A few F250 questions

myredracer · 02-17-2013, 03:54 PM

We just bought ourselves a 2009 F250 with long box, supercab and V10 engine. It's replacing our old 2000 F150 that has a V6 in it. Our old truck for the most part hasn't been too bad for power, but it does struggle on steeper and longer climbs, plus it tends to sway more than I'd like. The F250 is going to be a world of difference. It just seems physically so much bigger all around. We're going to be upgrading to 28 foot or so ultra-lite trailer weighing about 6,000 lbs.

We don't pick it up until this coming week and in the meantime I have a few questions.

1. It has a limited slip differential (4.3). Are these of any benefit for towing a TT?

2. Has the 2WD/4WD switches on the dash which is nice. Will it help much to tow in 4WD mode?

3. It has the "towing package". We are going to use the Prodigy P3 b/c we have now. Is it easy to connect it yourself? Does Ford leave 4 accessible wires coiled up under the dash or what?

4. Am wondering if a friction type sway control is going to be a necessity, highly recommended or just a nice accessory to have. Also not sure if we'd need a single one or one on each side? The only thing I'm not if I like about these is the effect on turning radius. We currently have the round bar type WDH and don't want to have to rush out and spend more $$ on a combo type WDH/sway control.

QCCowboy · 02-17-2013, 04:11 PM

I had a 20120 F250 with the V10 and 4.10 rear end. Don't know if I can help at all with the first question as we had different gearing, but I might be able to help with the other questions and I am sure that others will add their thoughts as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by myredracer

2. Has the 2WD/4WD switches on the dash which is nice. Will it help much to tow in 4WD mode?

You should have no reason, nor would you want to tow in 4WD unless you get stuck or for some reason need the additional traction (I have never used 4WD when towing).

Quote:

Originally Posted by myredracer

3. It has the "towing package". We are going to use the Prodigy P3 b/c we have now. Is it easy to connect it yourself? Does Ford leave 4 accessible wires coiled up under the dash or what?

Yes, the adapter that you will need to connect into is hidden under the dash. They actually make an adapter kit that will tie right into the factory wiring and attach to the P3 (This was what I had on another truck and it was simple with the adapter.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by myredracer

4. Am wondering if a friction type sway control is going to be a necessity, highly recommended or just a nice accessory to have. Also not sure if we'd need a single one or one on each side? The only thing I'm not if I like about these is the effect on turning radius. We currently have the round bar type WDH and don't want to have to rush out and spend more $$ on a combo type WDH/sway control.

You can find a lot of other threads in this forum on sway control and differing types. My honest opinion is that yes you will want some type of sway control. The effect on turning radius is minimal compared to the threat of a swaying TT. There are many different types and you don't necessarily have to go out and purchase an entirely new hitch, you might be able to add something to your current hitch for a limited amount of money. I wouldn't travel without it on a TT.

MC9 · 02-17-2013, 04:11 PM

You have the 4.30 rear end, you don't have to buy ultra lite anything. You might use the 4wd if you are stuck in some swamp. I would think you have the factory TBC (trailer brake controller) built in. (lower left center of dash). I pull a 5th wheel can't speak for a bumper pull.

Dave_Monica · 02-17-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myredracer

I have a few questions.

1. It has a limited slip differential (4.3). Are these of any benefit for towing a TT?

Help if maneuvering of wet grass, mud, snow.

2. Has the 2WD/4WD switches on the dash which is nice. Will it help much to tow in 4WD mode?

Help consume more fuel if towing in 4WD.

3. It has the "towing package". We are going to use the Prodigy P3 b/c we have now. Is it easy to connect it yourself? Does Ford leave 4 accessible wires coiled up under the dash or what?

The Ford integrated brake controller works as well as the P3 I had in my previous TV...you won't need the P3.

4. Am wondering if a friction type sway control is going to be a necessity, highly recommended or just a nice accessory to have. Also not sure if we'd need a single one or one on each side? The only thing I'm not if I like about these is the effect on turning radius. We currently have the round bar type WDH and don't want to have to rush out and spend more $$ on a combo type WDH/sway control.

I'd recommend W/D hitch with integrated sway control such as Reese dual cam or Equal-i-zer.

Dave

lbrjet · 02-17-2013, 04:24 PM

4.3 gears must have been aftermarket installed as it wasn't a factory option in 2009. Sure they are not 4.10? Either way that will be a great towing machine. Congrats.

myredracer · 02-17-2013, 05:01 PM

Hmm, according to the info. on the door jamb, the Ford code number says it is a 4.30 limited slip. There's supposed have been 4 ratios available, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10 & 4.30.

I was wondering since the F250 has stiffer suspension, more load carrying capacity, is heavier and a bit longer (supercab in our case), perhaps the effect of wind isn't anywhere near as bad as a 1/2 ton truck?

lbrjet · 02-17-2013, 05:06 PM

That's news to me.

Yes to all.

Dave_Monica · 02-17-2013, 05:13 PM

The 2009 Ford Fleet towing guide says 4.1 and 4.3... https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...erDutyConv.pdf

Dave

lbrjet · 02-17-2013, 05:21 PM

I thought the 4.3 was only available on the dually.

caper · 02-17-2013, 05:35 PM

Princess Auto have a friction sway control for $59.99. It is easy to attach to the trailer.

jeeplj8 · 02-18-2013, 10:58 AM

In addition to the information already posted, note that 4WD is typically limited to speeds under 55 mph. your manual will tell you it should ONLY be used on loose slippery surfaces such as snow/ice, gravel, sand etc. It should NOT be used on pavement unless one of those conditions exists.

At 28 ft, I suggest you look at a built in anti-sway device such as Equalizer. A friction bar is probably not sufficient.

caper · 02-18-2013, 11:24 AM

They do recommend using 2 friction sway control units if your trailer is 28' or longer. I had the husky round bar sway and like you did not want to put the extra in purchasing a second unit. I have 2 sway control units on my set up. Have traveled across Canada several times pulling the 34' TT. The only time I had white knuckles was when we hit a storm with cross winds pushing 40+ miles per hour. The winds were so strong that it pushed fully loaded transport trucks off the road.

jeeplj8 · 02-18-2013, 11:27 AM

In my opinion the friction bar style of anti-sway is inefficient, balky and designed to fail. Two would be twice as bad.

However, each of us is different. I would get a WDH with integrated anti-sway.

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