Which truck to buy?

[OpWildcat19]

Hey guys, don't flame me too bad for my first post. I have a 26' Fleetwood Gearbox Toyhauler, bumper pull, which I use for bbq competitions. Loaded weight is around 9500 give or take, with a tongue weight around 1200-1300, using a Class 5 hitch and equalizer. I'm currently pulling it with a 97 F250 HD with the 460 gas motor. Just not cutting it, it's pretty much to the floor just to keep it at 60-65, and the gas gauge is moving pretty fast towards E. So it's time for a diesel, but I'm not sure what I need to be looking for. This would be used mainly for towing and hunting, so I don't need a fancy rig, I have a daily driver for that. Budget is around $25k. I know a lot of you are big on the 7.3, but will the 6.0 or 6.4 handle what I need without a bunch of mods? What should I be looking for when I find one? All I know at this point is a crew cab, short box and 4x4.

Any advice is appreciated.

[SuperCrutyPS]

I'd get the newest for the $$. The later 6.0L should have the bugs worked out by now so a 6.0L or the 6.4L should be able to get it done for ya.

If you buy from a dealer, ask to make sure any recalls, tech bulletins have been done. Ask for a CARFAX report - it wouldn't hurt to see if any of the maintanence records are available (probably get those only if the truck was maintained a dealer).

[gunman41mag]

Originally Posted by OpWildcat19

Hey guys, don't flame me too bad for my first post. I have a 26' Fleetwood Gearbox Toyhauler, bumper pull, which I use for bbq competitions. Loaded weight is around 9500 give or take, with a tongue weight around 1200-1300, using a Class 5 hitch and equalizer. I'm currently pulling it with a 97 F250 HD with the 460 gas motor. Just not cutting it, it's pretty much to the floor just to keep it at 60-65, and the gas gauge is moving pretty fast towards E. So it's time for a diesel, but I'm not sure what I need to be looking for. This would be used mainly for towing and hunting, so I don't need a fancy rig, I have a daily driver for that. Budget is around $25k. I know a lot of you are big on the 7.3, but will the 6.0 or 6.4 handle what I need without a bunch of mods? What should I be looking for when I find one? All I know at this point is a crew cab, short box and 4x4.

Any advice is appreciated.

I would just buy a 7.3{OLD RELIABLE}Then pay BIG $$$ for a 6.0{SICKO} or the 6.4{COIN TOSS}

[trucktractorman]

Can't go wrong with the 7.3. As for the others, someone else will post about

[Super Diesel]

All of the powerstroke platforms (7.3, 6.0, and 6.4) are capable of handling that much in tow, easy. Can't go wrong with the 7.3, I love mine. I don't tow anything, but it's pretty awesome. I would stay away from 6.0s from 2003 and 2004. If I were going to get a 6.0, it'd be an '06 or '07.

The 6.4 is a good choice too. And I really like the interior upgrade they gave it, especially since they've been using the same interior (for the most part) since 97!!! It's up to you. Good luck!

[dieseldan2005]

They all have good and bad points. We were just truck hunting for my buddy here the last 2 weeks. The 7.3s are selling for more than book value. You can get a 6.0 way cheaper and get a newer rig but get an OASIS report from a ford dealer on what ever truck you look at. If its got a bad rap sheet, then walk away from it.

[OpWildcat19]

Thanks for the input. I'll continue to watch the local ads for older 7.3's, I've seen a few pop up from time to time. I can't see myself in a GM or Dodge product and had heard a few of the newer (2000's) Fords had some engine issues, so your input is very helpful. I'll see what I can find in the next few months, since I won't be needing it until next spring when bbq season fires up again.

[dieseldan2005]

Not sure where you live, but if you want a clean truck and are willing to pay for it then check out this website.

Diesel Trucks for Sale: Ford Power Stroke, Dodge Cummins, Chevy Duramax from Handpicked Western Trucks LLC. Current Inventory

[mustangman02232]

my 04s had the least amout of problems of any of our trucks including the 7.3s. just do your homework, 25k should get you an 05-07 year truck

[Red '97]

if your bugdet is 25k then you could find an older 7.3 for like 7-10k and modify it to have the same kinda power a newer one does..... 7.3s great i like mine a lot go for that.