Newb?: Ford F-250

[lucasland]

Is a Ford F-250 a good truck to tow a 5th wheel? What length of trailer would be ideal?

[kennethwooster]

Had a 2011 f250. Didn't have enough springs. Had to put air bags under the rear. Knowing I was way overweight I bought F350 drw. No comparison. F250 had plenty of power. One thing you need is towing package as well as camper package. I learned this the hard way.

[bpounds]

There is nothing wrong with an F250 pulling a fifth wheel. You'll want to stay with the smaller and lighter units, but there are plenty of those out there. Stay under 10 or maybe 11k gross weight rating, and an F250 is a fine choice.

I agree that an F350 is better if you get the chance to buy one. But you'll find about 10 F250s on the lots for every F350. Also, it is very easy to turn an F250 into an F350.

[azjeffh]

Had an 05 F250 PSD (POS) supercab and towed a 10k lb (loaded), 29 foot fiver for almost 12 years without issue. It had a 2736 lb payload capacity and the trailer took me to within 50 lbs of it, however I was under by 650lbs on my RAWR.

Ford had rated the truck to have a ~16k lb 5th wheel towing capacity which is an impossible feat. The best I could have done was ~13k lbs to remain under my RAWR.

I made the mistake and believed Ford's tow rating so I opted for the F250. While it really never mattered, I would have gone with the F350 knowing what I know now.

[Allworth]

You can have all the transmission, brakes, and radiator in the world, but if you don't have sufficient payload for the pin weight, you are dead in the water (or in the driveway, as the case may be).

Payload! Payload! Payload!

[theoldwizard1]

agesilaus wrote:
Not the best. What year and what engine? 3/4 ton trucks have serious problems with payload capacity. If you are buying get a F350 and be happy.

That is a pretty broad statement !

The biggest problem, especially if purchasing used, is determining what payload package was in installed at the factory. Also you need to know if the HD trailer tow option was installed, because typically includes a heavy duty radiator and a HD transmission cooler, plus the appropriate wiring for electric trailer brakes.

[Ivylog]

A F250 with the camper package will have the F350 extra single helper spring plus rear sway bar, but the door post numbers will not change.

[md_procouple]

I concur with going for a F-350. As for the '06 model 6.0 L, I have not had a bit of problems with mine, have over 200,000 mi. still going strong. We are pulling a 38' Montana. Other than minor problems and routine maintenance, its a great truck.

[agesilaus]

Also there was a huge boost in capability for the Ford 2011.5 model diesels and newer. The Dodges came in a couple years later with their new models.

[Flintstones]

I have always towed with an F-350 SRW 4x4 CC. The one ton F-350 gives you more options with regards to pin weight. I'm no expert on this, but I have never had any problems towing large big rig fifth wheels. Diesel is the way to go IMO.

[MFL]

lucasland wrote:
Check out this ad . What you think of this truck ? https://hartford.craigslist.org/ctd/6042554211.html

That appears to be a good truck for the money. However many of the 6.0 diesels were problematic, with costly repairs. Not all 6.0 owners had a bad experience, but certainly a buyer beware!!

A 350 is a better FW tow vehicle, depending on FW weight. While looking for used, don't pass on a nice 250. It is the same basic truck as 350 SRW, with a lower class GVWR. Often times a 250 will have the same tires/wheels as the 350 SRW, in some cases the same suspension. Unless you are planning on a FW that requires a DRW, a really nice used F250 is still an option, and easier to find in the used market. If a Ford diesel is what you are looking for, I'd start with a 2011...up.

Jerry

[lucasland]

I'm in New England . Wouldn't be surprised if most used trucks were used to plow snow

[rhagfo]

lucasland wrote:
Check out this ad . What you think of this truck ? https://hartford.craigslist.org/ctd/6042554211.html

Well if a diesel newbe as well, steer clear of the Ford 6.0 or 6.4 diesels, they have a less than reliable reputation. Good that it was a one ton. It was also a plow truck, not something I would choose.

[troubledwaters]

It all depends on what size fifth wheel. Take the pin weight of the fully load 5er (GVWR x 0.20) + the weight of the family and everything else you throw in the truck (firewood, tool box, dog, toys, etc.) and the total should be less then or equal to the "payload" of the truck (the number on the yellow sticker on the door).

It works exactly the same way for a TT, except with a TT it's tongue weight, and approx. tongue weight is determined by taking 12 percent (GVWR x 0.12) instead.

Length is really not an issue, except to say that longer is heavier.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

I concur to go 1 ton but to answer your question, you'll need to find a 5er that is less than 30' and approx. 10,000 lbs loaded. That means lighter models. 3/4 has way more options with bumper pull TT.

It's not tow rating, it's pin weight against your cargo capacity/RAWR.