Hi all - new poster here. I am going to buy a F250 Diesel to support my towing needs. We have a boat that, with trailer is about 7,000 pounds and a new travel trailer, that loaded, will be about 9,000 pounds.

I'll probably be towing a 3-4 times a month, mostly short trips ranging from 10 miles to 200 miles. We live in Texas so it's hot, but not hilly/mountainous. Outside of towing, I drive pretty low mileage as I work out of my home. Probably 10,000 miles per year or maybe even less.

I had been planning on buying a new F250. Of course that got me tied up in the 2016 or wait until 2017 decision. I've been reading the forum threads on that topic. I like the exterior look of the 2016 but would love to have the new features on the 2017. But I need a truck now and can't wait until 2017 models come out.

I realized another option would be to buy a used F250, keep it for a few years, and then buy a new truck, perhaps a 2018, to let the first year kinks get worked out.

With other cars, I've bought recent year models with relatively low mileage and it works out pretty well from a value perspective. So...I need help understanding differences in recent model years. Let's say I was going to buy a used F250, model years 2012 to 2015. What are the major differences in models over that time - performance, features, and quality?

Also, I know diesels have long engine life, but am thinking for these years, I'd want something with 50,000 miles or less. Too low? Too high?

 

2015 or newer. The 2015 and up have the increased HP and torque along with the engine brake to help towing a load.

 

Any of them will suit your needs well. I have a boat that on trailer is comparable to yours weight wise and my truck is overkill. Initially I planned on a TT but bought a boat instead and wasn't trading down for a smaller truck. If I were in the market I'd make due with what you got and wait for the '17. It's only a few months out now and probably worth the wait for the added bells and whistles.

If I were to buy used in the 6.7 modes I'd definitely look for a 15+ as pointed out, but chances are you're gonna be close to 40k and again might be worth waiting.

The real question is do you really need the added cost of a diesel at the limited amount of driving you're going to do with it? Longevity with the 6.7 hasn't really been determined yet as they're still a fairly new engine. Add to that the smog equipment that only has a shelf life of 150k before major maintenance or replacement of parts likely will need to happen. Granted at 10k a year you'll probably have a long time before you need to worry about that. With your max load of 9k I'd be looking hard at a gasser f150 for the economics of it but then again those aren't cheap either. Tough one to decide on. Sorry for rambling.

 

If you are only towing that much and only driving very little miles why don't you save a lot of money and buy a 6.2L gasser? Diesels are meant to be driven and at least to me if you don't drive 30k miles or more a year it's actually hurting the Diesel engine. But that's my opinion but either way you'll have a hell of a truck.

 

Appreciate the comments so far. A little more info...I currently have a 2008 Tundra with the 5.7L engine. Based on specs, it's got the towing capacity for what I need. However, the reasons I'm looking to upgrade are:
1. Want 4WD
2. Am worried about tongue weight/payload more than towing capacity
3. With adding the travel trailer, would need to do some mods - trailer brake controller, towing mirror, etc.
4. It's a base model and would like some newer features - navigation, back up camera, integrated phone, etc.

I probably could get away with the gas engine. My thinking on diesel was that yes, it's more expensive, but would hold value better. Plus better mileage when towing. Also, at some point I could see us changing the travel trailer out for a 5th wheel or heavier trailer, so I was looking to make sure I had enough truck for future toys.

 

on average how often do you drive short distance, say less than 20 miles before shutting down? Diesels(especially the newer ones)need to be run long enough to get them hot and lots of short distance trips will cause problems in the long run.

A diesel will get better mileage when towing but the initial cost of the diesel will offset some of the savings compared to the gas motor. Another thing is the maintenance is more on a diesel.


Since your looking to get a truck to tide you by for a couple of years why not just buy a gas super duty and see how it treats you? No point in paying the premium for a diesel if you're not going to keep it long enough to get some return back. Just try to find a 6.2 with the 4.30 gears, they will work better for the weight you'll be towing.