Okay, I have been reading some of the posts regarding tow vehicles and what we're hauling.  I am more confused than ever!  This is the deal, my husband is treating me to a new truck (trips to NY w/ my 2 year old child & hauling, guess he doesn't want to take any chances with the current truck)... I currently have an '00 Ford F350-SD w/ the 7.6 turbo disel, 6 speed standard, 4x2, crew cab, long bed, single rear axle.  I have an '06 Featherlite Big Horse 3HS gooseneck w/ 6' dressing room that is bare (and more than likely will stay that way for a while after pricing new trucks, ouch!).  Anyhow, when I haul w/ my current setup it seems to handle everything w/ ease.  Yes, I am very ignorant because I have just believed everyone when they say that my truck could handle way much more than I haul... I have never looked into all of the weight limits & such.  I do know we just put new tires on the truck & went with a higher rated/class of tire than what was on there to allow for more weight.  Yes, ignorant!, can't tell you exacts on the tires either.  I seriously think I gave all of my gray matter to my daughter.  Anyhow,...

Being we are about to get a new truck more than likely this week, I need help.  I am pretty sure I will settle on an '08 Ford F350, disel, auto transmission (can't seem to find any in stock w/ standard - multiple dealers tell me they never stock them), 4x4, crew cab, 8' bed, single rear axle.  We still currently live in FL but start our moving to up-state NY last week of this month.  So far this is kind of what I understand from reading here...
~ very important is weight limit on tires & rear axle
~ one can NOT trust the owner's manual as far as trailer weight but need to take rig to scales (which there is absolutely no way I can do this before the purchase of this new truck)
~ and a bunch of other stuff that has just gone over my head due to lack of knowledge & understanding of the lingo
~ oh, & check your tire pressure on all wheels & check your lug nuts often

Am I going to regret getting the auto transmission?  Any suggestions with disels in the colder areas (FL native here - btw, is there such a thing as snow driving/hauling safety courses)?  Is this a good choice in vehicles considering my trailer?  What is an exhaust brake & its importance?  Is there such a thing as a 4x4 dulley (sp?)?  Should I even consider getting a dulley? cause I'm really not to fond of them but will take into consideration safety to personal preference!  Anything that I must have on the new truck that I'm ignorant to?  I really hope to keep this truck for a very long time & want to make sure I get what I need.

I love my old truck & am kind of sad to let it go but understand my husband's concers.  This has been a great truck!!!  I just hope the new ones are as good as this one.  

Thanks in advance for any feedback!!!
Kristie

Why  get rid of the 7.3 if it still runs good.  I just took mine on a 3000  mile trip, and its a 1997;  and left my 2005 f350 at home!!

Mine now has 76000 miles.

You will love the newer automatics for towing. They are great at helping with the downhill braking.

Yes you will want a 4x4 in snow country.

You will want the engine block heater, (especially if you park the truck outside at night)  It should be standard, but just ask to make sure.

I would suggest you get the All Terrain tires.  Dealers in Florida may not be stocking trucks with that option, but you will want the more aggressive tread patterns in the snow.

Check online and see what dealers have in  stock and what you can order.

http://www54.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/Dispatch.jsp?.CurrentState=HomePageFlash

I agree & we really don't want to get rid of this truck... just think it is a good choice considering our current situation.  Ours has about 150,000 miles +/-.  Even though we understand that if maintained we could get many more miles out of this truck.  We are starting to see some of the 'little things' starting to show their age, for example my windows as of yesterday won't go down & fuse didnt' fix it, & a few other things.  Also, with moving to NY we really think a 4x4 is a must have with my desire to camp with the horses.  We are looking at at least 3 round trips of hauling decent loads if not 4 with this truck in the next few months moving everything from FL to NY.  We are hoping that my brother would be interested in buying instead of trading it so that it will stay in the family.  But anyhow...  Thanks!

We used to live in upstate NY and will agree with many of the ideas that you have been given for a new truck purchase. Four wheel drive is a necessity, you do not need a dually, our truck came with a block heater which we don't need down to 0 degrees with synthetic oil, an automatic trans is great when pulling trailers, a mud and snow tire works well.

Some parts of Ny are in the snow belt and some parts are much colder than others. We still go to the Adirondacks several times a year. Beautiful state.

BOL  Gard

SRW F350 should be fine pulling the trailer you described.  I am with everyone else though who suggested block heater, 4wd and heated seats on the new truck.  You might consider buying a truck from a dealer up north for better chance of finding one equipped that way, and one with all season tires.   Maybe haul one load north with the old truck and pick up the new truck for the trip back? 

Heated Seats???

WIMPS...

Now this is what you need for those cold NE nights...

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/