Do I need a superduty?
 

Hi guys,

I have an 8.5 x 20 enclosed trailer. I do sound/light/staging production - and currently it weighs in at 6500lbs. Soon it will get to be more like 9k. It's a dual 5200lb axle.

Is this F150 territory or do I need a superduty? I do this 2 times per month on average - usually short trips (30 miles each way) and a couple times per year I go 100 miles each way.

Thanks!

I'd say you're on the fence depending on what year F150. If it were me, I'd go for the SD.

Mike

personally i would rather be over trucked, than under trucked.

9k is quite a bit. I think you would be much happier with the SD when you are pulling.

I would go with a F250 with a gas motor, that way you have room to grow.

I would vote for a SD gasser as well. The v10 would be the best route to go, but a 5.4 or 6.2 will still get the job done with no problems too.

At least a 350SD, preferably a 450 if you are that loaded 24/7/365.

Why? It's within the capacity of an 04+ F150. He already said it's just a couple of times per month. Regardless, a 350 is overkill and a 450 is rediculous. 250 SRW will be more than enough. Diesel, gas, whatever, it doesn't matter.

Mike

I believe this is firmly within newer F150 capabilities, so not sure I would go as far as to say "need".

But... If you need to climb steep grades or pull at high altitudes, definitely lean towards SD V10 or diesel.

Another factor: Fuel economy concerns? If yes, F150 all the way.

Go for the Super Duty. Any 250 or 350 should work. V10 or 6.2 if gas. Stay away from the 6.0 if diesel.

yup as stated above many times..

go SD. better to have to much truck with room to upgrade trailers then buying a F150 and being maxed out or to close to it.

I always derate manufacturers claims of towing capacity by 20 to 30% depending on how aggressive they are.

If fuel economy is a factor, time to lighten the load.

None the less, F250 is plenty.

Mike

With the information so far, I'd say, you're on the fence. Do you want/need a crew cab? If yes, then no question... you have to go SD in my mind. The half ton crew cabs don't have enough payload to have a loaded crew cab and truck bed...in addition to pulling a trailer like that.

If you don't need a crew cab...and can go regular cab, or just super cab. Then I think an F150 with the HD payload would be pretty attractive.

Just my 2 cents ;-)

I am going to say no! You don't NEED a superduty. I know a guy that pulls 6000lbs with a mini van on trips that are 220 miles, and he has been doing it for 250,000 miles with multiple brands. I don't condone this type of behavior, that is not what I am saying. A properly setup 150 will pull that without a problem. It just depends if you want a superduty body style or not. I like the idea of over kill but it is not necessarily. So go out and drive one and see if you like it and let that be the judge not your trailer.

Yes, you do NEED a Super Duty.

While an F-150 can be equipped to handle the trailer you tow, a Super Duty will tow it much better. Having a heavier truck under you, with better brakes and better suspension, makes all the difference when you get into bad weather, high winds, tour buses blowing past you at 80 MPH and stuff like that.

A 2005+ truck with a 5,4L engine and 5R110W transmission will handle the load just fine. Find one with 4.10 gears if you tow in mountain areas. My truck (see sig) regularly tows a 28 foot enclosed car hauler (around 8000 pounds) without any issues.