Best p/u TV for 71 Tradewind

[Lumatic]

I am currently using a 99 F250 Superduty 2wd extended cab with a 5.4 Triton motor. I got it when I had a Sovereign, now I have a Tradewind. When towing the Tradewind with the F250 I get 12 to 14 mpg, a mile or two mpgs better than towing the Sovereign. The F250 weighs in at a hefty 8000#. The F150 weighs about 2500# less. The Sovereign weighed 5200# dry. The registration for the Tradewind says 3500# but Airstream specs I found say 4200#.

Would I see an appreciable mpg savings switching to a 1/2 ton with the same engine and drivetrain configuration?

What about mpgs for Chevys? I've heard they get a little better mileage than Fords.

[safari 28]

Well I am towing over 6klbs across this country with 2008 f150 crew cab 4x4. It works day in and day out.You should have equal or better performance with a lighter trailer. I know this discussion goes on and on and no vehicle is perfect, but for our needs if set up properly the new 1/2 ton fords will exceed expectations.

[thecatsandi]

A 1971 F-150 of course!

[Tom Nugler]

I get about the same with my Expedition (F150 with fancy skin) and the GT. The Expy has AWD and that doesn't help the MPG.
On the Ford Truck Forums you'll find plenty of questions/complaints about the mileage of the Triton V-8s. Seems to be the nature of the beast.
I doubt there would be any noticable difference between a F-150 and F-250. There are some subtle differences between the drivetrains but, in the long run while towing, I think it wouldn't show up in the MPG.
While not wanting to wade into the perpetual Ford vs. Chevy debate, personal experiance has led me to believe that the Fords are more robust than the GM products. Keep the 250.

Tom.