Hello,
I am new and Wanted a honest opinion on something... Towing at max 8,000lbs with a 6.0 powerstroke diesel.Obviously the mechanical and overall condition play a part of the reliability of the truck, but I was just going to get a stock one as well maintained as i can afford, and do the usual coolant and maintenance upgrades ( better coolant,coolant system full flush, Good rotella oil , etc. ) . I will be towing a roughly 2800 lb dual axle open car hauler trailer from Right outside New orleans, la, up I-59, to I-20, west on I-20 to I-65 then north, to louisville, ky . Total distance about 670 miles, there will be some hills, but nothing huge like out in the western U.S.... From there I am going to grab My tools ( about 500 lbs worth put into the bed ), and my Grandpas 1994 Buick Roadmaster (4,900 lb land barge ) and tow it back to louisiana, via the car hauler. The trip back will be mostly downhill due to the fact i will be returning to sea level.
Would I be straining a higher mileage stock truck in doing so ??


On a side note..


This sounds strange but I have really been wanting a 6.0 powerstroke truck , and being deployed in the military overseas, I think It may be finally happening when I get home next summer. I choose the 6.0 based soley on the fact that in 2005, I rode in the then, now gone JMS Chip Shop diesel, and it just had nothing more than a flash and a intake and exhaust... and i was astonished... the truck would break the rear loose at a 30 roll, and was faster than 70% of the mustangs I have ridden in my life.. been a 6.0 fan ever since regardless of their issues. I have been driving newer powerstrokes recently towing boats with them and really warmed up to being back in a big truck !!

I love theese forums, and feel like I am in good company, Any advice on coolant type, oil type, or anything else is greatly appreciated. You guys Rule, and thanks again !!
-Jason W.

 

Jason my advice is to install a set of gauges or programmer with digital readout for any diesel in my opinion,EGT Boost,Fuel pressure,trans temp if automatic.
You won't have any trouble pulling 8000#, but going up hills its good to know what your exhaust temp is so you don't smoke your engine.

 

watch your boost on a stock (no head studs) on a 6.0.

 

I blew head gaskets 3 f**king times towing my 9800 lb travel trailer. I also went through 3 EGR coolers, and 2 turbos in my 05 PSD. All this in a little less than 2 years. THat 6.0 is a problematic little bastard, BUT when you address all the issues that make the 6.0 a pain the *** and wallet, they can run like a raped ape. Its a bit costly though. Just prepare yourself for some headaches......unless you like a steady diet of aspirin.