Diesel vs gas......................
OK folks, there have been a few to many diesel vs gas threads that have shall we say gone to "Hell and a hand basket"! So if all of you would put in you BEST, no flaming reasons for going gas vs diese...
Forum Discussion
Bradandlyn wrote:
I am looking to transition to RVing for a family past time. Details:
1. 8000 pound loaded trailer weight
2. 400-500 pounds of people and gear in truck
Looking at new F-150 with max tow package and 3.73 rear end that can pull 11,000 pounds. Though it is rated to pull the load, will it have enough power to comfortably pull the trailer on hilly highways w/o down shifting too much. Or should I consider an equivalently priced F-250 type vehicle with a diesel engine?
The "tow capacity" is not this issue that you should be considering. The payload capacity of your 150 is the real problem. An 8000 lb trailer will have a tongue weight of at least 1000 lbs, maybe more like 1200 lbs. Add the 400-500 lbs of passengers and equipment and you are really pushing the envelope and probably beyond its rated rear axle weight rating and maybe even its GVWR. If you have the opportunity to go with a 250 diesel, you shouldn't even be thinking twice about it.
Tow capacities are a "selling" point for all five of the major 1/2 ton pickup manufactures and really have nothing to do with the truck's capabilities. The mfg's tow capacities are based on a flat bed trailer that has four wheels, one at each corner and the weight evenly distributed to the four wheels and with little or no tongue weight. Will it pull that 11,000 lbs flat bed trailer...you betcha! But when you attach the same weight TT or 5er, then the tongue/pin weight comes into play and destroys that advertised tow rating.
Ron
