Used 2010 F 350 Diesel Dually - RV-Dreams Community Forum

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Used 2010 F 350 Diesel Dually

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I found a used 2010 F 350 XLT 4x4 Dually with the 6.4 Diesel Powerstroke at a dealership. This engine is a pre urea diesel. I'd like to know if anyone knows of problems with this engine or if anyone has a 6.4 Powerstroke in their truck. It has the 4.10 limited slip axle. What about gas mileage? Any thoughts on this truck and engine? They are asking 35,995 and it only has 23,000 miles. I could really use some help in understanding how this year of Ford and engine compare to the newer trucks(2012, 2013). What other things should I be looking for? Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you Curt

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I foolishly did not look at the 5th wheel towing capacity for a 2010 F350 DRW Diesel. The 2010 Ford Towing Guide indicates the Max towing is only 18,000 lbs. The 5th wheel I am going to buy is GVWR of 16,000. That would put the weight ratio at about 90% of Max. I don't think this truck would safely pull that 5th wheel. Am I wrong?

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

lowryc50 wrote:
I foolishly did not look at the 5th wheel towing capacity for a 2010 F350 DRW Diesel. The 2010 Ford Towing Guide indicates the Max towing is only 18,000 lbs. The 5th wheel I am going to buy is GVWR of 16,000. That would put the weight ratio at about 90% of Max. I don't think this truck would safely pull that 5th wheel. Am I wrong?

Curt:

The truck, by specifications, will pull your trailer fine. Some will say you need a F-450. But by specifications you probably don’t. But you need to review all the specifications including the GCVW. The weight of the truck, full up and the trailer combined, etc. However, there is a perspective for you to consider.

The 6.4 Ford engine, built by International, has a history of issues. That’s a known fact. Some run “forever” and some fail at something in the mid- 60,000 mile range.

Howard did a number of posts when he had issues with his 6.4 and you may want to review those for reference.

As I said, many of those engines do great, others, not so much and there is just no way to tell for sure.

Also, as you may have discovered, you have to check the specifications on each specific model of truck - the exact truck you are considering - not just the marketing information. All F-350’s, etc. are not created equal. The model year specifications, especially beginning with the 2011’s, are completely different for Ford and GM trucks as well. Beginning in 2011 and forward the published specifications and towing numbers were greatly increased for the GM 3500HD and Ford F-350 series trucks. Dodge’s likewise have had significant capability changes of recent note. We all recommend doing your homework carefully. Especially in the F-350 line, I recommend you consider 2011 and forward trucks if that is an option. In general, better capabilities, more torque and in the case of Ford a new engine and more capable transmission - according to Ford's published specifications.

My perspective

Bill

lowryc50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bill, that makes sense. I checked the towing guides for newer F350's as you mentioned after I saw what the Towing Guide said for the 2010 F350 and as you indicated the towing numbers do increase starting in 2011. I was hoping that the 2010 would have the capacity I needed since the price was so good. My fear is I don't know enough about diesel engines to know what to look for in a used truck. It's also difficult to understand the weights in regard to GVWR and GCVR and how they relate. Is there a site or document that might explain this in more layman's terms? I want to be safe, have the capacity to tow properly but not blow the budget. I guess I may be unrealistic in my expectations.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Curt,

Here may be a source to help you with understanding the weight issues.

Understanding RV Weights

Be patient with it because the article talks of all the various "weight rate labels." However, I would like to recommend that you do NOT go by the manufacturer's "Towing Weight" rating. What you want to try to remain within are the "Gross Combined Vehicular Weight" (GCVW) and the "Gross Axle Weight Rating" (GAWR). I can guarantee that if I was towing a trailer based on my F450's "tow rating" of 24,600 lbs, I would definitely be over on both GCVW and GAWR.

For example, my trailer's GVWR is 18,500 lbs. If I was to "load" my F450 to its 14,500 lb GVWR, then I would absolutely be at my maximum GCVW of 33,000 lbs. A towing weight of 24,600 lbs is just over 6000 lbs heavier. Now, to be truthful, it is unlikely my truck will be "loaded" to its full GVWR, but this is all mentioned as an example.

Terry