Hi folks,

I'm been lurking here awhile reading related threads and contemplating purchase of a new SD of my own. I'm not new to Ford products, with my first car ever being a 1954 Ranch Wagon (1st yr overhead valve V8) in 1964, several subsequent 1960s sedans and converts plus multiple Mustangs in the family from new in 1965. Oh and there was that primo 1990 Big Bronco 5.4 bought from a buddy too...

In any case, my daily driver for 8+ yrs has been a factory ordered 2006 Nissan Frontier Nismo 4wd King Cab equipped with rare 6-speed manual gearbox (generally available only on special order). My use includes towing a small travel trailer that weighs prox 3300 lbs wet. Although the Frontier 4wd is tow rated 6300 lbs, I've found myself wishing for more engine torque and fuel capacity/range out on highway travels. My other driver is a trail-prepped Jeep Wrangler TJ owned 14.5 yrs since new (DirtDawg is CB handle which sorta stuck as forum username).

So then, I've been thinking about new Ford trucks for some time. Truthfully, F150 platform would work just fine for my current needs but not so much if or when I buy a larger RV. I'm old school (make that just old) therefore forced induction 3.5 EcoBoost just doesn't get my juices flowing in spite of glowing reports and online comparo tests opposite bigger engines. That motor is expensive too and seems not to get all that much greater real world mpg. Ford's 5.0 might have done to job well but then I thought, why not Go Big or Go Home? The deep rumble of 6.2 spoke to me. My criteria was; plenty of towing grunt, long term reliability, larger capacity fuel tank/range, ability to fit into my garage plus fit within modest budget too. Dimension comparos of F150 vs F250 Supercab models with 6.5' and 6.75' beds respectively are remarkable similar in overall length. F250 SD Supercab 142" is 27" longer overall than my Frontier and will fit in my garage. I could special order a F150 with 6.2 but total cost equals that of F250 too, yet without more robust frame and drivetrain. Factory incentives on remaining 2014 dealer inventory vs not much currently offered on 2015 units made my decision simple.

With all that in mind and using Ford's online vehicle locator, I found a new 2014 F250 6.2 4wd in XLT trim prox 130 miles from here not highly optioned other than the Interior Package and Elocker. Quite the odd dealer order, since most seem to be base model XL work trucks with 8' beds -or- fully loaded Crew Cabs usually with PS diesel motor and high-zoot trim levels. The latter would be a budget buster for me while not fitting in my garage. Most other desired bolt-on options can be had from Ford online discount dealers (fog lamps, wheel well liners, splash guards, beefy nerf/rock bars etc). Looks like that truck is coming home to live in the Mtns of Arizona!

A question now though relates to standard OEM tires of the LT245/75R17 All Season variety. I'm thinking of changing those right away to All Terrain type - possibly +1 sizing (32.8" vs 31.6" OD). I've had great success with BFG ATs, now into my 2nd set recently on my Frontier 'cus they do wear like iron. I'll do more thread searching on this topic but wonder what I need to do to compensate for lower effective numeric gear ratio running taller than OEM tire. Is it a speedo gear swap as I've done on my jeep? Some here might say that taller tires in combo w/ 3.73 final gearing will reduce towing capability but that really isn't an issue in my situation since F250 is overkill. As said, its Go Big or Go Home. Constructive comments are welcomed from this .

TIA,
Jeff

 

DirtDawg in AZ, welcome to FTE and the Super Duty Forum.

I have had great service with the BFG T/A KO. My stock tire was 265/70R17E. I went up to a 285/70R17E, which is about an inch taller. Keep in mind that when you do this, you WILL see a decrease in fuel mileage.

Speedometer is now electronics all the way, so if you need to change it you do it through a programmer.