Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> 03 F-250
Post Info TOPIC: 03 F-250
mailman01


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 111
Date:
03 F-250
Permalink  

Opportunity-maybe...Recently the opportunity to purchase a 2003 F-250 Diesel, short bed with 7,000 !! miles on it was presented to me.  I know this vehicle and am friends with the owner, so, I can personally verify the mileage.  The truck is a 6.0.  Not knowing all that much about this type of vehicle, my thought was who to go to for information on any issues I should be on the lookout for, so, I thought of the "go to " folks on this Forum.  A lot of you are very knowledgeable of the specifics of this type vehicle and I would very much appreciate ANY and ALL input from your ranks.  Appearance wise this is a new truck.  What issues should I be on the lookout for that may have been specific to this year F-250?   Thank you all, 
Marty

__________________
Marty & Roz Hill
A Pair of Kentucky Loafers

'08 Arctic Fox
'10 F-250 PSD
'08 Honda GW
Terry and Jo


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5399
Date:
Permalink  

Marty,

First of all, I'm presuming that your question applies to any problems with "TOWING" with this pickup and not just pickup information in general.

That said, I recommend that you write down the information from the "data plate", actually a sticker of some kind and take that information to a Ford dealer and let them inform you of the towing capacities of the 2003 model.  That sticker is probably on the door post of the driver's side door.  The information on that sticker will give the dealer information on engine, transmission, differential ratio, etc.  With that, they can give you a good idea of towing capacity.

DO NOT JUST ACCEPT AN "ASSURANCE" THAT IT WILL PULL "X".  MAKE THEM LOOK IT UP IN THEIR BOOKS.

I had a 2002 F250 until I traded for my current F450.  The F250 was a good pickup for us, although it was a gasoline model and wouldn't pull as much as a diesel.  Our current fifth wheel, the Rockwood Signature Ultralite weighs 8,293 pounds and the F250 pulled it fine, but mileage wasn't real great.  Again, a diesel should be able to pull a heavier load.

Beyond the towing questions, check around with knowledgeable mechanics as to the quality of the 6L diesel.  I am a noobie in regards to the newer engines in pickups, so I would be of no help to you.  I have read on some forums where some owners have complained about their 6L diesels.  Keep in mind that on some forums the main ones that comment are those that have complaints, whether those complaints are legitimate or not.  Few happy owners tend to praise their engines as much on forums.

At any rate, good luck.

Terry

__________________

Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
Luvglass


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1438
Date:
Permalink  

Here's the link to Trailer Lifes Towing Guide for 2003 vehicles.

http://www.trailerlife.com/images/downloads/03towingguide.pdf

You should be able to find exactly what weights your truck is rated to haul. Even though it is a diesel, the short bed and the 250 suspension will limit your capacity.

Unless you're planning on a relatively light trailer, this vehicle might not be what you are looking for.

Good luck,
Fred

-- Edited by Luvglass on Monday 18th of January 2010 09:11:17 PM

__________________
Fred Wishnie

Full time since Feb 06 in Carriage Cameo 35KS3 and Ford F350


“If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, then all you’ll ever get is all you ever got.”
Racerguy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1426
Date:
Permalink  

Fred is correct about that. Also go to a web site called Changingears.com. It explains the whole process of figuring the real world towing capacity of a truck.

__________________

RVing probably not a reality any more.It was a good time while it lasted.
mailman01


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 111
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks folks for your replies. I currently tow a 27' Arctic Fox weighing about 8,000lbs with an 08 Tundra rated for 10,600, so I feel the 250 should be more than adequate in the towing department. I was primarily concerned about service issues particular with this vehicle, more specifically, the 6.0 engine and the transmission. I know the Toyota will be virtually trouble free for years, even though it will not have the muscle of the diesel and I am hesitant about going from this to the possible issues of an 03 F-250, even though it is very low mileage. Again, I appreciate your advise.
Marty

__________________
Marty & Roz Hill
A Pair of Kentucky Loafers

'08 Arctic Fox
'10 F-250 PSD
'08 Honda GW
Racerguy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1426
Date:
Permalink  

Marty,Just personal opinion, but if you plan on keeping the Arctic Fox I would keep the Tundra hands down. There are issues with the 6.0 and I have heard of none with the Tundra. Real world numbers the Ford is a sideways move and has no advantage.

__________________

RVing probably not a reality any more.It was a good time while it lasted.
mailman01


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 111
Date:
Permalink  

George,  appreciate your thought and as much as I like the idea of the diesel, I really feel the wise thing to do is exactly as you suggested, keep the Toyota.  Guess I just needed some assistance from you folks to help me see the bright light of day, and reason.  My reasoning gets a little clouded at times, especially when trucks are involved.  Thanks again, Marty


__________________
Marty & Roz Hill
A Pair of Kentucky Loafers

'08 Arctic Fox
'10 F-250 PSD
'08 Honda GW
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> 03 F-250
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us