I'm trying to make a decision here and would really like the input of some people who have "been there and done that."

I am looking to retire my '87 F-150 4X4 this year with something a bit less parts dependent and with more hauling power. The F-150 has been great, but I think it's time has almost come (once I pay for the $450 in transmission work I just had done).

Anyways, here's my questions. I am pretty confident I want to get a crew cab, whether or not I get the 150 or 250. I often haul a family of 4 around, and want it to have plenty of room for that, as well as room for trips, dogs, etc. in the back-seat.

First real question, then, is the 150 or 250? What is the difference in hauling capacities for these two trucks, and when does the 150 become too overloaded? I plan to haul a 10-14,000 trailer full of gravel, dirt, or mulch several times throughout the year. I also am hoping to get a mid-sized tractor for work around the home, as well as a small landscaping business on the side that I have. I want a truck that's not going to be the limiting factor on what I can or can't do. I'm also looking for something that can easily haul around a 2-horse trailer. Personally, I'd really like to put a goosneck hitch on it; would this really matter for the type of things I listed here, though?

Secondly, assuming I go with the 250, I'm looking for something long-term. I've become very happy with my 16 year old Ford, and am looking for something that'll easily outlast a 5 year loan; probably 10-15 years (even it by that time it's just a "work truck"). Would the diesel be worth the investment if I plan to keep the truck this long? I will also be using the truck several times a week for my 70 mile round trip commute to my regular job, so MPG (without a trailer) is an issue.

The truck will primarily be used for personal use, so I get a little nervous when looking at something so "big." But ever since I moved from the city to the countryside a few years ago, there's a lot more to be done, and it's a lot more fun, too!

Thanks for any advice!


Chet

 

First real question, then, is the 150 or 250? What is the difference in hauling capacities for these two trucks, and when does the 150 become too overloaded? I plan to haul a 10-14,000 trailer full of gravel, dirt, or mulch several times throughout the year. I also am hoping to get a mid-sized tractor for work around the home, as well as a small landscaping business on the side that I have. I want a truck that's not going to be the limiting factor on what I can or can't do. I'm also looking for something that can easily haul around a 2-horse trailer. Personally, I'd really like to put a goosneck hitch on it; would this really matter for the type of things I listed here, though?



Chet [/B][/QUOTE]

First, there is NO WAY that an F150 will pull a 10-14000 lb trailer. Secondly, I don't see how you'll get a gooseneck to fit in the 5' box of the F150 SuperCrew. Seems to me your only choice is a 250/ 350, but let's see what some other members have to say about this.

 

I would go with an F350 single rear wheel if you're going to be hauling as much as you say. The Crew Cab really uses up a lot of the GVWR of the F250 with the added weight, so the F350 will give you a GVWR of 9900 instead of 8800 in the F250. The cost difference between the 2 trucks is only a matter of a few hundred dollars. Definately not the F150 for what you're going to be doing. If you're going to keep the truck as long as you say, get the diesel.

 

Chet,

I have a 1997 F250 4x4 w/PSD and there are a few things I wish I had known.
1) Stay away from the automatic hubs on the super duty. Mine left me stranded 9 miles from no where.
2) My struck is bad about eating ball joints. The 97 and older super duty had IFS. I would rather sacrifice ride quality than pay 400- 500 in replacements every 30-40k.
3) Definitely get positrack rearend. Mine is a floater and with the weight of the diesel on the nose you have to be in 4x4 on level wet grass. PS These trucks weigh appx 3 1/2 tons empty.
4) I would get 3.55 gears if i had it to do over too. I have 4.10
gears and it has great takeoff but at 70mph your taching 2300.
This will impact the fuel economy. I get 15-17 unloaded around town and really no better on highway due to the gears.
5) Mine is an automatic w/OD but the 6 speed and 3.55 gears will yeild appx 21 mpg. You will loose though on GVW with the stick.

My stroker has had the following repairs in 5 1/2 years.105k miles.
Ball joints 3 times. 22k, 60k, 102k
Vacuum pump replaced under waranty-no breaks when it goes out.
Fuel line O Ring burst.
Automatic hubs failed.

Keep in mind I rarely haul anything over 5k, and rarely go off road.

 

I will second the F350. With 14,000 lbs, get the biggest truck you can. I was looking at F150 vs F250 when I was buying. I liked the SuperDuty better and the price was about the same.

Go to the Ford MFG site and look for the tow ratings. This will help you decide on the right engine and rear end ratios for your task. You can build and price and compare the F150, F250 and F350. Start your homework there if you haven't already.

 

I currently own 3 Ford trucks. Two F-150's and one F-250. From your question above you definitely need a F-250. I tow the following 26 ft TT, and a 20 ft equipment trailer loaded with a 5000 lb tractor. The F-250 handles these with ease, the F-150's will really struggle. In fact neither F-150 has towed anything for over a year. My F-250 has a gross weight rating of 8800 lbs where the 1999 F-150 has a rating of 6600 lbs, over a ton in the difference weight ratings. As mentioned above I would actually go with a F-350 and get another 1000 lbs over the F-250. The price difference between F-250 and F-350 is less than $900.00, if I remember correctly. Gas vs. Diesel well that debate could take up pages. In my opinion if you will be towing more than once a week go with the diesel. If you do a lot of running around town, stop and go, get the gas engine.

If I bought a new truck today it would be a F-350 V-10 Auto XLT Ext. Cab Long Bed 4x4 4:30 gears.

GAV10 Mark