Consider how you are using the truck, tow only, daily driver and tow etc and also how long you might keep the trailer/5er. For example my first trailer was a 27VFK V-Cross approx 7000# my truck is an F350 Diesel Dually (dedicated tow) way overkill for that rig but less than two years later we upgraded to a much bigger 5er. An F250 would have been a better unit with the V-Cross but no way for the "upgrade"
Good Luck
__________________
Jim & Debbie England
Do you have Gas? 2015 F350 6.2L CCLB DRW 4.30 axle. 2020 Keystone Cougar 364BHL ,Gone 2012 Yellowstone Ridgeline 34RLT Fifth Wheel
Traded a 2007 1500 Ram for my Ford in march. 2012 F-350 CC long bed with 6.7 Powerstroke. Great truck and we run about $30 to $40 less fuel through it each week with about the same amount of driving. Gotta love the diesel!!!!!
I have a 2008 F350 6.4L Diesel and love it. We just returned from northern Ontario and I think that the diesel will get better mileage pulling 5er and quite often with the price of fuel in Ontario the diesel is close to or lower than the gas and you'll be getting better mpg. We get normally 10.0-10.5 pulling 9000 lbs but have got as low as 8.5-9.0 with a head wind. So I think diesel is the way to go for pulling, mpg and longevity.
__________________
Mark & Barb
2013 8289WS Platinum Pkg
2008 F350 King Ranch CC 6.4
2013 nights camped 35
I still drive my'97 F-250 Powerstroke (one owner). There is not a day that goes by that I don't regret getting the 250. A lot of 1/2 trucks are rated for certain payloads and towing capacity but I don't believe in maxing out an engine or tranny. Yes, they are a little more expensive upfront but if it outlasts a 1/2 ton truck then it's well worth it. That's my 2 cents.
If I could do it over again I would spend the few extra bucks and get a F350 6.4.
Drive mine everyday, let it warm up in the mornings now and before I leave work.
Get the heated seats and supplemental cab heater if you can.
__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
I still drive my'97 F-250 Powerstroke (one owner). There is not a day that goes by that I don't regret getting the 250. A lot of 1/2 trucks are rated for certain payloads and towing capacity but I don't believe in maxing out an engine or tranny. Yes, they are a little more expensive upfront but if it outlasts a 1/2 ton truck then it's well worth it. That's my 2 cents.
Boy that was confusing. "not a day that goes by that I don't regret getting the 250" Does that mean you don't like the F-250? or did you just mistype?
FWIW, I am the original owner of a '01 F250 7.3L Powerstroke with 80K miles. Great truck, great engine. Very glad I didn't go F-150 or buy a gasser.
Being able to drive each and every model of the two company's mentioned and having owned a 6.0 2500HD and tow a Crusader 270RET (8890)#, the chevy has done a great job and never let us down at anytime and we have been in some interesting places. The Ford to me lacks the looks as the chevy, even the new 2014 GMC or Chevy. On the interior, just recently I drove brand new F250 gas with clothe interior rather than leather, man what a difference in comfort, could not believe how much better than the chevy. Given just comfort alone, I would take the Ford, but for power and acceleration, I would have to go with the GMC or Chevy 2500HD 410HP V-8 Gas.
I had a 2009 6.4 which pulled my TT very well and gave me around 8mpg towing and 11mpg empty in town. I've had my 2012 6.7 for a little over a year and can attest to its abilities. The 6.4 was no slouch by any means but the 6.7 tows so much better. I've seen towing numbers of 10-11 mpg and 15 mpg empty in town. No Loud diesel rattle and zero stink makes the 6.7 hard to walk away from after you test drive it.
__________________
2012 F-350 4x4 King Ranch Super Duty CC 6.7 Turbo Diesel 3.55 e-locker
2011 Palomino Puma 30KFBDS with Side Paw Kitchen and Bunkhouse
Equalizer E2 Hitch
I know this questions gets beat to death - but I'm a newbie. Looking at 2006 Wildcat 29RLBS and Cougar 276. Like the Wildcat better, but the Cougar is lighter? Not even looking at 1/2 tons. Leaning toward a 2010 F-250 gasser - I've studied all the big 3 tow guides and have concluded pin weight/truck load capacity is the main issue with 3/4 tons. F-250 will easily handle the Cougar , will likely be closer to weight limits with the WC. Question I have is, irrespective of mfg ratings - how will the 250 pull if I decide to go through the mountains or the big hills on the north shore of Lake Superior. I'm not adverse to a diesel - just all the stuff I read on the ford diesel doesn't make it sound like a good engine. GMC 2500 with a duramax is an option - but truck doesn't seem to have the carrying capacity of a Ford. Dodge with a cumminngs would be great but too expensive - i know the engine will last for years, but with the salt they use on the roads in Ontario - the body will fall off, long before the engine goes (truck will be my driver, retired so just local small town miles on a daily basis),
I've got three trailers lined up - and need to make a decision - really want the WC but ................
Any advice on the the 250 or other options/
Thanks
The Ford Gassers have a 6.2L engine now. NO V10 Oakman.
Malfar if you are full timing get a diesel.
If you are like most go out a few weeks in spring and fall and maybe 3 weeks in the summer get the gasser. It will pull just as well and the $10,000 you save on the sticker price will buy lots of gas.
Here is my F-250 6.2L gasser.
The Ford Gassers have a 6.2L engine now. NO V10 Oakman. Malfar if you are full timing get a diesel. If you are like most go out a few weeks in spring and fall and maybe 3 weeks in the summer get the gasser. It will pull just as well and the $10,000 you save on the sticker price will buy lots of gas. Here is my F-250 6.2L gasser.
😂.....a gasser pulls just as well. Now that's funny.
I just replaced the EGR cooler on a Ford F550 6.0 @ 58,000 miles. I should say I am the mechanic that drives that truck and works on it when it breaks. You couldn't give me a diesel truck - maybe a Dodge Ram - but I will stick to my Ford gassers for now. Saw a real sweet low mileage F250 6.2 on the lot last week.
__________________
2016 RAM 1500 - 2016 Keystone Laredo 265SRK
The road goes on forever and the party never ends.
Illegitimum non carborundum
There's no doubt that we all have our preferences gas vs diesel , which is a good thing. There are benefits of each fuel type.
I have worked in the oilfield most of my adult life and continue to do so. I have driven HD trucks of all makes and fuel types. For pulling power a diesel takes it hands down. They have much more torque than a gasser. Diesel pickups do cost more but you will get some of that back if you trade it in or sell it. The fuel cost is obviously higher, oil changes and changing the fuel filter at every other oil change ( my preference ) will cost more to maintain.
I really like the power my diesel has and I have the added bonus of an Allison transmission and engine brake. That for me justifies the higher cost. I guess it just comes down to personal preference.
Just one more note, I deal with a lot if commercial hot shots , they deliver stuff to the drilling locations. They pull pretty heavy loads and I don't ever recall seeing a gasser. Maybe they're onto something , lol.
I have no complaints with my 6.2 gasser. Pulled my 5er over 2000 miles this summer and included an 1100 mile tour along Lake Superior. Averaged 9.5-10 MPG and I was very pleased.
__________________
Heartland Big Country 3150RL
2013 Ford SD F250 4x4 SC; 6.2
Reese 18K Elite w/slider - Rockford, Michigan
My previous truck was a 2010 F250 with the 6.8 V10. Really a great truck with a great motor, but mileage was awful. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone with my current truck, a 2012 F350 with the 6.7 diesel from the git go. Why, well the diesel is a beast and there is NO comparison between it and the 6.8. I really prefer low RPMs and a ton of power while on hills or passing vs. a motor that screams while climbing because of the high RPMs.
The major factor for me was the limitation to upgrade to a bigger camper (which I did after I bought the new truck).
Really, from my perspective they are both great, but don't just think about the hear and now, think about anything you may need or want later down the road.
__________________
Jack of all trades - Master of none
2012 F350 CC DRW - 6.7L PSD
2014 Sabre 36QBOK
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
I didn't see this mentioned yet. Don't forget to check the gearing. This is just as important as the engine. I love Ford, but I've seen some really stupid engine and gearing combos that frankly can't be explained when looking at a 3/4 pickup.
FWIW, I hope to upgrade to a F-250 in the next year. I would feel comfortable with the "stock" engine (6.2L V-8) with 3.73's but then again I don't plan on crossing any mountains. If that's you goal then diesel might be your safest option.
I've seen a lot of good comments in this thread. Weigh out you're mileage if this to be a daily driver, your needs while towing, and any future plans you have. Best advice I can give, don't get SOLD a truck by a dealer, make sure it's the best fit for your needs before you sign.
__________________
2008 F150 FX4 5.4L & 3.73s 2014 PTM Tracer 3200BHT Yes...I've finally made it to Prime Time!