Towing performance - F150 vs F250

mkirsch wrote:

BusterandBelle wrote:
I am shopping for a new truck. I pull a fifth wheel, around 10,000 pounds including contents.

I have a 2009 F150, and I find it marginal on long hills. I would not feel comfortable hauling through the Rockies, which is on our bucket list.

The new F150's have a higher towing capacity than my old one. But are they strong enough, or do I need to be looking at the F250?

Any comments would be helpful?

"Marginal on long hills" to me sounds like a POWER issue.

Am I right?

5.4 vs gas 7.3 would be huge. The Ford 2.7 Eco makes more power than the 09 5.4. BTDT with a 2010 5.4. Big dog when towing.

If it's power you're after, an F250 doesn't have all that much more than an F150 unless you go with a diesel. Newer trucks across the board have more HP than older trucks, but if you're comparing across the aisle, same year for same, the power is the same engine for engine.

If you have a handling issue then the F250 will definitely help.