Purchasing a New Gasser Truck

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Well, new to me at least. So I have a 2014 FR Evo T2850. It is 31ft total length, 6300lb dry. True weights are 7500lb loaded with a hitch weight of about 800lbs. When we camp, we have 550lb in people, and about 250lb of stuff in the truckbed on average (generator, fuel, firewood, bikes). And figure 100lb of tools and stuff I keep in the truck. So with all of this, my total payload is 1,700lb total. We tow with an equalizer 10,000lb WDH that helps tremendously.



I started off a couple years ago with a 2005 GMC 1500 with 140k miles, which I knew I was maxed out on payload and towing capacity. That truck had a max payload of 1700lbs or so and max tow rating of 8000lb I believe. It pulled the camper fine, but we kept it to slow trips, within an hour or two away tops. Just didn’t have the control and brake authority I desired. It could do the job, but I wanted something to relieve the stress. Had good daily mileage of 17mpg and towing about 10-11mpg.



So then I got the diesel itch cause everyone said I would never look back if I got one. I purchased my dad’s 2008 F-250 with the 6.4l diesel. I only got it because it was a killer deal and only 80k miles on it. This truck has plenty of towing and payload margin, rated at 12,000lb and around 2,500lb payload. It does pull better, but not drastically better than I had thought it would be. Still takes some effort, and actually gets worse mileage than my old 05 GMC would get towing. Daily I get 11-12mpg and towing it gets 8-9mpg. I was just expecting it to pull with much more ease and brake easier. But maybe it’s the stupid DPF and emissions holding it back, or the fact that the truck weighs 2,500lb more than my old half ton. I just thought it would really be like everyone says “you won’t even notice you’re towing”, but it’s not. It’s really hard to justify this behemoth of truck for only camping 8-10 times per year. Everything costs way more on a diesel, and maintenance is much more often.



My main concern is the increased cost of diesel fuel, maintenance, and the insane costs of a failure. The 6.4l are horrendously reviewed engines that crap out all the time from the emissions stuff. I can’t pull the emissions since they test here in Utah. I think to be safe, I’m going to sell it and go back to gasser. We only take 8-10 camping trips a year, most within 2 hours of home, and maybe 1 long 10-hr drive camping trip per year. No plans to get any bigger camper for many years; we love ours now. I just can’t justify paying over $1,000 a year more in fuel costs, plus the extra maintenance, plus the increased risk of a mechanical failure. I can sell it now and easily break even with what I paid my dad last year. My budget would be $25k. I’m seeing many 2014 and up GMC, Chevy, and F-150’s for sale with 80k miles or so. I like the newer years because they have more power, much higher tow ratings, way better mileage, and would fit inside my garage again! I see most have tow ratings around 9-11k lbs, and payloads come close to 2k lbs which would give good margin. I am leery about the Ford Eco boost, but reviews seem great on them. What is everyone’s thought? Am I crazy to want to go back to gas? What should I look for in a half ton to maximize the trucks payload and towing capacity? I like to have a decent margin…and it seems crazy that these newer half tons have the same tow/payload as my gigantic F-250. How can that be? I guess the insane F-250 weight evens it out with these half tons 3k lbs lighter now. This is my daily driver truck, so mpg is important. I think I've ruled out a 3/4 ton gasser just because they suck on mpg as much as a diesel. The newer diesels get great mileage, but I can't afford that.

[llr]

Personal opinion is I would not buy a half ton for that size trailers, some may do very well but it can be a very expensive mistake if the one you get doesn't do well and I doubt if anyone would allow an extensive test drive with the trailer.

You already listed your old 1/2 ton had issues with the trailer.

Ford does make one half ton which is probably ok, heavy duty payload or something like that but from what I understand they are almost impossible to find used or in the lot and need to be ordered.

[clarkbre]

From what I'm gathering, onecrazyfoo4u wants the following:

Cheap
Fuel efficient
Able to safely tow a 31' trailer
1/2 ton
Reliable
Fit in a garage
2000 lbs payload

This is a list that contains opposing priorities and will be nearly impossible to find a "perfect truck".

onecrazyfoo4u:
You have a big trailer; therefore, you need a big truck to pull it. The cost of towing safely and feeling comfortable will likely be giving up some of the things on the list above.

Having come from an F150 Ecoboost, my F250 is an absolute better truck for towing our trailer safely. The upgrade was bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and a payload increase of 81%. The trade off was that the F250 gets worse fuel mileage empty; however, it actually gets better mpg towing than the Ecoboost did. And, sticking with the gas engine, I do feel the overall reliability is good...my personal experience with an ecoboost was bad, BUT for mine that failed, I can name 10 with higher miles and no issues.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Fuel efficient and capable are definitely the top two...which is why I'm back to a half ton. Diesel did not seem much more capable than my half ton. Newer half tons are only better. Been reading that alot of guys on here tow the same or more with a half ton and love it.

[Bama Rambler]

If you're looking at a half ton to tow that trailer, you need to be looking at the F-150 eco-boost with the max tow and max payload packages. It ain't going to be cheap, but it's about the only half ton I'd consider capable of towing that RV.

[itat]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

If you're looking at a half ton to tow that trailer, you need to be looking at the F-150 eco-boost with the max tow and max payload packages. It ain't going to be cheap, but it's about the only half ton I'd consider capable of towing that RV.

X2

Finding a used F-150 with the heavy duty payload package will be more difficult but that's the best half ton you can buy for your scenario. It'll have a payload number that's probably more than a diesel 3/4 ton would compete with a pre-aluminum body gas 3/4 ton. It's not a 3/4 ton, but it's the closest you'll get to one without actually buying one. At 8-10 trips a year with a 7500# TT, you can live with that. BUT, if there is any chance you'll be going to a bigger trailer in the next 5 years, I would suggest you seriously consider a 3/4 ton.

[RACarvalho]

Originally Posted by onecrazyfoo4u

What should I look for in a half ton to maximize the trucks payload and towing capacity?

I have a F150 V8 that I special ordered and it has 2700lbs payload and 10900lbs towing capacity.
To get that I had to order a crew cab with the 6 1/2 bed and the Heavy duty payload package.

I also ordered a XLT (you only can get the HDPP on XL or XLT versions) with the 301 package so accessories would not take much payload capacity and 4x2 so the turning radius is small which helps with a long camper.


If you are going for the maximum numbers, you should order a F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost, 6 1/2 bed and both the Heavy duty payload package and the max tow package.
I was told by ford that this configuration would give a payload capacity close to mine but a towing capacity increased to 11900lbs - the max tow capacity happens with 20in wheels but the HDPP calls for 18in HD wheels which reduce max tow but increases payload substantially ....

In my opinion, the above is a more balanced set up to tow campers and 5ers than mine.


With 2700lbs payload, I can tow a 5er with 1700lbs pin weight and still have 1000lbs of spare for cargo and people...

[67L48]

First of all, for a trailer that size, you don't need a diesel. A diesel is more for future-proofing you from a future purchase of a much larger trailer or 5er. If that's not a concern, then a diesel isn't a must-have for a 7,500 lb trailer.

For me, I tow up 11,000' passes, where normally aspirated engines really suffer. So a turbo/supercharged engine is really desirable. I also want a 20-year truck that is future-proof. But, those are really specific concerns. So, don't feel badly about crossing off a diesel.

If you settle on a gasser, that's fine. No issues. But, I'd be looking at 3/4 or 1 ton platforms. If you get a 1/2 ton, it won't really be any better than the 1/2 ton you had previously. 17 mpg normal and 10-11 mpg towing are among the best numbers I've seen for a 7,500 TT.

Obviously, with a 1/2 ton, you have to be almost myopically focused on payload. 1,800 - 2,000 lb payloads exist for 1/2 tons, but they're definitely more uncommon. Probably a lot easier to find a Ford F-250 6.2L (or the GM/Ram equivalents).

Good luck.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

If you're looking at a half ton to tow that trailer, you need to be looking at the F-150 eco-boost with the max tow and max payload packages. It ain't going to be cheap, but it's about the only half ton I'd consider capable of towing that RV.

No real need for either of those packages with that trailer unless you're looking at pre-aluminum trucks- then you'll need the MaxTow(~2K CCC). If you want to stay under GVWR on a post aluminum truck, opt for XL and entry level XLT packages. (1800-1900 typical CCC). HDPP is almost impossible to find used. MaxTow will be difficult. At least in my area.

[lewisra]

I have 2014 F150 Crew Cab ecoboost, 6.5 ft bed, 1720 payload, 3.73 rear end, max tow package. My trailer is about the same weight as yours only 4ft longer. Once I got my Blue Ox hitch dialed in correctly, it tows and stops very well. I think the long wheel base is a big reason mine is so stable.

[Dave Lyon]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

If you're looking at a half ton to tow that trailer, you need to be looking at the F-150 eco-boost with the max tow and max payload packages. It ain't going to be cheap, but it's about the only half ton I'd consider capable of towing that RV.

X3 if your heart is set on a 1/2 ton. As another member noted, I would seriously consider a 3/4 ton.

I have 3/4 ton as my daily driver and not the least bit concerned.

[MT Biker]

It would be like finding a needle in a haystack to find a used 1/2 ton pickup truck with the type of payload you are requiring.
First off you would be limited to the F150, and you would have to find one that was actually ordered with the heavy duty payload package... most likely will not happen.
The good news is you will be able to find plenty of 3/4 ton gas trucks in the price range you are looking for.

[rlocicero]

Originally Posted by llr

Personal opinion is I would not buy a half ton for that size trailers, some may do very well but it can be a very expensive mistake if the one you get doesn't do well and I doubt if anyone would allow an extensive test drive with the trailer.

You already listed your old 1/2 ton had issues with the trailer.

Ford does make one half ton which is probably ok, heavy duty payload or something like that but from what I understand they are almost impossible to find used or in the lot and need to be ordered.

My experienced opinion is that an F150, 3.5L eco-boost, max tow, 3.73 axle will tow your trailer easily. I also added E rated 10 ply tires to the truck and trailer. I have a Flagstaff 829FKSS that is 31.6 ft. overall, is 6312 lbs. and about 7500 towing weight. We have taken several long trips including the Canadian Maritimes, around the Great Lakes, south through Pa and up into the Adirondacks including Lake George and Old Forge with no problems.

[SailorSam20500]

From a spreadsheet I grabbed off the F-150 forum that has lots of payload numbers, it looks like XLT trim levels easily hit >1700 lbs and many are over 2k.
Where I live, dealers seem to include the max tow option regularly, so not that hard to find. HDPP (max payload) are much harder to find, though those now have max PL of >3k.

As far as the Ecoboost, Ford's been making them in the F150 since 2011. Before that, they were putting turbos in cars, so the engine guys have lots of experience.
A concern on the EB's is that they are direct injection engines. ALL DI engines have had a history of fouling the intake valves, though it seems to hold off until >100k miles. If you can swing a 2018, Ford went to a hybrid DI that added an injector in the intake manifold specifically to help keep the valves clean.

Good luck on whatever you pick up.

[woo10-210]

I'm not sure what's available in Utah but there are tons of off-rental 2017 and 2018 F250 CC 4X4 6.2's available in SoCal and still under factory warranty. I think most of these are from Enterprise and most are under 25K miles. The 2017 and newer Super Duty's are aluminum bodied. Unless you get the Eco-boost, the gas mileage difference between the F150 and F250 will be minimal. I just came out of a 2011 F150 SCrew 4X4 5.0 that was averaging about 14 mpg mixed. I now have a '19 F250 CC 4X4 6.2 4.30 that's already getting 13 mpg and I haven't even hit 600 miles on it yet.

[just aj]

I have a 2010 Flagstaff 8528RLWS 5th wheel. Gross 9187, dry 6830, pin 1187. Pulling it with 2019 F150 Lariat super crew cab with 3.5 eco-boost, 3.73 gears, 10 speed trans, heavy duty payload package and max trailer tow package, 11,400 towing capacity and 2428 payload capacity. Trailer tows and stops great with this truck. No issues. Previously towed for 7 or 8 years with a 2010 F150 XLT super crew cab. Both trucks were factory order as I wanted the heavy duty payload package, max trailer tow package and trailer mirrors (stock mirrors or add ons are useless). It was well worth the wait and no regrets with either truck.You will probably have to order as this configuration is rare.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by woo10-210

I'm not sure what's available in Utah but there are tons of off-rental 2017 and 2018 F250 CC 4X4 6.2's available in SoCal and still under factory warranty. I think most of these are from Enterprise and most are under 25K miles. The 2017 and newer Super Duty's are aluminum bodied. Unless you get the Eco-boost, the gas mileage difference between the F150 and F250 will be minimal. I just came out of a 2011 F150 SCrew 4X4 5.0 that was averaging about 14 mpg mixed. I now have a '19 F250 CC 4X4 6.2 4.30 that's already getting 13 mpg and I haven't even hit 600 miles on it yet.

I'd personally steer clear of rentals. You know how people drive those?

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by woo10-210

I'm not sure what's available in Utah but there are tons of off-rental 2017 and 2018 F250 CC 4X4 6.2's available in SoCal and still under factory warranty.

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

I'd personally steer clear of rentals. You know how people drive those?

Umm, nice that they may still have a warranty. I traveled a LOT on my last job and rented vehicles on each trip. There is absolutely no chance that I will ever buy a car that was a rental...

[woo10-210]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

Umm, nice that they may still have a warranty. I traveled a LOT on my last job and rented vehicles on each trip. There is absolutely no chance that I will ever buy a car that was a rental...

Not for me either but I did go look at a few. Didn't know they were prior rentals until I looked at the CarFax. Some were obviously abused but others looked immaculate and had less than 10K miles. I was told that many of these were rented to businesses for several months, not daily rentals to the public.

[bradw661]

I towed a trailer about that size for 11k miles with my 2012 F150, 3.5 Ecoboost, 3.55 diff. 6 speed tranny. OE brake controller and OE tow mirrors added. No unusual issues. I loved the engine with it's low end torque. I am sure I would have liked it more with the 10 speed tranny. IMHO you will be fine with the non max tow.