Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-14-2017, 10:48 PM   #1
Journeyman
 
2016 25' International
Amherst , Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
Contemplating a new Ford

My kids have gotten too big for the backseat in my double-cab Tundra, and Toyota is way behind in updating their trucks for the modern era (though I do believe they are bulletproof).... so it looks like I'm going to end up buying a new Ford this spring.

As I start the preparations for that purchase, I wonder if you all have any recommendations for what to include or not include? I'm assuming I'll end up with a 2018 F-150, but I do want to load it up so it is the ideal vehicle to travel with my 25' Airstream over the next 5-10 years.

Thing is, Ford's are highly configurable, so I'm a bit dizzy with the options. I think I'm looking at a Lariat, with the 3.5L eco boost (should I get high-output?)... and with the extra payload package. Crewmax with the 6.5' bed (a little long?) I believe that will give me about 2300 pounds of payload, which is a lot more than my Tundra.

Power and payload aside, I am hoping to get the thing fully loaded so it's the ultimate road trip vehicle. Any advice on that front is super helpful. Thanks!
thiel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2017, 11:29 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
mikeinca's Avatar

 
2020 25' Globetrotter
Santa Rosa , California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,810
Images: 2
As you say there are lots of options available and the configuration you choose is going to mostly be personal need and preference. Spend a good amount of time with the build and price configurator on the Ford web site. I do think that the technology package with 360 degree cameras and the Towing Assist feature is worth getting. Also, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine is the best choice, IMHO. It has the most torque by a significant amount, the highest tow rating, and the fact that it's turbocharged is a big advantage when towing at altitude. BTW, the high output 3.5L is only available in the Raptor.
__________________
Mike

2020 25' Globetrotter Twin | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ult. 4x4 Duramax
400Ah Battle Born lithium battery string | 580W solar (400W roof 180W portable)
mikeinca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2017, 11:47 PM   #3
Journeyman
 
2016 25' International
Amherst , Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeinca View Post
BTW, the high output 3.5L is only available in the Raptor.
Ah... I totally missed that. Thanks!

I get lost when it talks about axle ratios and such. Is bigger better?
thiel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 03:37 AM   #4
Opinionated newb...
 
wave man's Avatar
 
2018 25' Flying Cloud
League City , TX
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 479
Bigger i.e. 3.73 would tow easier at the compromise of fuel economy like say a 3.15 or whatever, basically
__________________
Men are but men, and the greatest men are they who soonest learn the simpler things. ROBERT E. HOWARD

What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything! H. P. Lovecraft
wave man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 04:23 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
kscherzi's Avatar
 
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills , California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
Images: 24
Here's a link to a topic detailing my 2017 F150 purchase in pretty high detail. If you are seeking larger backseat room then you are looking at a super crew configuration. I ended getting a super crew 4x4 Lariat nicely equiped with close to 1700 lbs of payload. The heavy duty payload package requires omission of some of the nicer interior Lariat options. I tow a 27FB and easily stay within my trucks (non-heavy duty) payload limit.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162484
kscherzi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 04:41 AM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
2018 27' International
Lakeland , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 28
My ‘17 is a Platinum and my ‘15 was a Lariat. Both are very comfortable family vehicles. I think the retractable running boards are a great feature for ease of entry.

I don’t think ratio matters for a 25’. It’s a 10 speed transmission and if it’s also a daily driver, there is no reason not to get the 3.15 for fuel economy. If it’s not a daily driver, sure get a 3.73.

Watch out for payload. That may be the biggest issue for you. My wife and I, our dog and the crap I carry in the bed are fine with weight to spare. But a hypothetical family weighing 800 lbs would have less extra capacity....

Get an antisway, weight distribution hitch.

The 3.5 will pull that trailer great. It’s a stronger, higher fuel economy engine than the 5.0 that was in my ‘15.

Oh, and I wouldn’t get the long box, if it’s a daily driver. Harder to park. Again, that is a personal preference. My wife usually drives a Volt and she already finds the f150 big enough.

My 2 cents. Opinions vary.
BCC1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 06:23 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
Be sure to drive the V8 before you buy a 6 cyl.
__________________
2018 International Serenity 27' FB
Michelin 16” tires
Hensley Arrow hitch

Tow Vehicle: 2020 F-350 6.7L Diesel
Countryboy59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 07:15 AM   #8
4 Rivet Member
 
Baby Zeppelin's Avatar
 
2018 28' Flying Cloud
Clayton , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 400
Once I saw the payload of the F150 and considered that with nearly 1000 lbs of hitch weight and my wife and I in the cab, it would leave little to spare for luggage, generator, and all the other things one tends to bring camping. Not to mention weight of grandkids...

Ended up with an F250 6.2 gas truck. Lariat crew cab, with short bed. Probably not much more expensive than an F150 and much more capable.

Go look at the door jamb of the F150s at the dealership to see what the weight is you can load in one. My F250 says "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed: 1385 kg or 3055 lbs."
Be aware that adding sun roofs and other weighty options will reduce what the truck can carry.
Baby Zeppelin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 09:09 AM   #9
DMT
4 Rivet Member
 
DMT's Avatar
 
2011 27 FB International
East Coast , Newfoundland
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 383
I had an 09 F150 Platinum before the current 15 Tundra Ltd., both in super crew configuration. I had/have Timbren load springs in both. The Ford was more comfortable, and had better technology that my current Tundra. I tend to keep vehicles more than 5 years and in the end just couldn't keep up with frequent repairs on the F150. So I went back to Toyota - no issues to date but it sure is behind the times on creature comforts and tech, and it LOVES fuel.

I have two kids as well and generally end up with a pile of stuff in the back for them, not to mention the dog. So payload has to be carefully planned on a 1/2 ton.

I'm holding out hope that Toyota will come out with a new truck with a great interior and fuel efficient engine, maybe a diesel. If so I'll be first in line.

For me if I was to go for an F150 I would absolutely make it a Lariat with the HD Payload option, and maybe that ecoboost engine. I would buy the longest extended warranty offered. I never do that but it would have saved $ on my last experience.

Best of luck in your choice. I'm sure you will love it.
__________________
[AIR# 55762 TAC# NFL-1
DMT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 09:38 AM   #10
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
Hi

I would go with the full camera package. 360 degree cameras are a very nice thing. Anything with "towing" in the name is also worth considering. I happen to like electronic locking rear axles. They are cheap and don't add weight. They can be handy when things get a bit slippery.

If at all possible, get a look at some real 2018 trucks before you make a decision. Things like payload are often very hard to work out from the web numbers. There's a sticker on the door of a real truck ....

With a 25' and kids, I'd take a look at an Expedition while I was at the Ford place ....

Bob
uncle_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 09:39 AM   #11
H. Green
 
hazelgreen's Avatar
 
1991 25' Excella
Edmond , Oklahoma
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 21
Images: 2
Go with the 3:73 as you will regret it especially in the mountains. We pulled s 25’ AS with the 3:55 and hated it.
__________________
Hazel Green
hazelgreen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 09:50 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
pappy19's Avatar
 
2002 30' Classic S/O
Garden Valley , Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,631
The 2018 F150 has a higher tow rate over the 2017. That being said, there are some huge discounts on the 17's. Get the 38 gallon tank and no moon roof, plus goodies you want. If your dealer doesn't have what you want, he can go on line and find one. Like was said above, the F250 with the 6.2 gas, is a great choice too. I have never regreted my V10 choice.
__________________
2008 F-250 4X4 Lariat V-10
2002 Airstream Classic 30' w/SO #2074
2007 Kubota 900 RTV
1996 Ford Bronco
2007 Lincoln LT
pappy19 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 10:00 AM   #13
4 Rivet Member
 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Temple , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 286
Blog Entries: 1
After reading your posts and replies twice, I believe you should consider a 3/4 ton from your manufacturer of choice. Your plan is to use it 5-10 years, so I suspect the heavier duty truck brands are where you should be shopping. We are retired and like our 1/2 ton Ram with 3.92, but add a couple of kids - and more stuff to carry -to the mix I would be looking at a heavier truck.
__________________
2014 Flying Cloud 25FB
2018 Ram 2500; Cummins
Blue Ox WDH
RamRider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 10:01 AM   #14
4 Rivet Member
 
JRF0st3r's Avatar
 
1967 22' Safari
West Fork , Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 394
When selecting options on the F150, get the max tow package and add the extension feature for the side mirrors. We found the retractable box side steps to be essential. Our 2017 F150 Lariat 4x4, 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.55 electronic locking rear axle, 502A Equipment Group, has a payload of 1811 lbs. Love it!
Jim
JRF0st3r is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 10:22 AM   #15
jcl
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Vancouver , British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,566
Quote:
Originally Posted by hazelgreen View Post
Go with the 3:73 as you will regret it especially in the mountains. We pulled s 25’ AS with the 3:55 and hated it.
Ecoboost? 10 speed transmission?
jcl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 10:31 AM   #16
3 Rivet Member
 
2016 27' International
Anacortes , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 103
Our purchases and comments for consideration

We just completed our second year of road trips (about 13,000 miles so far). We bought the 2016 F-150 and a few weeks later the 2016 27’ Serenity, front twins. It is just the two of us. We love both the truck (“Tex”) and trailer (“Wanda”). Together we name the overall 49’ length - “TexandWandacostalota”!

We bought the F150 Lariat, Supercrew cab and 6.5’ box, axle 3.55, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost, max trailer tow package, 7050# GVWR package, 36 gallon extended range fuel tank. Plus other things:

1. Pro trailer back-up assist. One problem. The provided target sticker needs to go within prescribed distances from the hitch ball receiver, but the AS propane cover cuts off part of the sticker meaning not all of the sticker is seen by the F150 camera. I think this is the reason that the back-up assist “can’t find the sticker” at times. Maybe also it depends on light reflection from the propane cover interfering. When it does work properly, it is fun to use - especially when backing up straight.

2. Tailgate step. Love this as it makes getting into the bed a breeze. We also have the sidesteps which can be useful too.

The dealer installed the Blue Ox anti-sway/load distribution system on our new trailer.

We added the BakFlip folding bed cover and think that is great cover. Good security, well made, very adaptable.

Being in the NW we have done road trips through many mountain passes exceeding 8,000’ without issues. We get around 12.4mpg. The truck is a wonderful vehicle all by itself.

The Supercrew cab provides a lot of space for things including the Yamaha inverter generator. It goes in there for traveling - security provided by the F150 security system.

Towing and braking are good. The one issue to be aware of is the rear axle weight limitation. Until I started doing a CAT scale, and other scales, I didn’t know how overloaded the rear axle was (I had fire wood, canopy, all kinds of stuff in the bed…and the scales proved it!). Knowing this, I have made adjustments to how I load Tex and Wanda. A good thing.

As I said, we are very happy with what we bought-no regrets. I hope you will be too on whatever you choose.
Pat Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 10:44 AM   #17
4 Rivet Member
 
1976 31' Excella 500
Chappell Hill , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 485
Images: 1
Half ton pickups are very limited if you are looking for "worry free" towing. I got my first SuperDuty, crew cab long bed diesel in 1999 and I'll never own a 1/2 ton or gas engine. again. Too many 1/2 ton folks I see on the road are putting down the highway, tail dragging, towing campers, depending on equalizer hitches to control their trailer/loads, and can't keep up with traffic flow. 1/2 tons are just too limited in payload and towing capacity IMHO. I had always had a 1/2 ton till then. I always had to be careful not to exceed its capacities. Now I can hitch up to my 76' 31' Excella and load up the generator, fuel, all the camping stuff, a BBQ pit, and still have no trouble putting it on cruise and running with the speed limit anywhere. Even up steep hills and on Texas' 75 mph interstates. And that 1999 F350 is still going strong and ""trouble free" today. I just ordered a 2018 F350 XLT . Now for a few grand extra, you can get into a diesel XLT super duty for what a 2018 F150 Lariat will cost you. Check it out.
tbashin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 11:11 AM   #18
3 Rivet Member
 
QC TORPEDO's Avatar
 
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Queen Creek , Arizona
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 114
I'm with tbashin on this. Go F250 diesel. Don't trailer at near the maximum limits on everything. You can get everything you want or need on the 250 and pull with no headaches for a long time.
As an aside, have you looked at the internet for problems with the Ecoboost and other Ford V6's? Internal water pump breaks up and destroys the motor. I don't know what years were affected or if Ford has addressed the problem but it bears looking into. https://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=120721
QC TORPEDO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 12:08 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
2017 30' Classic
Anna Maria , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,641
Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel View Post
My kids have gotten too big for the backseat in my double-cab Tundra, and Toyota is way behind in updating their trucks for the modern era (though I do believe they are bulletproof).... so it looks like I'm going to end up buying a new Ford this spring.

As I start the preparations for that purchase, I wonder if you all have any recommendations for what to include or not include? I'm assuming I'll end up with a 2018 F-150, but I do want to load it up so it is the ideal vehicle to travel with my 25' Airstream over the next 5-10 years.

Thing is, Ford's are highly configurable, so I'm a bit dizzy with the options. I think I'm looking at a Lariat, with the 3.5L eco boost (should I get high-output?)... and with the extra payload package. Crewmax with the 6.5' bed (a little long?) I believe that will give me about 2300 pounds of payload, which is a lot more than my Tundra.

Power and payload aside, I am hoping to get the thing fully loaded so it's the ultimate road trip vehicle. Any advice on that front is super helpful. Thanks!
I would say you have it covered. I wouldn't advise anything shorter than the 6.5 bed. I had one with the 5' and I was always struggling to get everything in. I am assuming the extra payload includes the heavy duty tow as well.
franklyfrank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2017, 12:19 PM   #20
3 Rivet Member
 
Ponyfvr's Avatar
 
2015 25' International
Scottsdale , Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 130
We have the 2017 Ford f250 Diesel and love it (we tow a 25ft international).
I highly recommend the blind spot indicator (it also picks up the blind spot on your trailer) and the camera system. These are big trucks and the camera system makes a lot easier to park. We upgraded from a 2015 F250 so we could have the BSI and the camera system,
__________________
Bob

2017 Ford F-250 Diesel
2015 25' International
WBCCI # 5462 4CU
Ponyfvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New to the Forum - contemplating a 25-28 foot Airstream. Paul Zmann Member Introductions 20 09-26-2016 09:07 PM
Contemplating adding a new 12V circuit Boondocker Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 3 11-08-2009 02:53 PM
Contemplating Bambi jmadvenutres Member Introductions 4 10-15-2006 05:32 PM
Contemplating a third coach... till 1965 - 1969 Overlander 4 06-01-2006 09:50 PM
Contemplating... htbyron Member Introductions 15 04-21-2006 11:56 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.