My expedition is on it's last legs and I'm in the market for a new tow vehicle.
I tow an open trailer that weighs about 1900lbs and my track car weighs about 2600 to 3000 depending on what I'm hauling
I'm currently leaning toward a ford f250 crew cab or something similar. Looking for a good deal on a new or used truck that will make a good track mule.
IMO if you want a gasoline engine truck you can't beat GM. If you want a diesel, I hate to say it but cummins power and durability in the Dodge is the way to go.
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Fritz,
I went through the same issue last season, ended up buying an F350 Crew Cab long bed with the 6.0 turbo diesel and the Allison tranny.
While the Dodge and Chevy have more outright power, every towing test I saw had the Ford on top, I believe due to a broader torque band that was better matched to the gearing. The Ford seemed quieter to me as well which I found important as I have to drive mine to work now.
I'm very happy with the F350, but really liked the Chevy. I test drove each at least three times before buying.
After towing with a turbo diesel, it is very unlikely I'll ever use anything else. The power and fuel mileage are outstanding. I get 21 mpg highway, 17-18 city, and 14 towing fully loaded at 75 mph with cruise control on.
If you are looking at an F250, I'd seriously consider the F350. Take a hard look at the load capacity differences and think about how much stuff you will want to carry in the bed. Remember the hitch weight and passengers count against the trucks load capacity.
Good luck! I had a really tough time deciding on this one.
Which ever of the three you go with go DIESEL I tow with a Cummins Dodge dually 01 and 04 Excursion PSD Ford is newer and more powerful. All have a ton of power. i was towing next to another Excursion with gas and it die on every hill from NYC to the Poconos. We were playing on every hill all the way.
Since you've been dealing with a gas vehicle, you might want to stay with one.
For gas, I recommend either the 6.0 litre GM available in Denalis and Caddys or the Hemi in the Dodges. They'll handle an open trailer setup like that with a lot nicer than the (I'd assume) 5.4 litre Ford in that Expedition. I've pulled open and enclosed with all three.
Both will get comparable mileage with the 5.4. I usually get ~11-11.5 with an open trailer and 9-9.5 with a 20' enclosed.
There is no argument that diesel IS the way to go for towing. However, I understand that some don't want that much truck in the truck for everyday use. The noise, smell and weight of the engine are their downsides. Unstoppable torque and great mileage are the pros.
I tow a comparable setup to yours. An open trailer (~1,400#'s), my Z06 (~3,200), extra set of mounted tires, tool boxes, and an assortment of coolers, canopies, chairs, and other stuff, and I use a 3/4 ton Yukon with the 6 liter motor. It does a marvelous job, but the gas mileage sucks. Even with no trailer on it it get 13-14 miles mpg and with a trailer gets 12-13. Power has never been an issue, although at 75mph when you press on the gas to pass someone, you can feel it ask if we really need to do this, when it downshifts.
Since my wife uses it as her vehilce it fits her needs for luxury (heated seats, DVD of the grankids, etc.) and fits mine on the weekends.
I would have loved to get the Yukon with a diesel in it, but that combo wasn't available. I heard that it will be in 2006, anyone else heard that?
I'll definitely get a Diesel based on the above comments.
I daily drive the expedition when needed but if it was a nice new truck I'm sure the frequency would escalate. The Excursion would be the most versatile of the group but the F350 might be easier to sell and take more of beating.
What they said-diesel is the only wasy to go. Mileage, engine warranty. power. Ford Powerstroke for me. See pics for what I consider a nicely modded F350.
Just try and stay away from the early 03 Ford 6.0 PSD. My January built 03 Excursion has been a pos since they reprogrammed it last year and my fuel mileage will not get better than 13.2 around town and 14.0 on the highway. The trans is a Ford developed 5 speed auto, not an allison.
Of course the power is simply unbelievable.
They made numerous changes for 04 that make the newer trucks the ones to shoot for.
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