First Trip Towing with a F 250 Power Stroke Diesel

[B and B]

We just got home this afternoon after 1700 km's on the new TV. Wow. What a difference between the Eco and the P Stroke.
Some quick points
-Smile on face
-Eco 8-9 mpg with P Stroke 12-14 same route as last year
-Torque
-Brakes much better, exhaust brake a must have now
-Stability on the F 250 is hands down solid

Today we left the end severe Thunderstorm turning into a Tornado on Georgian Bay, packed up in 15 minutes and hit road to get out of harms way, so did the other campers. The wind was gusting 80 kph and the quickest rout straight south with is winds all the way. The stably was unbelievable. The truck just stuck to the road, had many very step 7- 8 degree descent down hills the exhaust brake kept us on speed never touching the brakes.

To sum up if you have the money and a 9500 lb Fiver you need the F 250, diesel definitely worth the upgrade. The F 150 Eco-boost did the job but not as worthy.

[dblr]

Brian, glad you enjoy the new truck and got out of harms way, looking forward to see that big grin on your face in Nashville

[davel1971]

the gas/diesel debate will never end, but when people cross over to the diesel side, they realize they had always been doing it wrong before.

[rana]

Originally Posted by B and B

What a difference between the Eco and the P Stroke.

Originally Posted by davel1971

the gas/diesel debate will never end, but when people cross over to the diesel side, they realize they had always been doing it wrong before.

Welcome to the "d"ark side. It's always amusing to read all those threads about how the F150 Eco's are the end all. I just smile and nod... they just don't know any better.

[purduepete97]

You guys have me excited for my upcoming trip. 29 ft 6800 lb TT previously towed with 2013 Ram 1500 gas. Just traded in on a 2011 F250 PSD. Leaving for vacation in 36 hrs and actually looking forward to the drive.

[purduepete97]

And yes, I know that is more truck than I need for that TT. But, I just personally couldn't get to a comfortable place with the Ram despite airbags, Timbrens, etc.

[rana]

Originally Posted by purduepete97

And yes, I know that is more truck than I need for that TT.

No such thing. I've never understood the mentality to only buy as much truck as you absolutely need. My setup is almost identical. You'll love the ride.

[mud yapster]

Congrats on the upgrade and I'm like Yarome there is no such thing as to much truck. More truck = better control and handling. I have been towing with a big diesel 1 tons for a very long time and just now upgraded from a 2001 F350 7.3L I had since new in 01, to a 2015 Ram 3500 6.7L just thought I'd try Ram this time don't think you can go wrong with any of the new 1 ton trucks. I tow anything from a cargo trailer, 16' dual axle trailer, to my 42' 5er 18,000 lb. toy hauler. This weekend will be my first time towing the big 5er with the Ram and I'm excited to see how much better it does over my old 2001 F350 that didn't have the engine brake.
Congrats and enjoy, Happy Camping as always.

[5er_tom]

Very happy we went with the F250 PS. The fiver we had maxed at 9,900 #'s. Too much truck? NO. loved it and now have a 13,800# fiver still have enough truck. Always better to go big.


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[Witch Doctor]

This is kinda of stupid question, but when you guy's with the new truck are talking about breaking, are you just using your toe haul engaged or is there something new that they have came out with. Can someone PLEASE give me an idea of what this is? and how it works.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

This is kinda of stupid question, but when you guy's with the new truck are talking about breaking, are you just using your toe haul engaged or is there something new that they have came out with. Can someone PLEASE give me an idea of what this is? and how it works.

The reference is to the engine brake on the diesel. Works in both Tow/haul mode and without it.

I was the same way on our first trip after upgrading from a 2500 gasser to a 2500 diesel The drive to and from the destination actually became fun and relaxing. No more listening to conitnuous downshifting and wondering if I would have braking issues in and emergency. I expected a change, but not the amount of change. My 2500 gasser got me there and back but not with the enjoyment of the diesel.

[mud yapster]

Engine braking is like the big rigs Jake brake. On the new Ram's you can set it to engine brake when you let off the gas pedal (always on) or in automatic mode and the engine brake will engage when you step on the brake pedal or you can turn it off altogether which is good if not towing. With the engine brake on there isn't any coasting of your truck when in the on mode because the engine brake kicks in every time you let off the throttle pedal. So being able to turn it off is a good thing when not towing and put it in automatic so it only engages when you apply the brakes. It uses the engine back pressure to slow the truck and your load down.
Sorry that's about the best I can explain it.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by Flybob

The reference is to the engine brake on the diesel. Works in both Tow/haul mode and without it.

I was the same way on our first trip after upgrading from a 2500 gasser to a 2500 diesel The drive to and from the destination actually became fun and relaxing. No more listening to conitnuous downshifting and wondering if I would have braking issues in and emergency. I expected a change, but not the amount of change. My 2500 gasser got me there and back but not with the enjoyment of the diesel.

I did not have a problem with the Eco Boost downshifting and whining, it did not do that like the Triton 5.4 2009 I had prior to the Eco-Boost. I know the GM seem to whine more but maybe that has to do with rear diff and shift points and poor torque with the Gas Engine.

The F 150 Eco has its place in the towing world. I was at its limit and was able to make the change for many factors including dealer promotions and excellent resale on my existing truck.

[Tonkatoy77]

^^^^you are right and wrong with your explaination. One post above.

Big rigs do have an engine brake, or "jake brake". The way an engine brake works is they open the exhaust valve during the compression stroke removing all the force in the cylinder.

Our trucks have an exhaust brake, or "turbo brake". The veins, or "fins", on our turbos move. When the exhaust brake is engaged it closes the veins in the turbo, which causes exhaust back pressure in the engine.


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[lbrjet]

It's not diesel vs. gas that is the difference, it is the F150 vs. the F250. I have had both trucks and there is no comparison for stability on the road.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[lazyjj]

Never owned the Eco Boost and they are certainly beautiful trucks. Saying that my 1999 F250 7.3 with 162000 miles on it is all I need. Love it.

[lckeehne]

F250 PSD in my option tops! I had 454 dulley GMC / Chevys and nothing had the torque like the FORD.
MY KIDS LAUGH at me since always a gmc guy. All I can say is I have changed to the DARK side and happy to do it.

[WestCoastRV'er]

Originally Posted by davel1971

the gas/diesel debate will never end, but when people cross over to the diesel side, they realize they had always been doing it wrong before.

So true.

[Grampa Jim]

I love my Powerstroke when I'm going down a steep hill in the Rockies. I never tow without being in "Towhaul",,,,,and touching the brake feeling the engine kick in with that loud whine was disconcerting the first time I heard it,,,,but then it was explained to me what was going on. I wouldn't be comfortable without it anymore,,,,especially on passes like Monarch Pass or Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado.

[slapshot12]

I just started towing with my '15 F250 PS too and agree, the difference from a 1500 truck is amazing. My trailer (WnP 30WLA) is in the 9500-9800 lb range and the thing just chugs along at 1500 rpm on the interstate at 60-65 mph. No more 2-3 downshifts to speed up, just a little gas and 800+ ft lb of torque handles it with no downshifts. I couldn't be happier with the truck.

I use tow/haul all the time, and only use the engine braking when driving in heavy traffic around town.