Posted 2006-07-15 9:32 AM (#44675) Subject: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: iowa
It looks like I may be ordering a 4x4 SD Crew Cab 172 in. WB DRW Lariat Power Stroke F350 soon. There are a few options that I don't know if I should add for pulling a horse trailer. The sales rep may or may not be knowledgeable in this area so I'd like to walk in there knowing what I want. I will use it to pull a 25" 3H 10' LQ trailer. I need feedback on these options: Dual alternators or heavy duty alternator? Limited slip with 4.10 or 4.30 axle ratio? Camper package ? Heavy Service Suspension package? Stabilizer package? Payload Package #1a, #1b or #1c? Upfitter switches? If anyone is knowlegeable about these options, please provide input. Thanks!
Posted 2006-07-15 4:55 PM (#44699 - in reply to #44694) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Regular
Posts: 92 Location: iowa
Guys -
My question wasn't about which brand of truck to buy. My question was about options on the F350. Please don't waste my and other people's time with your useless digs at Ford.
Posted 2006-07-15 7:54 PM (#44706 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
I guess you have been under a rock for the last two going on three years, THE 6 LITER IS JUNK. If you must have a Ford go back a couple of years and get a 7.3 Powerstroke.
Posted 2006-07-15 9:46 PM (#44707 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500 Location: West TN
I have an 06 F-250 and my dad has an 06 F-350. Actually I am on my second 06 F-250. The first one ran good while I had it. I put close to 30k miles on it in 6 months and had the opportunity to trade on a new one with more options for only $2500. So I traded. I would go with the 4.10 with a limited slip. Definitely get the camper package and the stabalizer as well. Also make sure that it has what I call the overload spring on the rear suspension that helps to stop the sag. Neither one of our trucks has the dual alternators and it does just fine. I am not familiar with the payload package you are talking about. I have the upfitter switches on my 250 and wired some back up lights to them and that comes in handy alot at night. I would go ahead and get the factory installed break controller. We really like this and how it handles our trailer. No more trailer than you have, you should do just fine without the 4.30. Hope this helps.
Posted 2006-07-16 6:49 AM (#44717 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 954 Location: Hagerstown, MD
Rick, don't let hounddog and HWBar get your panties all wadded up with their opinions because they don't sugar coat anything. We own a 2001 F350 PSD and would not buy a 6.0 for too many reasons to list. I also would not jump into a deal with the factory brake controller either. They have had their share of problems and they have been aired on this forum. I won't buy a Chevy or a Dodge for personal reasons. I would consider a Dodge with a Cummins for a heavy work truck that I could beat the crap out of all day and have it ready to go to work again the next morning. I've been using Fords for a long time for too many reasons to list and I don't want to start that debate again right now either. Go ahead and buy what you want and if it's a Ford, so be it. The one thing you didn't mention about your potential purchase is what kind of transmission you are ordering and I can only assume that it is going to be an automatic? Happy trails.
Posted 2006-07-16 10:10 AM (#44721 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500 Location: West TN
Granted when the 6.0 came out, it was troubled with many issues. I had an 03 model that finally had to have the entire engine replaced. Since then, I have purchased two more 6.0 and have had no problem with them or the transmission. You have to give time to get the bugs worked out sometimes. I am sure every brand has issues.
Posted 2006-07-17 8:24 AM (#44795 - in reply to #44733) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Iowa
Hounddog -
Could you please point us to where this info is 'out there'? I'd really like to know what the current issues are with the F350. I'm curious because I'm a distance rider and I was at an endurance ride this weekend and the VAST majority of competitors (both rich and poor) were pulling with F250's and F350's, and most of those were 2003 or newer. I talked to four different people who have 2005 or 2006 F350's and every one of them LOVES their truck. Distance riders haul their horses lots of miles and into some rough terrain often in the middle of nowhere, and I'm puzzled why so many of them would buy Fords if they are really so unreliable.
Posted 2006-07-17 8:47 AM (#44797 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634 Location: Tipton, IN
While the 6.0 has had it's fair share of problems, most were in fact due to Ford's engineering, not the engine itself. Now, if you want the 6.0, more power too you and for the trailer your going to pull a 4.10 rearend should be sufficient. Also, the trailer most likely even if made of all steel isn't going to exceed 10,000 pounds empty. So, for payload, the standard package would work, but more is always better. On the alternator situation, I would go with the heavy duty alternator for future ease of change out, but the dual alternator set up might be nice, as you are still getting some charge even if one takes a dump. Back to the 6.0, I think I might wait until they introduced the 6.4L twin turbo which is supposed to reduce the low end lag.
Posted 2006-07-17 9:06 AM (#44800 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
www.thedieselstop.com The VAST majority of endurance riders might use them but the commerical horse haulers/hot shoters are using DODGE.I posted for a haul from Nebraska to here(Athens Georgia) on TravelingHorse.com and out of the 20 odd replies I received all but a COUPLE were using 05/06 Dodges.The one that I hired had a 06 Dodge that was 34 days old with 24k and change on the odometer.The 6.0 is still having oil leak issues,bucking,stalling/brake controller issues etc.granted not as bad but still the pits.The ones I knew that have bought them have ALL gone to Duramax or Dodge.Some in a rather quick manor.I'm NOT plugging Dodge or Duramax just that late model Ford Diesels are a consumers nightmare.Trade in values on them are LOW.The AUTO world is VERY aware of them.Ford is now offering FORMER owners a MAKE you BEST deal and WE will hand you a coupon for ANOTHER $4k just to keep them moving.The DEPUT of the NEW version has been held up to 08.It was DUE to appear now.The assumtion is ISSUES with it of course.Do a comsumer reports search and other searches.Rv sites etc.The info is out there.The 06 high horse D/Max with the double overdrive(6 speed) is getting BIG reviews with VERY few issues posted.Some with over a 100k on them already.Lots of Diesel sites and Rv'er sites etc.
Posted 2006-07-17 9:20 AM (#44802 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 671 Location: THE GREAT NORTHWET, OREGON(THE REAL GODS COUNTRY)
I just purchased a 06 F350 Dually crew cab long bed I love the truck !!I pull a Trails West 3 Horse 10x15 LQ with slide and Angled mid tack plus extended length.I have the 4.10 ls rear end and the factory trailer brake.
I realize there were problems with the 6.0 and there are a lot of dissadisfied people out there with an axe to grind, I had a 01 F250 that served Me well but needed somethin bigger.
The automatic on My 06 is far more usefull than my 01,on hills with tow mode it held a constant 50 miles an hour.Going up the other side it was pulling great,passed a couple of other "favorite brand trucks" that had the hoods up and this steamy vapor coming out from under the hood.
I was right at the max GCVW and I never saw the temp on the engine or the trans move.
I pulled a flatbed gooseneck with 5 tons of hay and was real impressed with the integrated brake system.I almost passed a turn off and hit the brakes,on My old trailer if I did that I would smoke the tires and lock em up.On My 06 it stoped great no smoke! and I had it at the max setting with the empty trailer.When loaded it also stoped the trailer with no problems.
My truck has the manual transfer case not shift on the fly, My other truck had sof and worked pretty good but I have found this one works pretty good too.I like to use low range for parking as it gives more power and lets you move slower.
Buy the Ford and enjoy it if the "other truck owners" are down on them I have 2 Cummins 5.9 engines with cracked cylinders that I am reconditioning
right now along with several that ate lift pumps and failed injection pumps.I can't comment on the CHEVY diesel as it won't stay out of the dealers shop long enough for Me to get an opinon.
Some of the problems with Ford are caused by aftermarket addons, like chips and other performance enhansing goodies.The other thing that will cause you problems is extended ideling it soots up the turbo and will cause it to stick.
It is not My intention to badmouth any brand truck as it is a personal thing just like wearing Wranglers,or levis.
Posted 2006-07-17 9:31 AM (#44805 - in reply to #44802) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Iowa
Slickrnsnot (love that name) - thanks for balancing out this discussion. As someone who may soon be plunking down $40K+ on a truck, it can get mind-boggling to me to read all the 'stuff' on different brands....
Posted 2006-07-17 9:37 AM (#44807 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Member
Posts: 25 Location: arizona
Well... I have both, a 2004 dodge 2500, and a 06 Ford 350, The Dodge IMO is JUNK!!! It had less than 15,000 miles on it and the tranny went see ya!! IN Phoenix, on the freeway in July, with 2 horses on! NOW the tranny is slippin again, The truck has a little over 40,000 on it, and I am sorry, but again, IMO, I think the ford has more power, Could be I'm STILL mad as H^%$, at that truck for leavin me stuck on the freeway, in July, with 2 horses on.............
Posted 2006-07-17 9:56 AM (#44809 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 671 Location: THE GREAT NORTHWET, OREGON(THE REAL GODS COUNTRY)
I can sympathise with you !! I lived in Arizona for 26 years before moving to Oregon 20 years ago.I just returned from a trip to Phoenix a couple of months ago and I have no regrets about leaving.It has grown so much there that I couldn't hardly tell where I was because all my old landmarks were gone.That heat is hard on everything.You need a really big tranny cooler and radiator.
Stay cool and carry plenty of cold drinks with you.
It's 60 degrees here right now at 0800 feels great.
Posted 2006-07-17 10:05 AM (#44811 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Member
Posts: 26 Location: NJ
Someone talked me into buying a NEW 93 Dodge truck after owning Ford trucks for 37 years. Well after front brake, transmission, and motor problems, trim coming off outside and inside basically falling apart. Also had it back to the dealer for the Cummings diesel can’t even tell you how many times but they should have charged me rent, just very hard starting, summer or winter without it being plugged in, they never did figure that out. I gave up and went back to a Ford own a 93 now and haven’t had a problem with it. The friend that talked me in to buying a dodge is also back to Ford.
Posted 2006-07-17 12:52 PM (#44829 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Kansas City
It looks like I may be ordering a 4x4 SD Crew Cab 172 in. WB DRW Lariat Power Stroke F350 soon. There are a few options that I don't know if I should add for pulling a horse trailer.
What ? ? ? Just when this board had almost convinced me that pulling my 3H slant BP trailer with a half ton truck was a figment of my imagination and that I needed a truck like described above(no mention of the much needed duallys) I find out there are "more options" that I must consider? What is a person to do . . .
Posted 2006-07-17 1:16 PM (#44834 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 335 Location: Decatur, Texas
Barry: Buy one brand new truck of each brand. That way you will always be socially correct. Of course it could get expensive but think of the valuable information you would be entitled to relate.
Posted 2006-07-17 1:28 PM (#44837 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
93s and one late model with a trans failure.Compared to the THOUSANDS of 6.0s that were bought back and post after post about being stranded.The late model 6.0 and the OLD G.M. 5.7 diesel have about the same rep out there.I just hate to see comsumers get taken by any product even more so one costing 35k PLUS.I didn't read any gripes in the last few posts about D/Maxes?
Posted 2006-07-17 1:50 PM (#44840 - in reply to #44675) Subject: RE: Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
Member
Posts: 25 Location: arizona
You consider a late model a 2004? Wow! Sorry but I dont, the dodge is cheap looking and left me stranded, AND its having trouble again!!! We were warned about the dodge and the tranny, we should of listened!
Ordering an F350 - what options are needed for pulling?
