I need some advice for a 2017 order. I currently have a 2015 loaded lariat F150 and want to make sure I get at least the same options. After looking at both a 2016 and 2017, I’ve decided to go ’17.

I’m pulling a 35’ bumper pull travel trailer that is about 10,000 pounds loaded with a tongue weight of 1150 pounds. Not 100% on total weight but have a tongue scale and sure of tongue weight. Once a year I pull through the rocky mountains in Colorado. I don’t feel I need a diesel so plan to get a 6.2L. I estimate my payload to be around 2500 pounds, which has me about 900 pounds over my F150 limits according to the factory sticker. I’m running E rated tires which helped but want to just go superduty and feel more comfortable.

I also want the 360 camera because I use that often in my F150. Not sure what package to get and also have a tailgate camera for bumper hookup.

Likely order: F250 or F350?
F250 crew cab, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
FX4
Lariat Ultimate Package
BLIS
Quad Beam LED
Running boards – The 5” boards or the extended boards? Why are extended boards cheaper than the others?
Adaptive steering ?
Ultimate trailer tow camera system ($710)?
Trailer Camera prep kit ($375)?

 

With the 6.2 you will have plenty of payload for your current trailer with the 250 or the 350. If you go with the 250 you get the torque shift G transmission which is new this year and designed to mate with the 6.2. If you think you might upgrade to 5th wheel down the road, you might be better off going 350 for the minimal difference in price.


If you want the 360 degree camera, you have to have the Ultimate Camera pack. The trailer camera prep kit is the actual camera and wiring to put a backup camera on your trailer. Can always be added later. Nice feature, but its hard wired which may or may not be an issue, and it only works in reverse - can't use it to see behind you while driving. I haven't seen anybody post a hack for that yet to give you the camera when driving.


Not sure why the extended running boards are less than the others, but that extra step to reach the bed is handy.


Not sure on the adaptive steering. Sounds good in theory, especially for maneuvering a camper, but haven't been able to actually drive one yet.

 

Sounds like you've got a pretty good plan. Most of us would advise buying the F-350 over the F-250 since they ride very similarly and you get added payload with the F-350...unless you are in a state that charges higher registration for over 10k GVWR. However, with the gas engine it is worth noting the 250 gets a different, somewhat lighter duty transmission which is more responsive and may get better fuel economy than the one in the gas 350 (which is the same unit as the diesel).

4.30 gears are definitely the way to go with a 6.2L towing that load.

The extended running boards seem cheaper because the truck already comes equipped with running boards. You are just paying for the extension vs. a different type of running board altogether.

You can get the 360 cameras in any trim level Super Duty, which is nice. However, you do have to option for it. On a Lariat, the choices to get the 360 cameras would be the "Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System" or the "Tow Technology Package." If you buy the Lariat Ultimate, aside from the cameras and adaptive steering, the auto high beams and rain sense wipers are already included.

The Trailer Camera Prep allows you to add an additional camera mounted on the rear of your trailer and plug the wire into a 12-pin plug on your bumper (which replaces the usual 4-pin flat connector).

You should add "upfitter switches" ($165) to your build since they cannot be retrofitted after the fact anymore. They look cool up in the roof and can be used to power all sorts of items.

Good luck

 

That's what I originally thought, but that's not the case. You can get the extended running boards on a truck that doesn't already have any boards. MSRP is $230. Oddly enough, the cost is still $230 if you get the chrome package, which already has 6" step bars. Strange.

 

Well you have the 6.2 and 4.30 figured out. So between the 250/350 I would say if you don't need the 350 payload, go for the 250 due to the 6R100 tranny designed for the 6.2. That's what I chose to do. I don't really notice any difference from my last 6R140. But it is likely contributing to the 15% increase in mpg's I am seeing.

 

I will echo what RainDesert said. I think you'll be closer to 3,000~3,200 lbs on payload. My truck has a 3,620 lbs payload.

 

Thanks. I'll take the F350 off the list since it looks like an F250 will meet my needs with some room to spare. I just upgraded my RV trailer so don't expect to upgrade again for 7-10 years.

 

Hmm. That seems mighty strange.

 

Sort of in the same towing category in that we have a 36' TT weighing every bit if 9500 and over 1200 in tongue weight. We live in VA and tow through our mountains but certainly nothing like out West.


Current truck is an '09 F 250 V-10. Love the V-10 but ready for a change. I ordered a '17 F350 6.7. This way if I upgrade I have the truck. I can climb a mountain pass without hitting 4k rpm's and feeling like I am killing the engine and tranny(even though I know the truck is meant to do and sound like this). For $8k more on an already expensive truck I am just going to bite the bullet and my towing enjoyment should be much better. Hitting truck stops to fill up with the big boys will take a lot of pressure off when trying to find accommodating gas stations when you are 55' in length. I hated that aspect of towing with gasser when I was in new areas and just not sure if I was picking the right exit for gas.

 

I here ya. But if I get the 6.7L, I'll need to do away with some luxury options. As it is now, my 6.2L specs out to just over $62k MSRP. Trying to negotiate to 1500-2k under invoice. I almost pulled the trigger on a left over 2016 KR 6.7L but after driving both the 16 & '17, I'd pick the '17 all day even at an additional $8k off.

 

Shop till you drop. You can do much better than that off MSRP. Just need to find the right dealer who wants to make a deal. I agree the '17 is much nicer than the '16. I did not even consider the '11 - '16 as it was my truck just with some different cosmetic changes.

 

There isn't $2k of holdback on a $62k truck. If you get that sort of offer, you'd better double check your fine print. Unless you're talking before rebates. $1k under invoice and $1k rebate and you'll have a shot if someone really needs to sell something.

 

I wouldn't consider a diesel unless for heavy hauling. This stress only comes with diesel:

 

I have the adaptive steering. It's really no big deal, if I was pinching pennies and knew what I know now I would have never gotten it.
Never had trouble turning the wheel backing up my 40' 5ver with any previous trucks and I don't really notice anything different now.

 

I couldn't agree more with classic about the adaptive steering. My wife and I both don't notice any difference between it and past trucks. I had high hopes that it would be revolutionary and worth the extra cash. Not exactly...


Bottom line for me is, it's one more thing to go wrong. I'll pass on that option next time.