which configuration is best for towing?

[Suprman]

Hello

I'm a Mustang guy looking to get a cheap 99-02 7.3L F250 to tow my 2 Mustangs and other random cars I buy. I really like the idea of a supercab short bed as i wouldn't need a crew cab or the longer bed. What I was wondering is whats the best configuration for towing? at some point in time i'd like to get a gooseneck race trailer, but right now i only have a regular no frills trailer. will the supercab/shortbed combo tow well? what transmission should i be looking for? My Mustangs are manuals, and i like to drive them, but something tells me in a truck i'd like to just sit back and let an auto do the work.

also which would be better for haulin and towin 2x4 or 4x4? my guess would be 2 wheel drive, I can't think of why I would need 4wd living in GA and mostly doing highway haulin, but is their any benefit?

thanks for looking, I know mustangs, but these diesels are new to me.

[AFBLUE]

I have a 4x4 crew cab long bed, 6spd man and it was exactly what I was looking for myself. Is this truck going to sit if you are not pulling the trailer, or is it going to become your daily? I said that i didnt need a Crew Cab, but I tell you now that I have the space, I sure darn use the crap out of it.

I dont think there would be much difference between 4X2 or 4X4 besides the fact that if you ever have to park your racing setup on the grass at races, you might want the 4X4 to get you butt out if its soft. To me iit looks like 4X2s sit lower so you probably wornt be able to go up a tire size without a lift.

Transmissions, I have a 6spd man and I like it. I think its a great trans eventhough reverse is in an odd location. In a manual you will have to do some shifting, but you have alot less that can break, or overheat if you tow heavy.

What weight do you plan on pulling?

[Suprman]

yeah i have a daily driver 40mpg honda, so the truck we only really be used for weekend duty. I don't think i will ever be towing near the max of the truck, like i said i've got a regular trailer and total weight is under 5,000, but one day would like a gooseneck race trailer with living quarters and all the bells and whistles.

Also i know right now i would probably be fine with a f150 or a gas f250, but i want something i can grow with and possibly maybe try running biodiesel.

[dieselcrawler]

If you end up with that nice trailer, you'll end up with friends who wanna go with ya... get a crew cab, there also seems to be more of them to chose from, I had a hard time finding my ext cab...
The 4x4 will be nice for the extra traction, as well as the use of low range in the transfer case, I use it ALOT... just for the added control of going slow, nice for manuvering trailers I use often. Takes alot of strain off the trans and tork converter...

[Dirk]

I agree with the crew cab comments. In all honesty, All configurations tow rather well. It all depends on the weight you are pulling. I have no issues putting a gooseneck or 5'ver behind my SRW superduty, but if you are looking at getting a nice race trailer, look at getting a dually.

[siloped]

I have the ex-cab and that is the only thing I wanted when I got my truck was the crew. Other than that it pulles perfect. I pull a tag along wieghing about 5k loaded. But a previouse owner pulled a 5're noticed by the grease stains and one rail left in the bed.

I like the 4x4. Not only is the extra traction nice, but when the truck squats from tongue wieght or a loaded bed, the wieght of that front axle will help with the downforce on the front tires.

[UnlimitedLove]

Rule of Thumb, the longer the better for towing.

[mnstroker]

Originally Posted by Suprman

Also i know right now i would probably be fine with a f150 or a gas f250, but i want something i can grow with and possibly maybe try running biodiesel.

I used to say the same thing in my 04 gasser. But i used my buddies stroke and well sets say i had the truck in my sig within a week.

[Cj Ford]

I always like a long truck for towing... thus me having a ext cab long bed... next one will be a 4 door long bed .... as far as tranny I prefer the manual over a auto.. I feel there is a lot better control over stopping and being able to downshift ...

thats my .02 on the topic

[AFBLUE]

Originally Posted by Suprman

yeah i have a daily driver 40mpg honda, so the truck we only really be used for weekend duty. I don't think i will ever be towing near the max of the truck, like i said i've got a regular trailer and total weight is under 5,000, but one day would like a gooseneck race trailer with living quarters and all the bells and whistles.

Also i know right now i would probably be fine with a f150 or a gas f250, but i want something i can grow with and possibly maybe try running biodiesel.

We are all bias to diesel here, but there is alot to say why the diesel is an $6,800 option on an 08 superduty vs a $600.00 option for the V10.

Also Biodiesel/ WVO is a good deal if you have connections for oil. Think about it, you can drag your toys up and down the east coast for free, and the fuel savings will eventually pay for itself.....