Forum Discussion

mfoster711's avatar
mfoster711
Explorer II
Jun 28, 2015

Downsize my tow vehicle

Last year I downsized my RV from a 5th wheel to a travel trailer and have loved my decision. I feel a lot more comfortable towing my new, lighter travel trailer instead of a 11,000lb 5th wheel.

Now I am considering downsizing my truck from a 2007 F250 diesel to a 2015 f-150. Comparing the 2015 3.5L ecoboost engine to the 2007 diesel I gain 40 HP (325hp vs 365hp) but lose 150 lb-ft of torque(570lb-ft vs 420lb-ft). I am wondering how much I will miss that extra 150 lb-ft of torque while towing.

Any of you Travel Trailer owners made a similair switch from a F250 diesel to a F-150 ecoboost? Do you regret it? I would get a new F250 but the prices on them have really gone up and not sure I want to spend that much since I have a lighter travel trailer now.

My travel trailer weighs 5400 lbs empty and has max load of 7500 lbs.

Edit:
For what it's worth, one of the trips we were debating next year is going to Colorado for a two week camping trip. Would I severely regret trying to tow my travel trailer in Colorado with the F-150?

Edit #2:
Here are the specs on the truck and camper:
Truck
Empty: 4871
Carrying: 2080
GVWR: 7000
Towing: 10700
GCWR: 16100

Camper
Empty: 5483
Carrying: 2017
Max: 7500

20 Replies

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  • Samsonsworld's avatar
    Samsonsworld
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    Went from a 2006 F250 fx4 crew to a 2013 F150 4x4 Screw. The trailer will push the F150 around a little more. Powerwise, you won't miss the 6.0. Economy wise, you'll likely drop 2-3 mpg while towing...but you'll pick up 3-4 while NOT towing.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jun 28, 2015
    I think the 150 would work for you, with that trailer. You will be happy with the EB towing power. Be sure of the actual payload, of the truck you are going to purchase. If 2,000 plus, you'll be fine there too.

    I don't think the price of a new 250 gas, would be much more than the EB 150. If you are used to the Super Duty ride, the 6.2 gas is a strong puller.

    Either truck will work, for your setup. The 150 will ride better, when not towing, if that is a concern.

    Jerry
  • TomG2's avatar
    TomG2
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    mfoster711 wrote:
    Last year I downsized my RV from a 5th wheel to a travel trailer and have loved my decision. I feel a lot more comfortable towing my new, lighter travel trailer instead of a 11,000lb 5th wheel.

    ....snip.........


    You answered your own question. A big part of your increased comfort level has to do with having a more than adequate tow vehicle. Why give up that advantage?
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    Our TT weighs 4800# empty and I'm towing it with a standard-payload F150 EB (my daily driver.) NO PROBLEMS, NO REGRETS. The EB has adequate low-end torque and coupled with the 6-speed it accelerates nicely. Mileage is 9.5-10 MPG. If you're worried about payload order the Max Payload package or at least the Max Tow.
    Side note - if we're taking a trip w/o the TT my F150 rides nicer than DW's Toyota.
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    Power is a small part of the overall equation. After towing a similar TT as you have with both a 1/2 and now a 3/4 ton, in my wildest nightmare I wouldn't go back to the 1/2 ton. Sure, you can do it with the 1/2 ton maxed out but the 3/4 ton is the right tool for the job.

    The brakes and suspension on the 3/4 are just so much better.
  • mfoster711's avatar
    mfoster711
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2015
    I edited my post to include the specs for the truck and camper. I feel like I am well within limits because even if I had my camper maxed out at 7500 and my truck maxed out at 7000, I would still be 1600 under the GCWR and 3200 under the towing capacity.
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2015
    You'd be on the edge with that combination, IMO. We did ok with our former 7600-lb (GVWR) TT and a 1/2 ton, but I'm happier with our new 6500-lb (GVWR) TT and same truck. Just better matched. No idea how the newer "eco" stuff works though; I would guess it affects towing ability, but I never looked into it.
  • Tequila's avatar
    Tequila
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    I would not tow a trailer that heavy with a 1/2 ton. Lots do, but Iw wouldn't. IMO its like people who put 2000Lb campers on 1/2 tons.
  • mfoster711's avatar
    mfoster711
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2015
    donn0128 wrote:
    Honestly, from what I have read your diesel will get as good fuel economy as the Eco?. So IMHO why change??
    Good question. Two reasons:
    1) I have had one too many issues with the 2007 and want to buy something new with a warranty again.
    2) I like the newer trucks and just want one
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2015
    Honestly, from what I have read your diesel will get as good fuel economy as the Eco?. So IMHO why change??

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