F250 5.4L with 4.10 axle ratio...any owners of one out there?

[5arnolds]

I currently tow with a 2005 F150 SuperCrew with a 5.4 Liter (rated at 8,200# conventional towing).

For sale in our area is a one-owner (all maintenance records available) 2005 F250 XLT, 5.4L (52,000 miles on it), 8' bed with the FX package and a 4.10 axle ratio. It appears to be rated for 11,000# conventional towing. This seems to be a perfect fit for our Featherweight 5,500# TT, BUT I've talked so long about upgrading to the 6.8L gas someday. I prefer to stick with gas as I only drive my current F150 about 6,000 miles/year.

I recognize that the 5.4L isn't going to break any speed records (and maybe even moreso since the F250 is heavier), but I shouldn't be anyway when pulling my TT. Although my current TV is within the tow ratings of our trailer, I want the extra feeling of security with a heavier truck and higher tow rating.

Thoughts?

[katgar05]

I was in the same situation as you until recently. I was looking at trading my F-150 for a F-250 gas burner. I borrowed a friend's 2010 F-250 extended cab 4X4 FX4 5.4L to tow my camper to see how it felt. The truck towed my 28DSBH very well, no complaints and I really felt I had a heavier truck under me, especially when an 18 wheeler passed me. I liked it so much I traded my F-150 in my signature line for a 2014 F-250 Lariat 4X4 Crew Cab 6.2L gas engine. I haven't towed with it yet since I'm breaking it in, but I will tell you it just feels like its name, Super Duty.

[katgar05]

Ask the owner if you can test drive it and tow your camper with it so you will know if you would like the way it feels.

[33 RLDS]

I have not regretted trading my 5.3 1/2 ton Avalanche for the 8.1 3/4 ton Avalanche. The big block doesn't even break a sweat !!!

[nylyon]

I think that you'll see a big difference in towing performance. I know little about the 5.4 except it likely gets better gas mileage than a larger gas engine and less maintenance than diesel. If you're not looking to go out and grab a 38' 5er, then you'll probably have a nice combination with the 5.4. I would think that the 250 will feel more secure and should handle the trailer just fine, and give more room for an RV upgrade!

[Bobx2]

My experience with the F-250 4x4 and the 5.4 says don't do it. If you are towing downhill all the way, or always have a tail wind it might be okay. The fuel mileage is very poor, so you might as well look for one with more motor under the hood. Too much truck and not enough motor. Not bashing, just relating my experiences with that setup. That was my company truck for several years, so I put lots of miles on, and pulled anything from light to fairly heavy trailers and running empty. Fuel economy was always poor, and engine performance was always lacking. Fine engine in a car, not so fine in a truck.

[5arnolds]

Between reading this blog and some others, I've decided not pursue the truck. The bottom line is, it would be an improved towing experience over my current TV, but given my desire for improved acceleration and doing more than 35MPH on steep grades, it's not the way to go. I'll hold tight and keep looking. Thanks everyone!

[clutch]

Good decision. My brother in law tows with a 3/4 ton 5.4 with 3:73 axle and has no complaints. He lives in Michigan and tows to Arizona. Up hill speed and mileage is not good but other than a coulple of mt passes he is happy. His mileage empty is good and he can live with the towing mileage.

[RedHorse1]

Can't speak directly to your question. We pulled just shy on 5k# with our 03 Expedition 5.4. Pretty sure it was not 4.10 tho. We got 9+ mpg, never broke 10. Recently upgraded to an F350 6.7 and pulling about 11k#. We're in Eureka Springs AR right now. We got 12mpg on the trip from the Houston Area. My point is, I am now a diesel convert! The 5.4 did an adequate job pulling a load similar to yours but I think it would have really strained on the grades we encountered on this trip. Without the 5th I can get 20mpg highway and 12ish in town. I put very few miles on it without the 5th.