pros and cons of the V-10?

[CMD1]

Hi all.
I am ordering a new F350, and can't really justify the $ of the powerstroke. I am only going to make one pull with my Teton travel trailer......I am anticipating a move to Arizona to live there early next year.
I know I will be very overloaded with the trailer, but for one trip, I am not buying a F550 again, either. I will be putting the trailer on a permanate pad there to live in, never moving it again.
I will be using the F350 to take short trips solo, and for everyday use. I will drive less than 10,000 miles a year there.
My questions are, I will be pulling a 5,000 motorcycle trailer sometimes, so I am leaning towards the 4:30 gears. I am ordering a Dually, 4X4, crewcab, Automatic......my old F650 reminded me of the pleasures of not shifting!
Any options you V-10 guys suggest? I love the powerstroke, but this truck has got to be a little cheaper than my last couple of rides. The slow economy has caught up with me!
Thanks in advance, and it is always good to hear all the opinions here at Ford-Diesel.com.
Charles

[todlake]

Charles,

Sounds like you,ve got it all worked out. Definitely go with the 4.30s as you only lose about 1 mpg, but the towing becomes effortless. My 3.73 s are adequate for my 6000 lb tag along, but since I upsized my tires (looks much better), I now wish I had ordered the 4.30s. Live and learn. Good luck.

Robb

[Stan Wright]

The only 'con' of a V-10 is so-so gas mileage. Other than that, no complaints. I wish I had 4.30's, too.

[dan4x4]

No con to the V10 and the 4.30 gearing!

I have a 4x4 350 CC V10 4.30 and could not be happier with this truck...well except maybe after headers and a cat back...[img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I just got back from a trip to the Rockies (skiing) and the truck handled those mountain passes superbly. It downshifted only 1 time into 3rd on I-70 going up to Eisenhower Tunnel.

I got between 13-14 mpg on the whole trip as well.

Dan