Which truck - F250 or ?

[malfar]

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

[Oakman]

This is just my opinion. If the F250 2010 gasser you're looking at is the V10 then I say go for it. If you're looking at the 5.4 liter V8 then I wouldn't do it.

I own a diesel and the only issues I had concerns about turned out to be normal for the 2010 6.4 liter diesel, that is, nothing wrong. This is our fourth complete camping season with this truck. We've been through the Rocky Mountains with this truck more than once and I love the power of the diesel. In 2010 when we bought the truck we owned a 2008 Wildcat 28RKBS. If the F250 you're thinking about buying is a standard bed then I would definitely get a slider hitch for the truck.

[jriddering]

Oakman
I have same truck as you, just got it, and was wondering what kind of mileage you get with it?

[jtstromsburg]

Originally Posted by malfar

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

Not what others may say, but I'd go for the F250 as long as its not the iddy bitty 5.4.. I haul/pull a 40' long, 13K lb fiver with my 05 F250 CC V10 4x4 and its great. 7 mpg is the only downfall.

[Oakman]

@ jriddering: My fuel mileage usually averages 10 MPG while towing, at times 9.5 and other times 10.5. The worst I’ve ever gotten was 8.0 when I was driving into a 35 MPH quartering wind. The best I’ve ever gotten was 12.5 with a strong tail wind.

@ malfar: If you’re determined to get a gas engine you might consider looking for a 2011 or newer F250 with the 6.2 liter engine.

[jriddering]

Oakman
One more question. What mileage without a trailer.

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by jriddering

Oakman
One more question. What mileage without a trailer.

Can't help ya. I've never bothered to check without the trailer.

[Lloydg]

I have the F250 6.2 gasser. Spent two weeks last month along the Lake Superior shore in Michigan and it pulled great. The Surveyor loaded is around 9500 lbs. with a pin weight of about 1800. After the trip I bought air bags to eliminate the little squat that I had and hope to see even better results in the future. The Ford MPG gauge (so reverently called a liar in this forum) said I was getting around 9.5 MPG. I've never calculated it for real, but I think I will when I head for Florida in January.

[jtaylor1920]

Originally Posted by Oakman

Can't help ya. I've never bothered to check without the trailer.

I've got 2008 F350 with the 6.4L and my best in town driving mileage without the trailer was 12mpg. My mileage pulling my 5'er is about the same as Oakman. From my reading, and experience, the 6.4's don't like short trips. When I was using it as my daily driver I had very short periods between regens and the truck never really warmed up before getting to work. I've got a small commuter now so the truck only gets driven on the weekends and when we go camping.

[Oakman]

@malfar: I missed that the truck would be your daily driver so I would look for a big block 7.2 liter V8 Chevy, a 6.8 liter V10, or 6.2 liter V8 Ford.

[EdJunior]

And I'll chime in as well. I pulled my Wildcat (roughly the same as what you're looking at) home with my 5.4L F-250. I immediately started looking for a diesel. The 5.4L is a great engine, but it's just not enough for the size trailer you're looking at. The 6.8L would be fine I think. But as Oakman mentioned the 6.2L in the 2011 and up would probably be a much better choice.

I pulled my 5th wheel for a year with a 2008 6.4L and it did great. But I was able to work a pretty good deal on my 2011 and that turned out to be a great choice. The 6.7L pulls circles around the 6.4L. If you could get into one of these, I think it would be your best bet.

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by EdJunior

The 6.7L pulls circles around the 6.4L.

Dang it Ed, I've been resisting the temptation to look at the 6.7's and now you have to go and post this. You're killing me here Ed, you're killing me.

[ndose50]

i have always been a Chevy guy. Since they early 2000's when they changed the body style on the pick ups they also played with the engine. In 2006 i traded in my chevy in for a FX4 F150 and a now have a ford expedition EL edition and I love them. I think the expedition pulls a trailer better than the 3/4 ton chevy I used to have. I would recommend the F250.

[EdJunior]

Originally Posted by Oakman

Dang it Ed, I've been resisting the temptation to look at the 6.7's and now you have to go and post this. You're killing me here Ed, you're killing me.

Heh...you better not go test drive one then. If you do, it'll be all over. Seriously, it is a fine engine. The 6.4L was a beast pulling my 5th wheel, but the 6.7L really is that much better.

[Forbes]

Here goes the screaming for sure, I pull a CC 36RE (5,200 miles last year) from FL to MA and back with a 2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty with a 6.2 Gasser. The truck has a few mod's not found on most trucks with heavey duty springs and air bags. extra towing pack 12,000 gvwr (truck plus RV total out at 22,175 loaded, truck 7,250 RV 14,925) It is loaded with everything that can be put on a 2010 plus some. Heated and cooled seats, nav you name it its there. On average for a tirp to Fl from Tn I get somewhere between 8.5 and 10 mpg, now thats not to say that sometimes it dropes to 6 or so but on the average 9.5. (that is hand cal not truck gauges). I have never had any problems at all, sometimes a little slower up big hills but who cares. The main reason I have never bought a desil was the nosy and extra cost of manitance plus my wife hates the order. Now would I buy it again I really don't know but it has givening me great service and we really enjoy the ride. Thats my 2 cents worth.

[EdJunior]

Originally Posted by Forbes

Here goes the screaming for sure, I pull a CC 36RE (5,200 miles last year) from FL to MA and back with a 2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty with a 6.2 Gasser. The truck has a few mod's not found on most trucks with heavey duty springs and air bags. extra towing pack 12,000 gvwr (truck plus RV total out at 22,175 loaded, truck 7,250 RV 14,925) It is loaded with everything that can be put on a 2010 plus some. Heated and cooled seats, nav you name it its there. On average for a tirp to Fl from Tn I get somewhere between 8.5 and 10 mpg, now thats not to say that sometimes it dropes to 6 or so but on the average 9.5. (that is hand cal not truck gauges). I have never had any problems at all, sometimes a little slower up big hills but who cares. The main reason I have never bought a desil was the nosy and extra cost of manitance plus my wife hates the order. Now would I buy it again I really don't know but it has givening me great service and we really enjoy the ride. Thats my 2 cents worth.

Good report Forbes, but need to clarify a couple of things. 6.2L gas wasn't available until the 2011 models. Can you confirm the 6.2L V-8 as a 2011, or 6.8L V-10 in the 2010.

And you can let your wife know that the 6.7L in the 2011+ has virtually eliminated both the noise and the odor of diesel. The extra cost is there, but when it comes to the pulling power, it is worth it...at least to me.

[ependydad]

I don't have a Ford, but do have a sensitive nose. My 2012 Ram doesn't smell. Noise-wise, I do wish it were quieter outside, but inside the cab- it's really quiet. Heck, as quiet as my car is.

[goin2drt]

I can only speak from my experience. We had a 2008 f250 in diesel. That hing towed two different toy haulers, 18ft and 32ft. Towed them no problem and I think our 32ft would go past the limit of 12k lbs. The only issue we ever had was a thermostat went out.

This was also my wife's DD. she had no issues and I think we were getting like 13 MPH.

The only regret was BUY 4x4. Even if you think you will never use it. I thought I would never use it and that kept us from going camping at certain times as I knew we may need it.

[Forbes]

Originally Posted by EdJunior

Good report Forbes, but need to clarify a couple of things. 6.2L gas wasn't available until the 2011 models. Can you confirm the 6.2L V-8 as a 2011, or 6.8L V-10 in the 2010.

And you can let your wife know that the 6.7L in the 2011+ has virtually eliminated both the noise and the odor of diesel. The extra cost is there, but when it comes to the pulling power, it is worth it...at least to me.

Sorry about that the fingers don't always hit the right key it is a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Crew Cab

[jimmac28]

Here's a good forum for Ford's.

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source.