For those on the 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton bubble...

dugwms wrote:
After upgrading from a half ton at the beginning of summer, we just got back from our first long trip involving steep hills with our new 3/4 ton. Just wanted to pass on our experiences. If you're trying to make a decision, go with the 3/4 ton. The experience is so much better. I know there will be those that say it can be done with a half ton and, yes, it can but the experience is much less stressful when you're not always concerned with the tow vehicle. Towing with the half ton was fine for short distances that didn't tax the vehicle but for trips of hundreds of miles up and down steep grades, a tow vehicle that is not maxed out, or close to it, is a wonderful feeling. Hill start assist? Wonderful thing. Saw other trucks stopping in traffic on steep hills try to get started and rolling backwards several feet or gassing it and spinning the tires on wet pavement. Grade braking? Awesome. Speed never increased more than 3 miles and hour regardless how steep the descent and I never touched the breaks. Always in control, never felt like the trailer was pushing the truck. I realize it is very dependent on circumstances but having a better tow vehicle makes traveling a much better experience.

Could not agree more!

We sold our 2011 F150 with max tow package and got a 2018 F150 long bed (164" WB) and the HDPP package.

It is a night and day difference.

We now have over 13,000 miles on it since July. Best truck we've ever owned. (we've had other F150's, a Dodge 2500 Diesel, a F250 Diesel, a few Toyota's, a Nissan, oh, and one Chevy 1500)

Approximately 7,000 of those miles have been towing our trailer. Most relaxed towing I've ever done. Our trailer, loaded, is only 6000 lbs. We have another 800 lbs in the truck (beside the tongue weight).

So we are no where near the payload max of 2600 lbs, nor anywhere near the towing max of 11,800 lbs.

The longer wheelbase & LT tires provide nice stability, even in 30 mph crosswinds.

Daily driving ranges between 20-22 MPG on regular.

Towing ranges between 10-12 MPG on regular.

At some point we may get a larger trailer, at that time we'll see how she does with a 9000 lbs loaded trailer.