Alright guys, I will try to get straight to the point. I usually tow <7k (wake boat or 24ft trailer for Can-am) so my Tundra has been great. I have been thinking about getting a 5th wheel that carries anywhere from from 12k-15k LB, so I test drove a f250/f350. I thought with torque in the 1k LB range, I would be impressed. I don't want to step on any fanboys toes, but I was severely disappointed. Both drove like a fat big and my measly Tundra felt WAY more peppy and powerful around town. F250 was alot better in this regard than the f350 but it was still very disappointing. (The 2500 ram I test drove was actually almost on par with my Tundra in around town feel, but I don't like the rams for other reasons). Now I KNOW THE SUPER DUTIES ARE MEANT FOR TOWING, but 99.8% of my miles are around town and not towing so it's important for me. I imagine a big part of this is that this was my first drive in a diesel and my shock was just from experiencing the different power delivery of diesel vs gas. Money is not a concern here, so I don't mind paying for a diesel, I just REALLY didn't like how poorly it performed around town not towing.

Now my questions:

Can someone confirm if my experience is because of gas vs deisel?
Does that mean the new 7.3L will likely solve this issue I had?
Does it feel alot more powerful around town?
Does it still have what it takes to tow 15k through hills (alot of 7% grade through AZ)?
Will adding a TREMOR package with it's softer suspension compromise my ability to tow the 5th wheel? (I offroad to get to shooting spots occasionally)
How's the reliability on the f250 in general and the 7.3L specifically? I am worried since it is a new engine. One of the things I love about my Tundra is it is bulletproof and in my years of ownership has only asked I changed the oil.
Last year I read the next gen super duty is usually a year behind the 1/2 tons and to expect a new one in 2022 model year. Now I am reading it may be 2023? Whats the latest info on that? I have time to wait, so I would hate buying a few months before the next gen comes out.

Thanks guys!

 

Stay with the Turdota.......you will be immensely more happy

 

What you are looking at for a 5th wheel is out of the 250/2500 class. Period. Approaching dually territory. Period.

 

I thought the new f250's are rated to pull ~18k according to ford literature.... so a loaded 15k sounds reasonable?

And even besides that point, any comments on the rest?

 

Comparing a gas pot SD that weighs 8800 lbs to a Toyota is not going to be favorable they weight 7500 to 8000 lbs. Compare a F350 diesel that weighs 8800 lbs. Also your 5th wheel ranges from F250 to F550 range of weight hitch and GVW, you have to pick, A F450 will tow a $16,000 GVW 5th wheel. This is not going to be a great option for City driving and commuting. Try and tow that size trailer with your Toyota and see how it works.

Comparing apples to oranges is not going to work. You might need 2 trucks if your set on that size trailer.

 

As ridiculously expensive as new trucks are, given your many reservations, don't buy one. Combine your dislike of the performance with a home mortgage sized monthly payment, and you will not be happy.

 

Depends on how you option a 250, but generally you don’t want to be on the edge to max, but 15k is within 250 ability.

As far as power delivery, your almost twice the weight unloaded vs your Tundra. As some one that drives an 8,300rpm V10 the diesel vs gas and speed to rpm is the issue you’re having. You’re use to quick high rpm’s and the diesel will never provide that. It’s a slower gradual power deliver which is what you want for towing. Watch your speed though as it still climbs well, just doesn’t give the seat of your pants feel. Hook your Tundra to 15k and then the 6.7 and you’ll then understand😁

Review the Ford specs for each level to see what fits the bill.

Good luck

 

The reason some are saying you need the 1 ton, is because the 250 runs low on payload when compared to the 350. Thst size trailer your own weights alone will almost overload the 250. Just be sure to check all your capacities.

 

If you want pep, my 7.3 SCLB with the 4.30 gets right up and scoots. I have a f350, so towing is just over 20k, which is a safe margin if all you have is 12-15k.

 

OK, you guys are really raking me over the coals here. I would appreciate some patience as I am new to the diesel and "real" truck world.

Maybe I was a little off on the Toy Hauler weights. I am not specifically looking for a big trailer, we only need to fit my wife and 2 small kids. BUT I need something that will take my 4 seater Maverick (~14ft long, 72" wide). I think there may be options with sub 15k GVWR's though so I updated my original post. I may have just provided an offhand rating that was wrong.

I didn't think about the truck weight and that makes sense. So will the 7.3L FEEL better than the diesel or will it actually feel worse around town because of the less torque (meanwhile still being a heavy truck)

 

OP-
Locate a 7.3 with 4.30 gears to test drive, it will be what you are hoping for.

 

Two different trucks with two very distinct personalities. Your Tundra will always be quicker unloaded around town. Hook up a 12,00 pound trailer and pull it up a long grade. The Tundra will be in 3rd gear screaming the whole way. The diesel Super Duty will do the same job effortlessly.

 

1. Get over your *expectations* of having a hot rod.....TRUCKS are not, especially from the factory due to torque management, all the nannies, etc.
2. Toy haulers are heavy and are going to eat up paylosd capacity fast, and one with a garage big enough for a 4 seat SXS........likely 18000 GVW MINIMUM!....likely 20-21000 GVW+......if it is a light weight, it is a waste of money.......junk. Live and learn.
If you don’t like those facts, drop back to a bumper pull toy hauler that is all open when travelling and go with a 250 or 350 SRW.
If you are pulling in the AZ heat, the cooling system on the Ford with the 6.7 Power Stroke is superior to all others. I am currently running a 2018 3500 RAM CTD HO dually with 4.10 gears and it does not cool like the 2016 Ford I traded for it. And the Ford had 3.73 gears. Pulling a 41 ft Raptor @ 18000 GVW.

 

There, fixed that for you. The OP is talking about Arizona!

 

The 7.3L will respond more like your previous truck, but it is heavy. and a big block. Also the 6.2L may be more suitable but still ..heavier than what you're used to. Like shoes or cloths they all feel different than the previous pair, takes time to get used to.

Do your home work, test drive more models, give Super Duty another look. As previously said, it takes a while to get used to the spool up of a diesel versus a gas power motor.

Tundra, F150, Chevy.. all drive differently due to suspensions, drive train and motors....Only you can decide what feels right to you.

PS_ we are all i bit sensitive here, some more than others, when a new member comes in hot and talks down of our loved super duties...don't let it bother you, we are harmless , and in general very helpful.