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Mi2bugz's avatar
Mi2bugz
Explorer
Jul 04, 2018

F-250 vs Ram 2500

Looking at buying truck to tow TT. Starting with about 8800 loaded weight but want room for fifth wheel later on if we decide to upgrade. I'm considering 2016-2017 F-250 or 2500. I know a lot of opinions are preferences but I am looking for people's actual experience and any help with pro's and cons. I have asked someone that frequently tows 18000lbs. He made a couple statements I would like to confirm.

With these size trucks won't need a WDH for 8800 lbs.

In my research F-250 has sway control. He said at 8800lbs won't need sway control cause won't know TT even there (I've read about the salesmen that say that so want to verify it is really true...FYI....my friend isn't making any $ on my decision)

You recommend 4x4 or 4x2?

F-250 make sure to get 7.3 engine / 2500 make sure to get the Cummins engine

Short bed vs long bed for possible 5th wheel later

Any thing else I should consider?

28 Replies

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  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2018
    Mi2bugz wrote:
    ...I have asked someone that frequently tows 18000lbs. He made a couple statements I would like to confirm.

    With these size trucks won't need a WDH for 8800 lbs.

    Wrong. You'll be putting over 1000 lb of tongue weight on the hitch ball. WD will improve handling by restoring weight to the front axle.

    In my research F-250 has sway control. He said at 8800lbs won't need sway control cause won't know TT even there (I've read about the salesmen that say that so want to verify it is really true...FYI....my friend isn't making any $ on my decision)

    If someone tells me they don't notice an 8800 lb trailer, I question if they're paying enough attention. A good WD hitch has sway control built in.

    You recommend 4x4 or 4x2?

    That's a personal preference thing. Won't make a difference in how it tows. Handy for backing the trailer uphill. Might keep you from getting stuck on slick campsites.

    F-250 make sure to get 7.3 engine / 2500 make sure to get the Cummins engine

    If you plan to go big, get the diesel.



    Any thing else I should consider?
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Jul 05, 2018
    Expect the gasoline engines to pull 10,000 lbs well into the mountains but with some noise. If you plan to tow more through the mountains, get a diesel.

    The F250/2500 is a good bumper pull truck, but you should consider the F350/3500 if you want to pull a fifth wheel later. Typically the frame and axles are almost the same but softer springs and lower rated wheels on the 3/4 class trucks.

    You will need a weight distribution hitch and possibly sway control based on the the profile height of the trailer and trailer tongue weight bias.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 05, 2018
    Nine thousand pounds of towed vehicle WILL make you know it’s back there. Why wouldn’t you want to shift some of the tongue weight to the front wheels? Why wouldn’t you want sway control? Your friend is nutty.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Jul 05, 2018
    "In my research F-250 has sway control."

    Well, if you researched more, you would find out it's only for the most extreme instance of "sway".. Not just for your everyday, running down the road "sway control"... ;)

    My F150 has that and it's the last thing I want to see engage on my truck.. Why? Because if it engages, you are in a lot of trouble and on the verge of crashing..

    Anyway, I would question the advice of your friend as it's nothing I would follow... Towing 18,000 lbs or not with a 3/4 ton truck...

    Good luck!

    Mitch
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 04, 2018
    For 8800# you will need a WDH. Also, you will know a four ton trailer is back there for sure. What your describing is a big trailer!
    I would go with a 3500 series truck.

    Regarding the Fords "sway control"; This is not a system that constantly corrects for sway. It's a system that detects CATASTROPHIC sway (thinks your going to crash) and STOPS the vehicle.
    This is a good system but it does not take the place of sway control on a hitch.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jul 04, 2018
    If you believe you will eventually go for a fiver, skip 2500 series and go with a 3500. Newer the better. What is your budget? Fords last good motor until the 6.7 was the 7.3. But those are getting really long in the tooth and have really low ratings. Dodge Rams have offered the Cummins for years, with only one major upgrade. The 6.7 was a big leap in all aspects. Better power, cleaner burning, way more standard features. Add their wonderful 68RFE 6 speed auto and it has proven to be hard to beat. Think plan ahead. How big of a fiver do you think you will go for? Plan a truck to handle that much. It may be overkill today, but unless you want to buy another truck in two three years, get what you need tomorrow now. And dont discount a dually if your going for a fiver 35 or more feet.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2018
    I'm not an expert but, didn't Ford stop using the 7.3 diesel around 2004?

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