Trying to get info on used tow rig: Diesel or Gas? MPG?

[fpscabs]

While computers are so wonderful when they work and sites run like they should, sometimes a search hits a snag. I was curious as to which used tow rig might work best for pulling a good size load. All I seem to get are articles on NEW rigs, when I really only want to see used.
I know Tony has a newer sweet ride(way beyond my $$range), Paul has his green machine, Tom has something, but what years, engine, and whatever else should I look for?
What setups should I avoid?
What kind of mpg could I expect? (Better than my Travelall I would hope)
Any other thoughts?

[73IHC]

I've thought about this and for my price range I would go with a 1st generation Dodge with a Cummins. You can find them from as low as 2K to over 12K depending on condition.
You don't hear to many people complaining about the 6BT...

Nice examples
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/ct ... 36286.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/ct ... 80352.html

[MikeN]

I've got a 6.0 L Diesel Ford F350 king cab long bed, excellent mileage 16-17 city- 24-26 Hwy (yes really). Powerful, strong, etc.

Having said that, I'd stay away from the Ford 6.0 L unless the previous owner can prove that they have made the modifications to make this engine bullet-proof. Ford attempted to get too much HP from this engine without making the necessary changes to the IH engine. In its low output form (IH) the 6.0 L is a pretty good engine, but when you have an engine running at 80-90% most of the time things are sure to go wrong, and they did. These engines are prone to hydro-lock from the oil cooler failing, which leads to a BUNCH of other problems ($$$).
The controller for the injectors was placed below the radiator overflow bottle, leading to other problems. The engine can be made bullet proof, but it involves new head bolts, new oil cooler, and a host of other tweaks. Unfortunately, the combined costs of having someone do these mods for you is about $ 7K, if you can do the work yourself about 1/3 of that cost.

As an 6.0 L owner, I'd stay away, unless the previous owner can prove the work needed has already been accomplished.

[Desert Scout]

Had a 97 Dodge 3500 DRW 2wd, Cummins 12 valve, NV4500, 4.10 ratio, with a power plate and Garret torque turbo. Empty it got a solid 20mpg and 15mpg with a 5,500lb cab over camper and towing a 4,000lb vehicle.

Had a 90 F350 DRW 2wd, 460, 5sp, 4.10, Banks kit. Empty it got 12mpg and 9mpg with a 5,000lb cab over camper and towing a 4,000lb vehicle.

Had a 95 F350 4x4 CC, 7.3 P/S, OD auto, 4.10's. Empty it got 17mpg and 11mpg with a 5,000lb cab over camper and towing a 4,000lb vehicle.

None of those were my DD's so mpg didn't matter to me. I like the 460 gasser, 12 valve Cummins, Ford with a 7.3 IH diesel...best bang for the buck IMO

[fpscabs]

Thanks. All very healthy info

[Big Ed]

A few months ago my mom & her husband were up in eureka with their fifth wheel, and their Ford 6.0 liter quit. I don't remember the year model. I can't remember exactly what happened, but there was something about parts grinding themselves up. They ended up replacing the engine with a new long block. I didn't know about upgrades as mentioned above, or I would have mentioned it. It had just over a hundred thousand miles on it.