Which SD to buy?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,161
Likes: 1,373
From: Chaz
Yeah I have an f350 6.7 I am about to sell too.
But I would also look at used 17-19 6.7s that have good maintenance records or order a new 23 with a 7.3/4.30.
Even with a 7000lbs trailer you may want a diesel.
But I would also look at used 17-19 6.7s that have good maintenance records or order a new 23 with a 7.3/4.30.
Even with a 7000lbs trailer you may want a diesel.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Sounds like he's on a budget. Good luck finding a 7.3 truck. They're impossible to find used and if you do they're expensive. So that leaves 6.2 gas or 6.7 diesel. I settled on a very nice 2019 6.7 diesel. Crew Cab, 4x4, XLT. 81k miles. $43,300. Very fair price for a great truck. I have zero concerns towing anything I want with this truck. The 250/350 thing is mostly a numbers and marketing game. A guy can put bags on a 250 and functionally it'll do the identical work of a 350.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 913
Likes: 1,851
From: SE PA
I have a similar travel trailer to the one you specify. Mine is 30' and 7000 lbs. My 2015 F150 towed fair until my last trip that was terrible. I have been RVing for about 30 years and I just bought an F250 and it tows much better than the F150, a F350 may be overkill. I chose a diesel on efficiency, I get 13mpg towing my trailer, a lot better than the 9 that others report here for their gas engines and that is what my F150 got. Yes fuel and maintenance is higher and that is what some folks on this forum always point out and complain about. My time is important and I like going 30% or more further on a tank of fuel. Neither one is the right answer for everyone and I do not believe in trashing one or the other like some on this forum do, you need to decide what is most important for you. If you buy an older diesel with 60K or more miles seriously consider replacing the CP4 with the DCR replacement pump for your peace of mind.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
I have a similar travel trailer to the one you specify. Mine is 30' and 7000 lbs. My 2015 F150 towed fair until my last trip that was terrible. I have been RVing for about 30 years and I just bought an F250 and it tows much better than the F150, a F350 may be overkill. I chose a diesel on efficiency, I get 13mpg towing my trailer, a lot better than the 9 that others report here for their gas engines and that is what my F150 got. Yes fuel and maintenance is higher and that is what some folks on this forum always point out and complain about. My time is important and I like going 30% or more further on a tank of fuel. Neither one is the right answer for everyone and I do not believe in trashing one or the other like some on this forum do, you need to decide what is most important for you. If you buy an older diesel with 60K or more miles seriously consider replacing the CP4 with the DCR replacement pump for your peace of mind.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 332
Likes: 126
From: Northern Colorado, USA
It would be conventional bumper pull.
I should say that technically my F150 will pull the trailer we are looking at. My truck has a payload of 2219 lbs. The trailer is 7000lbs GVWR and has a hitch weight 490 lbs. It's 27' long and 11' height. The Ford towing guide that list all the combinations shows 9200 lbs towing capacity for my truck.
I should say that technically my F150 will pull the trailer we are looking at. My truck has a payload of 2219 lbs. The trailer is 7000lbs GVWR and has a hitch weight 490 lbs. It's 27' long and 11' height. The Ford towing guide that list all the combinations shows 9200 lbs towing capacity for my truck.
I had a MaxTow F-150 that could technically pull my racing trailer, but it was downright scary in panic stops and in high winds on the highway (pushing the back of the truck around) even with Airbags and a WDH on the F-150.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
Yes it can pull it, but the real world issue is can it stop it and can it manage it in the wind at highway speeds?
I had a MaxTow F-150 that could technically pull my racing trailer, but it was downright scary in panic stops and in high winds on the highway (pushing the back of the truck around) even with Airbags and a WDH on the F-150.
I had a MaxTow F-150 that could technically pull my racing trailer, but it was downright scary in panic stops and in high winds on the highway (pushing the back of the truck around) even with Airbags and a WDH on the F-150.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 913
Likes: 1,851
From: SE PA
Yes, we are very interested in the GD XLS 22LDE after going back and forth on floorplans and models. It's numbers are GVWR 7000lbs, hitch 524 and length is 28'5". After doing some thinking since we are not yet retired and won't be full time RV'ers I believe our best best for the time being is to rent a 250 or similar when we want to go out. I'm not too crazy about a 250 or 350 as a DD to be honest.
I rented an F250 twice before some years ago and they can be hard to find. They also rode terrible empty, my F250 rides nice empty with the lowered rear tire pressure (60psi vs 75psi). Just remember when you rent one that it has a built in trailer brake controller, I believe that most do, and watch out for the mileage charges they can get very large if you travel far. Also you will need a 2 1/2" to 2" sleeve for your hitch. The past rental experience with them further drove me to buy my present F250.
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4wd High
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Mid-Atlantic-East Coast
Just got out of an F450 DRW diesel and into an F250 7.3 gas. Also downsized from a 16,000 lb 5th wheel to a 10,000 lb 5th wheel. Really love the new engine and transmission.
There seems to be some concensus that less than 12,000 lbs or so go with the 7.3 gas SD.
The wide track axle on the 450 was absolutely awesome but the SD with the short bed isn't too bad.
There seems to be some concensus that less than 12,000 lbs or so go with the 7.3 gas SD.
The wide track axle on the 450 was absolutely awesome but the SD with the short bed isn't too bad.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
Yes, we are very interested in the GD XLS 22LDE after going back and forth on floorplans and models. It's numbers are GVWR 7000lbs, hitch 524 and length is 28'5". After doing some thinking since we are not yet retired and won't be full time RV'ers I believe our best best for the time being is to rent a 250 or similar when we want to go out. I'm not too crazy about a 250 or 350 as a DD to be honest.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 79
Likes: 20
I recently bought a 2019 F250 XL STX package with the 6.2L and 4:30 rear end, 43000 miles. The previous owner put Katzkin leather in it. I have the larger info screen with 360 camera. My payload is 3306lbs. I do wish I had retractable mirrors and power seats, but that's about all I wish I had but don't. If you only tow once or twice a year, not real far and you stay within you numbers I would keep the F150, but if your planning long hauls, get the SD. One thing you will immediately find out, cost to operate is definitely more than your current truck, that goes for both gas or diesel. With that said, I love the F250.
One pain about the SD vs half ton is parking, I can't fit in most parking garages and there are a lot of them around me.
Good luck with your decision.
One pain about the SD vs half ton is parking, I can't fit in most parking garages and there are a lot of them around me.
Good luck with your decision.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
I recently bought a 2019 F250 XL STX package with the 6.2L and 4:30 rear end, 43000 miles. The previous owner put Katzkin leather in it. I have the larger info screen with 360 camera. My payload is 4400lbs. I do wish I had retractable mirrors and power seats, but that's about all I wish I had but don't. If you only tow once or twice a year, not real far and you stay within you numbers I would keep the F150, but if your planning long hauls, get the SD. One thing you will immediately find out, cost to operate is definitely more than your current truck, that goes for both gas or diesel. With that said, I love the F250.
One pain about the SD vs half ton is parking, I can't fit in most parking garages and there are a lot of them around me.
Good luck with your decision.
One pain about the SD vs half ton is parking, I can't fit in most parking garages and there are a lot of them around me.
Good luck with your decision.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 286
Likes: 182
From: Alpine, Tx
I am towing an 8000 lb TT with my 17 F-150 3.5EB. Payload is maxed out and it does a great job of towing. I will be trading it in for an F-350 diesel. I would have no problem keeping the F150 if I was going to keep this trailer and only pull it a few times a year. We plan to upgrade to a 5th wheel in a couple of years and do more trips per year. The main reason I am going with diesel is because I am tired of trying to find gas stations to accommodate a truck and TT.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 79
Likes: 20
