Posted 2013-12-27 1:53 AM (#156421) Subject: One last question for my first set up...
Member
Posts: 20
I found a lovely trailer -- a 2013 Circle J 2h GN 7'6 that I think fits what I want to do. I've known others with Circle J's who have been quite happy. Dry weight is 4300 or 4400#, so still hauling around 7000# fully loaded.A 2001 5.4L gas F-350 4x4 with 4.11 gears came up today. Super clean, only 121,xxx kms, one owner with meticulous records, and a good price. I had decided I wanted to stick with gas because it was going to be a second vehicle and the diesel repair bills scare the snot out of me. I've had folks suggest the 6.0 in the Chev's will offer more power. Most of my hauling with be local, but some hilly hauls as well. Is the 5.4L going to be a huge disappointment towing 7000#? Will it feel that strained?Thanks everyone for your patience with me -- I'm terribly indecisive and want to make sure I end up with the right set up and that I'm completely happy with my purchases for years to come :)
Posted 2013-12-27 5:25 AM (#156422 - in reply to #156421) Subject: RE: One last question for my first set up...
Member
Posts: 15
Location: pefferlaw ontario
I had a '97 5.4 and was pulling no more than 5000lbs. The engine went through 3 sets of exhaust manifolds as they kept burning through, hopefully they had that figured by '01. The engine pulled alright but because the tranny was a 3 speed with overdrive it was a screamer on long grades. I have also heard the Chev. 6.0 is a great towing motor. I now have a Chev. 5.3 but with a 6 speed and towing the same trailer it is much easier to tow with.
Posted 2013-12-27 2:15 PM (#156427 - in reply to #156421) Subject: RE: One last question for my first set up...
Veteran
Posts: 218 Location: Ohio
I am not all that familiar with the 5.4 engine but a F350 is designed to pull. At 7500lbs or less I can't imagine that truck not pulling it. Granted it is an older truck but you can get 150's that will pull that much weight now. A GN will pull easier than a BP anyway. If you like the truck, you should not have any trouble with that truck. The 4.11 will not be good on gas milage but will give you more low end torque. Not a speed demon but should have all the power you need.
Posted 2013-12-27 9:47 PM (#156434 - in reply to #156421) Subject: RE: One last question for my first set up...
Member
Posts: 15
Location: SW OK
That truck should work out for you. We've pulled more weight than that with 5.4's (had a '99 and an '01) and got along fine. A '97 5.4 would've been in an F150 or F250LD, not a Super Duty like you're looking at, so 3.73 gears at best, and a lighter duty transmission. You shouldn't have any problems with an F350.
One last question for my first set up...
