Need help deciding

Dirtclod · Nov 6, 2015

It's looking like I'm going to be buying a new PSD F-350. I pull a travel trailer to live in while working away from home. 12k lbs,14klbs loaded pull behind. I'm planning on upgrading in a couple years to a fifth wheel and possibly a toy hauler or 32' fifth wheel and a 16' enclosed trailer. I t needs to be able to cross mountains in the winter. I'm fairly new to hauling only pulling with my 01 cc/sb 7.3 in fairly flat land. But I'm planning on going to Minnesota and then to Reno NV. These are harsh winters and going to cross some big mountains. Should I go with a long bed srw or a long bed drw? I'm pretty sure both are the ssme length and drw is a 373 gear. I thought I would those of you who own these trucks and get some feedback. Thanks

HeavyAssault · Nov 7, 2015

Plan for the future...DRW all the way. I'd stay with the 3.73 gears if I was building my DRW.

bluedge8 · Nov 7, 2015

The only thing I'll say bad about drw is driving empty in slick conditions, even with 4x4 you will not like it at all, loaded heavy is fine. Make sure you are buying 4x4 either way. When are you coming to MN? Where? Look me up if your coming to the twin cities.

Dirtclod · Nov 7, 2015

Thanks! As soon as the mechanic can diagnose my 01 and we can get her running. Then a few cosmetic fixes it's off to the dealer and I'm heading up to Mineapolis to work. I'll send you a pm when I'm On my way! Drw was my first thoughts so more than likely that's what I'll go with. Black on Black Lariat! I'll probably be looking for a good set of snow tires right off the bat.

Dirtclod · Nov 7, 2015

I'm also hearing I'll need a track bar? "Not really sure if that's what it is" for the rear suspension from Ford. I'll also be installing my airbags and an on board air system. Beef up the stereo with a alpine amp and subs.

Dirtclod · Nov 7, 2015

I spoke with a small Fird Dealer in South Carolina couple months ago. I asked him what were you available to do aftermarket wise on a new truck and maintain warranty. He said we've serviced some with bigger tires and exhaust upgrades. What would be safe upgrades to make to help prevent some issues others have had? It seems like a fuel leak on pressure side,broken crank shafts,valves failing breaking glo plug,are some issues I've read about or saw in the dealership. Is there any of this that can be prevented and still keep warranty?

Tom@BigTimeKustomz · Nov 7, 2015

I would buy the Extended Service Plan with the truck if you're concerned about issues. I've used mine twice in the past 6 months for a fuel issue and radiator replacement. Was nice to pay $100 deductible versus $1000 in repairs. Mine has 45k and has been great except for these two issues. It's a great truck, you won't be disappointed. As far as which one to buy, I would go with the DRW to plan for your future.

Dirtclod · Nov 7, 2015

Thanks! It's good to know what to expect. That's what is so good about this forum.

Tom@BigTimeKustomz · Nov 7, 2015

You may not have the issues I did or what anybody else has had, then again you might. 1 guy on here I believe had fuel and radiator issues like me between 39-45k miles like I have, but that's one truck out of millions of 6.7's Ford has sold. Some guys push major power out of these trucks without a hiccup. Ford really did a great job with the new drivetrains.

Dirtclod · Nov 7, 2015

There was so much bad publicity with the 6.0& the 6.4 I didn't realize Ford changed engines till 2015. Never heard anything about them. Of course at the time I wasn't considering anything but a 7.3. So I guess if yore not hearing anything that's a good thing. There's a 16 drw lariat advertised on Internet for 56k. It's black &brown with tan int. they're sending me a quote so I can use for a little leverage with Pretty Salesgirl I've been dealing with. She had what I want just don't quite know it yet! Lol! Blk on Blk lariat with sunroof. She says she can beat any price. We'll see!

Dirtclod · Nov 9, 2015

I got my best quote today for a platinum Blk on blk drw f350. 61,800 otd. I've got another dealer that will beat it on a Lariat. I like them better anyways . I like front end better. I still think they can go to 58. I'll keep pushing!

bluedge8 · Nov 9, 2015

what is the monthly payment on 60k? damn can't imagine

dsmracing1 · Nov 9, 2015

950 a month for me lol

Dirtclod · Nov 10, 2015

I'm only planning on financing about half of that. And I've got another investment hopefully paying off soon so not looking to financing very long. If I could get low interest I wouldn't mind a big payment say 1% or around that but only if that money was in an investment acct drawing 4or5%. Divorce a few years ago and mortgage collapse sent my credit to the cleaners. I haven't had a car payment or any payment really to speak of since 08.lol! I travel out if town most all the time so my bills are where I'm at and when I take time off I'm looking after my moms place and spending time at a beach house my sisters and me own. The bills are cheap and not much upkeep. Which is where I'm at now. Caught some nice Blues for the grill yesterday afternoon!

bluedge8 · Nov 10, 2015

That's good, I can't imagine $950/mo for 5-8 years.

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Dirtclod · Nov 10, 2015

I don't like work that much! Lol! I used to be in debt up to my eyeballs. Chased 7-12's all over the country and stayed broke. Now I base work on close to the fishing. Ain't working over 50 hrs a week and 36 if I can get by with it. My pension is made just cruising till I hit 55 and look out. Mail order hottie from Russia for a couple years fish,hunt,drink and be merry!! That's my retirement plan

Dirtclod · Nov 10, 2015

Minnesota has 680$ a week unemployment. Just need 3 weeks to open the claim. NC used to have 525$ till Dickh#>€ got governor. It's my $ and I want it! Then to Reno for the Tesla Project! It's a battery plant for the electric cars. IBEW has been building and maintaining the car plants since the first ones rolled off and were building the plants for the next generation of automobiles. Bros and Sisters rolling like Powerstroke Thunder since 1891 and bigger and stronger than ever.

bluedge8 · Nov 10, 2015

While most of that is cool, bragging up the unemployment doesn't sit too well with me. Unless your are talking about within your union. If it is state aid, your employer pays a majority of the bill.

Dirtclod · Nov 11, 2015

They pay it,we earn it,they get a service,they lay us off,then I pay out of pocket traveling around signing books wherever there's work going on and when my name comes up I go to work. There's been times I was on 20 different books and waiting 6-12 months to get a job. Kinda hard to that on 325$ a week and pay bills. It's a little complicated but very seldom do I just kick back and not work when it's available. Right now I'm waiting my truck issue and should get in Charleston SC soon till my situation is fixed. Right now I'm not drawing but it's ok. It's fishing season and I'm layed off so I'll make the best of it. I really enjoy what I do. To most it's a hassle running around to get work but I see if as a time to meet up with my bros and sis and see the country.

bluedge8 · Nov 11, 2015

I figured, posting accurately on a forum is tough, it rubs me the wrong way when someone is just looking for the handout, I hoped that wasn't you, and it's not- carry on. Look me up when you get here.

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