Diesel or no Diesel That is the Question

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by OLD N IN THE WAY, May 22, 2020.

  1. OLD N IN THE WAY

    OLD N IN THE WAY Junior Member

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    I want to pull a 26' long 2006 travel trailer (part time). I mostly will be driving an F-150 for work but want to pull the trailer for vacationing. I have been looking for a 1997 F-350 Power Stroke 7.3 and have been told to stay clear of trucks between 2003-2010. New is not an option at this point unless I win a raffle. I have also wondered whether a gas motor would handle the load especially in the Rockies. Looking for opinions to guide my decision.

    Thanks
     
  2. AK SNO RIDER

    AK SNO RIDER Got Snow?

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    How much does your travel trailer weigh?
     
  3. ak_cowboy

    ak_cowboy Penguin Hunter

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    The 6.2 gas is significantly cheaper then the diesel, but wont get quite as good mpg
     
  4. OLD N IN THE WAY

    OLD N IN THE WAY Junior Member

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    I don't recall its weight. I have been pulling with a 2002 dodge 1/2 ton QC 5.9 4x4 with sway bar and leveller.
     
  5. Roush PSD Interceptor

    Roush PSD Interceptor 7.3L Straight Piped Diesel

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    Welcome aboard the forum @OLD N IN THE WAY

    So many fuel mpg improvements can be made on the Powerstroke over a gas burner.
    I was getting 17+mpg pulling a 7K Aruba with slide out from Chattanooga to Daytona and back.
    Unloaded I get 22+mpg on paper and not the PCM read out in over head console.

    Knowing the hyper mile tricks and running the chip on tow and eco mode when appropriate.

    Check out https://powerstrokehelp.com/
    There are over 75 topic videos here.
    Bill Hewitt is in Atlanta, GA close to me and is the only person I would trust on a total rebuild
    on my 7.3L

    Many would argue the transmission is the weak link on those trucks.
    I have over 172K on mine and faithful change fluid and filter, installed the
    Bully Dog Shift Kit, additional fluid cooler with fan and have the Raybestos magnetic
    inline filter.

    Something else that surprises new to diesel engine owners is the oil capacity.
    13+ quarts on an oil change plus the $10 oil filter. I always suction drain the HPOP
    which hardly anyone does. There are 3 quarts of dirty oil in the HPOP/HEUI system that
    blacken the fresh oil change if this isn't done.

    Diesel Superdutys with high miles have another common problem with in tank fuel filter
    screens clogged and pickup fitting break off.
    Dropping the tank is the only way to fix this with the appropriate parts.
    Non-start condition or running out of fuel condition is symptom of that problem.

    Over the years I have learned to put a "First Aid Kit' in the truck of the most common things
    to carry with me than can go wrong on a long trip.
    Hoses, Belt Tension Idler Pulley, Fuel Pump, CPS, IP Sensor, EBP Sensor, Under the Valve Cover
    Injector Harness and a few other parts and pieces.
     
    OLD N IN THE WAY and ak_cowboy like this.
  6. OLD N IN THE WAY

    OLD N IN THE WAY Junior Member

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    The trailer is 500 miles away. I don't have a quick answer for you. it is a Keystone Springdale no slides if that makes a difference.
     
  7. OLD N IN THE WAY

    OLD N IN THE WAY Junior Member

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    I met a guy in Canon City, CO this winter with the same truck, with chip set ups and he loves his truck. He plows a lot with that truck in between trips back to AZ.
     
  8. Roush PSD Interceptor

    Roush PSD Interceptor 7.3L Straight Piped Diesel

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    Been away for quite a while.

    Wakes those 7.3L's up brother.

    No need to run around on a race tune,
    just asking for trouble rollin' coal.

    Eco tune and tow'n if needed is all I use now.
    Got the race tune jollies out of me the first year
    or so after I saw 900° and 1100° on the pyrometer.
     
  9. OLD N IN THE WAY

    OLD N IN THE WAY Junior Member

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    I am going to look at a 2012 F250 6.2L today. Anything I should know about the truck going in?
     
  10. Roush PSD Interceptor

    Roush PSD Interceptor 7.3L Straight Piped Diesel

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    Hear those are pretty reliable engines.

    Not greatest on fuel mileage when towing a
    6-7K lb trailer behind it but just about bullet
    proof engine wise.
     

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