I am looking at buying a new truck. I have a travel 28 foot long trailer that I am going to tow, the dry weight is 6500 lbs. I want the truck to have trailer brakes and enough towing capacity to pull the trailer and all of our camping stuff. I live in Colorado, so going up hills will also be a factor in making my decision. From what I can tell the F-150 has the best towing capacity, what package would best fit my towing needs, I will also be using this as my daily driver to and from work. Should I stick with the F-150 or go with the F-250?? I have a few months to decide. Thanks for any input or advise.

 

The attached gives you all sorts of objective info. It’s for 2017, but it should be relevant for most recent years.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources...de_r6_Nov8.pdf


I find in general with equipment that it’s always better to have too capacity/capability vs just enough and ending up wanting more

 

Figure out what the tongue weight of the trailer is and what your payload, including passengers will weigh. You will need a 3.5 EcoBoost with the Max Tow Pkg. You may need the Heavy Duty Payload Pkg as well.

 

You’d better be careful. Payload runs out well before towing capacity.
What cab configuration? Supercrew eats payload.
What trim level? Options deduct capacity.
Do you expect to use the bed for gear?
Your proper tongue weight should be between 650 and 975 pounds, but loaded Im betting close to 1,000 pounds. In a Loaded supercrew, that leaves barely a few hundred pounds for wood, cooler, etc. Sound goofy? Been there many times.
In my experience and in your local, I’d opt for a 250, and forget the tail wagging the dog.

 

I'd like to go with the super crew, 6.5' bed, XLT trim. It's just deciding what options to get with it. I have 4 people in my family average weight is 200lbs. Trailer dry weight is 5,421lbs, payload capacity is 2,179lbs.hitch weight is 640 lbs.

 

Sounds like you're going to need one with the heavy towing stuff and that'll be hard to find. It might be cheaper to get an F-250 since it's no longer really new and I'm seeing big discounts.

 

Your hitch weight is low, probably more likely to be 850 lbs. Add in 800 lbs for family and you are at or above max of payload for many configurations.

 

The Heavy Duty Payload Pkg would work. You would have to order it though, and you’re limited on options.

 

unfortunately for your needs, the payload is the limiting factor with an f150. Looks like you should be focusing your search for a f250 Superduty. Good luck!


biz

 

I've started to look at the F-250s,

 

F250's ride like a truck in my experience. Harder, bumpier and more powerful.. F150's are generally softer. Mine rides like a Lincoln down the Interstate to Florida, yet it tows my 19' boat just fine.. Depends what you want.

 

Looks like you are in F-250 territory with that length and all of your gear and family I tow a 21ft TT with my 2.7 it tows fine but if I went larger it would be working make sure you put a WDH on your truck to stop trailer sway

 

My 2018 3.5 4x4 screw 3.55 10 speed XLT has max pay load. My carry capacity is (1785 lbs) which will easily handle the trailer you are discussing. I regularly pull approximately 7000 lb loaded 26 ft travel trailer. The eco handles this admirably.

 

I found a 2018 F-150 Lariat 3.5L, twin turbo, two package, trailer assist/trailer brake (sway control) I do have a weight distribution hitch for my camper. The towing capacity is listed at 12,500lbs for this truck. I think this will work.

 

As mentioned earlier, keep a close eye on your payload. You will run out of that LONG before the max tow capacity number. Load up the family, gear and tongue weight and you could be riding pretty close to that number.

Better to be safe.