Hey everyone, brand new here and eager to learn.
I am looking to buy a truck to facilitate a move. I live in The San Francisco Bay Area in Ca and am moving to Atlanta Ga. It’s a 2500 mi trip pretty much going on I40 eastbound all the way. It looks like the mountains I have to cross will be through Flagstaff, Az I don’t have much need for a truck, but would like to have one for the trips to home depot and like, Maybe 2x a week. I wasn’t planning on having much heavy usage except for the move. I want to haul a trailer with my things. I would like to haul at least a 12 ft trailer, longer if I can.
I rented a 2014 f-150 that had the double doors (suicide type) and really liked how quiet and comfortable it was. Alas my budget is going to be between 10 to 15K so I think an 04 to ’10 with almost 100k miles is what I am looking at.
I have no plans on off roading and will be pretty much driving locally in the Atlanta area.
As I am a complete newbie I could use help in picking out which truck to buy. All the options and terms, etc have me confused. Super crew cab, tow package, and a host of others.
At what point for towing should I be looking for a f250 over a f150 as far as trailer size? I will be buying a trailer so I am open to size.
What cab size-I’d like to be able to seat 4
what bed size?
what engine option?
Brake controller?
Hitch size-is there a choice?
Any cutoff years where the trucks made big improvements?
Any suggestions on what to look for? Avoid?
I have been browsing through some posts here and everyone seems super helpful.
Thanks for help as I am a total newby to full sized trucks!

 

Welcome.

And an early welcome to the southeast.

I would say an F150 would be what you want and most practical for you. You rented a supercab, the last time.

I personally like the crew cab as you have more room in the back seat, and can comfortably seat 4 adults. I would say get the V8, you will enjoy the power and it can handle most things it sounds like you would tow. A F150 will tow your trailer, and a ski boat or other toys in the future. If you thought you wanted a large trailer or camper, or big boat then I would say go with a Super Duty.

But living in the south and going to Atlanta, you would rather have the size and ride comfort of a F150. Since you don't see a need for heavy towing. Parking a 150 is easier, and the ride is smoother.

4x4 is not a must, but it is nice to have if you have a boat, or in the winter when we sometimes get snow.

Bed size. It's easier to find a larger bed on a 250. Odds are most of the crew cab 150s will have a 5 foot bed. 6 3/4 is more practical in my opinion.

Pretty much all of these came with trailer hitches, so that won't matter. And trailer brake control, is nice but only matters if you buy a trailer with them.

 

Crew cab F150 with the max tow and trailer mirrors and trailer brake controller.


Or a F250 gas motor with the mirrors and TBC.


Either are a fine choice.


If you think you are going to have more than 10K of trailer (cargo and trailer) behind you then a F250 would be best.


If you are looking at pre 2010 then a V10 F250 is best. The 5.4 ltr V8 is a good motor but won't come with the rating you are after.

 

Hey guys, really appreciate the help. Still trying to learn all the options and combos.

 

Definitely think you're better served with an F150. They are substantially cheaper to purchase, operate, and repair. They also ride better and are easier to live with as a daily driver.

You can find the tow ratings of ever Ford made since '99 on THIS SITE.

 

I would try to find an F150 for sure...and maybe 2011 or 2012...probably not much more in cost...look for a private sale and use CarFax to check it out...check craigs list...or a local shoppers paper...

ditto on mirrors and trailer brake controller...