I currently drive a 2004 XLT with the 4.6L engine. In the summer I tow a 24" coachman trailer. Loaded it's close to 5000 lbs. Needless to see the truck struggles at times, especially on inclines.

Lately I've been towing with the idea of trading it in for something bigger. I'm not looking to buy anything brand new (wish I could afford the ecoboost...). Off course the obvious choice would be to go with another F150 with the 5.4L. But a neighbor down the street is selling a 2007 F250 quad cab. It has the 5.4L in it.

How would that compare towing-wise to the F150? I know it doesn't have more power, but apart from a stiffer suspension, does it have a beefier transmission?

Another choice would be one with a diesel, from 2003 - 2007. I heard they're also better on gas even when not pulling...

Thoughts?

 

How often do you tow? my thought would be if it works most of the time stick with what you have.

 

Yea the f-250 5.4 wouldn't be a really bad idea if you don't mine horrific gas milage and a hard *** suspension. If your gonna get a 250 I would only get a diesel... Those trucks are too heavy to be pulled efficiently by gas.

 

In the spring\summer\fall, every other weekend. We have 11 trips booked already, and some of them are around 4 hours away. This is primarily what the truck is used for. I'm think Diesel at this point, unless I can find a killer deal on a 2009\2010 F150 with the 5.4L. I hear the new 6 spd. transmission is good and helps a ton with towing.

 

If you can afford a diesel, the maintenance of a diesel, and the cost of diesel fuel then get the diesel.
Just do your research before you buy. I got rid of an '02 GMC back in Oct. Dumped too much money into it. I did all my research on Ford diesels thinking that what I wanted but just couldnt find one I was looking for. Found the GMC in great condition but was ignorant to the fact that GM diesels from '01-'04.5 have injector problems.
I did like the truck and miss the fuel mileage (14 city-19 hwy avg). My F150 get 10 city 14-16 hwy if lucky.

 

go into debt and get an ecoboost!

 

If you get a gas engine make sure to check the gear ratio. If you have 3.55's it is going to make things pretty rough on the 4.6. I would just try a tuner, if you can get a used one for $200 or so. If that don't to it, go bigger. Even if you get the 250, get yourself a tuner. If you only use the truck to tow, you should be able to withstand the ride.
Mpg and gas/fuel prices is up to your budget.

Oh, a consideration on the 250.......has he changed the plugs in it yet?

 

If you can get a diesel I would recommend that, however, while I am a huge Ford fan I would either go with a 7.3 or 6.4 just because the 6.0 can be very problematic. I know several people who have 6.0's and haul with them every day with no problems, but I also know people who don't haul much and have had egr, injector and multiple other problems. With the 6.0 it a hit or miss.

 

Well I found a 2008 F150 XLT (5.4) Crew 4x4 for just over 15K. It also has 46 000 kms on it. I'm awaiting for a carfax report. But driving it I could fee a huge difference in power. My current 04 4.6 has 3.55 and this one has 3.73. I think this would be a good improvement. Yeah it's not the new style, but I just don't think I can pass up such a great deal!

 

Wow that seems like a hell of a deal to me! I paid 14.5 for my 04 screw 5.4 with 59k miles on it 9 months ago. Maybe i need to go to Canada to purchase my next truck!