I know the new F150 has only been out a month or so but I am looking for opinions from those that are towing heavy trailers that sit high in the air.

I used to have an '04 Supercrew (5.5' bed) F150 with the 5.4 and tow package (3.73 gears). I got rid of it due to the towing performance with my 8-9k travel trailer. OD was basically useless and the truck spent a lot of time in 2nd. Wind gusts or trucks passing on the highway would cause some sway and the 5.4 would struggle to straighten things out. To sum it up the overall package was a little unnerving to drive on the interstate.

I'm driving a Dodge 3/4 ton with diesel (18 mpg empty) right now but would prefer the better ride of a 1/2 ton and the better fuel mileage empty where I spend 95% of my miles plus cheaper gas. In a few months I will also need a bigger crew cab than my Dodge quad cab has now.

I know my trailer was really at the limits of the 9k listed towing limits on the '04 but with the new trucks having a tow rating around 11k (same as the 5.4L F250 I think?) I just wondered if the stability and power were better with the integrated sway control and the 6 spd tranny. If I got an '09 I would opt for the 6.5' bed which should help with stability. I'm just not sure it would help enough. I'm also considering an F250/350 but it seems like they are getting quite a bit worse fuel mileage running empty with the 5.4L vs the F150.

 

Buy a used Mega Cab Diesel......

 

Yeah thought about that but really like the Ford interiors better and there is no advantage to the diesel unless the diesel prices get back more in line with gasoline. I am not sure Dodge branded trucks will be around much longer either.

 

Huh? You are going to get the best of both worlds with the mega cab.
More room and better mileage towing than any 1/2 ton.

 

But as he pointed out...most of the time isn't towing...and he wants a better ride....plus...the fords do have much nicer interiors.....with the integrated tow control stuff...I'd think you'd be fine with a properly equiped F150

 

Intergrated town stuff? Well in that case choose the 09 F150....

A chipped Mega cab will get you better mileage than any 1/2 ton with the power to boot. As for better ride, take a ride in both ( 09 F150 and a longer wheelbase Megacab and you be the judge, to each their own). The only downfall with the Megacab is trying to stuff it in a parking stall.

As for interior, personal preference.

 

I doubt you'll find many people who think solid axled trucks ride better than ifs.....or that any dodge (short of the new 09's) ride better than a ford.....I love solid axled trucks as much as the next guy.....but they're not good for ride

 

Isn't that the biggest beef about the Chevy? I hear Ford guys harping on the IFS for the 3/4 ton Chevy's. I've had travelled in a Megacab Dodge with the diesel and I will venture to say that it's quite commendable in the ride quality compared to any 1/2 ton I've been in.

But like I said, HE would have to take a ride in both...

 

Sounds like you need a half ton with more power than a '04-08 F150 and possibly even the' 09.

Maybe wait a bit and see hwat people have to say. Otherwise, I'd say a V10 Super Duty may be your best bet. It's gas and it gets ****ty gas mileage (like what, 10 in the city?) but if you're not willing to pay almost double for Diesel, it may be the way to go.

I'll admit my Tundra has an impressive powerplant and a lot of people say it's good for towing about 10K lbs, even more most of the time and they say it has plenty of power left. However, Ford seems to have the stability game down PAT with their trucks - even if they lack power.

My point is, you may have to sacrifice and it seems as if the '09 F150 will be your best bet - maybe even a V10 Super Duty for the more power but the ride will suffer (although when I test drove one a week ago it wasn't much stiffer than my Tundra).

-rockstate

 

What's the Dodge being touted on a Ford site?

I would say the new F150 would suit your purpose fine. Your still not at the tow rating and the new ones have the anti sway control built in.

 

I've driven the newer Megacabs quite a bit at work and they do ride better than the quadcab short bed that I have now but it is still diesel and again the interior is just ok. I guess I really don't like the interior to be honest. The newer ('09 1/2 ton and I'm sure coming soon to the 3/4 ton) Dodge interior is a lot better, but the Ford has a lot bigger windows and just feels more open inside.

I guess what I'm saying is I really do not want another Dodge, GM, or Toyota.

 

GMC Sierra 2500HD is the pick of the 3/4 ton litter and I'd be careful getting another 1/2t as it may not be enough truck. However, if you want a Ford I'd go for an F350 SRW SB CC with the V10.

 

If you buy the F150 you'll be making the same mistake twice. It has very little power increase over the '04, and that is the crying shame. IBC and stability control are nice, but don't make up for the lack of power.

I was dissatisfied with an '04 towing <6k#. I cannot even imagine trying to pull 8k#. You need an F250.

 

Agreed 100% and if you ever have plans to upgrade your TT while owning a 1/2 ton truck, you'd have to make the jump to 3/4 or one ton.

Tim

 

Wow finally some reasonable people who realize that loads over 7k should be towed with 3/4 - 1 ton trucks.