IMO just jump to the F250 6.2. Not really that much difference between the rides IMO. I had a 10 F150 maxtow 3.73 with 1857lb payload and now have a Ram 2500. It's really splitting hairs on the ride quality. The F150 gives up stability for not that much more in comfort. Can't compare the F250 to the Ram but from all accounts they're pretty close. By going to a 3/4 ton you don't have to worry about payload. Plus upgrading to a larger TT/5'er down the road is doable. At a minimum you need the Maxtow with an F150 which will have the 3.73's. I wouldn't tow an 8000lb TT with an F150, but that's just me.