OK, I'm in.........

[Wheels Down]

Purchased a new Flagstaff 27 BEWS today. Our first TT. Also got a Equalizer 4 point WDH also from the dealer.
Going to the truck dealer tomorrow. Trailers max weight is maybe 8K. Can not decide between the F150 Ecoboost or a F250 gasser. About the same price. Diesel may be the ticket, but price and maintenance kinda have me taking a step back. And I know that subject starts it own dynamic on here.
After reading these forums for a while I'm convinced of a few things. I will need to get my tool box ready, keep an eye on things (leaks,odors,sounds,tire wear ect...) and get familiar with dragging a "boat" around behind me. A Walmart parking lot at 4 AM may be a good place to practice.
The dealer has a "campsite" on their property so the PDI is going to be complete. I am going to bring some groceries and my bath kit and give the TT the once over during an overnight stay.
More as it develops. And oh yeah, many questions I'm sure.
And please feel free to opine any and all "tips" you may have as this adventure begins.
Thanks,
RMc

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by Wheels Down

Purchased a new Flagstaff 27 BEWS today. Our first TT. Also got a Equalizer 4 point WDH also from the dealer.
Going to the truck dealer tomorrow. Trailers max weight is maybe 8K. Can not decide between the F150 Ecoboost or a F250 gasser. About the same price. Diesel may be the ticket, but price and maintenance kinda have me taking a step back. And I know that subject starts it own dynamic on here.
After reading these forums for a while I'm convinced of a few things. I will need to get my tool box ready, keep an eye on things (leaks,odors,sounds,tire wear ect...) and get familiar with dragging a "boat" around behind me. A Walmart parking lot at 4 AM may be a good place to practice.
The dealer has a "campsite" on their property so the PDI is going to be complete. I am going to bring some groceries and my bath kit and give the TT the once over during an overnight stay.
More as it develops. And oh yeah, many questions I'm sure.
And please feel free to opine any and all "tips" you may have as this adventure begins.
Thanks,
RMc

Congrats on your new rig. Welcome to the forum from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

[CaptnJohn]

You are doing things correct way ~~ camper then truck. Great choice on hitch to pull your new rig too.
Chances are you will upgrade the camper before the truck. You will have a LOT MORE camper options, including some 5ers if you go with the F250. Now is the time to plan for future possibilities.

[boondocking]

I am not going to suggest anything, but I think you would be quite un-happy with the F150 Ecoboost for that weight of a trailer.

[Wheels Down]

I agree on both points. Talking to the salesman today, he seemed to directing me to the Ecoboost. I'll see tomorrow which way he points on the lot. I'm leaning towards the F250 myself. And I'm sure he is willing to sell me either.
I just like the safety margin involved. Bigger frame, drive-train and brakes kinda get your attention when your talking about dragging 4 tons behind you.
Thanks for your replies.
RMc

[asquared]

Go for the f250 gassed. Diesel not necessary. If you want a diesel, consider chevy. You can get a duramax for same price as Ford gasser. also, pay attention to payload as diesel 3/4 trucks are light on payload. They will be fine for that trailer but if you ever think you will go bigger or fiver I suggest you save yourself money later and get the inevitable 1 ton diesel now. This is from someone who started with a similar weight tt and a suboptimal SUV and upgraded to a diesel F250 for that tt. Perfect match. Then we wanted a 12000 lb fiver but didn't have enough payload so up to a 3500 duramax. Perfect Match again.

[Phenom]

I just moved from a 1/2 ton to 3/4. My camper can max out around 7500 I think. Last weigh in was only 6800. Even at that weight the 3/4 towed it much nicer. Do you need a 3/4? No. Would it be easier towing? Yes. I'd also have gone diesel if I found one I liked in my budget.

[Wheels Down]

Good info. Thanks.
The salesman talked about (the F150) how when I am not towing ( I will not be a full timer. Maybe one or two trips a month to local beaches and surrounding area) I will have a comfortable riding truck for just diving around town. True.
Question: Does the F250 unloaded ride that much rougher than the F150?

[lbrjet]

Yes, it will ride rougher. The suspension is tighter and the 250 will have truck tires, not passenger car tires.


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

[CaptnJohn]

Different, yes. A lot different NO. That is running 65# front and 80# rear always and the F250 diesel is my daily driver. With the 5er attached it is sweet.

[asquared]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Different, yes. A lot different NO. That is running 65# front and 80# rear always and the F250 diesel is my daily driver. With the 5er attached it is sweet.

True. The first thing we will tell you to do to the f150 is upgrade to LT load range E truck tires so ride will get rougher anyways. Honestly, I didn't find f250 to ride rough at all. The 3500 rides a little rough but not bad, it is my daily driver as well.

[Phenom]

Test drive two F250's, and I thought the ride was good. Didn't go into it expecting a Lexus or Cadi ride. For a big truck, it was a good ride.

[jtstromsburg]

My GMC 3500 dually doesn't ride any rougher than my suburban did. At least in the front seat. I've heard from passengers that they can tell it's a hd truck while riding in the back seat. Bigger is cheaper the first time...😁👍

[BamaBob]

IMHO look at the Dodge 250 - and just get a diesel over a gasser - it will keep you from upgrading in a couple of years

[themounties]

I've had a 78 gmc 1/2 ton, a little dodge dakota 4x4, and now have 3/4 chevy diesel and to me the ride is way better with the diesel than the other 2.

[RangeMaggotBob]

F250. You will be a happy man with no worries going down the road...

[schrederman]

F-250... You'll be happier. As to the diesel thing... I fought the urge too long. Now I'm a happy camper. Congrats on the new rig!

[Wheels Down]

Copy that. All of that !
I don't think I am going to waste the salesman's time with the F150.
Going to go straight to the F250.
Simple math has me towing (pulling and stopping) almost 4 tons of weight with only a half ton to control it?
Never was good in math in school, but I can figure this one out.
F250 at least !!
I will report back the findings.
Thanks all,
RMc

[Keystone]

Originally Posted by Wheels Down

Copy that. All of that !
I don't think I am going to waste the salesman's time with the F150.
Going to go straight to the F250.
Simple math has me towing (pulling and stopping) almost 4 tons of weight with only a half ton to control it?
Never was good in math in school, but I can figure this one out.
F250 at least !!
I will report back the findings.
Thanks all,
RMc

You won't be disappointed!

[nomad297]

If you're going to go 250 gas, you might as well just go on up to 350 gas instead. There's not much difference in price and shouldn't be much difference in unloaded ride, but you will be thankful that you went that way one day.

Bruce