Upgrade or sell?

[Pearlgc]

I have my 1st diesel which is an '04 F350 6.0L Super Duty SB Crew that I bought in '05.. It has an '07 turbo in it and the EGR was addressed in '06. I get GREAT mpg the truck treats me well. My concern is though I recently added a 35' 5th wheel toy hauler and all year when pulling, the 'ol girl seems to struggle at times. I also get pushed around a bit... it seems I'm just too light and under powered. I do not have any upgrades other than a Volant intake. No chip, no exhaust, no air bags, etc... Well, I'm on the fence if I should move up to an '05 or '06 DRW 6.0L or a SRW 2000- '01 7.3L. Any suggestions gang?

[chuckster57]

I can say from experience that a DRW will tow a big fiver a lot better than a SRW.

[fordsforever73]

I'll second the use of a dually for a trailer that big. What gears do you have in the diffs of your current truck? That will make a difference too, as will the shortbox model.

[badbart]

Longer is better, DRW's also helps in stability. I've put 50K miles on my truck from May until October pulling fifth wheels and travel trailers from Indiana to Florida. Handling is fine, and power is adequate, though I am envious of the 6.7's power. But I can't justify spending 60 grand for that power. I know some guys that have bought new ones, but after the new wears off and they're still making those $1500.00 monthly payments they're just not that impressed. In my opinion, you could get a newer long bed crewcab dually 6.0 and spend some money bulletproofing the motor, and you'd be money ahead.

[Pearlgc]

My truck has a 4:10 rear and when I bought it, it was towing a 20-something foot horse trailer off hitch. I have come to realize that an '05-'06 F350 DRW Crew is about where I can be in regards to cost. I found a couple SRW 8' Crew's in 7.3. I guess I'm so comfortable with 20+ mpg on highway without towing I have separation anxieties! I'm sure there are things to add to a 6.0L DRW to "enhance" performance but I'm not as knowledgable. There are soooo many things out there I get a headache then a pocket-ache when looking at them all. Any and all advise is welcomed gang. Thanks in advance!

Oh, and I have looked at Dodge and GMC/ Chevy but the back seat of the F350 is great for the kids (3) and I have absolutely NO CLUE about a diesel from either one of them.

[Pearlgc]

Lynnwood Used 2006 Ford F-350 Seattle


Albany, OR 2005 Ford F-350 Lariat Used Truck near Salem, OR near Corvallis, OR Lassen Auto Center


Bellevue Used 2006 Ford Super Duty F-350 DRW Crew Cab 172 King Ranch 4WD Seattle


Lynnwood Used 2006 Ford F-350 Seattle

[2 Stroker]

This one, it look like they are running a CarQuest oil filter a Big
MotorCraft or Racor only.
Bellevue Used 2006 Ford Super Duty F-350 DRW Crew Cab 172 King Ranch 4WD Seattle
2 stroker

[WFObansheeboy]

I Am towing a 40' toy hauler 5th wheel with my 05 F250 SRW and she pulls it just fine for me. I am sure it would tow better in the cross wind with a DRW set up. But all in all I like it. The power is ok with Banks Big Hoss® Bundle with the IQ and all of the BPD upgrades. here is a pic of my set up.

[Pearlgc]

I guess the first issue is not having a 8' bed but the SB. The second is my truck is virtually FORD OEM except the intake. I have the EGRs (no bypass) and the cat with stock exhaust. I though of doing a by pass and exhaust and bags on the rear but after that's all said and done I'd assume it would only solve 1/2 my problems. I can't make the truck longer nor wider.. UHG!

As for the oil filter, it appears to be a NAPA/ WIX... but maybe a bit too high in the cap which then I'd agree with ya 2 Stroker. I ran NAPA Golds and AMZOIL.. both made by WIX. Have since I bought it in '05 and same with the fuel filters.

As for your SRW WFOBansheeboy, I think if I had the 8' in SRW id be good. I just figure if I am going to take the plunge then go all the way with a DRW or stay a bit safer (?) and find an 8' SRW like what you run. My trailer has been averaging around 13,000 lbs when we're loaded. It's a Dutchman 'Voltage 3005 and starts out at 35' and 10,800 lbs before all the fluids, toys, food and misc. At the end of the day I'm around 2,000 to 3,000 over GCVWR.

[Pearlgc]

... oh, and I was looking at that DRW King Ranch because it already had the BANKS system in it along with bags at the rear.

[WFObansheeboy]

I know how you feel on the LBS. I am also at my max when loaded now. The 05 can town a little more then the 04.If I was to do it again I would look for a F550 DRW 4X4. I am off road a lot with my trailer at Pismo, Sand Mnt NV and Oregon Dunes So the 4X4 is a must. I also would not do the 8" lift again only 6" and 35".
Good luck and keep us update.

[Pearlgc]

An F550 DRW?! Oh ye who's pockets over flow..

I looked at F450's but I do use my truck to run around town as well taking kids to school, classes and such so I have to stay a bit conservative in my dreaming. I guess the hardest part for me right now is either upgrading to a DRW or staying with a SRW but in an 8' bed. 5 or 6 years ago I would have never worried about my mpg driving such a rig. Now look! I love my SB but she's got her limits.

And on a side note, has anyone ever REALLY used the search engine on here? Holy CRAP! A fella can get lost for hours running around reading forums looking for that one little morsel of information and hope.