Please advise. Can't decide on a tow vehicle.

[Bev1940]

I tow my 1978 31' Airstream with my 1999 GMC sierra p/u 1500 most of the time it doesn't feel like anything is back there. Have taken it to Alabama and several short trips around Ontario,,, and this summer I drove to Whitehorse YK never had a bit of problem. A few years ago I met up with an Airstreamer who towed his with a Hyundai Santafe and he said he had no problems towing. Its the trailer brakes that stop the trailer not the tow vehicle. Good luck !

[ericpeltier]

Originally Posted by Bev1940

Its the trailer brakes that stop the trailer not the tow vehicle.

We all hope!!

[markgillett]

We are in the process of purchasing a 1999 F250 with a 7.3.
The 6.0L were produced by Navistar and it was a disaster. Ford and Navistar ended up in court because Ford started designing their own engines. I found a 1999 7.3L Powerstroke with 130,000 miles on it. Ford quit using these engines as they would not meet the emission standards coming in about 2002.
My wife asked me, "I guess we are buying an engine with a truck around it?" I told her that is exactly what we are doing.
If you want a modern engine, look for one with a common rail fuel system. All older diesels have a mechanical fuel system. The pump delivers fuel to each injector separately. In the new engine the fuel is supplied at a very high pressure to a common "tube" which feeds each injector and is metered into the cylinder over the burn cycle. This means the engines run much smoother. There is on one explosion that provides the power in older engines in the newer engines there is a small starter explosion and fuel is added in micro seconds to continue the power cycle.
Hope this helps

[Firedog1]

Today I traded my F150 for F250 super duty 6.7 turbo diesel not enough payload even with the added airbags

[Skater]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

I had my eye on a 2004 Ford F-250 with a 6L diesel motor...

PASS! We traded ours in on a new Ram a few weeks ago. We owned it for 3 years, and spent over $3K annually to keep the damn thing on the road. I know there are lovers of that engine, but I'm not one of them. (To be fair, not all of the $3K each year was due to the diesel - it included things like new tires, new fuel pump, four wheel drive work, etc., but we did spend several grand on the engine alone, and more was looming.)

Actually, if it has been Bulletproofed, it's apparently a great engine that'll run forever. Bulletproofing is several grand, though. We were sick of dumping money into ours.

(If you think I hate Ford, nope - I still own and love a '99 Mercury Cougar that I bought brand new in 1999.)

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by Skater

(If you think I hate Ford, nope - I still own and love a '99 Mercury Cougar that I bought brand new in 1999.)

I looked into all these motors a few years ago when shopping for a new 3/4 ton to replace my Chevy diesel.

It was a set of insane EPA diesel regulations that were behind a series of mistimings that hit Ford trying to introduce an in-house diesel.

Had the EPA given US manufacturers just a year or two to get the latest technology into manufacturing , Ford could have avoided the rube goldberg stuff they had to put on the 6.0

Ford has it right now but still way too much EPA junk on these diesels.

(just my 2 cents )

[goldwing1]

I owned a 2005 F250 6.0 diesel, the first 45K miles was without any problems, but after that I started having engine problems. Had to replace EGR valve 3 times, inter cooler turban radiator, and other problems. If you go on the Power Stroke forum and search info on the 6.0 engine you can read about all the problems folks have had with it. I traded for a GMC Diesel and am very happy with it. I hear the new 6.7 Ford is doing well and everyone I know who owns one loves it.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[paiceman]

See all those newer Tag Axle Diesel Motorhomes. It's not ego or looks its the wonderful EPA. Last year or the year before their new (dumb in my opinion) regulations added over 1,000 pounds to the rear of the diesel pushers. So, add another axle to the big boys to cover that weight and not lose any carrying capacity. IE Newmar Dutch Star, was only single axle, now gone and or going Tag. Happening to Pick ups in not too distant future I'll bet.

[blickcd]

In 2004 I bought a new F250 with the 6.0 diesel. 14 years and 117,000 miles later and I am still towing my 31' Airstream. Been almost coast to coast with it. Hauled lots of mulch, gravel, and dirt as well when not towing.

Had problems with the EGR valve and EGR cooler so I had the EGR delete kit installed several years ago. The wet bath oil cooler started leaking at 100,000 miles, which I understand is the lifespan of that unit. Had to replace the original alternator a few months ago. Seems to be having problems with the factory glow plugs or their wiring harnesses and I will have that checked soon before it gets cold. I plan to drive this truck for another 14 years and maybe longer.

If you find a 6.0 that is still running, chances are its had some of the known problems occur and was likely repaired. If you can find one that has some documentation of what work might have been done over the years, or maybe a one-owner truck and that person is willing to tell all, buy it.

[sparkymark]

I had the 6.0, blew 3 turbos, main seal (twice), head gasket! It was a POS! Now have a 2011 F350 with the 6.7l, it's amazing! Plenty of power and tows the 2012 Eddie Bauer 25' like it's not even there, I have to use cruise control, otherwise I end up significantly over the speed limit!



Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Overlanding]

We tow our Airstream with a 2013 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins diesel, 4X4, 6-speed manual transmission. When not towing, the Ram is also ideal for back road or off road exploring away from home base. Mileage is about 14-16 highway when towing, 18-20+ highway when not towing. The manual transmission is not for everyone, but gives great control, particularly with the diesel exhaust brake on long hills. Overall, these Ram 2500s are extremely capable. Highly recommended. - David

[cantdrv55]

I ended up getting a great deal (I think) on a 2006 Nissan Titan with tow package. It has a 5.4L V8. It can supposedly tow up to 9400 lb.