which truck
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New User
Joined: Jul 2021
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which truck
So I don't have a truck yet, still researching how big of a truck I need. Currently have a 19 foot trailer pulled by a van. I need to upgrade to a bigger trailer, looking like 27 - 30 foot trailer. Was looking at the F-150 3.5L v6 ecoboost, which could pull a 30 foot trailer no problem, weight wise. But have been talking to coworkers that have 30 foot travel trailers and they are telling me to get a 250. They say weight not an issue, but strain on the transmission. Say over time would burn out the transmission, and should just get a 250, even the diesel engine and will not have any issues down the road.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
So I don't have a truck yet, still researching how big of a truck I need. Currently have a 19 foot trailer pulled by a van. I need to upgrade to a bigger trailer, looking like 27 - 30 foot trailer. Was looking at the F-150 3.5L v6 ecoboost, which could pull a 30 foot trailer no problem, weight wise. But have been talking to coworkers that have 30 foot travel trailers and they are telling me to get a 250. They say weight not an issue, but strain on the transmission. Say over time would burn out the transmission, and should just get a 250, even the diesel engine and will not have any issues down the road.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Plus the extra weight of the Super Duty itself helps keep the trailer under control better.
And you never know, you may end up with bigger than a 30ft and wouldn't want to have to trade up on the truck.
F150 do it if you watch your loading, 250 will do it better. My thoughts and experience anyway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
Another vote for the 250. I wouldn't be worried about roasting the transmission and it's not a power issue either. The modern half tons are more powerful than they've ever been, they will get that 30' trailer moving no problem. Stopping and maneuvering are where you'll really notice the improvement with the 250. Everything about the Super Duty platform is just more stout than the comparable half ton and it shows in the dry weight. It will be a lot more planted on the road and not get pushed around nearly as much as the 150. I went from a 150 to a 250 and I'd be hard pressed to go back. It's a more comfortable towing experience with the heavier truck. The whole gas vs. diesel is another debate in itself. The gas models have plenty of power to pull your trailer. Diesels make short work of towing, they're just bred for it but it comes at a high initial cost and some increased maintenance costs/concerns. Any of the engine offerings would suit your needs just fine, the diesel would likely be overkill but a ton of fun to drive.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 410
Another vote for a 250. The F150s are light. I wouldn't want to travel far with anything over 25' or 8k weight. Marketing hype is way different than real world. People do it, successfully (so they say), not my idea of relaxation. Gas or diesel, Diesel is a work horse, but watch the payload numbers, they can eat away at the 250 platform. Diesels are not great for daily driving short trips, and certainly cost more to maintain. Gas would work for your TT, personally I'd stick with gas if possible and it exceeded my needs.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
So I don't have a truck yet, still researching how big of a truck I need. Currently have a 19 foot trailer pulled by a van. I need to upgrade to a bigger trailer, looking like 27 - 30 foot trailer. Was looking at the F-150 3.5L v6 ecoboost, which could pull a 30 foot trailer no problem, weight wise. But have been talking to coworkers that have 30 foot travel trailers and they are telling me to get a 250. They say weight not an issue, but strain on the transmission. Say over time would burn out the transmission, and should just get a 250, even the diesel engine and will not have any issues down the road.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Another vote for the 250. I wouldn't be worried about roasting the transmission and it's not a power issue either. The modern half tons are more powerful than they've ever been, they will get that 30' trailer moving no problem. Stopping and maneuvering are where you'll really notice the improvement with the 250. Everything about the Super Duty platform is just more stout than the comparable half ton and it shows in the dry weight. It will be a lot more planted on the road and not get pushed around nearly as much as the 150. I went from a 150 to a 250 and I'd be hard pressed to go back. It's a more comfortable towing experience with the heavier truck. The whole gas vs. diesel is another debate in itself. The gas models have plenty of power to pull your trailer. Diesels make short work of towing, they're just bred for it but it comes at a high initial cost and some increased maintenance costs/concerns. Any of the engine offerings would suit your needs just fine, the diesel would likely be overkill but a ton of fun to drive.
Where are you looking to tow in / from CA?
Safe travels,
Jim / crewzer
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
How much does a 30’ travel trailer (how many slide outs?) with options (ac, awnings, batteries, etc.) and fully loaded weigh? What kind of load (driver, passengers, stuff) will you carry in the truck?
Where are you looking to tow in / from CA?
Safe travels,
Jim / crewzer
Where are you looking to tow in / from CA?
Safe travels,
Jim / crewzer
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 1,423
From: CA
The 150 would be fine. It will pull it and stop it with ease. The wind will not blow you around and the payload on them is adequate.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,819
Likes: 3,453
From: Uh oh, CA
My camper is 21 feet (26 bumper to tongue) and has a max GVWR of 6000 lb. I decided to go for a 250 over the 150. To build a 150 out to what I would want I can get a 250 for about the same, however performance will be better and the 250 will give me room to grow. I did also go with a diesel engine, which does eat into the payload especially on a 250, so to keep a good deal of payload I opted for the HCTT package. I anticipate having a 2900 lb payload in this set up.
I also suggest a good WDH with good sway control, no matter which truck you go with. Since I opted for the 250 I will swap over to an Anderson WDH because of its great sway control and light weight (for me moving it around, not because of weight restriction on the truck). I also like that I can order the Anderson’s with a 3 inch bar to fit my 3 inch receiver without using adapters.
I also suggest a good WDH with good sway control, no matter which truck you go with. Since I opted for the 250 I will swap over to an Anderson WDH because of its great sway control and light weight (for me moving it around, not because of weight restriction on the truck). I also like that I can order the Anderson’s with a 3 inch bar to fit my 3 inch receiver without using adapters.
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2021
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Jim,
So I haven't yet picked out a trailer, still trailer shopping, (and truck shopping). Have I friend that had a Sequoia, bought a lance trailer and went to pick it up and couldn't pull it. He had to trade the Sequoia in for a Tundra. I don't wanna be stuck in that position, and not get a truck big / powerful enough to handle the trailer. The trailers that I'm looking at do have a slide, and have a GVWR ranging from 7600 to 8800.
Looking to travel though CA and states, camping and visiting national and state parks.
So I haven't yet picked out a trailer, still trailer shopping, (and truck shopping). Have I friend that had a Sequoia, bought a lance trailer and went to pick it up and couldn't pull it. He had to trade the Sequoia in for a Tundra. I don't wanna be stuck in that position, and not get a truck big / powerful enough to handle the trailer. The trailers that I'm looking at do have a slide, and have a GVWR ranging from 7600 to 8800.
Looking to travel though CA and states, camping and visiting national and state parks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
How much does a 30’ travel trailer (how many slide outs?) with options (ac, awnings, batteries, etc.) and fully loaded weigh? What kind of load (driver, passengers, stuff) will you carry in the truck?
Where are you looking to tow in / from CA?
Safe travels,
Jim / crewzer
Where are you looking to tow in / from CA?
Safe travels,
Jim / crewzer
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 667
Likes: 156
We have a 30ft ultralight that scaled at 7600 lbs and my Ram 2500 with the 5.7 struggled mightily in the mountains with it so replaced it with a F250 7.3.....night and day difference.
I often tow with full fresh water (60g) that's located well forward of trailer axles leaving me with 1200# tounge so need the additional payload.
I'd opt for more buffer myself and get the F250 and forget about playing the weight game.
I often tow with full fresh water (60g) that's located well forward of trailer axles leaving me with 1200# tounge so need the additional payload.
I'd opt for more buffer myself and get the F250 and forget about playing the weight game.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
Jim,
So I haven't yet picked out a trailer, still trailer shopping, (and truck shopping). Have I friend that had a Sequoia, bought a lance trailer and went to pick it up and couldn't pull it. He had to trade the Sequoia in for a Tundra. I don't wanna be stuck in that position, and not get a truck big / powerful enough to handle the trailer. The trailers that I'm looking at do have a slide, and have a GVWR ranging from 7600 to 8800.
Looking to travel though CA and states, camping and visiting national and state parks.
So I haven't yet picked out a trailer, still trailer shopping, (and truck shopping). Have I friend that had a Sequoia, bought a lance trailer and went to pick it up and couldn't pull it. He had to trade the Sequoia in for a Tundra. I don't wanna be stuck in that position, and not get a truck big / powerful enough to handle the trailer. The trailers that I'm looking at do have a slide, and have a GVWR ranging from 7600 to 8800.
Looking to travel though CA and states, camping and visiting national and state parks.
Ford’s 2022 RV and Trailer Towing Guide indicates a properly configured F-150 3.5 Turbo (correct axle and max trailer towing package, option 53C) can handle those weights. That truck and engine is good for 7K lbs. max trailer weight without the MTTP.
However, the published truck specs are base trim, minimally equipped, and carrying 300 lbs. of people. Adding factory options, more / larger people, and other “stuff” to the truck is additional weight that must be subtracted from the tow rating.
Mountain towing is a special challenge. The Tejon Pass (I5), the Cahuenga Pass and the Baker Grade (both I15) in southern CA can be tough, especially in summer traffic.
Nonetheless, I think looking into an F-250 with a short axle ratio (numerically high) would be the right move, assuming sufficient official payload, especially for the 4x4. For towing a 30’ trailer, you may wish to consider a Hensley Arrow hitch or something similar.
And, for not much more money, there’s the F-350… 😉
HTH, and safe travels!
Jim / crewzer
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 405
Likes: 212
From: Texas
X2, for only $795 more an F-350 gives you a lot of breathing room for payload. The only downside is if your locale charges considerably more for registration or treats it as a commercial vehicle. In my case, in Texas it is only $56 per year more ($110 vs $54).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
For CA registration, my understanding is you need to keep the curb weight under 8,000 lbs. and the GVWR under 11,500 lbs. to avoid commercial registration costs. This isn’t a problem with a gasser engine and, if necessary, the optional 11,400 lbs. paper downgrade (if standard GVWR is 11,500 lbs. or more).
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
HTH,
Jim / crewzer