2017 f150 crew cab verses gmc Sierra 1500

Some good comments above about getting a 'heavy half' to improve your stability (LT tires, heaver springs and axle ratings) to net out around 2000 payload (depending on how much stuff you bring along).

Agree with your logic to drop the Ram 1500 for the weight you are towing. Would seriously consider the Ram 2500 6.4 as the springs on the rear axle improve the ride. Downsides maybe it sits higher and to my understanding they recommend 89 octane which may increase fuel bill a bit.

I tow 8k with a Max Payload F150 and it does well. Like the Ecoboost which provides plenty of power and the turbos keep the power going if you get into elevation. Do not know if it would feel as well planted after they pulled about 700 lbs out of the truck with the aluminum body. My truck weighs in at 6k to give some comparison. I would expect the engine braking would be better with the V8s.

Find a sunny day and go for some test drives. See what the out-the-door prices are for what you need payload wise. It is quite likely you could pick up the Ram 2500 for less than ordering the Chev or Ford. If you like how it drives and it fits in your garage that may be a winner. Even if it gets less milage (check Fuelly.com) you may be able to offset that with initial savings on the cost of the rig.

At the end of the day this is a good problem to have as you are choosing between some good rigs.

Good luck,
Stu

MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
My vote is for the 5.3 sierra. Nice truck that will do a great job doing what you need it to. 6.2 would just be amazing though!! a lot less complex for longevity in my opinion compared to having twin turbos.

I have a mechanic buddy that says the 5.3 is the better engine as measured in longevity and reliability. He has the GMC with the 6.2. He believes that the 6.0 and 6.2s have the better transmissions. I have the 5.3. I've never pulled 7000 pounds with it so, I can't comment on that.

The Ford crew cabs are really roomy. I've never been in the GM crew cab. Both are just great trucks. Either one will do fine.

After putting 2000 miles on a new 2017 F150 3.5/10sp, I can say that I really like this truck. But you can't go wrong either way. My old 2005 Chevy is still great too.

Look at cab dimensions, if that is important to you. The F150 rear seat has tons of room and the cab just overall feels more spacious to me.

On edit: Add me to the chorus of people telling you to consider a 2500. That's a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton truck.

My vote is for the 5.3 sierra. Nice truck that will do a great job doing what you need it to. 6.2 would just be amazing though!! a lot less complex for longevity in my opinion compared to having twin turbos.

With that trailer I would ignore the smaller V8s. And go for the highest payload possible in a half-ton.

A year ago, chevy's big v8 was only available in the highest trim. Dunno about now. But high trims also have lower payloads cause of all the bling they add.

The F150 3.5L EcoB with the ten speed is avail in lower trims. And if you can find or order the HD Payload option with 18" wheels, especially in a lower trim (XLT?), you will have great payload. Think the Lariat is highest trim you can get the HD Payload option.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Ford offers a built in brake controller option.

As does GM. I think they all come with that option now.

for that rig a 3.4 ton would be better. that said nobody is making a bad truck at the moment so dive them all then decide you like the ford and buy it

While a 1/2 ton may be able to tow a 7k lb loaded trailer, I would really encourage you to expand your search a little and look into 3/4 ton trucks. 31 feet is a pretty long trailer. I would strongly lean towards a 3/4 ton truck. The worst feeling in the world would be buying a new 1/2 ton and realizing that you are uncomfortable towing your trailer and have to trade in a brand new truck or stop camping.

jerem0621 wrote:
Go for either truck with the Max trailering package. For the GM it's called the NHT package. For the Ford it's the Max Tow with the Heavy Duty Payload Package.

Concur ! Ford offers a built in brake controller option.

My bias vote is for the Sierra. If you decide to go that way, and need a friends and neighbor certificate (sets purchase price at supplier - printed on invoice), let me know. I can be your friend, or you can come camp in Michigan as my neighbor.