I sure hope I did the right thing! (Update)

[Greene728]

Well, over the weekend the DW and I pulled the trigger on a (new to us) 2012 Ford Certified F-250 CC 4x4 with the 6.2 gas. Traded in my 05 model with the 6.0 PSD. The reasons were just to obvious to ignore any longer. The 6.0 was about to need quite a bit of work including injectors, egr, and possibly a FICM. I had the truck for 6yrs and only had 2 or 3 fairly minor issues up till recently when it hit 93xxx miles. We only pull our rig seasonal about 10-12 times a year with most trips (8-9) being local to the lake with the rest being less than 4-500 RT. Other than that its my DD to work and general running around. I did tons of research beforehand and narrowed it down to Ford and Dodge. I just favored the Ford due to brand loyalty to be honest. However, the Dodge was very tempting and a really nice truck. We found this one and got a great deal on both price and trade in. I'm sure its gonna be an adjustment towing, but I think overall for my uses its gonna be a good decision. I just couldn't justify the extra up front cost and maintenance, let alone price per gallon difference for less than 2500 mi or so a year towing. Thanks to many of you on here that helped with making my choice and didn't even realize you were doing it!
Fingers crossed!

2/4/15

I got my hitch install done end of last week and got to do a little 30 mile test pull on Monday. Wow is all I can say. So far this truck has exceeded my every expectation! It truly pulls and handles better than my 05 power stroke. Now it doesn't have that low end torque of course, but the overall experience is better. I also pulled my 24ft gooseneck with a buddy's tractor today too. Not real sure what the exact weight is, but its an older Massey Ferguson 135 (I think). 70's model diesel tractor and built heavy! I was able to lock out 6th gear and in tow/haul mode roll on like nobody's business! The transmission is the big difference I'm sure. And the info system is awesome too. After hooking up to my 5'er I was able to name it and keep a log of miles pulled, brake gain,etc. It even goes through an on screen safety checklist! Some of you already know and have this I'm sure. But it was the first time I'd seen or used it and thought it was awesome!!!
For my needs, driving style, towing requirements, and needs as a DD, I think Im gonna be very happy for quite awhile. Also, the elocker is great too. Pulling the gooseneck out of the barn on a slight grade with recent rains, I was spinning a bit. Locked the elocker and she never missed a beat. She just keeps on surprising me! Lol
Anybody looking at one of these trucks should seriously consider it. So far I am stuck with a huge grin on my face that is growing daily!

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Well lets see:

Going from one of the most unreliable to a very reliable engine. Check.

Going from 325 to almost 400 HP. Check.

Going from a 5 speed to a 6 speed? Check.

Staying with a Ford truck with great interior. Check.

Yep, I would say you did good. About the only time the old PS would out tow your new truck is if you were in Leadville Co. 🙂

Contrary to popular belief on this forum, torque is not power and your new truck has almost 75 more HP than your old one.

Enjoy, you have a great truck.

[Greene728]

rhagfo wrote:

dshelley wrote:
Agree with Snowman9000. You seem to have found a very fine truck. That 6.2 should be able to handle the Crossroads Cruiser just fine, and when not pulling it will be an absolute pleasure to drive. I went from diesel to gas, after trading the fifth wheel for a lighter travel trailer, and do not miss the diesel at all. All the best and may you and your family enjoy many many miles of great times with that rig.

You should be fine, no it will not be the 6.0, but your 5er while having a near 12,000# GVWR, has a 7,808# dry weight so likely tows at about close to 9,000#.
The only question I would have is what is your gear ratio?

Technical Specifications:
Length 30'- 11"
Dry Weight 7,808
Payload Capacity 3,834#
GVWR 11,642#
Hitch Weight 1,482#

Yep, those specs are spot on on my rig!
I figure fully loaded down for a week with all 4 of our stuff she is somewhere around 9500#'s give or take a couple hundred.
Unfortunately the new TV has the 3.73's. I know the 4.30's would have been a better otion for towing, and I would have loved to have gotten them. But #1 I got a very good/fair deal on this one. And being Ford Certified and only 26,500 miles on it, I was afraid to pass it up. #2 that rear end is very difficult to find around here, even new ones. And I believe I will like the 3.73 better for my normal driving, which is what 90% of the vehicles life will be. Atleast this is what I hope. I think with the transmission the rig has in it that I will be fine. Manual mode, lock out higher gears when needed, tow haul, etc I should be fine. So far I really like it. eTrailer has already shipped some of my goodies for it. Including the new hitch rails, bed 7 pin plug, floor mats, window visors, and if all goes as planned I should get to do a test pull in a couple weeks.I will update you guys when I do. Again, fingers crossed! lol

[rhagfo]

dshelley wrote:
Agree with Snowman9000. You seem to have found a very fine truck. That 6.2 should be able to handle the Crossroads Cruiser just fine, and when not pulling it will be an absolute pleasure to drive. I went from diesel to gas, after trading the fifth wheel for a lighter travel trailer, and do not miss the diesel at all. All the best and may you and your family enjoy many many miles of great times with that rig.

You should be fine, no it will not be the 6.0, but your 5er while having a near 12,000# GVWR, has a 7,808# dry weight so likely tows at about close to 9,000#.
The only question I would have is what is your gear ratio?

Technical Specifications:
Length 30'- 11"
Dry Weight 7,808
Payload Capacity 3,834#
GVWR 11,642#
Hitch Weight 1,482#

[dshelley]

Agree with Snowman9000. You seem to have found a very fine truck. That 6.2 should be able to handle the Crossroads Cruiser just fine, and when not pulling it will be an absolute pleasure to drive. I went from diesel to gas, after trading the fifth wheel for a lighter travel trailer, and do not miss the diesel at all. All the best and may you and your family enjoy many many miles of great times with that rig.

[Snowman9000]

I think you made a good choice. If you were towing on long trips it might be different.