Time for a new Ford TV. I need advice please

Gman1372 · 11-04-2016, 06:51 PM

It might be time to let Betsy go. When I'm towing my TT out of OD I can only reach speeds of 60 mph without the motor reving too high. At 60 mph the rpms are around 2300-2500. My TV is in my sig line. 7.3ltr diesel, r4100 transmission. The rear gear ratio I don't recall, I'd have to check my original sticker.

Tonight I started shopping. 2017 is out of the question. A friend of mine tells me about tow haul mode after 2008 and transmission break after 2014. Don't know anything about this but if it's good for towing then I'm looking for 14'-16' Tonight I looked at a 2011 6.7 diesel 4 dr lariat. Everything in it was great except the mileage was too high for me to pay a note on, 100k. The bigger issue I had with it was that it was a short bed. I've always had 8' beds.

Questions. Are you guys towing with 8' box, short box. Is it a mistake going short. Also, please help me understand tow haul mode and tranny break. And lastly should I give in to a gasser instead of diesel. Is it worth me having a payment on a truck or should I be content with Betsy and chug along @ 60 on the highway

smurfs_of_war · 11-04-2016, 07:06 PM

Good luck shopping them out. I am seeing many, many super duties with reasonably low mileage popping up all over the place- some under 50000 kms. The unfortunate fact of the oil downturn up here- a lot of folks losing their shirts and the truck is the first thing to go

I would have to think a lot of '16s on the lot will be slashed pretty quick to allow more ordering room for '17s. This may mean some pretty deep discounts if you keep your eyes peeled. Maybe a dealer demo truck or something?

Having never towed with a diesel in a light duty- I can't offer any advice other than the mantra I keep hearing. Once you go diesel you can never go back. I tow with gas. I am happy, but I don't have a bar set to compare. I think if you hooked up to one of the new 6.7s compared to your 7.3 it would blow your mind and you wouldn't even consider gas- just my .02 though

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Wrascal · 11-04-2016, 08:26 PM

I am NOT the expert you were hoping to hear from BUT if you are otherwise happy with old Betsy then I suggest sticking with her; speed is not the ultimate - at least once you get older than dirt.

With that said I eventually got tired of my 02 F250 V10 gasser, short bed, 2wd, only a mid size cabin, and a base trim level. I was never able to find another UPGRADED used V10 so I moved on to the diesels. I looked for a long time for something I could pay cash for but found no 6.0L's that met my idea of both affordable and guaranteed reliable. Eventually I moved on to the Ford 6.4Ls, but faced the same thing with all their scare stories. I finally decided I needed to bite the bullet and finance something if I hoped to find something reliable that would work for me.

I eventually found (and really wanted) a top of the line (+ extra prior owner added features) model year 11 6.7L - but was scared off by it's occasional engine valve problem history (and an unrealistic asking price) that occurred on this particular year diesel. Ultimately I found my current 2014 buggy, posted below.

Additional comments: if only towing a bumper mounted TT I think a short box would be acceptable, but if a 5th is in your future look toward the longer box. I have a fifth - and a sliding hitch - but personally I wouldn't go with a shorter box.

You didn't mention 2wd vs 4wd but my experience is with smaller/lighter loads I didn't need 4wd, but my current heavier camper occasionally needs it to get moving on wet grassy surfaces.

I THINK: Tow haul logic and tranny braking is important - if hauling heavy, but I'm not so sure about the necessity if towing a lighter load. If you found the 7.3L diesel and its tranny sufficient then realize ALL of these newer units are extremely advanced over what you previously had.

RPreeb · 11-04-2016, 11:58 PM

I'm not towing the weight you are (only about 5500 loaded), so I probably can't help other than to say I bought a new 2016 F-150 a month ago, 3.5L Ecoboost V6 and although I've only towed the TT one time, I like the Tow Haul mode so far. I haven't needed the braking, as I haven't been to the mountains yet - that will come next year. May get into the sand hills area of Nebraska before that, but they won't test it like the Colorado Rockies will. Looking forward to going over 11,307 foot Berthoud Pass to really work it out. It also has a manual shift option for those long twisty climbs and descents.

Another feature that I only found by reading the owner's manual was that you can lock out the higher gears even in Drive so it doesn't keep trying to shift between 5th and 6th, or 4th and 5th if the hill is steep enough. Saves a lot of wear on the tranny to keep it in one gear rather than always hunting back and forth.

Marcm157 · 11-05-2016, 06:08 AM

I tow a 7500 pound (loaded weight) trailer with my 2016 F150 Ecoboost - I have been very impressed with the power and handling so far. we put about 2,000 miles on this season. Tow Haul mode changes the shift points of the transmission to help keep you in the power band. The transmission dowshifts to assist with stopping which sometimes concerns me because it drives the RPM's way up. I try and anticipate when that is going to occur and use additional braking to avoid it which is the opposite of what you are supposed to do.

Overall, I can not say enough good things about my truck and the way she handles. I have a 2003 pound payload which helps me stay within the specs of the truck.

Gman1372 · 11-05-2016, 06:23 AM

I appreciate the replies guys. My 7.3 would tow 11000 boat. Mostly flats on the highway. Some hills when I'd get near the ramps. I always towed on OD. I could do 65-70 no problem. The tandem axel 31' trailer would fishtail down hil at high speed. Back in 99 the 7.3 was the almighty. 17 years later she still pulls effortlessly. Here's the thing. I never gave much thought to the transmission and towing long distances out of state until I bought this TT. The need to do 70 seems to be a must and bogging down to 50 up hills only brings laughs from 80 year old grandmas in their prius'.

Thanks for the information on tow haul mode. I like the idea of being able to lock out gears. Sometimes the driver is smarter than the vehicles computer. As to the comment on once you go diesel you never go back, I tend to agree. Thats the reason I was asking about gassers. I'm curious if the new ones have the same abilities as diesels. I could save a good amount of coin. And yes 4x4 is a must. Marcm thanks for the 150 info. We're pulling similar trailers.

Around here 150s are easy to be had. A lot of inventory. I haven't entertained them thinking they were too light for my needs. The 250/350 4door short bed seems to be easier to find than a long bed. Honestly I don't think I would be happy with a short bed. I use every foot of my long box for work.

I may be asking some basic questions guy but I have little experience towing a playhouse on wheels. It's different than my boat. I didn't have the whole hitch contraption for the boat. Just a 2 5/16 ball in a slip tongue. Trailer brakes wouldn't last three dunks in the saltwater.

It's a real treat towing this camper with working brakes.

Tommie · 11-05-2016, 06:36 AM

Find yourself a newer diesel with exhaust break and tow-haul and be happy happy happy! You will be glad you did.

blderman · 11-05-2016, 08:14 AM

I know you said Ford but if I were you I would give Ram a look. I am a general contractor and have a trailer hooked to my truck every day. In the last 13yrs I have tried a 2002 F350 7.3, a 2014 F150 Ecoboost, an 05 Ram 2500 Cummins and now a 2015 Ram 2500 Cummins. The Fords cost me WAY more to operate and fix than the Rams, it's not even close. And pulling with a Cummins is just effortless.

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SkyBound · 11-05-2016, 09:47 AM

Have you tried a tuner on your 7.3L? The stock power output was relatively low compared to today's models and that engine will take all the abuse you can throw at it and never quit. You can safely double the power output with a good tuner and wake that beast up. My buddy out west tows a 40' fifth wheel that weighs 15K with a mid to late 1990s 7.3 F-350 and a couple basic mods. He says there is no problem power wise.

Gman1372 · 11-05-2016, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyBound

Have you tried a tuner on your 7.3L? The stock power output was relatively low compared to today's models and that engine will take all the abuse you can throw at it and never quit. You can safely double the power output with a good tuner and wake that beast up. My buddy out west tows a 40' fifth wheel that weighs 15K with a mid to late 1990s 7.3 F-350 and a couple basic mods. He says there is no problem power wise.

No I haven't. I'm all stock. Wouldn't know where to start. I always thought if you start messing around with that kind of stuff your asking for trouble. Not sure if my thinking is right.

Paintinfool3 · 11-05-2016, 04:07 PM

I have a 2011 I bought about 6 months ago with the 6.7 long bed crewcab and i love towing with it. Mine is an f250 and at 60 to 65 miles an hour towing it pulls fine but in 6th gear the rpms are a little lower than i like. it loves 78 miles per hour in that gear but obviously i don't tow that fast so i drop 6th out and use 5th gear. I believe the f 350s have lower rear end gearing that results in higher rpms at 65. I have not needed the exhaust brake but i dont fly down hills and when in tow haul mode it down-shifts appropriately for speed as you brake.

blderman · 11-05-2016, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman1372

No I haven't. I'm all stock. Wouldn't know where to start. I always thought if you start messing around with that kind of stuff your asking for trouble. Not sure if my thinking is right.

Contact Clay at RiffRaff Diesel. A simple tune can wake up your 7.3 dramatically.

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Gman1372 · 11-05-2016, 06:21 PM

Thanks paintnfool for the performance details. Sounds like the newer trucks are much more capable than mine.

Blderman this might be a good quick fix for the short term until I find the truck I need. What kind of numbered am I looking at to tune this motor?

blderman · 11-05-2016, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman1372

Thanks paintnfool for the performance details. Sounds like the newer trucks are much more capable than mine.

Blderman this might be a good quick fix for the short term until I find the truck I need. What kind of numbered am I looking at to tune this motor?

A six position chip with 6 tubes for a stock truck will run you $400. BUT, if you chip you must also install gauges for EGT, Turbo and Trans Temp. That will run you another $300 or so plus your time to install. You won't believe how much power you are leaving on the table right now. My 2014 F150 Ecoboost would destroy my stock 7.3 towing 7,000lbs.

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smurfs_of_war · 11-05-2016, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blderman

A six position chip with 6 tubes for a stock truck will run you $400. BUT, if you chip you must also install gauges for EGT, Turbo and Trans Temp. That will run you another $300 or so plus your time to install. You won't believe how much power you are leaving on the table right now. My 2014 F150 Ecoboost would destroy my stock 7.3 towing 7,000lbs.

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And maybe give your transmission a little once over. If it's long in the tooth it may be left a rattling can of bolts just from the increased torque.

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Gman1372 · 11-06-2016, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blderman

A six position chip with 6 tubes for a stock truck will run you $400. BUT, if you chip you must also install gauges for EGT, Turbo and Trans Temp. That will run you another $300 or so plus your time to install. You won't believe how much power you are leaving on the table right now. My 2014 F150 Ecoboost would destroy my stock 7.3 towing 7,000lbs.

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I'm assuming the dealer doesn't do this sort of thing and I'd have to go to a truck shop? For 1000 bucks this could hold me over for a year or so.

Gman1372 · 11-06-2016, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfs_of_war

And maybe give your transmission a little once over. If it's long in the tooth it may be left a rattling can of bolts just from the increased torque.

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That is a concern of mine. Transmission is original with 240000 miles on it. Never serviced. Fluid still red not brown. I heard the r4100 life expectancy is 150000.

blderman · 11-06-2016, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman1372

That is a concern of mine. Transmission is original with 240000 miles on it. Never serviced. Fluid still red not brown. I heard the r4100 life expectancy is 150000.

Ouch, it is very likely that you will have problems adding power to a 4R100 with that many miles. My 02 needed a new trans at 130,000mi because of a chip. Talk with Clay and get his opinion; he is the best in the country for 7.3 trucks.

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Gman1372 · 11-06-2016, 08:36 AM

Damn. But no surprise though. I'm on riff rafts site looking at everything. It would be a fun project and beneficial but it could very well cost me a transmission @$2800. I just put 2000 into it this week. New oil cooler, LOF, change all fuel filters and inspection.

blderman · 11-06-2016, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman1372

Damn. But no surprise though. I'm on riff rafts site looking at everything. It would be a fun project and beneficial but it could very well cost me a transmission @$2800. I just put 2000 into it this week. New oil cooler, LOF, change all fuel filters and inspection.

Yeah, 7.3s can get expensive once things start failing. You've been pretty fortunate your trans has lasted as long as it did. I haven't met too many people that got more than 200k out of their 4r100.

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