I need a truck to tow my Jeep(s). Both weigh just shy of 5000 pounds. Once I started looking into towing two I have kinda backed off that idea. Extra cost in gov't regs & licensing seems too high on the occasion we want to bring both. Most the time we only bring one. So my questions are......

Known model years with problems
Specifically what are said problems
What years do you suggest
Options I definetly need

I have searched anything from $12K to $30k. I would rather not spend on things I don't need because most the time it will be sitting. It is a hauler only (unless I break my jeep one weekend then it needs to get me to work on Monday)

Start throwing opinions & thanks!!!!

 

First things first, Welcome to FTE!

Have you owned any pickups in the past? Do you have any preferences? The answer to your question will vary greatly. Gas or diesel? F150 or F250? If you're only going to tow one, an F150 can do it. And depending on the year, the newer F150's can tow both of them. They've really raised their towing capacity in recent years. Are you a guy that will do a lot of the maintenance yourself? If you can, try to give us some direction you want to go with this truck, so we can better equip you with some advice/opinions. Just remember, in the end, it's your decision.

 

If you do want to tow both I wouldn't suggest an f150, I haven't heard of one that can tow anywhere near 14k

 

Lots of sitting, hauler only, 5k pounds. IMO would be looking at a gas f250. Either a V10 or 6.2 depending on how much you want to spend.

Any year V10 will work. But if you want to spend a little more, go for the 05+ and get the 3-valve with the upgraded suspension. If you want to spend a little more than that, go for the 08+ and get the 08-10 body style. If you want to spend even more, go for a 11+ 6.2.

 

Maybe not 14,000lbs, but 13,000lbs. With the right options, they'll do it.

https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/...0_r2_oct23.pdf

 

The 05+ Gas F250/F350's have a better transmission and were available with a brake controller from the factory that is much better than the aftermarket units.

 

I went through a thought tree similar to this when the vehicle we race + spares changed from 3000#'s to 4500#'s so my enclosed trailer weight with everything went up to about 9000#'s. My old light duty 3/4 ton from the 1990's was marginal at that point with only a driver. If we wanted to carry most of the team...I was realistically never going to do it.

Same story with a modern F150/Silervado 1500/Ram 1500. Spec'ed out right all were fine for the trailer but make it 4 x 200# meat cargos in the truck plus required pork rinds and jerky...now we were approaching the tongue weight limitations of those trucks.

If it is gong to sit more than driven and your towing could approach anything over 9000# and under 14,000# a modern'ish, used 3/4 is your safest option. Since it looks like from your profile you are in the same rust belt corner of the world I am my suggestion would be a former fleet 3/4 from the South with maintenance records.

There is one dealer in Chicago that specializes in this but you obviously pay a premium for them to buy them and bring them up here so you have to decide if the convenience factor is worth it.

I agree that the V10/for 6.2 V8 with modern transmission and factory brake controller is the pick of the litter for a rarely used, mostly tow pig unit.

 

If your trailer payload is 10K you're going to have a pretty heavy trailer, so I think you'd quickly outclass the F150, impressive vehicle or not. I would think this is a case were the OP is better off settling for just moving one at a time, and then an F150 would be a great fit and less expensive over all (upfront cost, trailer cost, registration cost, fuel cost, etc). You can start with a RC 4x4 F150 for around $30k brand new. If you want more options, just move back in years. The 5.4 gas motors are solid, but they have some documented concerns, mostly begin cam phasers and spark plugs. Still much less expensive than running a diesel.

If you go SD, the 6.2 is a great motor. I would avoid diesels for your task.

 

A f250/350 6.2 with 4.30 gears would be perfect for your needs.

 

I am not even considering a 150. I have heard the 5.4 had cam issues starting at 100K. That is kinda what I am wondering. Are their years or models to a avoid from 2011 - 2015

 

What is the dealer name/ location?

 

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty For Sale in Joliet, IL - CarGurus


2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty For Sale in Joliet, IL - CarGurus


2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty For Sale in Joliet, IL - CarGurus


2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty For Sale in Joliet, IL - CarGurus

Some that I been eyeing

 

2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty For Sale in Joliet, IL - CarGurus

 

At 10k of just cargo, you're looking at 3500 pounds of pin weight if you get a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer (figuring at least a 4000 pound trailer and 25% pin weight).

I wouldn't recommend a bumper pull trailer for that much weight, although people do it.

That places you in F-350 SRW territory minimum, or a DRW would be even better.

 

25% pin weight is pretty pessimistic.. Isn't it much more normal to be in the 10-20% range, and generally closer to 10%?