Whoops! - Diesel Forum

ljack10270 · 12-24-2005, 12:16 AM

Howdy folks. I think I made a boo boo! Back when I started look for a Truck, I was look for a little tag trailer. Now that i've got my truck i've pretty much baught a gooseneck trailer. The problem is I need a 16000lbs tow truck for it. The 2005 F-250 4x4 Crew Cab PSD ( only 6 months old with almost 5000 miles) won't do the job with a max of 15,500lbs [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Well it probley would, but the manufacture says it won't. So Im thinking of getting the F-350 PSD with the Tow Boss. I went to the dealer today and he told me the gas mileage is horrible with the 4.30 axle. Of course he also didn't have any on the lot and was trying to sell me what he has. So I figured I'd ask you guys. How is the F-350 Crew cab PSD with the Tow Boss? Is the gas or should I say diesel mileage really that much worse? What else comes with the Tow Boss package besides the axle?

lawnspecialties · 12-24-2005, 04:39 PM

Not to get off the subject, but how did you go from getting a "little tag trailer" to getting something weighing 16,000 lbs? What are you towing? Just curious. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Mr_Roboto · 12-24-2005, 05:00 PM

I believe the TowBoss also comes with the integral electric brake controller, it may also have some extra coolers etc.

Are you looking at trading up to a dually or just a single wheel F350? There's not a whole lot of difference between a single wheel F250 and F350 (wish I had known when I bought one) the real difference is when you go to a dually.

olddieseldude · 12-24-2005, 05:05 PM

Didn't I read on here somewhere, that you can have the GVW rating increased by the dealer. I think it said that the door sticker gets replaced if I remember correctly, tire pressures are increased or something like that.

ljack10270 · 12-24-2005, 08:19 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Not to get off the subject, but how did you go from getting a "little tag trailer" to getting something weighing 16,000 lbs? What are you towing? Just curious. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

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Well We were pretty much set on a tag trailer to pull our race car. So we went ahead and got the truck. Then afterwards we decided a gooseneck trailer with living quarters might be the best route, but again we had already got the truck. So we are upgrading from our F-250 PSD 4x4 SRW truck to a F-350 PSD dually with the Tow Boss package. I wish we would have thought of pulling a 48' trailler 5 to 6 months ago. I really wanted my trailer before next year but I doubt ill be able to sell the truck and get a new one in a week. I guess I could still have them deliever [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

ljack10270 · 12-25-2005, 12:29 AM

I've heard people say they pull an extra 3-4000lbs over the Ford reccomendation on their dually. Anybody done this? Im pulling a trailer thats 15,700, not including extra tires and fuel, or anything else in the trailer. Plus then you gotta add in weight of people, cargo, extra parts,ect. What do yall think? A dually with a 4.10 or 4.30 rear end axle?

JESSE 1 · 12-25-2005, 12:39 AM

If I was buying a new F-350 Dually today it would have the Tow Boss option. Basically only adds the 4:30 rear axle ratio but increases GCWR to 26,000#.

Second choice would be an F-450 with a custom body on it, still equipped with a 4:30 rear axle ratio.

Dualie · 12-25-2005, 03:29 AM

I tow an extra 10,000lbs past the recommendation on my 2000 dually. Eats shocks and brakes like no buddies business tires are always kept above 35% other than that handles fine. 250,000 miles later it still drives like day one. and IM really anal about stuff like that. Just keep all axle weights within reason. im not over one pound on any axle rating.

ritschner · 12-25-2005, 01:40 PM

I do not think you made a boo boo. Especially if the trailer you got is gross rated for 15,500lbs. You should weigh your existing truck. The 05 SRW trucks are rated for 23,000lbs GCWR which means if your truck is less than 7500lbs loaded you can pull that 15,500lb trailer. My only suggestion would be an aluminum differential cover since the the Ford 10.5 differential tends to run a little warm causing some pinion seal leaks. As far as mileage, I average 14.0 around town, 16.5 highway at 65mph, and 10.0 towing a weight of 24,200lbs at 65. Tow Boss is only available with the automatic and includes 4.30 gearing, an aluminum rear differential cover and a Dana Super60 front axle for the 4X4's. The rest of the truck is the same.

ljack10270 · 12-25-2005, 03:58 PM

This truck is a little uder 8000lbs. What kinds of modifications did you put on your truck to get that kind of MPG, Uturn?

ljack10270 · 12-25-2005, 05:29 PM

Is the Tow Boss Package only available in King Ranch Trim?

ritschner · 12-25-2005, 06:51 PM

I usually drive mine pretty easy, rarely more than 68mph. It tachs 2300rpm at 70. It started out at 11.8 in town but seems to get better all the time, especially after towing. The Tow Boss is available in every trim level, cab length, and in 2WD or 4WD. The only limitation is it has to be an F350 dually w/automatic. They tend to be hard to find on most dealer's lots. Your best bet might be an internet search or ordering one to your specifications. Something else to keep in mind, most salesman still do not know what the Tow Boss package is and get it confused with the Tow Command.

ljack10270 · 12-25-2005, 07:10 PM

Yes, i've called all the local deals and none of them so far even have a Diesel Dually. I was kind of trying to stay away from ordering one. I know that can get to be pretty expensive. On the internet from the Ford dealers, the ones i've found with the Tow Boss, have all been King Ranch which includes leather. Im scared of leather before im scared of working on the car and putting some tools in my pocket, then I get in the truck and poke a hole in the leather. I'd prefer the XLT like I have now, but if I got to go with the King Ranch than so be it. You know a website I can search for, for new trucks besides Fords website?

ritschner · 12-25-2005, 08:46 PM

Go and get a copy of Trailer Life magazine. There are a couple of dealers that advertise Ford trucks at a set amount over wholesale. They also tend to deal in trucks set up for towing. Another option is to go to Edmunds.com and specify the truck you want and see if it shows up in your area. Of the four trucks I have seen with Tow Boss, one was a King Ranch, two were Lariats w/leather and one was an XLT. All were 4X4 crewcabs. If I get more information, I will let you know.

**Kanman** · 12-26-2005, 12:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Yes, i've called all the local deals and none of them so far even have a Diesel Dually. I was kind of trying to stay away from ordering one. I know that can get to be pretty expensive. On the internet from the Ford dealers, the ones i've found with the Tow Boss, have all been King Ranch which includes leather. Im scared of leather before im scared of working on the car and putting some tools in my pocket, then I get in the truck and poke a hole in the leather. I'd prefer the XLT like I have now, but if I got to go with the King Ranch than so be it. You know a website I can search for, for new trucks besides Fords website?

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My suggestion. Live on this website for about a month before you make a decision. Talk to some of the guys like SmokeyWren (one of the moderators) about your weight issues, hes sharp as a tack when it comes to that stuff!!! Talk to the guys on the 6.0 section of this forum about fuel mileage and performance. Just spend hours on here and you will be able to make an educated decision on what the buy. Do NOT ever depend on a salesman to sell you what you need. He will only sell you what hes got. They could care less about what you actually need.

Take a look at eBay for trucks and pricing, that'll give ya a real good idea on pricing around the country. Sounds like you might have to head out of state. I would never bid on a vehicle on eBay, especially when your talking a lot of money. But, phone them and make other arrangements. Last but not least. Go to just about any 7-11 type store and pick up a copy of Auto Trader, or check out www.autotrader.com Excellent source for finding the vehicle you need. Just make sure you get the pickup truck trader version.