opinions on F150 v. F250

[Dennis88]

Originally Posted by Scooter43522

We are purchasing a new Surveyor 203RKLE in the spring (it's on order for April), and doing research. We believe we can get by just fine with the F150XLT, but would like your advice. Our specs:

Trailer: UVW 4685.00, ccc 2807 (GVWR 7492.00), which would make max hitch weight 900 approximately. 24'10" length, 11'3" height

The F150 we're looking at getting is the 3.5L V6 with HD payload and Max Tow packages, 3.55 axle ratio. (Super Crew 4x4)

We are estimating our needed payload to be 1400 for passengers and cargo, and if calculations serve (3035lb. payload-1400-900) we would be left with a 735lb available payload.

Towing capacity on the vehicle is 13800 (trailer is max 7492). GCVWR of both would be approximately 13556 of the max 19400. (calculations are a bit rough, but within ranges, I believe) We'll be using the recurve3 WDH

Is there any reason we should go with an F250? We're trying to balance better fuel economy, since the vehicle will be used for daily travel to work also, not just for towing. We realize the 250 cost is almost the same, but we are really debating whether it's worth the loss in fuel economy. We are curious if there is a significant issue with wind with the smaller truck, etc.

so far, the pros for the F150 is the fuel economy and more comfortable ride. Pros for the 250 are the power and weight (equating to better stability in towing)

Thank you for your help! Sorry, we're first-timers. (We're trying to do as much research as possible)

.
The 150 will tow just fine, you should look at the V8 5l vs the 3.5 ,when I was in your position I researched the heck out of all the options. In the real world the fuel mileage is not much less, but the extra power going up the hills is worth it. I live in the mountains. The people who have the largest fleet lease company here, have had most people with the 3.5 bring them back for the V8. I have dealt with this company for more than 40 yrs. They know trucks. Just my opinion, how ever. I love the power of the V8 when I am pulling the trailer. I have a v6 4l Nissan, which I use to tow the same trailer, so I kinda know the difference.

[Bhrava]

The 3.5 EB will walk away from the 5.0 going up the mountains, so don't know where you hear the 5.0 has more power for towing. The 3.5 Ecoboost is the premier engine for towing in the half ton segment, no other engine can compare to it. There is the GM 6.2 which can keep up, but that is not available in anything but certain trims where the 3.5 is available in all trims.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Slevar

I have a question for you regarding your Timbrens...
I’ve got the max payload on my F150, and I’m looking at either the Timbrens or the Hellwig helper springs.
My TV is never riding on the bump stops but would like to reduce the squat just a tiny bit.
Did you look at the Hellwig helpers?

Who are you asking? You need to quote the post or put in the member's name, if you're asking a specific member .

[swj]

I have a 2018 F150 XLT 3.5L turbo, max tow, 20 inch wheels, 1830 payload. I'm towing a 6500 lb trailer whish has a 1000 lb tongue weight.(scaled) When you drop the trailer on the hitch, the F150 bumper will drop/sag 5 inches. My ProprideP3 WDist bars will raise the bumper to 2 inches. Going to put summo springs on nxt week to further raise the bumper.

Towing experience is okay to marginal thanks to a $3k ProprideP3 hitch to eliminate sway and level the trailer. Tried a EQ hitch and the sway was dangerous and no way to level the trailer. And, the trailer still pushes the truck around(just put 4 new brake kits/drums on) and you need 2 hands on the wheel at all times.

I added 2 group 27 batteries to the trailer as well as a P3 200 lb hitch. These mandatory addition raised my tongue weight to 1000. Theses and the summo springs are must have additions if your hauling anything over 6000 lb with a F150.

Should have bought a F250 the first time. Cost to buy a F250 now is not in the budget. You take a depreciation hit 0f $8,000 and have to pay $2400 sales tax again.

[Bhrava]

If the trailer pushes the truck, Sumos wont help, all they do is takes some of load off the suspension. If a $3K hitch won't keep it in line, you have too much trailer.

[Slevar]

I was replying to someone who said they had the Timbrens. Disregard I found a different thread that was more pertinent

[wspracklin]

I have Timbrens

[Slevar]

I posted something on another thread because apparently I should ask my question on another thread.
Post is called Timbren Question

[Boomerweps]

OP, unless Ford changed things in 2019, the Max Tow comes with the 3.55 BUT the Heavy Duty Payload Package comes with 3.73 gearing. Plus with the HDPP the Load Capacity is 2400-2800, check the yellow sticker. XLT options will put that on the lower side. 2018 was the last year HDPP was available above the mid grade XLT luxury level.
IMO, if it truly has HDPP & Max Tow, no probs towing 7-8000#. Bonus, both options come with 36 gallon gas tank. Max Tow includes factory trailer brake controller.

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Bhrava

The 3.5 EB will walk away from the 5.0 going up the mountains, so don't know where you hear the 5.0 has more power for towing. The 3.5 Ecoboost is the premier engine for towing in the half ton segment, no other engine can compare to it. There is the GM 6.2 which can keep up, but that is not available in anything but certain trims where the 3.5 is available in all trims.

Whats your definition of "walk away going up the mointains"?

I assume you mean a turbo engine is far superior to a NA engine?

But again, how will it walk away?

Having towed the same trailer (7500lbs) with both the 3.5 Ecoboost and a 6.2 F250, they are about equal. I climb mountain passes "out west (What does that mean)" and easily maintain the speed limit using both engines with plenty of throttle left to pass if needed.

My perception of the Ecoboost was that it got great MPG when empty on the highway, but when towing, it still needed to downshift heavily and rev high to tug the trailer up long grades and maintain a constant speed. The F250 gets the same towing MPG but the overall towing experience "walks away" from the F150.

[wspracklin]

I had the 3.5 EcoBoost in a 2018F150 my GCVW was 13900 it out pulled a 5.0 pulling same weight No problem it was like a frgt train I just didn't like suspension felt loose tried Timbren it helped a little

[pwrriver]

Originally Posted by wspracklin

I have had 3 3.5 EcoBoost great engines lots of power my only complaint is the suspension it's not ment to take weight U need to beef it up with Timbrens or Air Bags if your in a position to do it go with any of the 3/4 ton trucks it feels much more comfortable

Yes, I agree. I beefed up my F-150 suspension with the timbrens, and easy install. No more sag. Otherwise it pulls my TT with ease up steep Colorado and Sierra grades. And when not towing, a better ride and mpg than F-250's. Happy camping.

[pwrriver]

Originally Posted by Slevar

I was replying to someone who said they had the Timbrens. Disregard I found a different thread that was more pertinent

Hello Slevar, I installed the Timbrens on my F-150. They engage at about 1' of squat. A very easy install. I'm in my 70's and not a mechanic by any means. You tube videos very helpful. Original bump stops were about 5 inches from the axel. Timbrens are just about 1 1/4 inches when bed is empty.
Well worth it. Didn't see the Hellwigs when I was shopping so I can't comment on those, but the Timbrens definitely helped.

[Slevar]

Hi. Thank you for your reply.
I’ve watched the videos and do look very easy to install. Leaning in that direction or Sumo Springs
I’ve got a few months to worry about it, not
Going anywhere this winter.
Stay safe and safe travels
Greg

[DaveCinda]

Just made a trip from AZ to Arkansas in bad weather. We saw 5 trucks pulling trailer bad accidents ALL were half ton trucks . Maybe coincidence but that’s what I saw

[Bhrava]

Originally Posted by clarkbre

Whats your definition of "walk away going up the mointains"?

I assume you mean a turbo engine is far superior to a NA engine?

But again, how will it walk away?

Having towed the same trailer (7500lbs) with both the 3.5 Ecoboost and a 6.2 F250, they are about equal. I climb mountain passes "out west (What does that mean)" and easily maintain the speed limit using both engines with plenty of throttle left to pass if needed.

My perception of the Ecoboost was that it got great MPG when empty on the highway, but when towing, it still needed to downshift heavily and rev high to tug the trailer up long grades and maintain a constant speed. The F250 gets the same towing MPG but the overall towing experience "walks away" from the F150.

I would hope an engine with nearly TWICE the displacement of the 3.5 EB could keep up with it. Going up the IKE, maintaining 65 MPH, in 4th gear with 3.15 rear gearing and the 6 speed, and I was passing 5.0 like they were sitting still. I have passed 5.0 trucks pulling equal weight trailers up hills in south west WI where they are pretty hilly and they can't keep up. I'm doing 62 MPH and they are falling behind.

So yeah, the 3.5 EB CAN walk away from the 5.slow, done it several times myself. It had no issues maintaining 60 MPH up a 7% grade with 6400 pounds of windsail behind it, and not even having to press the pedal to the floor to do it.

[TxRockwood]

I am ordering a 2021 Super Duty to replace my F150 3.5 HO ecoboost. Yes, it can tow my 6500 lb trailer with an 850 TW with ease, but the high tongue weight is not as stable as I would like, so it is time for an upgrade.

I will probably order an F350, because it is only about $400 more than a similarly equipped F250 and I will be covered when the wife wants to upgrade to a bigger TT down the road. The ride quality on the Super Duty's have improved quite a bit in recent years, so I recommend taking one for a test ride before making your final decision.

[IvoryHemi]

I’d go with the F-250

[dbledan]

Originally Posted by swj

I have a 2018 F150 XLT 3.5L turbo, max tow, 20 inch wheels, 1830 payload. I'm towing a 6500 lb trailer whish has a 1000 lb tongue weight.(scaled) When you drop the trailer on the hitch, the F150 bumper will drop/sag 5 inches. My ProprideP3 WDist bars will raise the bumper to 2 inches. Going to put summo springs on nxt week to further raise the bumper.

Towing experience is okay to marginal thanks to a $3k ProprideP3 hitch to eliminate sway and level the trailer. Tried a EQ hitch and the sway was dangerous and no way to level the trailer. And, the trailer still pushes the truck around(just put 4 new brake kits/drums on) and you need 2 hands on the wheel at all times.

I added 2 group 27 batteries to the trailer as well as a P3 200 lb hitch. These mandatory addition raised my tongue weight to 1000. Theses and the summo springs are must have additions if your hauling anything over 6000 lb with a F150.

Should have bought a F250 the first time. Cost to buy a F250 now is not in the budget. You take a depreciation hit 0f $8,000 and have to pay $2400 sales tax again.

I have a 26RLWS and this was my experience as well but started with a blueox swaypro. Switched to the 3P for a year but had to move all sorts of things around to make rear axle weights. Now I have a 350 as my daily driver. I would not go back and wish I had bought it to begin with. Spent a lot of money upgrading.

[smeyer1161]

F150 with 6.2L will be enough, just. Very easy to overload payload caps., breaking, etc. I recommend F250, 4x4, short bed with a decent sized gas engine and full tow package. I love diesels but remember that the TD (turbo diesel engines) add a lot of weight and reduce payload on comparable PUs. Add 4x4 and that is more payload cap. lost, but I would opt for it anyways for safety and versatility. Check turn radius too. It can crimp your backing a trailer. The F250 Superduty will give you significant extra comfort when towing, be less affected by wind and big trucks passing, and you will have more options if you decide that your second towable needs to be bigger.
I have had F250 TD, Nissan Titan XD TD (somewhere between 1/4 ton and 1/2 T PU), and now have a 2019 F350 TD 4Dr, 4x4, 8' bed. My F350 is too much truck and has a lousy turning radius. The F250 is right in the sweet spot.