Ford Ecoboost v F-250 6.2 ton for Hallmark?

Sparky87k5 wrote:

kohldad wrote:
Currently I'm in about the same situation wanting to upgrade my truck, reduce fuel cost and still be able to haul my camper which only ways about 2,300# wet and packed. Was willing to sacrifice being able to go larger in exchange for better fuel economy and ride when empty.

Did a lot of reading on the F150 and found a good percentage saying that while the F150 does great for towing it would not be great for carrying the same weight. Seems the brakes become marginal when you load it near max. With trailers, you get the extra braking which helps keep it within comfort zone.

Did enough reading to convince me to stay in the 1-ton range as long as I want to carry a TC. While both trucks may be maxed out to near payload capacity, the brakes and other components of the heavier trucks are much better suited for working hard all the time.

Some very good advice by someone that appears to know what he's talking about. Refreshing.

kohldad wrote:
Currently I'm in about the same situation wanting to upgrade my truck, reduce fuel cost and still be able to haul my camper which only ways about 2,300# wet and packed. Was willing to sacrifice being able to go larger in exchange for better fuel economy and ride when empty.

Did a lot of reading on the F150 and found a good percentage saying that while the F150 does great for towing it would not be great for carrying the same weight. Seems the brakes become marginal when you load it near max. With trailers, you get the extra braking which helps keep it within comfort zone.

Did enough reading to convince me to stay in the 1-ton range as long as I want to carry a TC. While both trucks may be maxed out to near payload capacity, the brakes and other components of the heavier trucks are much better suited for working hard all the time.

diver110 wrote:
So I thought I had everything figured out, truck camper-wise, when I learned that most places in CA won't let you take the camper off of the truck. Since I spend a lot of time there, and will want to do light offroading in the truck, that is a problem for me (and more than a little frustrating given how much time I invested when I learned this--but better than learning it late). So now I am thinking of a Hallmark pop-up. Assume both the Ford Ecoboost F-150 and a Ford F-250 with the 6.2 can handle the Hallmark (which is pretty much true). Empty the Ecoboost gets much something on the order of 25% better gas mileage saving maybe $1000 per year. But the camper would be harder on the F-150 than the F-250, and the F-150 has turbochargers to maintain, so on a total cost basis, the Ecoboost may not be all that much cheaper, no? The camper might spend 1/4 of the time on the truck.

billtex wrote:
Sounds like it mostly is applied in trailer parks and/or isolated instances...but only you know where you will be camping and how you will use the TC.

If this is a concern, and you really want the 1/2 ton...perhaps a TT is a better fit for your needs.

The only TC's suitable for a 1/2 ton will be stripped down pop-ups(no bath, etc). The well appointed pop-ups are every bit a heavy as a hard side.

We NEVER remove the TC when travelling...it is much nicer to have everything with us.

You are doing your dilligence...good for you...too many Folks rush into an RV purchase only to find the equipment they bought was not right for them.
There are many options...find the one that is right for you.

Bill

billtex wrote:
diver...where did you hear that about CA not allowing campers off the truck?
I think I would look into that a bit further before I got too excited.

I am sure plenty of Folks here could confirm/deny that...

As far as a 1/2 ton versus an HD truck for a TC?
You could "get by" with the 1/2 ton...but it will not hold up as well in the long term with that kind of use.
If you already owned the 1/2 ton...then sure...try it.

You have the luxury of buying both at the same time...no one ever complains they have too much truck. The cost difference between the 2 is likely negligible...and you will probably have to upgrade components on the 1/2 ton before you put the TC on; tires/wheels, suspension.

I would not buy a 1/2 ton intentionaly for the purpose of hauling a TC.

You should take a look at this thread going on right now...pretty much sums it up.

Bill
p.s. If you are asking about hauling TC's...be wary of TT advice...2 different games.