I really lean to the Eco-boost based on my research and a few chances to drive one. (As well, I qualify for Z-plan with Ford). I realize that I'm on the borderline of half ton vs. three quarter ton. Therefore, the HD payload option is very helpful to us.Anyway, we stopped at a dealership yesterday and did some real hunting. I know that we need the Max Tow package as well as the HD payload option. However, you basically don't get the payload option unless you order. I don't mind ordering but...this is where it gets complicated.The window for ordering the 2013's has closed, so if I order, I have to go 2014. What this would mean is that I get exactly what I want/need, but I would miss out the $7500 or so of rebates currently on the 13's.This dealer had the Max Tow package on the exact truck we want, EXCEPT for the payload option. The yellow sticker had payload at 1766. We are 800 pounds of people and currently have 4-500 pounds of tongue. So that leaves roughly 4-500 pounds of spare payload for stuff in the bed.I realize that's cutting it close, particularly if we get a larger trailer (although, we'd never get more than a 24' trailer due to storage restrictions). But I'm so darn tempted. Can I live without the extra payload for the many thousands it will save me on rebates? That is the question!I know I need it, but that's an awfull lot of money for us...give me strength to stick to my guns.

My son-in-laws dad just showed up with a 2013 F250 package just purchased new on the lot and got all of the incentives offered. It still is a big cost however...This unit will solve his trailer tow big time. The interior of the 250 Extended Cab package really resembles my 2010 F150 trailer tow package with center console and all the bells and whistles including Sirius radio, GPS, rear camera, HD tow package... Main console screen is the same as my F150 setup... The F250 has the manual locking front hubs like the older trucks used to have - I like that big time...You should be able to find your dream package on the sales lot...Roy Ken

According to the dealership, there is not a single HD payload F150 in the country. He may just be pushing what he has.Tis will be my daily driver, that's all that rules out the 250.And really, I'd only buy now because of incentives. Without them, I'd probably wait another year.

tragusa3 wrote:According to the dealership, there is not a single HD payload F150 in the country. He may just be pushing what he has.Tis will be my daily driver, that's all that rules out the 250.And really, I'd only buy now because of incentives. Without them, I'd probably wait another year.Dealer is probably stretching the truth, but I have never seen a HD F-150 on a lot and I spend way too much time looking at new trucks. Ford, and certain individuals, like the fact that they are available at all, if for no other reason than bragging rights. "My half ton will tow over 11,000 pounds".

Start scouring the internet and other dealerships outside your immediate area. When I purchased our 08 F250 new, I test drove one locally, but the dealer wouldn't reduce the price. I started searching the internet. Ebay is a good source, you can see which dealers seem to be offering good discounts or have large inventory and then search their dealership website inventory listings. Use the "completed Listing" function under ebay. See which trucks haven't sold as well. You don't have to buy through ebay, but it is a good source to find larger dealerships that offer what you want. I bought our 2008 F250 Diesel king ranch new at a dealer in Houston. Sticker was $58k, I bought for $36k. The truck was delivered to my house in Savannah GA on a car hauler about a week later. Buying a vehicle has never been better or easier. Every dealer in the country can be "local" because of the internet. You know what you want, you don't need to test drive the vehicle since you are buying new. Shipping a vehicle runs around $500-$1500, dealers have agreements with their shippers, so negotiate on this price too. You might find what you want looking through dealership inventories in markets that are more truck oriented like Texas. If you really want the year end discounts but have specific requirements, start looking outside you immediate area. I hope this helps.OJ

Thanks OJ. I don't need to shop for price, but do need to for the HD package. I'll start looking harder.

Give me strength... | Good Sam Community

TomG2
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
Go for it. You can always add LT tires and suspension upgrades later, or trade for a F-250 if you decide to purchase a heavier trailer.
goducks10
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
tragusa3 wrote:
Go ducks, this particular truck that tempted me had a payload of 1766. Sort of borderline for our uses. Question is, do I live with borderline for the rebate savings?

I wouldn't and didn't. I had a Max Tow F150 with an 1857lb payload. Ended up right at the max on RAWR. By passed the HD and went to a 3/4 ton. Same money with rebates.
tragusa3
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
Thanks for that input. I've got the strength to resist....today.

I figure an f250 will cost me $1800 a year extra in fuel. I keep trucks 10years or more, so this could be a huge fuel savings to go 150HD.
tragusa3
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013
Can someone verify for me? My current truck is Chevy model C15753 with a gvwr of 6200. i get the payload at 1253. Is that correct? There is no payload sticker on it, but this is what I got from an Internet search.

If so, even without the hd payload, I would increase by 500 pounds over my current setup.
tragusa3
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013
Also, I just had an epiphany. The reason I load our truck is that our trailer is single axle and has only 900 of payload itself. We do plan to go to a 22' dual axle trailer. This means trailer payload has room for the 'stuff' and frees up the truck. Yes? No?
rhagfo
Explorer III
Nov 18, 2013
tragusa3 wrote:
Thanks for that input. I've got the strength to resist....today.

I figure an f250 will cost me $1800 a year extra in fuel. I keep trucks 10years or more, so this could be a huge fuel savings to go 150HD.

Just how many miles do you drive? that is a hefty amount.
tragusa3
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013
I'm not claiming to be a mathematician, but 15,000 per year divided by 18mpg= 833 gallons @ $3.25 = 2708 compared to 15000 divided by 14mpg= 1071 gallons @ $3.25 = 3480 Okay, so I was wrong, $775 roughly. That's not a terrible difference, but it is still worth avoiding if I can.

* Guessing at averages
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Nov 18, 2013
TomG2 wrote:
Go for it. You can always add LT tires and suspension upgrades later, or trade for a F-250 if you decide to purchase a heavier trailer

The F150 HD 8200 GVWR package comes OEM with LT E tires and proper rated wheels.

tragusa3 wrote:
Can someone verify for me? My current truck is Chevy model C15753 with a gvwr of 6200. i get the payload at 1253. Is that correct? There is no payload sticker on it, but this is what I got from an Internet search.

Hmmm, not much tech info for a exact payload but for a 1/2 ton truck with a small 6200 GVWR and a 4.8 engine that sounds about right.

IMO I think you will find the EB engine F150 8200 GVWR HD package a huge step up in towing performance and load carrying performance for your needs.
My neighbor lady sure likes hers pulling a smaller (10200 GVWR) LEQ GN horse trailer.
a64armt
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013
This one is a bit confusing. Dealer Description shows 8200lb payload package.....

\http://www.kunescountry.com/New-2013-Ford-F-150/vd/17611357

But window sticker shows 7200lb package.

http://services.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=1FTFW1ET6DKG20282

Here is another 7200 GVWR.

This one lists the 8200 GVWR and the 3.5 in XLT trim. VIN 1FTFW1ET9DFD79441 . But the window sticker shows 7350GVWR.

http://www.herringtonyoakford.com/2013_Ford_Ford_St.%20Marys_WV_212287441.veh#

http://www.inventory.ford.com/services/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=1FTFW1ET9DFD79441

I can see why your search has been difficult.

Good luck.
Buckleup
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013
Have been shopping for a tow truck for our 2013 Puma 253-RBS 5th wheel. The GVWR is 11551 lbs., dry hitch weight is 1026 lbs., dry axle weight is 5884 lbs., total dry weight is 6910 lbs. and carrying capacity is 4226 lbs. How much truck do we really need? We have found that there is not to much to be had around our area in good used 3/4 ton trucks but 1/2 ton trucks are plentiful. Do we really need a 3/4 ton truck or would a 1/2 ton truck do the job safely? Our dealer recommends a 3/4 ton truck for heavier suspension and brakes.

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