My truck is actually too small for the camper I pull. I pull a 7500 lb fifth wheel camper. I have pulled the camper on five across state trips so far. While it works and handles the load, I know it must be putting a strain on the engine and transmission. But, what do I do? At the cost of a new truck, I figure it is best to drive the vehicle until that engine has trouble and then replace it with a rebuilt 5.4 Tritan. What do you think?

 

From your profile, I see you've got a 2006 Screw w/ 4.6L, meaning 4-speed auto. How many miles? Do you have a tranny cooler and brake controller installed? I don't know exact numbers, but you're probably right, you're either over or at the limit of that truck.

Depending on the truck's condition, how much you owe on the truck, and you're present financial situation, I would say your options are to upgrade trucks or not pull the camper much. IMO, it doesn't make a bit of sense, nor is it safe, to overload a vehicle, especially on a regular basis. If possible, I would upgrade your present truck to the point that it can safely haul the load, or upgrade to a more capable truck.

 

swapping the 4.6 to a 5.4 is more than just swapping motors. the trans behind the 4.6 is weaker than the one behind the 5.4, for the amount of money you would have tied up, i would just buy a bigger truck. why would you buy a camper bigger than you can pull? i love seeing this.... it amuses me

if you have to or can't afford to keep it...i would
1. get an edge to firm up your shifts
2.regear it for towing
3.tranny cooler
4.deep tranny pan with synthetic
5.brake controller if you don't already
6. get some damn good brakes

estimated cost~~easy 3 grand

even with these things, you truck will take a beating. campers of that size, only belong behind a 3/4ton and up

 

Get a 3/4 ton truck and be done with it. You are putting yourself at risk towing something like that each time you get behind the wheel. Do everyone else a favor and get a bigger truck so you can handle it that way their isn't a wreck on the road. Or get a smaller camper.

 

My truck has 90000 miles on it. [The miles are all highway miles. I know the previous owner, he traveled over four states selling and installing invisible fence.] I bought it two years ago. I had a Ranger for the four years before that. I wanted a larger truck for pulling my boat. Then, last year, the opportunity arose to buy that used camper. I know it was a little large for the current truck, but we were looking at the fact of it was better to get something that could suit our desires for many years rather than getting something smaller knowing we would not be satisfied and need to trade again soon. The dealer that sold me the camper said the 150 could pull it. I think the 30' fifth wheel camper is empty vehicle weight at 6500, that is why I estimate it at 7500 with our stuff in it.
A trailer brake assist/controller was installed when I bought the camper.
After I bought the camper, I had a second external transmission cooler installed.
The truck seems to work fine on pulling the trailer, I have had absolutely no problems.
But when I read standard stats for the truck I have the average stated towing capacities are around 6000 lbs. That is why I suspected I was at or over my limit.
As you may know, when you purchase a used vehicle and add in the extended 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty coverage, the amount financed puts you a little upside down for the first few years. The current vehicle market is running good deals on buying brand new vehicles, but the trade in market is very low from what I have seen. (They barely want to pay my truck off as a trade in.)
I was just trying to figure out just how serious a problem I may have, and what my options were.

I thank you guys for your input.

 

don't let be me a downer, but pulling 7500# trailer + 4.6+ supercrew = can't be doing just fine, that thing has to be struggling the whole way.

if you have to add a 2nd tranny cooler, you just answered your own question.

 

A swap is possible but as stated- more expensive than it is worth. You can find a 5.4 '04-'08 style 4x4 truck with 80k ish miles for under $15k. Another thing to consider is that if you have a 4x4, you are not able to pull as much as a 2wd. My recomendation would be to get rid of your 4.6 and get a 5.4L 2wd. I got my '05 Lariat 2wd with 36k on it for just over $12k. It had the heavy tow package already on it. Estimated max tow for this setup is 8500-9000lbs.

 

Seriously, if you are going to tow that camper, you need a 3/4 ton truck!!!!!

 

Thanks Guys, you convinced me.
I did an internet search and am driving to Sylvester GA and Thomasville GA, to look at two older model F250's that should be in my price range to trade and stay with the same payments.
Thanks for getting my perspective in focus.
God bless you.

 

I am looking at a 2004 Ford F250 with 6.0L Turbodiesel. I have heard some horror stories about this engine, but I have also heard from a professional who said the main problem came with folks started chipping them up. He said a 6.0 was a fine engine if left at factory specs. This vehilce has 112000 miles on it now. I have heard a diesel should produce over 200000 miles easy. Am I on the right track?