Hauling horses with v-10?

bgoetting · 10-24-2008, 11:24 AM

I'm looking to buy my first SMB and found a nice used one but it's V-10. I don't know much about this engine. Currently I have a 7.3L diesel manual 6 speed in my F-250 and I haul a 5000 load of horses and trailer up the super-steep hills where I live. I use the granny gear a lot. Anyone know if the V-10 will perform comparably? This SMB has 90K miles on it but it doesn't seem abused. Does anyone know if the brakes, tranny, etc is as "superduty" on the V-10, as they are on the diesels? Does the V-10 or diesel have "granny gear"?

BTW, I'm not trying to instigate a flaming war over diesel vs gas. I don't care about the fuel cost difference, only what the V-10 engine is capable regarding hauling heavy loads up steep hills.

**BroncoHauler** · 10-24-2008, 12:53 PM

No personal experience with the V10, but it does have a good reputation for towing.

I think whether you went with the V10 gasser or the 6.0L oil-burner, you'll be somewhat dissapointed with the power compared to your F250. I had an '02 F250 with the 7.3L and it was a significantly better tower than my SMB with the 6.0L. The 6.0L is detuned in the vans, compared to the F-series trucks. You'll also loose the advantages of the manual trans when going to the E-series. I will say the auto trans in my E-series is a better shifter than the auto trans I had in my F250.

If I recall correctly, the V10 and the 6.0L have about the same HP and torque, but the diesel makes it at lower RPM range, which is my personal preference.

Good luck,
Herb

BC · 10-24-2008, 01:21 PM

ditto Bronco Hauler, I have a V10 and have come to appreciate it. Tons of power and lot's o torque, but at a higher RPM than the 7.3 or 6.0 as he says. You gotta love how the diesels can just crawl over obstacles practically at idle....waaaa!@

I do some moderate to light towing, typically less than 2,000lbs and the V10 does fine, barely feels it. But I think if I were towing horses, I'd want the diesel. You didnt say how many, but if you are thinking anything more than 1-2 horses, its a no brainer.

bgoetting · 10-24-2008, 03:15 PM

Here's supposedly the specs for the 6.0L diesel engine:

The engine has an 3.74 in (95 mm) bore and 4.13 in (104.9 mm) stroke for a displacement of 365 cu in (6 L) or 5954 cc. It utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler, producing 325 hp (242 kW) and 570 lbÂ·ft (773 NÂ·m)

The HP and torque are both higher than the 7.3L (which I have in my F250) yet you (and others) say that it feels less powerful. Are these specs just for the trucks, not vans? Why would they detune the vans?

**BroncoHauler** · 10-24-2008, 03:27 PM

I've heard a number of theories re: the detune, but I'm not sure which, if any, are accurate. The most logical to me is that the van's engine bay is too cramped to deal with the heat generated by the higher HP and torque.

FWIW, I think the numbers you found are for the F-series.

Here's what I found for 2009 6.0L E-series specs
6.0L V8 Turbo Diesel 305HP @ 4250rpm, 420lb-ft @ 3250rpm

Herb

bgoetting · 10-24-2008, 05:38 PM

Hey Bronco
Thx for the info. Are the older 7.3L diesels also detuned? I assumed that if I got a 7.3 that it would have the same power at my F-250. Maybe that's incorrect?

jage · 10-24-2008, 05:50 PM

The 6.0 in my SMB definately is less powerful than the 7.3 in my F250. I would have to believe it is detuned or something (I've been told the 6.0 is more powerful of the engines, which confused me at the time, but that is probably F- to F- comparision).

bgoetting · 10-24-2008, 06:00 PM

I just found out the answer.

For 2002: F-250 7.3L has 250HP, 525 lb-ft
E-250 7.3L has 215 HP, 425 lb-ft

F-250 V-10 has 310 HP, 425 lb-ft
E-250 V-10 has 305 HP, 420 lb-ft

So if comparing the 7.3L diesel vs V-10 in SMB's of that era (which is what I'm looking at buying), the V10s have more HP and the same torque. I may miss my F250 7.3L with manual shift but hopefully the other attributes of the SMB will make up for it.

adventureduo · 10-24-2008, 06:02 PM

Yep, those specs are correct... we have a 2003 and it flat tows our Jeep Wrangler just fine. Not that a wrangler is heavy.. but hey its still something back there. We are very happy with the v10. The SMB doesn't even know the Jeep is back there until you hit the brakes

**BroncoHauler** · 10-24-2008, 10:23 PM

When I tow ('69 Bronco on a car hauler trailer) I'm hauling about 6500lbs. Going up to Big Bear, I'll lug down to 40-45mph, and heading up the Grapevine (southbound) I don't have to go below 60mph or so. My aftermarket exhaust does help keep the EGTs down, and my deep trans pan helps keep my trans temps down. Both very beneficial for towing.

Herb