Hello, we have a fifth wheel with max weight of 14,300. We are no where near that but want to have a truck that tows over the 14,300. Fifth wheel is a 31.5 Nuwa. We have been searching for a truck for a while. Started out thinking we needed a 3500 duality but have seen so many Ford F-250 towing heavy fifth wheels we did a little more research and talked to a few people in campgrounds too. From what we can see we should be good with a 2008 or newer Ford F-250 diesel super duty Single wheel (dually not necessary), with the tow package option ( from what I can tell it is standard on the 250). My question is what are we missing? I’m sure there is something. I’ve checked the ford fleet tow ratings and we seem to be good. They have separate rating for conventional towing and fifth wheel towing on their websites. I really like the way they list the tow ratings, has been very difficult to find with dodge and Chevy. Initially our last choice was the ford. We know we don’t want anything older than the 2008 due to the issues with the 6.0 liter. This option also puts us at our price point of about 25,000. Any one know of anything we have not considered re tow capabilities and also any glaring issues or problems with the 2008 to 2011 ford 250 diesel super duty?Thanks zigpep

I wouldn't personally buy a 6.0 or 6.4 Powerstroke. The 6.7 has been better but that limits you to (I think) 2011 or newer.As far as that era F250/350 goes, you aren't missing anything. They're either identical or identical aside from an overload spring and a different size axle block on the back. If the F250 you find is missing the overload spring, you can fix that by either adding one or installing bags/timbrens, and now you've got the same truck as an F350 (assuming tires are the same - check that too). Chassis, axle, brakes, etc. are all the same between the two. The difference in payload rating boils down to a heavy truck coupled with a class maximum GVWR on the 250, so it's an on-paper distinction. I'd tow that weight Fifth Wheel all day with a 250/2500 class truck as long as the tires were up to it.

And stay away from the 2011-2012 6.7 unless you want to replace cracked heads.

Ya. Stay away from the 2003 to 2014 Ford diesel unless you want problems.

Turtle n Peeps wrote:Ya. Stay away from the 2003 to 2014 Ford diesel unless you want problems.Explain that very broad claim.

Ford F-250 tow | Good Sam Community

Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2017
If I listened to all these same OLD Ford haters here I would be scared to even start my 04 F250. Glad I don't listen to them.
Sure are a lot of these sorry old trucks on the road.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Oct 13, 2017
Bird Freak wrote:
If I listened to all these same OLD Ford haters here I would be scared to even start my 04 F250. Glad I don't listen to them.
Sure are a lot of these sorry old trucks on the road.

Yep... My '12 6.7PSD has 129k miles and one Nox sensor repair to date. I'm sure the turbo is going to go out soon. :B
ib516
Explorer II
Oct 13, 2017
I'd say you should do some more research before buying a 2003 - 2007 Ford (6.0L) or 2008 - 2010 Ford (6.4L) diesel. They were both made under contract by Navistar International, very, very troublesome by most accounts. Ford even sued Navistar over the cost of warranty claims for these engines.

The 2011 Ford diesel was a new, in house (Ford) designed 6.7L diesel which was much better, but then it's the very first iteration of a new engine which most will say to stay away from. But a huge improvement to be sure, and likely every bit as reliable as a 2011 Duramax or Cummins.

On the truck chassis, 14,000+ is going to likely exceed a few of the ratings of an F250, or any other 2500 series truck, and will almost certainly require beefing up the rear suspension (timbrens, airbags, extra leafs, etc.).

I think you're in 350/3500 territory with that 5er.

Have fun shopping.
rowekmr
Explorer
Oct 14, 2017
I agree with above. Check the Ford Fleet link someone posted above. In the year you specified the payload is 2400-2500 depending on short bed/long bed for crew cab. The same year F350 has about 1000+ more capacity in payload so as others say it would be prudent in upgrading rear suspension.
I did tow 5th wheels with a 2014 F250 XLT and it had plenty of power but did sag on the big ones (15k GVWR). It was a work truck and my only option so I dealt with it. I was solo (min cargo) and the trailers were empty with no cargo, propane or liquids (new) so I was on the lighter side. Add family, luggage, food, liquids and propane and things would change.

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