New (to me) tow vehicle

[Mucho Gusto]

Well...gas mileage was never too big of an issue pulling the ole open bow, but my F-150 5.4l was quite thirsty pulling the pontoon parachute. Averaging 5.5 mpg towing limited our range quite a bit. Traded it in on a 2008 Ford F250 Lariat 6.4L diesel. Damn thing only had 62k miles on it so we made the deal. This is my first diesel, and I was happy with the 12mpg until I learned more about our lovely government and EPA getting involved and requiring these DPF filters. Knowing that the engine is capable of 20 mpg without the filter reiterated my stance of government involvement. If they're involved, it's gonna suck. Of course, these are the same folks that screwed up a simple thing like a gas can, so not much of a surprise. But I digress... We're pretty happy so far. It just so happens that the truck matches the boat so that was a plus.

[RcgTexas]

Yep! the gooberment could break an anvil.

[GXPWeasel]

I'm typically not a fan of Ford vehicles (worked @ a Ford dealership for 4 years, and saw enough), however, if I were to buy a truck for heavy pulling, it would probably be a Ford Super Duty.

Yea, the worst thing about the new diesels is the government reg's and the stupid DEF that is required to run. Once you get it out of warranty (should be soon for you) get rid of that government mandated crap, and you'll have a MUCH better truck.

Nice looking rig for sure. The aluminum revolver rims are a nice touch.

[woolznaz]

Great looking truck. Now you can pull that boat anywhere you want! We pulled ours with an F250 for a few years and it pulled it well. We even took our F250 on a couple of 2800 mile round trips to Lake of the Ozarks and it never missed a beat. It was a very comfortable long haul vehicle. Ours had over 100k when we bought it so yours should be good for many years to come.

[Mucho Gusto]

Thank you guys!

GXP- without knowing anything about the DPF prior, we purchased a 3 year 36 mile bumper to bumper warranty. In hindsight, I shouldve (and still might) cancel that and spend the money on a programmer, intake, and exhaust. If I keep warranty, I'll definitely do those things once it expires.

Mike- how was Bartlett last week? Thanks for the invite but I didn't catch it until it was too late.

[Bamaman]

The best place to read about PowerStroke diesels is TheDieselStop.com. I've been a member 13 years.

That model engine was made by Navistar to Ford specs. Although it was plenty strong, it had a reputation as a fuel hog. There are some modifications that can easily turn it into a completely different (and better) truck.

I have used D-P Tuners on my 7.3 diesel since it was new, and I just got home today from a 700 round trip to the Smoky Mountains. I do get 20 mpg on the open highway @ 70 mph.

[woolznaz]

Thank you guys!

GXP- without knowing anything about the DPF prior, we purchased a 3 year 36 mile bumper to bumper warranty. In hindsight, I shouldve (and still might) cancel that and spend the money on a programmer, intake, and exhaust. If I keep warranty, I'll definitely do those things once it expires.

Mike- how was Bartlett last week? Thanks for the invite but I didn't catch it until it was too late.

Bartlett was nice, as always. I love that place. There were a lot of campers along the shoreline and I like to see that activity since that lake is never too crowded. We spend most of the day anchored out in an area we call "The Islands" just about a mile or two from the main launch ramp closest to the marina. That's where you will often find us. If you leave the ramp/dock area headed away from the marina and the dam, this little cove/island area will come up on the right. Nice little spot to spend the day and well protected cove.

We'll see you out there or on Pleasant this summer. Enjoy that new truck!