supercab Longbed 4X4 with the 5.4 liter engine, 4:10, manual trans., towing package etc. I tow a 1971 23' Safari. The truck tows the Safari like a dream. The only place I notice any issues is when climbing a steep grade. Yes, if I had it to do over, I would have got the V-10 or diesel. Overall, I get from 10 - 11.5 MPG pulling the Safari on the interstate or over the Cascades or Coast range in Oreon. However, when I bought the truck, I was not forseeing that I would be pulling a trailer. Having said that, it works fine for our needs, and given that the Ford only has 48,000 miles on it after 8 years, I will be hanging onto it for a while. The cost/benfit to upgrade to a newer rig isn't there.