I have a 2015 F150 scab w/ 5.0L 6.5 ft bed. We are looking at getting a travel trailer and believe we would be more comfortable in a F250 towing a 27 ft trailer. My question is what to stay away from, engine, etc. I'm sure we will be buying used as the prices for these things is ridiculous. I'm sure what I'm looking for is pretty much a unicorn. I would be happy with a 302A equivalent XLT in the SD and can live with a scab.

Thanks.

 

Gas or diesel?

 

Are you planning on a conventional bumper pull or a 5th wheel trailer?

My 2019 F-250 Power Stroke is good for almost 15k trailer weight, but on a 5th wheel I'd max out the cargo capacity with pin weight before I got close to 15k.

If you plan on a 5th wheel trailer, start with an F-350 SRW. The added cargo capacity will be welcome.

 

F-350 opens your field of choices between conventional tow and 5th wheel, just keep in mind that the short bed SRW will have clearance issues with a 5th wheel. If just looking to do conventional, a 7.3 gas F-250 is your go to truck.

 

If insurance, registration, etc doesn't cost more go F350 regardless of if you buy new or used. If buying new an F350 will run you less than a grand more than an F250. Also I wouldn't count out new, the used prices are still pretty high, but falling some since covid. You'll get a better trade in value and interest rate going new too. I'd much rather have a truck with zero miles than one that's 10k less with 60k miles. 60k miles is about 12 years worth of driving for me .

That being said depending on which camper you go with, how often you tow, and a few other things, your F150 may fit the bill. Obviously the F250 will do it better but I towed our 38 ft 8k wet camper with our 2012 F150 5.0 for half a year while waiting on my 250. We camped mostly local, but I wouldn't hesitate to pull a 25-27 ft 7500 lbs wet camper with my 150 most any where. Its blasphemy to say something like that on this site though so this isn't a populate opinion.

 

Having been in your shoes and went from an F-150 to an F-250 my advice would be to just buy an F-350.

I bought an F-250 with high capacity tow package, which makes it identical to an F350 (only from 2020-2022) but they no longer offer that option.

 

What makes you say it's no longer an option?

I think there might be some confusion since on the build site it's called the high capacity axle upgrade, but on window sticker it still shows as high capacity trailer tow pkg.

 

Was leaning diesel but either will do. Whichever is preferred and most reliable.

 

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.

 

Go gas for conventional tow. Diesel is expensive and really only needed when towing heavy 5th wheels. You will more than make up the difference in oil and filter changes vs MPG.

 

If you can talk me out of a SD for now that would be great! Most all the used SD's I've seen are running about $50K for a truck with 100K + miles. Ouch!!

 

You will start a colorful discussion here amongst the members with that statement!

I would second redford’s post above. I had a 2019 Ram 2500 gas and then a 250 gas pulling a 35’ travel trailer. I ordered a 23 F350 6.7 knowing that it would allow me to venture into the fifth wheel world at some point. The 6.7 makes towing so much more enjoyable for me.

 

So is the 7.3L gas the engine of choice?

 

Look up 6.7 Power Stroke CP4 fuel pump failure also look up 6.7 Power Stroke upper oil pan leak. You should be aware of these problems before buying a Ford diesel.

 

The new 7.3 gasser is ideal for that weight, and new is about $9k less than diesel. The 7.3 is rated up to 20k lbs towing, so in real life, it really makes alot of sense below 15k lbs. Cheaper up front, cheaper maintenance, and you don't have the def emissions crap. Also if buying new, go with a 350 if your state doesn't punish you for it. If you ever want to go to a 5th wheel you will have plenty of payload.
I've got a 2022 F-350 7.3, and my camper is about the same weight as yours. It pulls it really well, much better than my previous chevy with the 6.0 gasser.