Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner
Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
Hello All.
I asked you a few months ago about a specific Ford F150 we were thinking of looking at and your help and suggestions were numerous and very helpful! Thank you... We didn't pull the trigger on that one and I come before you again asking your opinion and help. I am looking at another late 2K's F-150, 4WD, 4 door Crew Cab, low miles... It has the 5.4 EFI V8 engine. Is this a desirable vehicle to tow our boat and camper with? I am looking for opinions and experience with regard to the specific engine, trans and such. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Rich
I asked you a few months ago about a specific Ford F150 we were thinking of looking at and your help and suggestions were numerous and very helpful! Thank you... We didn't pull the trigger on that one and I come before you again asking your opinion and help. I am looking at another late 2K's F-150, 4WD, 4 door Crew Cab, low miles... It has the 5.4 EFI V8 engine. Is this a desirable vehicle to tow our boat and camper with? I am looking for opinions and experience with regard to the specific engine, trans and such. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Rich
Rich and Annemarie Bias
2007 20' Princecraft Vantage 20L
2007 Merc 75 4 Stroke
2006 Honda Pilot
2007 20' Princecraft Vantage 20L
2007 Merc 75 4 Stroke
2006 Honda Pilot
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
How much does your camper weigh?
My family has been in the Auto repair business since before I was born... Ford and Dodge provide most of the business... all manufacturers have produced problem vehicles at one time or another...
I'm partial to GM trucks.... their stuff is more universal, available, repairable, adaptable... my 2003 5.3 silverado has 278,000 miles and runs like new...
My Dad has a 2004 f150 w/5.4 and it gets better fuel mileage than mine and handles better than mine...his has 150,000 miles... the dealer never could keep the cruise control working... it doesn't pull the boat as good as my truck and the ac doesn't work as good as my truck... especially around town... his ford doesn't move enough air at low speeds and at idle...the head pressure gets really high... he ordered it new... we'll see how it holds up...
My family has been in the Auto repair business since before I was born... Ford and Dodge provide most of the business... all manufacturers have produced problem vehicles at one time or another...
I'm partial to GM trucks.... their stuff is more universal, available, repairable, adaptable... my 2003 5.3 silverado has 278,000 miles and runs like new...
My Dad has a 2004 f150 w/5.4 and it gets better fuel mileage than mine and handles better than mine...his has 150,000 miles... the dealer never could keep the cruise control working... it doesn't pull the boat as good as my truck and the ac doesn't work as good as my truck... especially around town... his ford doesn't move enough air at low speeds and at idle...the head pressure gets really high... he ordered it new... we'll see how it holds up...
2010 Sun Tracker 21' Fishin' Barge 90hp Optimax
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
The Ford 5.4 Triton is hit or miss... some will run problem free for 300,000 while others don't make 100,000... here are a few blog screen shots I took about Ford 5.4...
In this one the guy is having serious engine trouble and no codes are given... makes it tough to troubleshoot and repair... most dealerships and repair shops start throwing parts at them at this point at the owners expense... I have experienced this personally with our motorhome that has a 6.8... which is a 5.4 with 2 additional cylinders. ... ours was running terrible... had a bad mass air flow sensor, a bad fuel pressure regulator and no codes from the ecm... my silverado will let you know if it has a tiny vacuum leak...
The only reason I bought the V10 was the price... I got it cheap enough... it's a risk I was willing to take... they are known to spit spark plugs out... or strip out when removed... hopefully it will be one that lasts... we'll see..
In this one the guy is having serious engine trouble and no codes are given... makes it tough to troubleshoot and repair... most dealerships and repair shops start throwing parts at them at this point at the owners expense... I have experienced this personally with our motorhome that has a 6.8... which is a 5.4 with 2 additional cylinders. ... ours was running terrible... had a bad mass air flow sensor, a bad fuel pressure regulator and no codes from the ecm... my silverado will let you know if it has a tiny vacuum leak...
The only reason I bought the V10 was the price... I got it cheap enough... it's a risk I was willing to take... they are known to spit spark plugs out... or strip out when removed... hopefully it will be one that lasts... we'll see..
Last edited by Blessed on Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2010 Sun Tracker 21' Fishin' Barge 90hp Optimax
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
Hmm...
When we decided we were going to buy a truck and camper, I went to the camper place first, and asked "what size truck do I need?"
The answer was clear: F-250, GM 2500 series or Dodge 2500 series.
ESPECIALLY if you're going to put the camper in, and tow your boat, you may be exceeding the capacities of the F-150.
When we decided we were going to buy a truck and camper, I went to the camper place first, and asked "what size truck do I need?"
The answer was clear: F-250, GM 2500 series or Dodge 2500 series.
ESPECIALLY if you're going to put the camper in, and tow your boat, you may be exceeding the capacities of the F-150.
2012 Tahoe 24' Fish-n-Fun Tritoon, with Mercury 115 HP 4-Stroke
"Trine SS Cape" (Trying 2S Cape)
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"Trine SS Cape" (Trying 2S Cape)
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I'm not a liberal, but I play one on this site.
- badmoonrising
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Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
As an ASE certified tech, I actually rate reliability (domestic trucks):
Ford #1, followed by Chevy and way at the bottom, Dodge. I was a Chevy guy until I had to work on them too much at their dealers. Went to Ford and was only doing oil changes. Dodge, engines and transmissions and electrical nightmares. Dodge never got the idea how to build a transmission right.
My Dad had a Chevy Silverado, motor went at 35k miles, was diagnosed as a factory out of round cylinder. GM tried not to pay for it, stating it was lack of maintenance (my Dad was adamant about maintaining his vehicles). A call to a lawyers, who called GM finally got them to pay and he went to Ford.
I have owned all Ford trucks, none sold with less than 200k miles, all with no issues. Current truck has 152k miles, zero issues. Ford has been #1 in domestic reliability since the mid 80s. Consumer Reports and every other publication will back that up. GM cars were getting better, but around 2009, quality started to fall to a point where Dodge was catching up...then there was that recall of all those Rams....
As for the 4.6 and 5.4 engines, haven't heard of any of them having issues unless lack of maintenance or abuse was involved.
Ford #1, followed by Chevy and way at the bottom, Dodge. I was a Chevy guy until I had to work on them too much at their dealers. Went to Ford and was only doing oil changes. Dodge, engines and transmissions and electrical nightmares. Dodge never got the idea how to build a transmission right.
My Dad had a Chevy Silverado, motor went at 35k miles, was diagnosed as a factory out of round cylinder. GM tried not to pay for it, stating it was lack of maintenance (my Dad was adamant about maintaining his vehicles). A call to a lawyers, who called GM finally got them to pay and he went to Ford.
I have owned all Ford trucks, none sold with less than 200k miles, all with no issues. Current truck has 152k miles, zero issues. Ford has been #1 in domestic reliability since the mid 80s. Consumer Reports and every other publication will back that up. GM cars were getting better, but around 2009, quality started to fall to a point where Dodge was catching up...then there was that recall of all those Rams....
As for the 4.6 and 5.4 engines, haven't heard of any of them having issues unless lack of maintenance or abuse was involved.
Ed, Cheryl, Ethan and Aspen.
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
I absolutely love my F-250 with the V-10 triton gas motor, and manual transmission. Finding a manual transmission in the Rocky Mountain region was almost impossible. Bought it with 107,000 miles on it, and it's been flawless.badmoonrising wrote:Ford #1, followed by Chevy and way at the bottom, Dodge.
2012 Tahoe 24' Fish-n-Fun Tritoon, with Mercury 115 HP 4-Stroke
"Trine SS Cape" (Trying 2S Cape)
Add a battery: viewtopic.php?t=13546&p=105893#p105893
I'm not a liberal, but I play one on this site.
"Trine SS Cape" (Trying 2S Cape)
Add a battery: viewtopic.php?t=13546&p=105893#p105893
I'm not a liberal, but I play one on this site.
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
I have a F250 with a 5.4 with 180k Still does well . Uses a little oil but still runs and pulls well.
One tip I'm sure you are aware of is to always turn off the overdrive(Tow Haul)when trailering. It will save the tranny.
I also have a 96 model F250 with a 7.3 turbo diesel with only 76K its a real trailer dragger.
One tip I'm sure you are aware of is to always turn off the overdrive(Tow Haul)when trailering. It will save the tranny.
I also have a 96 model F250 with a 7.3 turbo diesel with only 76K its a real trailer dragger.
1995 beachcomber conversion to tritoon with Honda 135 ,
Link to rebuild [url=http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=19016][Knot Normal][/url]
God Bless America
Link to rebuild [url=http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=19016][Knot Normal][/url]
God Bless America
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
I would not buy a 5.4L engine between 2004 and 2008. Had bad problems with spark plugs breaking and getting stuck in the heads and bad cam phasers(very common problem). There are currently class action law suits for the cam phaser issue. I used to own a 2004 Ford F-150 and sold it before I had any of the issues. Buddy of mine had to replace his 5.4L in a 2010 because of bad main bearings but hadn't heard that this is very common.
I am more of a Chevy guy. Have owned several and pulled heavy loads..up to 12K lbs with no issues. Never have had an engine or transmission problem.
I am more of a Chevy guy. Have owned several and pulled heavy loads..up to 12K lbs with no issues. Never have had an engine or transmission problem.
2006 Suntracker Party Barge 21
Mercury 90 4 stroke
Mercury 90 4 stroke
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
I'm not a big fan of the 5.4 engines for the above reasons. I've owned 5-6 of them between personal and business vehicles and they've all been OK performance and maintenance wise. Nothing awesome. They didn't seem as reliable as the 351's they replaced.babock wrote:I would not buy a 5.4L engine between 2004 and 2008. Had bad problems with spark plugs breaking and getting stuck in the heads and bad cam phasers(very common problem). There are currently class action law suits for the cam phaser issue. I used to own a 2004 Ford F-150 and sold it before I had any of the issues. Buddy of mine had to replace his 5.4L in a 2010 because of bad main bearings but hadn't heard that this is very common.
I REALLY like the 3.5L Ecoboost engines in the newer Fords. Lots of power, decent fuel economy, and no diesel upfront/maintenance costs. I currently own 3 vehicles with 3.5L Ecoboosts and will have a 4th next month. So far, they've been very reliable.
2017 Lowe SD224 w/ 150HP Mercury
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
Here are some reviews for most reliable trucks
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013 ... rucks.html
http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles/ca ... ble-trucks
http://www.autobytel.com/trucks/car-buy ... ks-114112/
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013 ... rucks.html
http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles/ca ... ble-trucks
http://www.autobytel.com/trucks/car-buy ... ks-114112/
Last edited by Blessed on Wed Sep 16, 2015 9:09 pm, edited 3 times in total.
2010 Sun Tracker 21' Fishin' Barge 90hp Optimax
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
badmoonrising wrote: Dodge never got the idea how to build a transmission right.
Dodge uses a ZF 8-speed transmission now. Most are built in Germany but some are now being built under license by Dodge. There is nothing wrong with that transmission.
2015 Bennington 24 SSXR triple tube with Yamaha 150
1988 Intec Island Cruiser
1988 Intec Island Cruiser
- NonHyphenAmerican
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Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
Have the 5.4 in my 2007 F150 Super Crew.
I like it and it has 98,500 on it.
In our business, we drove Ford E-350 Vans.
I owned 17 of them from a 78 to a 2009.
When they quit making the 460 cu in V8, we went to the V10's.
Only ever had one with a problem. The valve guides went at 47,000. Ford replaced the heads under warrant.
We averaged 350,000 miles on our Fords. The lowest mileage one was an 82 that got totaled when I wrecked it in 84. It had 202,000 miles on it.
The Highest mileage was 411,000.
According to our DOT Maintenance Records, my average repair/maintenance cost including tires and oil changes was .04 cents per mile.
If I knew I was going to haul any kind of a heavy camper, I'd get at least the F250 and wouldn't balk at a V10.
My experience is that if you want a "Pickup", you buy a Chevy, and if you want a "Truck", you buy a Ford.
Just my .02.
I like it and it has 98,500 on it.
In our business, we drove Ford E-350 Vans.
I owned 17 of them from a 78 to a 2009.
When they quit making the 460 cu in V8, we went to the V10's.
Only ever had one with a problem. The valve guides went at 47,000. Ford replaced the heads under warrant.
We averaged 350,000 miles on our Fords. The lowest mileage one was an 82 that got totaled when I wrecked it in 84. It had 202,000 miles on it.
The Highest mileage was 411,000.
According to our DOT Maintenance Records, my average repair/maintenance cost including tires and oil changes was .04 cents per mile.
If I knew I was going to haul any kind of a heavy camper, I'd get at least the F250 and wouldn't balk at a V10.
My experience is that if you want a "Pickup", you buy a Chevy, and if you want a "Truck", you buy a Ford.
Just my .02.
[color=#FF0000][b]22' G3 SunCatcher V22F
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
Wow, thank you all again for your experience and comments. I appreciate your help. Our boat is not large at all and our camper is a good sized pop up so a F-150 is more than enough to pull them. We are looking to get more pull than a Honda Pilot which has a little less pulling uummmppphhh than a F-150 but still can handle our boat and camper. I am excited to check this F-150 out but I am sad to say my wife is not as excited as I am... This specific truck is very nice but it is far from us and a little outside our budget. I thank you all again and will refer to this thread in the future if I can't persuade my bride to go for this one... She is usually very smart about these decisions and after 29 years of being her husband, I have learned to really lean on her instincts and judgements . Thank you all again.
Sincerely,
Rich
Sincerely,
Rich
Rich and Annemarie Bias
2007 20' Princecraft Vantage 20L
2007 Merc 75 4 Stroke
2006 Honda Pilot
2007 20' Princecraft Vantage 20L
2007 Merc 75 4 Stroke
2006 Honda Pilot
- badmoonrising
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10066
- Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:04 pm
- Location: Chesapeake City, Maryland
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
This guy abused the hell out of this van, finally died at 1.2 million miles:
http://www.millionmilevan.com/
http://www.millionmilevan.com/
Ed, Cheryl, Ethan and Aspen.
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD
Re: Looking at another prospective Tow Vehicle...
2010 Sun Tracker 21' Fishin' Barge 90hp Optimax
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)
2003 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Master
Acts 16:31 (KJV)