Help with truck purchase

Having towed everything from tent trailers to a 14000# 5th wheel with half tons to 3/4 diesel I'd tell you there is a HUGE difference in stability and overall towing experience when you go from 1/2 to 3/4 ton. The HP/torque numbers are easy to get hung up on but it's really only half (or less) of the story. Bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and just a truck that's more suited to what you need it for.

Running a truck at the top of it's ability range is for guys who use their truck to get groceries 360 days a year and tow the other 5. If you're really going to put on the miles get the right tool for the job. Plus, as we all know, if the wife isn't happy.... nobody's happy :)

A 3/4 ton leaves you basically unlimited options for TTs.

Definitely narrow your trailer choices first. You may find the length but the one you like may be heavier than anticipated. I would also consider how much towing you will be doing each year, if you're going to be on the road 2 months out of the year then I think durability comes into play and then bigger is always better.

As others have suggested, make a decision on the TT first, then the tow vehicle.

Nothing wrong with the F150 EcoBoost - I don't have anything negative to say about it. I will suggest that if you might decide on a heavier RV than planned (which often happens), you might want to consider a 250/2500 series truck.

I am really enjoying my Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi (410 hp). That is 25 more hp than the 6.2L gas engine in the F250, and the Ram has the 4 cylinder mode for times when you aren't towing.

Sorry for the double post - tried to change F250 to a 2500.

the bear II wrote:
Go for an 2500. Most RVers end up going through 2 RVs before finally getting the big one....Wife usually wins so eventually you will need an F250. Might as well get it now.

Actually some of us want to go smaller - I guess if you just move from RV park to RV park going bigger may be the rule - but for those of us who really go camping - you know down those dirt roads - smaller is better.

the bear II wrote:
Go for an 2500. Most RVers end up going through 2 RVs before finally getting the big one....Wife usually wins so eventually you will need an F250. Might as well get it now.

Actually some of us want to go smaller - I guess if you just move from RV park to RV park going bigger may be the rule - but for those of us who really go camping - you know down those dirt roads - smaller is better.

And I fixed your Ford fixation.

DO IT I have the same set up as your thinking about. I really can't say enough about this truck Max tow etc it DOES the job with ease. 1400 on the odometer and were going campin next Saturday just for the night to try out the new rig. I pulled TT home about 40 miles from the RV dealer in high winds and hills the F150 hands down best TV I've ever owned

I have a F150, Ecoboost, super cab, long bed, 4x4, with the max tow and payload package. It pulls a 4500 lb Airstream like it wasn't there. I chose this set up so that when I am not towing I would have the high mileage of an untethered Ecoboost which comes in at about 20 mpg on flat ground at 65 mph.

We travel and tow perhaps 40% of the trucks use. That makes the 150 a good economic choice for the other 60% of non towing use. However, the Ecoboost drops to 13-14 mpg when towing and, it is lower in the mountains. If my percent of towing time exceeded my non towing time, I would probably go with a 250. But, since so much of my driving is non towing, I am willing to accept the weight limits of a 150.

So, if you can keep your towing need a bit under the F150, Ecoboost max and, you will bbe driving a good percent of the time non towing, go for the 150. I highly recommend it. If you think that you will need to get heavier some day, or will be towing most of the time, I suggest getting the 250 now.

We love ours. Granted, I'm towing <5,000lbs. But it does it with no laboring AT ALL.

I tried to go HD payload as well, but it's not easy unless you order. In any event, when we're loaded with 4 people, firewood, generator, on and on, it is still more stable than I had expected. Nice truck.