stutaeng
I'm Awesome
If the info I've found on the web is correct:
1996 Vortec 7.4 is:
290hp @ 4000
410 ft lb @ 3200
2002 Triton V10 6.8
310hp @ 4250
425 ft lb @ 3250
Assuming each has been properly maintained, I don't think the small differences in the ratings would be very noticeable while towing a trailer. The Ford V10 operates how everyone has described the 7.4 making a lot of power down low and tapering off quickly as the RPM builds. The V10 really doesn't do much more after 3000 rpm than make a lot of noise. Ford programming does well at holding a gear to use the torque rather than downshifting.
The Excursion we have is a 2wd and has 4.30 gears, giving it a towing capacity of 10,500 pounds. It has coolers for the transmission, engine oil, and power steering. Our camper weight varies a bit depending on what we are taking with us, but is usually right around 9,000 pounds. I weighed the Excursion empty and it was 7,260 pounds, although I don't remember how much fuel was in it. I understand this is a Chevy forum, and I prefer Chevy over Ford a bit, but in all honestly that Excursion is a brute and does quite well pulling the camper. Having a family-hauling-grocery-getter appearance makes it a real sleeper when it comes to working.
Now that all of that's been said, and based on what I've read here, I should enjoy a similar towing experience with the '96 dually I have my eye on, especially with the wider stance and stability of the rear axle and a bit longer wheelbase. The Excursion does great hauling the camper, but it ends there. What really attracts me to this dually truck is that I can throw dirty stuff like firewood, bikes, grill, etc. easily in the back of the truck and go while still hauling 3 kids along with us, whereas that's not an option with the Excursion.
My current truck that I recently bought is a 1997 W/T 1500 with a 4.3, auto, and 3.42 gears according to the glove box. We do 95% of our camping within 20 miles of our house, so it's all short trips on country 2 lane highways. I'm tempted to try hauling the camper with it in 3rd gear about 50 mph, but I know it will be way overloaded. I do see OBS Chevy's hauling old heavy campers to the campground though, so I know it can be done! My friends and I have owned many OBS 1/2 ton trucks in the past and they've hauled much more than they should have!
Go ahead and tell me I'm an idiot for even thinking about hauling the camper with my '97 1500 so I get that idea out of my head right now!
Well, I guess you could tow your camper with your '97....with some 4.56 gears! Imagine the face of the F250 owners, LOL.
FWIW, the current generation Express 2500/3500 have the 4.3 as a base engine! I know it's an EcoTec/gen V, but still.