I'm lost.

I've had my '05 F250 for just over a year now and built the way I like it with accessories. It's developed one of the 5.4 "ticks" that I can't deal with anymore. It's driving me mad. The dealer says it's "normal". Plus it's just plain slow and I'm a hotrod guy. The ride is rough and the roads around here look they were used as a bombing range.

I recently sold my boat and I have nothing to tow. My driving consists of taking my kids to/from daycare and a 12 miles drive in traffic to work. I do like the utility of a pick up for hauling motorcycles, garden tractors, runs to the landfill, etc. And I need a crew cab for the kids.

I LOVE having a heavy duty. Not that I need it right now, but I'd rather not be limited in the future if I want a boat or RV down the road. I don't know if I could handle driving a "normal" 1/2 ton. But right now I definitely don't need it. BUT... if I were to get a boat down the road, I'd never be able to buy a boat AND a bigger truck at the same time.

My brain is swirling with possibilities, but I feel like I should keep the cost under $40k...

My thoughts:

Trade for a '15 F250 6.2- they have a few XLT's listed for $38k.

Trade for a '11-13 F250 6.7 so I can have a hot rod diesel again.

I'd LOVE a raptor, but they are priced more than new right now.

Face reality and get a F150 (3.5 ecoboost?). Maybe a small lift and 35's?

I think I'd love a Jeep Rubicon 4 door, but they're expensive, small, and I would need a trailer for my utility work. But fun to modify.

Anyone been in my position? I could use some advice. My wife is so mad at me for changing vehicles every 1-2 years.

 

going from an f-250 to a f-150 is survivable...since yo do not need to tow

but also...going to an expedition or a navigator (same plate form as an f-150) will work....with seats down 4X8 sheets of construction supplies fit and certainly do large washers, dryers, water heaters, refrigerators, etc.

if you need smaller...explorer, jeep, etc

I personally traveled the other direction...went from min van to van, to expedition, to navigator, to f-250 to f-350 dually where I am at now.

I do spend a few hours a week looking for f-650's on clist and think will be driving one home soon.

 

SUV is out- motorcycles and tractors won't fit in the back.

I can't seem to stop building 2015 F250 XLT 6.2's. I can get what I currently have, but all new for MSRP $46k which means I should be able to buy one for $36-37k. Why F150's all cost in the $40's, I have no idea....

 

well, sounds like your back in the truck market or use an SUV with a trailer.

 

I drive a 2015 6.2 XLT CCLB with the 3.xx gears. My truck was quite a bit under $40k. I'm 6'3" and my Dad who is also 6'3" sat behind me with plenty of room. I'm headed 4h away tomorrow for an off-roading/camping trip and have the entire rear cab of the truck stuff with gear. My wife is also short enough that she can sleep on the rear seat for our longer trips. The long bed has been awesome for times like when I had to haul off 17 tires out of my yard. The wife and I are also looking for either a cap so we can sleep in the back, or if we found one cheap enough, a truck camper. So I totally understand the idea behind having a truck for when the times comes, its not holding you back from a purchase of a boat or camper. In essence, I bought the F250 over the F150 for the same reason I carry a firearm.

As for the truck itself, its great. It does ride like a truck though. I'd imagine an IFS truck would be way more comfortable. The 6.2, isn't gas efficient to say the least. I bought the truck in September and it has 5000 miles on it. I spend ~$50 a week on fuel; give or take $10. As for the power, you won't really find it anywhere under 4k RPM. It doesn't have that "kick" when you lean into it like the 6.7 does. Perhaps with 4.30s its a different story. It shifts smooth as silk though. Right now I've hauled around what's left of my suzuki samurai on Toy's and 35s at roughly 5000#. If you want to maintain the speed limit up a hill, expect rev's into the 5000s. I'm fine with going slower; people can pass me if they don't like it.

Overall, great truck. I intend to own it beyond the point of when I'm screwing in sheet metal and using door trimming on the wheel wells to pass inspection. I did have the truck undercoated a week after buying it as well. However, if you're a "hot rod guy", this truck isn't really all about the take off. Sure it can haul a lot, but if you're looking for something to kick you back in the seat, the 6.2 isn't really a contender.

That 6.7 though...holy shit.

 

If money is tight consider getting an XL truck with power equipment package. That package includes the power windows, etc, and also ensures that you get the XLT BCM so any other options are plug and play with a dealer flash down the road.
That's what I did and can take my time adding only the options I want.
No matter the trim level, they are trucks and will ride like it.
My recommendation from what you've shared is to keep the truck you have and pick up a commuter car/station wagon to give you a break from the truck as a daily driver.

 

solely based on your remarks I'd say find a deal on a '14 ecoboost. .....let's observe. ....hotrod, sedan like comfort, exceptional towing ability ( really..how big would this boat be )......I love me some Superdutys but the want vs the need for me leads to an F150