www.iFourWinns.com

Like the title says looking for a new tow vehicle. Wanting to hear pros and cons from the big three -Ford, GMC or Ram. Always had gas and seems when you go over 100k miles you can feel the strain in the motor. So now I'm thinking I should go diesel. I'm the kind of person that buys a vehicle maintains all scheduled maintenance and keeps for a long period of time. So that being said what options and gears do you recommend for the long hall? What is your personal experiences with these trucks? I have looked and drove all 3 being the Ford 250, GMC Denali 2500 HD and the Ram 2500. All 4x4, diesel and crew cab short bed. Will also be a daily driver and maybe put 12k miles a year on the truck. Towing will be somewhat limited but will tow to Lake Powell a few times a year. Considering a new truck due to the present vehicle is getting up there in age and mileage. Thank you in advance for your opinions and thoughts.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

Ford...no further discussion.......forget GM, the RAM of course is the second choice.

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"For My 50th"
1996 238 Vista
5.7VolvoGL DP
Previous boats; 91 Cobia 19' Cuddy, 87 Starcraft 16' BR,
67 Winner BR, 65 Arrow 14'

If I had a choice between a Ram with a Cummins and a Ford with whatever diesel they use now .. Cummins for sure...but drive all three and see what you like.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Why?

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

If you want power and high mileage go Toyota. Next to German engineering has go to be Japanese.

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I appreciate the quick response - but if you can add some reason as to why you feel the truck you pick is better then the other ones. I will be towing a 278 Vista w this truck and not wanting to be under powered while do so.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

Of course it depends on how much you are willing to spend. New, or Used. Warranty or no warranty.

I like USED. Mine have no warranty. I buy Ford F250 or F350 7.3L Powerstroke in either the Old Body Style (OBS)1994.5 - 1997, or the SuperDuty 1999-early 2003. We have 3: 1996 F250 4WD (170Kmiles), a 1997 F250 4WD (230Kmiles) both extended cabs; and a 2000 crew cab Lariat 4WD DRW(130Kmiles). This is the one we'll use for the longer tow-trips. We like the long beds. We've put 20K miles on the 96, and 120K on the 97. Replaced one transmission and had exhaust work done on the 97. Bought the 2000 and had to do the turbo, exhaust up-pipe maintenance, door locks...

The 3.55 is a good way to go since you will not be towing all the time. It gets you better mileage, less wear and tear (70-75mph at 2K rpm) vs the 4.10 (at 2.5k rpm?). Our older trucks are 3.55's and they pull the Liberator, or loaded 3-horse-trailer no problem. The 2000 has the 4.10.



If you can find someone who has maintained it like you do, you can get a reliable SuperDuty, with 100Kmiles-130Kmiles, for about $17k-24k. Even less for the OBS. The lower mile Super Duty trucks, with around 100Kmiles, can cost $26K. You have to determine if the normal issues are taken care of - transmission is good or replaced after 150k miles ($1K-1.5K), the turbo is not dusted ($1K-$1.5K)...the exhaust system in good condition...the door locks work, etc.

If you get a 2003-2007 6.0L from someone who has sorted it out, you can get a pretty nice truck with lower miles, but I prefer the 7.3L.

2008-2010 6.4L, maybe better than the 6.0L overall? Not so sure about the fuel mileage of the 6.0: and 6.4L they are probably less than the 7.3L fuel mileage.

If you want to spend around $30-35k, you could get a 2011 F350 crewcab Lariat 4WD DRW or SRW for 6.7L with a warranty. I think this is what I'd get next - if and when I replaced one of the others. I just can't see buying a new one for $60K plus tax, license, higher insurance (and finance charges!).

That's my experience - never driven the other Diesels - never felt the need cause I find the "old" Fords gave me all I needed. I'm sure others can tell you the pro's and cons about them.

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1988 Four Winns 261 Liberator Twin 460s

Thank you 88liberator261 that's a lot of good information to take in. I'm leaning more toward a new truck just for the fact I have looked at a lot of used trucks and they are hacked up w deletes, holes in the bed where they had a fifth wheel, very high miles, leaks and high price. I do agree with you also in regards to the new trucks considering price!!! But I have seen new 2013's still on the lots around town and they are offering some good discounts also on some 2014's with the 15's coming in now.

I have always been a GMC guy had only gas not diesel....I hear they have a good motor and tran set up but when you look at a 1500 and a 2500 HD the interior is the same and for 30k more I would like to see something different?!

On the ford f250 the upside is the look and interior....the downside is the motors BUT the NEW 6.8 or 7 motor they have this time I believe is made by ford at ford?

The Ram I like the interior and room of the mega cab WOW! Not sure about the motor except that the cummins has been around for a long time? Also something regarding the front end suspension?

Thank you again for your time.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

+1 on 88Liberator261's post. I have a 1994.5 powerstroke with 230k and haven't had to do anything beyond the bolt on stuff (alternator, water pump, etc.) I pulled a 30' fifth wheel with my 180 horizon behind it for a lot of years with no problem and the total weight was around 26,000 lbs. Sold the trailer, but still have the truck and boat.
We have duramax work trucks, a 3500 and a 2500. The motors seem to be ok, but the trucks are falling apart around them, constant front end problems.
Cummins a proven power plant and the dodge isn't a bad truck. Also, I'm not so sure about the new diesels and the emissions crap, (exhaust fluid???) what the hell is that?
My opinion is this:#1- Old 7.3 powerstroke
#2- Cummins
#3- Duramax
#4- Gas motor
Good luck on your research and keep us posted.

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1999 180 Horizon LS 4.3 L GL Volvo SX
1994 Powerstroke
2002 Jeep Wrangler
not@work.gon
Happiness is an Empty Boat Trailer!!!

I would recommend having a serious look at the weight you will be pulling. According to Four Winns "Fast Facts" the '96 278 with twin 5.0s will have a dry weight just under 7500 lbs. The trailer is 2000 lbs. Add full fuel at 660 lbs+, and water at 250 lbs+, and you are over 10,500 lbs. Is there any additional optional equipment installed? Air? Generator? Etc? So far, you haven't loaded any clothes, groceries, "essential fluids", toys, or other required equipment for an enjoyable day on the water. I know, even a week's worth of bikinis for all aboard will not weigh much , but that is offset by the necessary toys, suntan lotion, and other food and fluids kept at a safe temperature (coolers?). It is very possible, or likely, that you could be well above 11,000 lbs. What is the tow rating of the truck as equipped?

I have a 2011 Chev 2500HD gas 6.0 / 6 speed with 3.73 gears. This helps a bit for fuel economy, but brings the tow rating down. The 268 Vista loaded up is right at that max tow rating. It does OK, but is not a record setter. I would recommend a 3500 or lower speed gears (4.10?) if you are looking at the 2500 size. I would not recommend a 1500 in any brand to pull that weight. I know there are some 1500s that may have a rating close to being in that range, but look at the required equipment and options for those trucks to pull that weight. I have talked with some that have the GM diesel and have been pleased with it. Any diesel will be a bit more expensive to maintain, but that should be offset by longer life than a gasser.

I also prefer GMs, just because..... I have heard of issues with most, if not all, brands, so I can only say to take any opinions expressed with a grain of salt.

Best of luck with your choice.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Thank you SI - that's funny you brought up the weight I just calculated that this morning! But I did not consider the gen/AC or the oversized swim deck. That will bring me to the 11,000+ range.

So for sure a diesel...with a warranty seems to be the way to go.

Another question when it comes to towing would you recommend some sort of leveling kit or air bags for certain trucks? I know GM has self leveling on some trucks/SUVs. Would that be an add on for ford or is it standard equipment?

Thank you.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

Ford without a doubt.... With the 6.7 diesel. Pulls down the highway like its not there. That and it just looks badass.
image by rick2752, on Flickr

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

Steve, any additional equipment on the truck would depend on the make and model of truck, total load weight and tongue weight, and mfr's recommendations. That may be something you will have to deal with after towing the boat a while. We often hear "towed the boat like it wasn't there". When the boat weighs nearly twice that of the truck, it is noticeable.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Hmm.. Think I'd go with Dodge and Cummin's 6.7.. Had a 3/4 ton with Hemi, and it pulled my Larson 290 pretty well, but was a gasser.. With the next boat planning, I knew I was going to need the diesel, and knowing what I was looking at, went the 1 ton route. 2011 with 20k towing.. Wouldn't probably make a good dailey driver, at best, gas mileage is 15/16 mpg with NO load. But, you got to pay for the towing capabilities somewhere.. My choice for you would be the 3/4 ton with 6.7 cummins.. Mileage can be pretty decent depending on the setup.. If I had to pick something other than Dodge, probably would be one of the Fords..

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2004 Four Winns 328 Vista
1997 Larson Cabrio 290 - sold
1988 Rinker Fiesta Vee 248 - sold

At that weight I'd strongly consider electric/hydraulic brakes, and a WD hitch. Even with a 3/4 ton truck.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II