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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> 03 F-250
Post Info TOPIC: 03 F-250
mailman01


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03 F-250
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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

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Marty & Roz Hill
A Pair of Kentucky Loafers

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


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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

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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
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Luvglass


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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

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Fred Wishnie

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


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Racerguy


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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.

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mailman01


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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

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Marty & Roz Hill
A Pair of Kentucky Loafers

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


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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.

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mailman01


RV-Dreams Family Member

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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


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Marty & Roz Hill
A Pair of Kentucky Loafers

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