My GF and I are thinking about getting a larger RV. Just two of us 90% of the time. WE have thought about a small Class A and smaller 5th wheel. Really don't want another engine, drivetrain plus toad to deal with so we are leaning toward a 5th wheel. Favoring the Grand Design ( 8496 UVW / 10195 GVW ) but that may change. This means getting rid of our current F150 ECO, which we love, as the payload is only around 1500lbs. Can't find a ECO with HD payload and HD towing. So here are the questions:We can order a 2019 max tow / max payload F150 XLT with what we want for about 52,000 before discounts.We can find a F250 2018 or maybe even a 2019 6.2 gasser for about the same money.Not really wanting a diesel. 5th wheel will be 10500 - 11000 lbs max. We have not decided on one yet.Towing max for the ECO would be 11,400, payload 2400-2600 depending on where you look. Towing max for the F250 is 12,500, payload about the same best I can determine.We like the way the ECO has a lot of torque at low rpms and will climb a hill without screaming high rpms. Not sure how the 6.2 would compare.Looking for opinions. What advantages / disadvantages would both have? How would either one handle a 10500- 11000 lbs gross 5th wheel? Actual weight would likely be around 10,000 max loaded since we only carry about 1000lbs of stuff with us.

And then the wind blows and your 150 is in the ditch because you can't stop.On a serious note, just because your manual says you can tow (1500), dose not mean you should. Get the 2500 or even a single axle 3500 and you will be glad you did.

Having an F150 EB with max payload and tow, for the weight you are looking at I'd go for the F250. Too much weight as far as I'm concerned unless your only traveling in Kansas.

With 5th wheel trailers, about 25% of the trailer's weight is carried by the 5th wheel hitch mounted directly over your rear axle. So, 25% of 11,000 lbs is 2750 lbs. What is the Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle of the F150 you are interested in? And remember, that 2750 lbs is on top of the weight the axle is already carrying, it's share of the truck body, the passengers, the 1,000 lbs of luggage you mentioned.Plus, towing 100% of the maximum weight you can tow is never a good idea, it tends to shorten the life of your tow vehicle. Rule of thumb is to tow 80% of your max weight, at least if you tow a lot.Using the F150 falls into the "Man, I wouldn't do that if I was you!' category. Too much trailer, not enough truck.The F250 would be fine.

F150 (and any other pickup) won’t make you happy at or near max.

If your going to stay within the ratings of the F150 ecoboost you're fine. Advantages are that 3.5 eco and the 10 speed transmission, an awesome combination, especially if its going to used as a daily driver also.

F150 ECO vs F250 for lighter 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

DannyA
Explorer
Sep 25, 2018
I used a 150 for several years, for the past 3 years had a 250, would never go back.
riven1950
Explorer
Sep 24, 2018
Thanks again for all the comments. Decisions decisions...

troubledwaters...hope you didn't think I took you comments wrong...your and all opinions are welcomed
ppine
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2018
F250 is stronger and about the same cost, so I bought a diesel F-350. Best vehicle I have ever had out of more than 30.
goducks10
Explorer
Sep 24, 2018
I went through the same exact thing recently. My 5er is 9300 lbs loaded with an 1800+lb pin. I really wanted the F150 HDPP to work and found one with 2300+ lbs for CCC. But I would be close when loaded with the wife and gear.
I decided to go 3/4 ton gas instead. Can't say it was a better decision since I never tried the F150, but it certainly was a good decision. I have a way higher upside for RAWR and tire rating. Went long bed as well and have plenty of room for other camping items.
Only have a little over 4,000 miles on the truck but I feel I could tow 10-11,000 with no issues.
FWIW I bought an 18 Ram 2500 6.4 4.10. The F250 6.2 should be similar as well.
What I like best is the feeling that my trucks not maxed out all the time when towing.
John_Joey
Explorer
Sep 24, 2018
FWIW, I use to tow a 28 footer with an 150HD from boarder to boarder. Every time I would give one of my 250 buddies a ride they would comment how nice the ride was compared to their truck. Still have the truck because it runs like a champ and the wife loves the ride. Something to think about if it's going to be your daily driver.
troubledwaters
Explorer III
Sep 24, 2018
Riven, "Bouncing around ideas" is really all I was doing. I have no idea how you will use the truck; now and in the future. I have an 02 , F250, with the V10; it tows my trailer wonderfully. It is also my Daily Driver. I am saving to replace it in about 2 years. My plan is (and has been for the last 3 or 4 years) to buy the F150 ecoboost, HDPP, 10 speed transmission. I will be within all the ratings of the F150. There are many reasons I will not be buying an F250 again. But the important point is, they are reasons that apply to me, and may or may not apply to you. You have to decide that for yourself.
riven1950
Explorer
Sep 24, 2018
troubledwaters....It will be a daily driver I don't work anymore and no long commute or anything. Pretty much how I have been driving the F150, it is a 2013, purchsed in Dec when the 2014 were out as a left over, and has 63000 miles on it. Right now we have been going to the Florida Keys for a month or so in the winter. Some other shorter trips. With the new 5th wheel we may take a longer trip out west or somewhere each year. Still to be determined, got a medical issue to resolve. I think the towing miles is about 20% of the 63,000.

I have a MX5 Maxda also but only drive it about 3000 miles a year. Thinking about selling it. It is a 08 with only 44000 miles. May pick up a older small car that we can use for shopping runs etc.

We have not picked out a 5th wheel yet. Possible we might settle on something lighter / smaller and then the ECO would work.

Bouncing around ideas right now so we don't buy the wrong thing.
troubledwaters
Explorer III
Sep 24, 2018
riven1950 wrote:
Thanks for the replies. I agree the F250 makes sense, just hate to give up the ECO and would like the 10 speed tranny too.

lovetotow...thanks for the 6.2 info. Was hoping to get some feedback from sometowing with it. How is your non towing and towing mileage?
Are you using this for a Daily Driver and only towing occasionally or what? How many miles per year towing vs. non-towing?
Padlin
Explorer
Sep 24, 2018
Burned up my brakes coming down Wolf Creek Pass in CO when the EB was new. It was the first time I'd driven the Rockies, or anything like them so it was more my fault then the trucks. I do know I would have felt safer with bigger brakes.

On my 2012, the extra payload pkg means 7 lug wheels. Not many options for brake rotors as opposed to the 6 lug.
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2018
valhalla360 wrote:

6 vs 10 speed...I don't think it's that big of an advantage. It's not like going from a 3 to 4 speed.

Especially not a big deal when hauling/towing unless you like keeping it in manual and pushing those shift buttons all day long. Keep it in auto and if any hills are involved, even slight hills, above 4th gear its going to skip through those gears quickly and probably never go above 5-6 anyway except when going down grade. The 10 speed is made for trucks being used as cars to get max mileage empty, such as hauling a load of groceries or soccer balls, or not towing anything.

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F150 ECO vs F250 for lighter 5th wheel

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