Hey all. Long time reader and stalker of the incredible knowledge base here... Been talking to the Wife (CEO) about a new truck for a while now and for some reason she is now very much on board. Found the below truck at a local dealer where we have bought multiple Cars/SUVs over the years. Specs Below:

2019 Ford F-250SD Platinum Power Stroke 6.7L V8 DI 32V OHV Turbodiesel

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT/OTHER

2019 MODEL YEAR
WHITE PLATINUM MET TRI-COAT - 595.00
PREFERRED EQUIPMENT PKG.703A
6.7L POWER STROKE V8 DIESEL - 9,120.00
6-SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION
3.55 ELECTRONIC-LOCKING AXLE - 390.00
ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS - 135.00
FX4 OFF-ROAD PACKAGE - 400.00
SKID PLATES
10000# GVWR PACKAGE
RAPID HEAT SUPPLEMENTAL HEATER - 250.00
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 100.00
50 STATE EMISSIONS
5TH WHEEL HITCH PREP PACKAGE - 500.00
JACK
UPFITTER SWITCHES - 165.00
DUAL EXTRA HEAVY DUTY ALTRNTR
TOUGH BED SPRAY IN BEDLINER - 595.00
PLATINUM ULTIMATE PACKAGE - 3,080.00
POWER MOONROOF TWIN PANEL
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CNTRL CLSN WR
LANE-KEEPING ALERT
ULTIMATE TRAILER TOW CAMERA

Big issues is, we have waited this long, should I just want on a 2020? Or pull the trigger now, I am sure incentives will be be nice. And current downside is, really did want to the rubber floor vs carpet. FWIW, I am coming out of a 2014 F150 but looking to get a bigger truck due to growing family and need/want for a bigger Travel Trailer. Thoughts and insight are appreciated.

 

Only you will know if it is the right time to buy.

Everyone has different needs. Like me, I wouldn't buy the truck you posed. Too many options that I personally wouldn't use. All I know is you need a bigger truck that can haul the wife and kids. A 6.2 f-250 ext cab xl trim can do all that and tow 95% of travel trailers available, while saving appx 40K bucks.
Oh and you get the vinyl floor.

The most important aspect is the financial impact.
How much below msrp are they dealing? What rate can you get? Do they offer included service or warranties?

 

There is a thread on waiting for the 2020 or getting the 19. I personally went with the 19 because I’m a bit leary of first year production changes (specifically the 10 speed). There will always be changes in the future but are the good changes. That may not bother you but this 6.7 6speed is pretty tried and true.

What kind of deal are they offering you ?

also if you want the deisel, get the deisel. I didn’t need the deisel but I got it Yolo

Matt

 

The 2020’s have a generation 3 engine with significant structural improvements. The pros of waiting for one of those is the better engine with better mpg. The cons is that you will be in the Guinea pig club for the new thing during the initial run.

 

STRIKE, STRIKE NOW!

Those damn CEO's change their minds like the direction of the wind

 

I'd recommend you check the payload on the yellow sticker on that truck before you make your decision. That F250 is capped at 10k pounds GVWR, so with the Diesel weighing 800 or so lbs more than the gas, it wouldn't surprise me if the payload is under 2k. You might not be getting as much of a bigger truck compared to your F150 as you think you are if payload was your concern with your growing family.

 

I'd second what Kaadk said about checking payload numbers. The Platinums are loaded with options, which drops their payload numbers, on top of the drop for the Powerstroke. I know I was a little disappointed with the 3,100lbs on my F350 Platinum. It'll work, but I'm closer than I had hoped to be.

If you get a big travel trailer, you could be looking at 1000-1200lbs of tongue weight. Now factor in the weight of passengers that will ride in the truck, and factor in what the kids will weigh in the future, as they grow. There may not be much capacity left for actual cargo in the truck bed. See it all the time on the RV forums... someone buys a truck that can tow XX,000lbs. But they never calculate the payload needed, so they end up not buying enough truck for the job. Really common with half ton trucks, and still pretty frequent with 3/4 ton trucks.

The 250 is built much like the 350, so some just buy the 3/4 and knowingly exceed their ratings. You can do that, but it will be a choice, not something that's advisable.

A 250 can be a perfectly acceptable tow vehicle. But calculate your numbers in advance to make sure they fit.

 

I try to not buy something fresh out of the blocks. I chose to go with the tried and true rather than the (relatively) untested. Currently waiting for my new 2019 to be built.

 

Good post here. My '12 F-250 with the 6.7L had a payload of 2300lbs in an XLT trim. My '17 F-250 with the 6.2L gas has a payload of 3305lbs in the STX package plus I have vinyl floors, love it.

 

I’m waiting..
I’m not cutting loose 80K on a current truck when I know a new engine with big internal improvements, along with large power and mileage gain awaits. The transmission is of zero concern to me. It’s going to be great.

 

I'd opt for the 2019. I haven't seen anything that I'd consider a bona fide improvement over the current 6.7. Changes? Sure. Improvements? Not sure I see any. And, I'm in the camp that is skeptical of a new transmission.

However, I'd also not get an F-250 diesel. I tow RVs and want the option of a 5er. Much tougher to do that because of the limited payload on an F-250 diesel. After people, gear, and hitch, you'll only have around 1,500 lbs of payload on that F-250 for a fully loaded 5er. That's not a lot to work with. I'd go gas with the F-250 and, if you want diesel, step to the F-350.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the feed back y'all. I am seeing what they come back on with the final deal, and I agree the sentiment on needing more pay load down the road, and considering F350. We currently are in a small 20 ft TT that I tow with the F150 no issues, and are looking at some 24 and 26 FT Bumper Pull Bunk House models for the kids. So been running some napkin math here at home to see if I will quickly hit and or exceed what the 250 can do. As for the Gas vs Diesel I want the 6.7... So I think that decision is made.

Love this forum and love the feedback though.

 

Just my 2 cents, if you're going diesel go to a 350. The diesel is way heavier than the gas motor and in the 250 limits your payload, along with heavily optioned trucks as well.

 

Only thing I hate about my truck is the Adaptive Steering, I cant drive in a straight line or park to save my life. Seems to always be doing something.

 

My adaptive steering is unobtrusive. Maybe there's something wrong with yours.