Towing/Power question
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Towing/Power question
Hey everyone. I've got a question that I've been trying to wrap my brain around for the last week or so. I'm thinking of getting a newer truck. Currently I have 94' turbo diesel 4x4 that I use to pull a horse trailer. The trailer weighs in at 2250# and 2 horse adds about 2000#. So loaded to the hilt I figure I'm pulling 5000#. I can't afford "new" but have been looking at F-150's and F250's in the 2004-2007 range. In either model I want a 4x4, auto, w/ either a regular or super cab and long bed. I've been researching the power options and I think the 5.4L in either truck will get the job done but heres where I get confused. Since the 5.4L is basically the same motor in both the 150 & 250, wouldn't it make sense to get the 150 since it is a lighter truck and therefore I'd have more power available when I pull up long grades in the Blue Ridge Mtns? I hope I'm making sense. Any advice on which truck would better suit my needs would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
Power doesn't matter- Brakes matter. The SD has some pretty huge brakes, bigger than the F150. It also has a stronger frame, stiffer suspension, higher capacity hitch, and longer wheelbase to help tow smoothly. It will last a lot longer towing than an F150 will.
Also, if you get an 04+ SD with the 6.0, you get a pretty nice 5speed auto.
Also, if you get an 04+ SD with the 6.0, you get a pretty nice 5speed auto.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
You also have a heavier transmission and lower gears with the F250. The F150 will be a fine truck, better milage unloaded, easier to get around, but for pure towing comfort and security the larger truck will be a better deal. Either will work, I'd choose based on what I could find for a good price 
If you do get a F150, you'll definately appreciate 3.73 gearing if you can find it. I definately noticed the difference between that and the 3.55.
If you do get a F150, you'll definately appreciate 3.73 gearing if you can find it. I definately noticed the difference between that and the 3.55.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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I have an Expy 2001 5.4L with 3.55 rears. You dont want that combo in an F150. I pull a 5500# camper and unless I am on flat ground, it struggles. The Expy is basically a 150 in SUV form.
If you go with an F150, make sure you get 3.73. Trust me.
If you go with an F150, make sure you get 3.73. Trust me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
Its not THAT bad... I towed a 7000lbs gooseneck with my F150 with 17" rims (FX4) and 3.55 gears... but you will definately appreciate the upgrade to 3.73.
My 1999 had the same wheels and engine and had the other gears and it pulled a lot nicer.
My 1999 had the same wheels and engine and had the other gears and it pulled a lot nicer.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
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My opinion is, you can tow 5000 lbs with a car... That being said, you wont be on pavment all the time, so, you want a 4x4 truck... Get a truck. The diference between the 150 and 250, is like a ranger, and a 150... The 150 will work, factor in, if a weight dist bar breaks, or you start to slide, or a blow out, or brake issue. It is then, you will wish you had a 250, especially if your family or loved one is in the truck with you...
Simply, go to a dealer, and drive a 150 or a 250. Make up your own mind. The differences arent suttle either...
Simply, go to a dealer, and drive a 150 or a 250. Make up your own mind. The differences arent suttle either...
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<P>Thanks for the input guys. If I had to pick I would say I'm leaning towards the F-250. I hadn't really considered that there's much diference in the braking ability of the 2 trucks, I guess if I get up the hill I'm going to have to get down the other side safely<IMG class=inlineimg border=0 alt=0 src="http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums/images/smilies/happy0161.gif" smilieid="1">. In an effort to not spend more than I need too I was thinking more about the 150. Couple of quick questions. If I pursue the f-150 I would definitely get one with the 'tow package'. Does the tow package always include the upgrade to the 3.73 rear? I haven't really seen a 'tow package' for the f-250. Does this mean that all levels of f-250 are set up for the lighter towing I would be doing? Mustang6147 is probably correct in that I just need to bring them home and hook up the trailer and go for a test drive. Thanks again. </P>
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
They pretty much all have the tow package... if you are looking at a 2000+ model, the difference is mostly in the wiring.
The tow package does not include the axle ratio. You can get a payload package that increases suspension, but not axles.
The tow package does not include the axle ratio. You can get a payload package that increases suspension, but not axles.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
No matter what...the man WANTS a newer truck!! So no one here is gonna stop him from getting one.
Now, for a newer / new truck, if I was gonna spend the money, I'd MUCH rather have one than I KNOW will do everything I want than HOPE it will. Go for the heavy duty...gas - diesel, that's a personal choice. Man, do I ever have that six-oh grin tho.......
Now, for a newer / new truck, if I was gonna spend the money, I'd MUCH rather have one than I KNOW will do everything I want than HOPE it will. Go for the heavy duty...gas - diesel, that's a personal choice. Man, do I ever have that six-oh grin tho.......
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Smiths Grove, KY
I have pulled my cattle trailer with both a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton truck and I have to say there are not enough words to describe the difference in performance. The ability to shut it down quickly or step on the accelerator and get out of someone's way provides alot of comfort when I'm on the road surrounded by people who may do almost anything at anytime. The F150 will certainly haul the load you have described so it really comes down to how much do you want to spend and what do you feel comfortable driving with your trailer in tow.
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The 94' has been pretty good, and fairly reliable. But lately though I've had a devil of a time with an electrical gremlin that's causing the transmission to go into limp mode. I've had 2 shops look at it and fail to find the problem. But thanks to other posts here I think I'm on track to fix it. I pulled the dash last night and found out the 'Brake' bulb has been burned out for a while and the speedometer jumps around above 55. So it's probably in the PSOM, VSS, wiring between the two, or in the rear itself. PSOM looked intact so I bought a new VSS today. Anyhow, I've been reluctant to put any upgrade money into this truck until this problem is ironed out. ANd the thought of getting stranded on the side of the road with 2 horses in the back is unnerving to say the least. Which has started this process of looking at newer and hopefully more reliable truck. Hey BPofMD, I've heard not-so-good things about the 6.0 diesel, am I victim of bad info? I've seen a few 6.0 f-250's for sale around but thaven't really considered them.