F150 ECO vs F250 for lighter 5th wheel

[riven1950]

My GF and I are thinking about getting a larger RV. Just two of us 90% of the time. WE have thought about a small Class A and smaller 5th wheel. Really don't want another engine, drivetrain plus toad to deal with so we are leaning toward a 5th wheel. Favoring the Grand Design ( 8496 UVW / 10195 GVW ) but that may change.

This means getting rid of our current F150 ECO, which we love, as the payload is only around 1500lbs. Can't find a ECO with HD payload and HD towing. So here are the questions:

We can order a 2019 max tow / max payload F150 XLT with what we want for about 52,000 before discounts.

We can find a F250 2018 or maybe even a 2019 6.2 gasser for about the same money.

Not really wanting a diesel. 5th wheel will be 10500 - 11000 lbs max. We have not decided on one yet.

Towing max for the ECO would be 11,400, payload 2400-2600 depending on where you look. Towing max for the F250 is 12,500, payload about the same best I can determine.

We like the way the ECO has a lot of torque at low rpms and will climb a hill without screaming high rpms. Not sure how the 6.2 would compare.

Looking for opinions. What advantages / disadvantages would both have? How would either one handle a 10500- 11000 lbs gross 5th wheel? Actual weight would likely be around 10,000 max loaded since we only carry about 1000lbs of stuff with us.

[EgorKC]

Padlin wrote:
Having an F150 EB with max payload and tow, for the weight you are looking at I'd go for the F250. Too much weight as far as I'm concerned unless your only traveling in Kansas.

A bit misleading there since crosswinds in Kansas can be very strong especially west of Topeka. Have trekked across from Eastern Kansas over 15 times. Get the F250.

Greg

[lovetotow]

Just thought i would share, just bought 2018 f250 6.2 gasser in spring, (not sold on using an eco for a 10,000# trailer), i think we made a wise decision. We have power to pass when needed and due to a stupid error on my part ( forgot to hook up wiring) drove for 2hours without trailer brakes, at this point we love our truck

[KD4UPL]

The 250 will have: stronger rear axle, stronger front axle, stronger springs, bigger brakes, larger drive shaft U joints, etc. It's just "more truck". If an F150 and an F250 with similar ratings are the same price I'd buy the F250 all day long.

[2112]

The F250 advantage is the rear axle. My non HD F150 carries, tows and stops my FW great UNTIL the gray and black tanks are full. I exceed the RAWR with full tanks and I can tell I'm doing it. Both trailer waste tanks are forward of the axles. Other than that, I love my setup. I just need to use full hook-ups to not overload my rear axle.

[easycamper]

Okay that’s the Reflection 150 295RL.

My fifth wheel is 8200 pounds loaded. As much as I’m normally a proponent of fifth wheels for half tons, in this case I think the F-250 might be a better fit for you.

Real-world pin weight on that trailer when loaded will probably be 2000 pounds or more. A hitch including mounting rails is 150-200 pounds (the Andersen system is lighter).

[bid_time]

If your going to stay within the ratings of the F150 ecoboost you're fine. Advantages are that 3.5 eco and the 10 speed transmission, an awesome combination, especially if its going to used as a daily driver also.

[Lwiddis]

F150 (and any other pickup) won’t make you happy at or near max.

[Optimistic_Para]

With 5th wheel trailers, about 25% of the trailer's weight is carried by the 5th wheel hitch mounted directly over your rear axle.

So, 25% of 11,000 lbs is 2750 lbs. What is the Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle of the F150 you are interested in?

And remember, that 2750 lbs is on top of the weight the axle is already carrying, it's share of the truck body, the passengers, the 1,000 lbs of luggage you mentioned.

Plus, towing 100% of the maximum weight you can tow is never a good idea, it tends to shorten the life of your tow vehicle. Rule of thumb is to tow 80% of your max weight, at least if you tow a lot.

Using the F150 falls into the "Man, I wouldn't do that if I was you!' category. Too much trailer, not enough truck.

The F250 would be fine.

[Padlin]

Having an F150 EB with max payload and tow, for the weight you are looking at I'd go for the F250. Too much weight as far as I'm concerned unless your only traveling in Kansas.

[ecampbell]

And then the wind blows and your 150 is in the ditch because you can't stop.

On a serious note, just because your manual says you can tow (1500), dose not mean you should. Get the 2500 or even a single axle 3500 and you will be glad you did.