darnol1

I currently own a 2005 F150 Crew 4x4 with 5.4L (133,000 miles). I pull a 32' Jayco travel trailer that, when loaded with my family/food, clothing etc., is 7500# (dry weight of the trailer is 5500#). According to the specs., my F150 is rated for 8200#. I pull my trailer on average 6-8 times/year. In time, I'd like to venture out further in our camping destinations...most of our trips are currently within a few hours of our home.

Beyond wishing I could go faster than 40mph on really steep grades (which is not that often), I feel comfortable/in control when pulling my camper...I have a Reese dual cam WDH, which really helps. I usually stick to 60 - 65 mph.

I would like to know if going from my F150 with 5.4L to an F250 with 5.4L would gain me any noticeable difference in towing quality/ease. My wallet won't be able to afford a Diesel (which I think is overkill for my situation anyway). V10s are a consideration but there aren't many out there for sale.

Another big factor as to why I'm considering a heavier duty tow vehicle is, last year, I had to have the lower exhaust manifold gasket replaced due to a leak. When I heard a clicking coming from the engine a few months ago, I had it checked and the gasket on the other side of the engine is starting to leak...at this time, the mechanic said it's very minor and he wouldn't recommend replacing it yet. The mechanic also told me that pulling heavier loads will only expedite the leak becoming worse due to the extra stress that is being put on the engine. This puts a concern in my mind that, although the 5.4L is capable of pulling this weight, maybe my trailer is just too much for this engine... I don't know if any components in an F250 5.4L are any different (heavier duty?) than they are in an F150 5.4.

It will always be cheaper to replace the gasket, but if pulling further distances is eventually going to leave us sitting on the side of the road some day, I'd rather beef things up now before that happens.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

sportster07

Sounds like you want a v10 or a new 6.2. 5.4's are pretty underpowered for a superduty IMO. We had one for a work truck, 5.4 gasser for a plow truck and it didn't last long till it was replaced with a v10. I can't vouch for v10 reliability but they have lots of ***** at the expense of a little extra fuel.

schrod

Uhhhh, ummmmm, I think that should read "at the expense of a LOT of extra fuel"............................................. .....

95stepside

A v10 is pretty much going to get 10 mpg all day long, our 5.4 f250 gets 12 tops empty and 7 towing. The v10 is definitely a much better choice if the primary use is towing

sportster07

No, not really. You lose 1-2 mpg but you gain it when you actually use the truck. When plowing, the v10 does better then a 5.4 we used to have and on the highway the mileage is pretty darn close too.

Nemisus

I recently just got rid of my 2003 Super Duty with 5.4 2v and went back to an F150 with 5.4 3v. While I loved the Super Duty, the 5.4 in it just didn't do it for me. 9 mpgs was average. For what I use a truck for.... the F150 is plenty. And the 3v is getting me an average of 14 mpg. While not great.. an improvement nontheless.

An F250 with a 3v 5.4 might yield you slightly better mpg over the 2v.. but I also agree that a V10 or newer 6.2 is best for what your looking for.

Cheers

Nem