6.0L - ability to tow ~10-11K pounds

aschools · February 23, 2007

Hi Folks:

New here. I recently sold (and gladly, I might add) a 2000 F-250 CC Diesel that I had for almost six years. After that experience, I don't expect there's another Ford in my future .

I don't use a truck on a daily basis, these days - I may put 3K-4K miles on it a year - I drive a MINI Cooper S, now, and it's *a lot* more fun. The truck's intended use is towing an enclosed gooseneck car trailer a few times a year, which weighs about 10-11K pounds when a car is in it. The rest of the time it's hauling stuff from the lumber yard for house projects and taking trash to the dump. I may use it from time to time when another daily driver is in for service. I'm in the Northeast, so the driving is here is major highways, side roads and mountain (such as they are in the East) driving/hauling.

I'm considering a 2002-2004 2500HD, 6.0L, Allison trans. Any thoughts on whether this is a decent choice for towing the trailer - or should I stick with the Duramax. The Duramax's seem to sell for more than I care to spend at the moment, or it'd be my first choice.

Also, are there any problem issues that I should be concerned with when previewing these trucks?

TIA.

=Adam=

work'n 8.1 · February 23, 2007

You can't get the Allison with the 6.0. I would suggest looking at an 8.1 which will have the Allison. Since its not a daily driver gas milage wouldn't be a huge concern. Unloaded you might get 1-2 MPG less than a 6.0 and towing you will get better. The 8.1 will have plenty of power for the load you will be pulling. The Duramax is great but as you know it cost more. The 8.1 will handle your trailer as well as a Duramax.

GeoHawk · February 23, 2007

I've occassionally towed an 11000 lb. trailer with my 6.0L and that was all it could handle here in flat ol' Kansas. I would not go with it if you have any kind of hilly terrain. I agree with work'n, look for an 8.1, you'll be MUCH happier with it than the 6.0 and its considerably cheaper than a Duramax for as little as you will be driving it.

Trouttrooper · February 23, 2007

If ya got money to blow get a Dmax. Otherwise I'd look for an 8.1 if I were you. The 6.0 will do it, it'll just be slow.

Hell, I use to haul 16,000 pounds with a 1984 era chevy 350. I could never go above 65 with the pedal floored. A lot of passes were first gear and 25 mph, but I made it every time.

Ductape · February 23, 2007

With just a tune, my truck is putting down 300 at the wheels. I've been towing a fifth wheel for years with four different diesel trucks 2000-2005 models.

This truck with a tune holds its own against the diesels. At sea level of course. Obviously at 10,000 feet it would lose power.

My .02.

Mike

Daubs · February 24, 2007

My 8.1/Allison CC 4x4 is getting right around 11 MPG city and 12-14 highway. But I don't pull anything worthy of the truck (small 14' boat). Love the Allison tranny.

Valsport · February 24, 2007

With just a tune, my truck is putting down 300 at the wheels. I've been towing a fifth wheel for years with four different diesel trucks 2000-2005 models.
This truck with a tune holds its own against the diesels. At sea level of course. Obviously at 10,000 feet it would lose power.

My .02.

Mike

You've obviously never driven a loaded duramax, the difference between a tuned 6.0 and stock dmax under identical load is, well, rediculous.

downtheroad · February 24, 2007

Hi Folks:

New here. I recently sold (and gladly, I might add) a 2000 F-250 CC Diesel that I had for almost six years. After that experience, I don't expect there's another Ford in my future .

I don't use a truck on a daily basis, these days - I may put 3K-4K miles on it a year - I drive a MINI Cooper S, now, and it's *a lot* more fun. The truck's intended use is towing an enclosed gooseneck car trailer a few times a year, which weighs about 10-11K pounds when a car is in it. The rest of the time it's hauling stuff from the lumber yard for house projects and taking trash to the dump. I may use it from time to time when another daily driver is in for service. I'm in the Northeast, so the driving is here is major highways, side roads and mountain (such as they are in the East) driving/hauling.

I'm considering a 2002-2004 2500HD, 6.0L, Allison trans. Any thoughts on whether this is a decent choice for towing the trailer - or should I stick with the Duramax. The Duramax's seem to sell for more than I care to spend at the moment, or it'd be my first choice.

Also, are there any problem issues that I should be concerned with when previewing these trucks?

TIA.

=Adam=

I had an 06 F-250 KR CC 4x4 PowerJoke for almost exactly one year -- to me Ford doesn't even exist.

Draenor · February 24, 2007

You can't get the Allison with the 6.0. I would suggest looking at an 8.1 which will have the Allison. Since its not a daily driver gas milage wouldn't be a huge concern. Unloaded you might get 1-2 MPG less than a 6.0 and towing you will get better. The 8.1 will have plenty of power for the load you will be pulling. The Duramax is great but as you know it cost more. The 8.1 will handle your trailer as well as a Duramax.

aschools · February 24, 2007

I appreciate the replies. OK - sounds like the 6.0 is out, and the 8.1 or Duramax is the way to go. I certainly don't see many 8.1's for sale, around here, anyway.

Was the 8.1 discontinued? If so, during which model year?
Do all 8.1's have the Allison trans?
Do all Duramax's have the Allison?
What are the gotcha's on either the 8.1 or Duramax that I need to be concerned with?
Any model years that are better/worse than others?

Tnx,

=Adam=

jbone · February 24, 2007

I believe all of the 8.1's came with the allison with the exception of the 3/4ton suburban and avalanche those came with a 4l80. same with the dmax they all came with allisons. From what I have heard the first gen dmax is the one to stay away from as they had the most bugs. I dont know of many problems w/ the 8.1 aside from maybe oil consumption (mine really isnt all that bad) besides An extra quart or two is worth it. GM discontinued the 8.1 at the end of last year I believe. Im perfectly happy w/ the 8.1 my friend has the dmax and I smoke him in a 1/4 mile stock for stock. He has owned both and likes the 8.1 better. the 8.1 in the avalanche/suburb. feels more powerful b/c the 4l80 doesnt rob as much power as the allison. You WILL be happy with either of the 2. hope this helps!

superbee · February 24, 2007

I am lucky enough to have both a 6.0 and a Duramax in my driveway. I agree with the assessment of the 6.0, that's too much weight for it. I can tell you the difference between the Duramax and BOTH the 8.1 and 6.0 is substantial. If you are looking at new trucks, the LBZ can't be touched by a gas engine while loaded. Stock trailers, haywagons, equipment trailers are all easier to pull with my Duramax than I could have ever imagined. The extra money won't be "blown" on the oil burner, I haven't regretted a penny.

Also the six speed Ally is amazing, without mods it can handle up to 450 RWHP, badazz.

Draenor · February 24, 2007

*Edit* Double post

Draenor · February 24, 2007

I appreciate the replies. OK - sounds like the 6.0 is out, and the 8.1 or Duramax is the way to go. I certainly don't see many 8.1's for sale, around here, anyway.
Was the 8.1 discontinued? If so, during which model year?[
Yes, This year. Its only available in the classic body style

Do all 8.1's have the Allison trans?
Yes unless you yant the 6speed

Do all Duramax's have the Allison?
Yes

What are the gotcha's on either the 8.1 or Duramax that I need to be concerned with?
8.1L Oil consumption/ Duramax, like all other diesels, increased maintenance

Any model years that are better/worse than others?
Try to go for the 2006-2007 LBZ Diesels. Next is to shoot for the 2004-2005 LLY. Tend to stay ayaw from the first gens 2001-2004 LB7's

Tnx,

=Adam=

aschools · February 24, 2007

I appreciate the replies. OK - sounds like the 6.0 is out, and the 8.1 or Duramax is the way to go. I certainly don't see many 8.1's for sale, around here, anyway.

Was the 8.1 discontinued? If so, during which model year?[
Yes, This year. Its only available in the classic body style

Do all 8.1's have the Allison trans?
Yes unless you yant the 6speed

Do all Duramax's have the Allison?
Yes

What are the gotcha's on either the 8.1 or Duramax that I need to be concerned with?
8.1L Oil consumption/ Duramax, like all other diesels, increased maintenance

Any model years that are better/worse than others?
Try to go for the 2006-2007 LBZ Diesels. Next is to shoot for the 2004-2005 LLY. Tend to stay ayaw from the first gens 2001-2004 LB7's

Tnx,

=Adam=

Thanks! OK - now this is getting more complex than I had hoped . What are the differences between the LBZ, LLY and LB7 engines? For how much I'm using the truck, it's tough for me to justify the cost of a nearly new one, just to have it sit and depreciate/deteriorate most of the time. If I didn't have the car trailer, I'd be fine with something like a Toyota Tundra.