F150 pulling 5th wheel
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New User
Joined: Sep 2009
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F150 pulling 5th wheel
I currently have a 2011 f250 diesel that has 188k miles. It has been trouble free but it's getting to the point of where things are finally getting worn out and needing replaced. I don't think I want another diesel cause of high maintenance cost and I don't tow much. I have a 30' 5th wheel that my diesel can't even tell its there. I believe the max weight of it is 8000lbs. It's stored away for the winter so I can't tell for sure.
My dad has a similar 5th wheel he pulls with his 2019 f150 with the 3.5 ecoboost max tow and he says it does good other than the 9 mpg. My diesel gets 11 pulling my 5th wheel. Is this to much camper for a 2021 f150 3.5 eco with max tow? Or do I need to look at the 6.2 f250? I'm torn cause I don't want a payment but I don't want to keep taking truck in to get fixed. Thanks
My dad has a similar 5th wheel he pulls with his 2019 f150 with the 3.5 ecoboost max tow and he says it does good other than the 9 mpg. My diesel gets 11 pulling my 5th wheel. Is this to much camper for a 2021 f150 3.5 eco with max tow? Or do I need to look at the 6.2 f250? I'm torn cause I don't want a payment but I don't want to keep taking truck in to get fixed. Thanks
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New User
Joined: Sep 2009
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I tried looking up tow ratings and it shows conventional and 5th wheel/gooseneck for everything but the 3.5 ecoboost
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
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I currently have a 2011 f250 diesel that has 188k miles. It has been trouble free but it's getting to the point of where things are finally getting worn out and needing replaced. I don't think I want another diesel cause of high maintenance cost and I don't tow much. I have a 30' 5th wheel that my diesel can't even tell its there. I believe the max weight of it is 8000lbs. It's stored away for the winter so I can't tell for sure.
My dad has a similar 5th wheel he pulls with his 2019 f150 with the 3.5 ecoboost max tow and he says it does good other than the 9 mpg. My diesel gets 11 pulling my 5th wheel. Is this to much camper for a 2021 f150 3.5 eco with max tow? Or do I need to look at the 6.2 f250? I'm torn cause I don't want a payment but I don't want to keep taking truck in to get fixed. Thanks
My dad has a similar 5th wheel he pulls with his 2019 f150 with the 3.5 ecoboost max tow and he says it does good other than the 9 mpg. My diesel gets 11 pulling my 5th wheel. Is this to much camper for a 2021 f150 3.5 eco with max tow? Or do I need to look at the 6.2 f250? I'm torn cause I don't want a payment but I don't want to keep taking truck in to get fixed. Thanks
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 282
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From: N.E.Indiana
I'll probably get roasted for this but I have to give you a heads up on the 6.2. I had a 15 SD with 6.2, don't know how the newer ones compare but the 15 was gutless. No bottom end at all. With 4500 # on a flat bed, 3:73 axel running from Indiana through Michigan to Ontario cruise set at 75 - 3rd gear screaming like little girl trying to pull every hill unless I intervened by putting it in "M" and shifting manually . I have no idea how guys are pulling trailers the size of yours it would drive me nuts, it lasted 2 years and sold it. loved the truck, hated the motor.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2016
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I'll probably get roasted for this but I have to give you a heads up on the 6.2. I had a 15 SD with 6.2, don't know how the newer ones compare but the 15 was gutless. No bottom end at all. With 4500 # on a flat bed, 3:73 axel running from Indiana through Michigan to Ontario cruise set at 75 - 3rd gear screaming like little girl trying to pull every hill unless I intervened by putting it in "M" and shifting manually . I have no idea how guys are pulling trailers the size of yours it would drive me nuts, it lasted 2 years and sold it. loved the truck, hated the motor.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 113
To the op, set up a box or similar in your bed where the 5th wheel plate would be and back under your trailer and lower your stiff legs onto the box. Step 20' or so away from the truck on the side and take a look. Is the front end raised up? Is the rear sagging? If so then I wouldn't recommend towing. It doesn't matter how much hp to pull it. It matters whether the truck can control it. Front end up it won't be a pleasant ride.
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Lead Driver
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From: Calgary Canada
Agree that engine is the least important part of this question. Suspension and geometry will be key.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Forest grove
I’ve done it with a 7450 lbs 5er. Towed it through the mountains and through the valleys of the northwest with an 04 f150 max tow and also my 18 f150 with regular tow. Both were v8s. I was within specs on payload and towing. The 18 was better geared for towing but the upgraded sumo springs did let me know it was there. Obviously you’re not going to do 80 with the trailer but it is done by myself and others without concern. The nah sayers are just that but they also don’t tow with facts just what they are comfortable with.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2016
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I’ve done it with a 7450 lbs 5er. Towed it through the mountains and through the valleys of the northwest with an 04 f150 max tow and also my 18 f150 with regular tow. Both were v8s. I was within specs on payload and towing. The 18 was better geared for towing but the upgraded sumo springs did let me know it was there. Obviously you’re not going to do 80 with the trailer but it is done by myself and others without concern. The nah sayers are just that but they also don’t tow with facts just what they are comfortable with.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2009
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I'll probably get roasted for this but I have to give you a heads up on the 6.2. I had a 15 SD with 6.2, don't know how the newer ones compare but the 15 was gutless. No bottom end at all. With 4500 # on a flat bed, 3:73 axel running from Indiana through Michigan to Ontario cruise set at 75 - 3rd gear screaming like little girl trying to pull every hill unless I intervened by putting it in "M" and shifting manually . I have no idea how guys are pulling trailers the size of yours it would drive me nuts, it lasted 2 years and sold it. loved the truck, hated the motor.
We have a 2012 f350 regular cab with 6.2 on the fire department for a brush truck. I thought it was gutless too but i thought it was cause the I believe 200 gallons of water in the back. That's why I was considering it but then realized 7.3 is probably better. Stopped at the dealer yesterday but couldn't pull the trigger. They offered me 17,000 for my 2011 f250 diesel with 188k miles. I was only going to use trade in as down payment and can't justify going from 0 truck payment to 600. I have decisions
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New User
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To the op, set up a box or similar in your bed where the 5th wheel plate would be and back under your trailer and lower your stiff legs onto the box. Step 20' or so away from the truck on the side and take a look. Is the front end raised up? Is the rear sagging? If so then I wouldn't recommend towing. It doesn't matter how much hp to pull it. It matters whether the truck can control it. Front end up it won't be a pleasant ride.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
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Going from that diesel to gas towing - the gas will never "feel" as comfortable due to the huge torque difference. Diesel lopes along, gas revs to the moon (or feels that way), not hurting anything but completely different experience.
Same with F250 vs F150. 150 won't "feel" near as comfortable/stable as the 250 does. Doesn't mean it's not capable if within towing specs.
For me would depend on the frequency and distance you plan to tow. A lot - the 250 diesel wins hands down. A little - gas 150 may be a better fit.
Same with F250 vs F150. 150 won't "feel" near as comfortable/stable as the 250 does. Doesn't mean it's not capable if within towing specs.
For me would depend on the frequency and distance you plan to tow. A lot - the 250 diesel wins hands down. A little - gas 150 may be a better fit.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
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Going from that diesel to gas towing - the gas will never "feel" as comfortable due to the huge torque difference. Diesel lopes along, gas revs to the moon (or feels that way), not hurting anything but completely different experience.
Same with F250 vs F150. 150 won't "feel" near as comfortable/stable as the 250 does. Doesn't mean it's not capable if within towing specs.
For me would depend on the frequency and distance you plan to tow. A lot - the 250 diesel wins hands down. A little - gas 150 may be a better fit.
Same with F250 vs F150. 150 won't "feel" near as comfortable/stable as the 250 does. Doesn't mean it's not capable if within towing specs.
For me would depend on the frequency and distance you plan to tow. A lot - the 250 diesel wins hands down. A little - gas 150 may be a better fit.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
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Your diesel may get slightly better gas mileage but I would not be surprised to see the 3.5EB giving you a lot more power. Now, between F-150 and F-250.. the F-250 may handle the weight better but has the older dashboard and less tech features compared to the F-150. Not only that, the interior space is the same which was why I didn't buy an F-250. Get a smaller trailer and use the F-150 hybrid as a generator.