Tough decision

KenHwy61 · 03-08-2015, 09:08 PM

I have an opportunity to buy a 2014 f-150 ecoboost, long wheelbase, max tow and max payload for 10k under msrp. This is the last one in Minnesota other than two work truck packages. This combination gives a 11200 tow capacity and a 2310 payload. I am thinking of trading in a perfectly good chevy 2500hd on this truck. The draw of lots of low-end power combined with good non-towing fuel economy in a gas engine very attractive. My trailer is 34 ft and weighs about 9000 loaded. I don't want to wait too long as this is rare F-150 combination.
Any thoughts?

B and B · 03-08-2015, 09:20 PM

I pull a 9500 lbs of fifth wheel, similar terrain to Minnesota. No issues for me, 50,000 km on a 2013. Decision is up to you of course, if you have no change of trailer plans and need better dry performence the Eco is the way to go.

Cover Dog · 03-08-2015, 11:12 PM

It's got the two options you need. Max Tow & HD Payload Pkg. We tow the unit in my signature and have not had one bit of trouble doing so. Our payload is 2162# and loaded the trailer weighs in right at 10K.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

X96mnn · 03-09-2015, 07:25 AM

How old is the chev and how often do you tow?

Toby · 03-09-2015, 07:37 AM

I'm going to guess...based on the signature...that it is a 2012. While the F150 is a great truck and will pull just great...I'm not so sure I would make the trade unless I was towing occasionally. The 2500 would be more suited to a trailer that heavy. I love mine and am very happy with it but my trailer is a lot lighter than yours. Just my two cents worth. As previous post inquired, it depends on usage.

goduc · 03-09-2015, 10:43 AM

What's the main reason for trading? You will lose money on the trade. So it will take awhile to recoup that loss with gas savings. From what I've read over the last couple years about the 3.5 EB is you have to stay out of the throttle to get decent mpgs. And with the 3.73's you won't get great mpgs anyway. You will only gain 2-3 mpg no towing and towing will be the same. Is the 2500 paid for? If not then you probably have 2-3 years left on the loan. Now add 2-3 years more to the loan for the F150. I'd rather have no truck payment and spend a little more on gas.

B and B · 03-09-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goduc

What's the main reason for trading? You will lose money on the trade. So it will take awhile to recoup that loss with gas savings. From what I've read over the last couple years about the 3.5 EB is you have to stay out of the throttle to get decent mpgs. And with the 3.73's you won't get great mpgs anyway. You will only gain 2-3 mpg no towing and towing will be the same. Is the 2500 paid for? If not then you probably have 2-3 years left on the loan. Now add 2-3 years more to the loan for the F150. I'd rather have no truck payment and spend a little more on gas.

But it is fun to wind the turbos up once in a while and launch it down the road!

mr dually · 03-09-2015, 10:55 AM

I would not trade a 3 year old 3/4ton for a new ecoboost EVER. even though the ecoboost has more power it is in a lot less truck regardless of max tow or payload etc. The 3/4ton will be more stable pulling/carrying a heavy load. Big 8lug axles and breaks and factory class 5 receiver bolted to a massive frame. You have a truck now that will pull your next trailer comfortably.
I have an 05 gas 3/4ton for work and I would not trade it for any current 1/2 ton turbo charged or not.

vinmaker · 03-09-2015, 11:08 AM

$10,000 off? That is a good deal. You can never go wrong with a bit more towing power.

acadianbob · 03-09-2015, 11:40 AM

Go for it. That is a great deal and a highly capable truck. It rivals or exceeds some 3/4 ton trucks. The low end torque is phenomenal.

B and B · 03-09-2015, 11:56 AM

The new 2015 towing capacity is 12,200. This is within a 1,000 of many 2500 or 250 trucks.

The term 1/2 ton truck does not apply any longer. The F 150 is not a half ton, neither is Tundra, GM or GMC variants to a lesser extent payload and towing wise.

mr dually · 03-09-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B and B

The new 2015 towing capacity is 12,200. This is within a 1,000 of many 2500 or 250 trucks.

The term 1/2 ton truck does not apply any longer. The F 150 is not a half ton, neither is Tundra, GM or GMC variants to a lesser extent payload and towing wise.

The term 3/4 or 1ton truck does not apply either that's just how we still identify which truck we are buying or talking bout. The new 1 ton trucks can have a payload of 7,000lbs surely not a "1ton". Even though the f-150 has a towing capacity of 12,200 it's still a lighter truck than the 2500. Most 3/4 ton trucks are in a different league when it comes to payload, RAWR, and GCWR. The OP is talking about going backwards in the truck department.

If he choices to upgrade his trailer in the future he will be right back here asking can my f-150 tow this 8,000lb dry 5ver? Then he will need all the 1/2ton guys to convince him he will be okay. When he originally had the truck for the job.

goduc · 03-10-2015, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B and B

The new 2015 towing capacity is 12,200. This is within a 1,000 of many 2500 or 250 trucks.

The term 1/2 ton truck does not apply any longer. The F 150 is not a half ton, neither is Tundra, GM or GMC variants to a lesser extent payload and towing wise.

Difference between an F150 and 2500 is that the 2500 has more room at the top for RAWR. Once you max out the payload on the F150 your at the RAWR. On a 2500 you can hit the payload and still be well under the RAWR. Less stress on everything when towing heavy. An F150 isn't built as a full time towing truck as the 2500 is. Part time use is fine but even at that the F150 will wear out faster. And IMO Tundra is just as overrated as the rest. How can it be a heavy towing truck with only 5 lug rims?
And hopefully no one in their right mind would try and tow a 12,000 trailer with an F150. Talk about overrated.

rana · 03-10-2015, 04:01 AM

I tend to agree with most folk on this one. On the back end you'll do better to stay with your 2500 if you do much towing at all and you'll get the short end of the stick if you do a trade. HOWEVER, if you can afford to pay cash, for that kind of a deal I would pick up the F150 and flip it for profit. ;-) NOW is truck season and there are a lot of 'hungry' folk out there looking for a decent TV.

Better yet... if you can't afford it.. 'who, when, and where'?? I'm always interested in making a buck. LOL

thebrakeman · 03-16-2015, 08:16 AM

Seems like the 3/4-ton trucks are getting squeezed into being unnecessary. 1/2-ton trucks can be optioned almost to the same capabilities as the 3/4-ton (sometimes as much or more), and many 5-er discussions find that the 3/4-ton doesn't have enough payload capacity, even though it could pull the total weight, forcing you into the 1-ton.

But you already have the 3/4-ton, and aren't towing a 5th wheel. If you didn't already have the Chevy, it would be an easy decision (I think). But under the circumstances, I'd stick with what you have, unless the end results would be not too much more on the vehicle loan balance as today (doubtful).

KenHwy61 · 03-16-2015, 10:00 AM

I was looking as the f150 max payload as a good compromise between occasional heavy towing and mostly non-towing use where I don't need a truck as big and gas hungry as my Chevy. Of course it makes no financial sense to trade as I would be spending extra thousands that would more than make up for the extra fuel spent. The real deciding no factor for me was the receiver was rated for 1130 with a WDH but my trailer tongue is too heavy at 1340 without any water in the tanks. Now I have test driven a 2014 Ram/Cummins and a 2500 Duramax. Both are really nice and powerful but if I was smart I would just keep what I have. If I was smart...

fx2 · 03-16-2015, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenHwy61

I was looking as the f150 max payload as a good compromise between occasional heavy towing and mostly non-towing use where I don't need a truck as big and gas hungry as my Chevy. Of course it makes no financial sense to trade as I would be spending extra thousands that would more than make up for the extra fuel spent. The real deciding no factor for me was the receiver was rated for 1130 with a WDH but my trailer tongue is too heavy at 1340 without any water in the tanks. Now I have test driven a 2014 Ram/Cummins and a 2500 Duramax. Both are really nice and powerful but if I was smart I would just keep what I have. If I was smart...

Ya, that smart part is sure a pain in the backside!

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