Is the 5.4L enine enough?

[wakamicamper]

I am shopping for a new F250. I can't afford a diesel ($8000 Cdn) and I don't need a V10. I will be keeping the truck for 8 - 10 years. I will be towing a 5th wheel with a GVWR of 9000 lbs. max. about 20% of the time, mostly in the May - November months, (I live in Canada). I have read that most SD owners consider the 5.4 L engine as being underpowered for the SD. AT 300 hp @ 365 lbs. of torque, comparing the 6.0 L engine on the new GMC trucks has a 367 hp @ 375 lbs. of torque does this make the GMC a better engine?

This truck will be my daily vehicle for everyday use. I am retired so it won't be used for a daily commute to work. I am slightly concerned about mileage, but also know that in a truck of this size, my mileage will be poor. I presently have a 01 supercrew and have averaged 16.8 mpg over the past 7 years.

So, is it worth my while to buy an F250, or would I be better off with a new 3/4 ton GMC with the bigger engine?

For the record, I have priced the 2 trucks on the OEM web sites and they come out at almost the same price, the GMC is cheaper by $50, no big deal.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[wakamicamper]

I am shopping for a new F250. I can't afford a diesel ($8000 Cdn) and I don't need a V10. I will be keeping the truck for 8 - 10 years. I will be towing a 5th wheel with a GVWR of 9000 lbs. max. about 20% of the time, mostly in the May - November months, (I live in Canada). I have read that most SD owners consider the 5.4 L engine as being underpowered for the SD. AT 300 hp @ 365 lbs. of torque, comparing the 6.0 L engine on the new GMC trucks has a 367 hp @ 375 lbs. of torque does this make the GMC a better engine?

This truck will be my daily vehicle for everyday use. I am retired so it won't be used for a daily commute to work. I am slightly concerned about mileage, but also know that in a truck of this size, my mileage will be poor. I presently have a 01 supercrew and have averaged 16.8 mpg over the past 7 years.

So, is it worth my while to buy an F250, or would I be better off with a new 3/4 ton GMC with the bigger engine?

For the record, I have priced the 2 trucks on the OEM web sites and they come out at almost the same price, the GMC is cheaper by $50, no big deal.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Hitchhiker]

Even though the 5.4 liter Ford would be fine for daily commutes, I think you'd be disappointed with it as an engine for a towing vehicle. In my opinion, the 6.0 liter GM would be a better choice for the scenario you've presented unless you stepped up to the Ford's V-10.

[TXiceman]

A very real option is to look for a good used diesel. You can find some good buys on 3/4 ton diesels in the Ford, Dodge or Chevy lines. 100,000 miles is nothing an a diesel engine. You will still pay more for a used diesel, but maybe it will get it into the budget.

Avoid the 6.0L Ford PSD engine at all cost. 2003 and 2004 were real problems and the problems continued into 2005 and 2006.

Ken

[Rick A]

I just picked up an '05 F-250 V-10 w/ 13K miles this week. So far I am very happy with the performance of the V-10. Guys I have talked to are not happy wth the performance of the 5.4 in the superduty. They say it is under powered. I can't imagine it making a very good tow vehicle for a 9K lb trailer.

[Paul Heuvelhorst]

wakamicamper,
I LOVE my 2000 F150 w/5.4L engine and 3.73 gears. It does a WONDERFUL job towing our trailer, which is under 6000# "wet." It is a great combination and there is nothing I can think to change to make it any better.

Having said that, I think you would be extremely disappointed in this engine combination in an F250, towing 9000# or more. I agree with others who advise either a late model diesel or a V-10 for your intended purpose.

The 5.4L is a great engine, and would be acceptable in the F250 for regular driving, but not for the loads you plan to put it to.

Best wishes as you search for the right truck for your purposes.

[dixoncider]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I can't afford a diesel ($8000 Cdn) and I don't need a V10. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If you are keeping the truck for 8 to 10 years you can't afford the gas engine in reality. over all the diesel will be less money, better mpg, and resale.

[rclarke]

The 5.4 and the V10 most often will get similar fuel mileage. The V10 will give much more power when needed. My V10 E350 gets over 16mpg empty and 9-10mpg towing at about 14,000lbs gross weight.

[wakamicamper]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like the V10 is the only way to go. Does anyone know the difference in mpg for the 4.10 and the 4.30 axle ratios. Since the 5th I will be buying has a max GVWR of 9000 lbs. and the 4.10 axle ratio for the Ford F250 Supercab 4 x 2 is rated at 13700 lbs. I don't think it necessary to get the 4.30 axle ratio, even though it would give another 2000 lbs towing capacity. We are shopping for Ultralight 5vers. Thanks to all who responded.

[K-Star]

My response pertains to diesel as that is all I've owned, but it will give you an idea about MPG's.

1999 Ford F-250 with 3.73 - around 20 mpg solo, 13 towing.

2006 F-350 dualy with 4.30 - around 18 solo and 10 towing.

[rclarke]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wakamicamper:
Thanks for the replies. It looks like the V10 is the only way to go. Does anyone know the difference in mpg for the 4.10 and the 4.30 axle ratios. Since the 5th I will be buying has a max GVWR of 9000 lbs. and the 4.10 axle ratio for the Ford F250 Supercab 4 x 2 is rated at 13700 lbs. I don't think it necessary to get the 4.30 axle ratio, even though it would give another 2000 lbs towing capacity. We are shopping for Ultralight 5vers. Thanks to all who responded. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You might actually find the 4.30 will get better mileage while towing since it will allow more driving in OD. Before I bought a V10 I talked to a neighbor in a campground who was on his second V10 F350. His first one was a 4.10 and the second was 4.30, he told me he wouldn't ever go back to taller gears. Better pulling and better mileage with the 4.30's.

[xc-mark]

if your main goal is towing dont cut your self short get all the gear they offer 4.30 with the current size tires on trucks isnt a big deal.

[Ray,IN]

The towing specs are designed around the engine,drivetrain, suspension, and net weight. Since you say you'll be towing a maximum of 20% of the total driving time you may decide to sacrifice some towing ability for unloaded fuel mileage or, sacrifice some unloaded fuel mileage for maximum towing ability, making the differential gearing your individual decision.

The GVW of the 5er is not the total equation. Frontal area is a large factor when towing a 5er. I lost the address of a spreadsheet a guy designed for such calculations. Hopefully someone will have it and reply. That engine may tow a 9K lb 5er but you will not be relaxed doing so.

[jojolima]

No question, 4:30 with Limited Slip!!

This is a fine combination with the V10.

Happy Trails.