RE: Purchasing new Truck - Need Advise!
Barbara Madill (madill@teleplex.net)
Sat, 22 Nov 1997 09:30:32 -0500 (EST)
So far, after two months, I am VERY happy with my '97 F250 Super Cab, with
40/20/40 split seats, 7.3 PowerStroke diesel 4X4, with 355 rear. I didn't
think I wanted automatic, but now love it. Tare weight for current trailer
is only about 3,500 pounds, we usually take 2,500 added pounds, so we are
WAY below manufacturer's recommendations.
My old truck was '84 F259 Super Cab, with bucket seats, 6.9 International
Engine, 2 X 4, manual transmission, with 355 rear that did well for over
75,000 miles (we got it at 65,000 -- just broken in). Pulling the same load
up our local three mile 7% grade mountain, the 6.9 would be in 2nd gear and
the extra cooling fan on if the outside temperature was above 80o by the
time we got to the top.
The '97 (which we really lucked out on, finding it with all warranties
intact in a used lot -- it was "too big" for the former owner, so they
traded down to an F150!) is still at 55 to 60 (out of overdrive, of course),
the tach at about 2,200 and the temperature gauge not even budging going up
the same mountain under same conditions.
I think I've lost a mile or two of fuel economy, but, the new truck IS
automatic, 4X4 and with a bigger engine, but I I'm still getting 13 - 14
hauling. (Hard to tell, because there must be a kink in the fuel tank inlet
that makes it a real trick to get a tank completely full to gather any
accurate data.) Also, we got this truck at 9,000 miles and only have 15,000
on it two months later-- don't know if there's any truth to the idea that
the mileage might get better after it "loosens" up.
The 40/20/40 split makes it SO easy to get to stuff in the back of the cab.
I used to complain that the bucket seats made the old truck a real "car
boat" (neither one or the other).
Incidentally, there is a "convertible" truck cap cover available for use
when hauling Goose Necks, called Safari Top. It folds down while you're
hauling. Takes less than a few seconds to pull it up after you've unhooked.
Basic model sells for around $350. It's on my wish list, but people who
already have them think they're great!