Ford F-250 tow

[Zigpep]

Hello,
we have a fifth wheel with max weight of 14,300. We are no where near that but want to have a truck that tows over the 14,300. Fifth wheel is a 31.5 Nuwa. We have been searching for a truck for a while. Started out thinking we needed a 3500 duality but have seen so many Ford F-250 towing heavy fifth wheels we did a little more research and talked to a few people in campgrounds too.
From what we can see we should be good with a 2008 or newer Ford F-250 diesel super duty Single wheel (dually not necessary), with the tow package option ( from what I can tell it is standard on the 250).
My question is what are we missing? I’m sure there is something. I’ve checked the ford fleet tow ratings and we seem to be good. They have separate rating for conventional towing and fifth wheel towing on their websites. I really like the way they list the tow ratings, has been very difficult to find with dodge and Chevy. Initially our last choice was the ford. We know we don’t want anything older than the 2008 due to the issues with the 6.0 liter.
This option also puts us at our price point of about 25,000. Any one know of anything we have not considered re tow capabilities and also any glaring issues or problems with the 2008 to 2011 ford 250 diesel super duty?
Thanks zigpep

[lenr]

Well I think we found the Ford haters! The 6.7 is actually a pretty good engine with little statistical trouble. Hard to find posts about "no trouble" because those folks don't post. So, here is one: 2012 F-350 CCSB SRW 6.7 with no trouble other than the waste gate vacuum noise fixed under warranty even though it was not an operational issue. In Ford land as stated, little difference between 250 and 350 other than aux spring, spacer, VIN ratings, and the 350 emblem. A SRW truck will haul the trailer the OP talks about, but dually guys will jump on soon talking about stability which a dually will certainly add. Suggest 2012 Ford or later because of some transmission troubles with the 2011. Almost shocked that a bunch of folks haven't jumped on the infamous Ford high pressure fuel pump issues. Funny thing if you run water, ethanol, or gasoline through the high pressure pump it blows, and that's Ford's fault. OP should buy the truck he likes the best--if Ford was initially last, leave it last despite their good documentation.

[KD4UPL]

The 6.4L Ford diesel used from 2008 thru 2010 was not much better than the 6.0 in terms of reliability. It was much more expensive to fix. It is also known as being rather thirsty on fuel.
My boss bought one not long ago for about $10,000. It wasn't long until it wasn't running right. The least expensive repair quote was $8,000 for a new engine. The truck was not repaired, it was sold as is and they purchased something else.
I don't know the specific problems it had. I just heard our fleet manager venting about it. The boss likes cheap trucks. He's also purchased 2 Ford 6.0 trucks with disastrous results. We've spend more money repairing them then they cost to buy.

[slapshot12]

Go with a 350 SRW. I started with a 250 and just upgraded to a 350 last weekend so we can get a 5th wheel. Trailer weight alone, you'll be fine with a 250, but the pin weight will be your limiting factor. My '15 250 had a cargo capacity of 2204 lbs, my 350 has 3477. I have a list of 12 5th wheel toy haulers in the 36'-39' range and there were 2 that I would have considered towing with a 250, and both would have been overweight, even with the pin weight only being 2400-2600 lbs. With the 350, I can legally tow every one on the list. My short list ranges from 2600-3000 pin weight, most in the 2600-2900 lb range.

[DiskDoctr]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Well ya it's a broad claim. It's a broad problem! Here are just a few of the 6.7 problems. I won't even go into the 6.4 problems because there is not enough band width on this site.

Well, first let me say it's refreshing to get a response that isn't a smart-alek one, which seems to be the "theme" around here recently. Maybe it's an end of season thing? LOL.

Next, I'll rephrase my question. What are the UNSOLVABLE problems, as many different makes and models also have?

An example is the 6.0L: About $5k to properly bulletproof the head gaskets/ARP studs/EGR/Oil cooler/Coolant filter/etc. If you prepare and spend the $5k wisely, you will end up with an extremely powerful and reliable tow vehicle. VGT turbo needs maintenance and veins cleaned once in a while, etc.

Another example (out of your year range listed) is the 7.3L and transmission. Add a larger trans cooler, do injector orings, add fuel pressure gauge, EGT gauge, etc....

I think you get the point 😉

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

DiskDoctr wrote:

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Ya. Stay away from the 2003 to 2014 Ford diesel unless you want problems.

Explain that very broad claim.

Well ya it's a broad claim. It's a broad problem! Here are just a few of the 6.7 problems. I won't even go into the 6.4 problems because there is not enough band width on this site. :B

Turbo problems

More turbo problems

More turbo problems


Valve problems

More valve problems

Glow plug problems that will waste your engine


15 to 20K fuel pump problems


Cracked intake problems


There are many more. You want me to list more?

OP, you want a great engine and have to have a Ford? Get a V10 or a 6.2; they are both great engines. Even the 2015 have valve sticking problems.

[DiskDoctr]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Ya. Stay away from the 2003 to 2014 Ford diesel unless you want problems.

Explain that very broad claim.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Ya. Stay away from the 2003 to 2014 Ford diesel unless you want problems.

[sgip2000]

And stay away from the 2011-2012 6.7 unless you want to replace cracked heads.

[C_B_]

IMHO Step up to a F-350.

C.B.

[IdaD]

I wouldn't personally buy a 6.0 or 6.4 Powerstroke. The 6.7 has been better but that limits you to (I think) 2011 or newer.

As far as that era F250/350 goes, you aren't missing anything. They're either identical or identical aside from an overload spring and a different size axle block on the back. If the F250 you find is missing the overload spring, you can fix that by either adding one or installing bags/timbrens, and now you've got the same truck as an F350 (assuming tires are the same - check that too). Chassis, axle, brakes, etc. are all the same between the two. The difference in payload rating boils down to a heavy truck coupled with a class maximum GVWR on the 250, so it's an on-paper distinction. I'd tow that weight Fifth Wheel all day with a 250/2500 class truck as long as the tires were up to it.