I bought my ford ranger before I bought my boat. Now I'm considering selling my ranger and getting a bigger truck to tow with. The ranger is a 4.0 manual and really struggles.. plus a pain in the arse pulling the boat out on steep landings.



It's a 2006 F350 Lariat w/ 173k miles asking 16k. Would I regret getting a big diesel? I don't commute very far. In the 2 years I have had my 2011 ranger I only have 11k miles on it. This F350 is a bit high in miles but seems well taken care of. Is it worth the trade or should I look for something else?
I guess I just need to be talked out of it or encouraged lol.

All depends, are you going to comfortably be able to adjust to diesel prices and maintenance.

IMO, I would trade. The f350 will have better resale down te line, and you will be more comfortable on your trips fishing. Overkill? No, just means you dont have that worry in your head.

Yes, it's way overkill. Just about any half ton with a V8 will tow a 20 foot bass boat without issues. If the reason you want a 1-ton is to tow your boat, then it's not worth the increased operation, maintenance and repair costs. Everything gets expensive when you're looking at a truck that cost $50k on the showroom floor.

If you actually need a diesel truck and tons of towing capability for something else, then go for it. Sounds like a decent deal on the pickup (if it has the right powerstroke in it). If you don't, get a half ton and move on. A stick-shift Ranger is definitely not enough to tow a 20-foot bass boat safely. The tow rating on the manual Rangers is barely above the weight of a 20-footer IIRC.

It is too much truck for that job but if you want it go for it. I just sold my 8 year old duramax and went back to gasoline because I don't need the diesel on long pulling trips with the 5th wheeler any more.

My diesel had no maintainence issues for the last 8 years. All I had to do was change the oil and rotate the tires.

Is it way more truck than you need? YES

Will it work? Yes

Its gonna cost more in fuel and maintenance. Driving as little as you do and short trips is going to be horrible for the truck, it will never warm up before you turn it off.

I wouldnt buy it, get a 1/2 ton pickup and go, it will be a HUGE step up over your ranger.

Thanks for the advise guys. I think I will look for a decent F150. I would really like an ecoboost but its out of my price range for now.

Theres nothing wrong with that truck if thats what you want & can get a good deal on it. 2006-2007 was the best year for the 6.0 power stroke. Run Rotella synthetic blend oil in it and a bottle of Lucas fuel cleaner in it at every oil change and you will be fine. If you do buy it check and see if its had the head job done it. Usually around 110,000 is when the pop the head gasket or a head stud not a head bolt. 6.0 don't have head bolts they have studs. If its had the head job done it then its got the new studs and gasket set on it. If it hasn't had a head job done it then walk away because its about a 5-8,000 dollar time bomb waiting to go.

How much is a new set of gaskets and studs gonna run you? Cant be 5-8k just for that.

My cousin just got new gasket and studs put in his dodge 6.7 before he started modding it and I know he didnt pay close to 5k just for the studs and head gasket.

I agree, it's super overkill for a boat but ultimately if you like it go for it. You can look up tow ratings for different vehicles online just FYI.

Thats why I said 5-8,000 for a head job. And yes the labor,studs,gaskets, and a radiator if it needs ones they blow out sometimes when the heads go. Its more expensive than a Dodge Cummins because on the Fords they either pull the motor or have to raise the cab & front body clip, you know, fenders grill etc. Before I hurt my back in 2007 I used to do them on the side for 5,500 and that included labor, after market parts because they were better than the Ford parts, new radiator, engine & coolant flush, etc.i did allot of stuff Ford wont do as far as cleaning the heads & engine block head surface. But yea there a real pain to do.

I currently own 2 Ford Diesels - a 7.3 and 6.0. The 7.3 has been a great engine and I have also had good luck with the 6.0 but titaniums words are good for consideration. My wife had a 09 Silverado with the 5.3l gas and quite honestly, it would be all you would ever need. Given the price diff. between gas and diesel and your towing requirements, I would have to give the nod to a V8 gas motor.

Awesome truck but yes overkill.

Just get you a half ton, any of the makes with a V8 will be plenty.

Better too much than not enough. Also, the 350 gives you the option of pulling a travel trailer down the road, if so inclined.

buy a halfton

stay away from that 6.0 ford.

avoid it like the plague

A 1/2 ton truck can easily handle a boat of that size, in all honesty, my toyota tacoma would pull a 20ft aluminum boat fully decked out no problem. Tht bass boat isn't any kind of a load for a V-8 engine

hey it may be a little over kill but then you may want a camper or travel trailer in the future and then youll be glad to have it