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Old 04-09-2016, 08:21 AM   #1
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2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Glen Arbor , Michigan
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F150 EB owners who have moved to F250/F350?

We are in the middle of our first multi-thousand mile trip with a 2011 157" F150 EB and a 25 Ft Eddie Bauer with Pro Pride and a fairly light load in the bed. It has been a very nice rig, but it has made me curious about the difference between the towing feel of an F150 and the F250/F350. I would really appreciate some feedback from those who have made the F/150 to F/250 jump. I am not concerned about fuel or maintenance costs, just interested in the difference in the towing experience.
Also, I wanted to offer a public and loud Thank You to all the regular forum members who have generously shared their deep knowledge on so many topics - that sharing has made a huge difference in our trip.
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Old 04-09-2016, 08:49 AM   #2
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1987 25' Sovereign
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I had a 2001 F150 Super Crew. Towed 2 other SOB box campers then in 2010 we got a 1987 25' Sovereign. The F150 did an adequate job of towing all three. In 2013 we got our 2005 F250 Super Cab 8' bed V10 engine with a 410 rear end. The F250 does a much better job of towing and we only lost 1 mpg with the F250. It is hard to describe the more secure feeling that I have when towing with the F250 over the F150. Totally gone is any feeling of the tail wagging the dog.
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Old 04-09-2016, 08:52 AM   #3
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What is bothering you about the F150?

Kelvin
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Old 04-09-2016, 08:57 AM   #4
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2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Glen Arbor , Michigan
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Thanks msmcv51.

I do have a bit of a feel of getting pushed around. Things are stable, but perhaps it is a measure of "tail wagging dog". Again, mostly curious about the difference and degree of difference.
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Old 04-09-2016, 09:07 AM   #5
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2014 25' FB International
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The local Ford dealerships love to see me coming as I have gone from an '11 CC EB to a '13 SC 5.0 then a '13 F-250 CC PS 4x2 and now a '15 F-250 CC PS 4x4. The dealer is now going to have to go on without me as I am totally satisfied with the stability, payload capacity, and power of the F-250. I've had some experience driving semi trucks and tandem dump trucks and appreciate the same level of confidence the F-250 brings, similar to what those large trucks offered.

In getting to this point I was vocal in that if pulling the AS was "work", I wouldn't continue to own it. The F-250 solved that concern.

-

For what it's worth, we actually prefer the ride of the four wheel drive F-250 to the previous two wheel drive F-250. The two wheel drive had me considering some sort of suspension modification to soften the ride to the AS. Counter to my expectations, the four wheel drive erased that concern. Perhaps that is due to the FX4 suspension.
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Old 04-09-2016, 09:13 AM   #6
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2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Glen Arbor , Michigan
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Very helpful. Thank you. Your comments regarding stability and "work" ring for me.
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Old 04-09-2016, 09:42 AM   #7
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Chelsea , Michigan
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I started with the F-250 so I can't answer your question about the difference between both trucks directly. I also got the diesel which is where the F-250 can really outshine the F-150. Of course there is more torque & HP so accelerating and going up hills is more effortless in the diesel 250 vs. the gas 150, but the real upside to the diesel is the exhaust brake. When we go down long steep hills out west, I simply pick the speed and the engine brake does all the work. I can descend a 10% grade for 10 miles at 30 miles per hour without ever having to touch the brakes. That is real peace of mind!
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:17 AM   #8
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1972 25' Tradewind
Calgary , Alberta
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I've towed with all the above and a f-350 is my current truck, it is superior in towing. Basically you forget you have a trailer, it's like it's not there until you look in your mirrors.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:22 AM   #9
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Wanna EB:

I am just going to refer to your question as 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons as not to get into the drive you nuts what brand is better etc.. I have Airstreamed for 20 years and now have owned two Airstreams in your weight class. I also travel for extended periods, long distances and out West in very hilly and mountainous, not gravel, roads. I have owned too many 1/2 class trucks to mention but since 2006 I have owned three 3/4 ton pickups. My third I just took delivery and have only 2,000 miles on it. Last year I decided since the 1/2 tons have come such a long way, I purchased a 2015 1/2 ton pickup with a V8. I pulled a 25' all summer though out ID, WY and MT. I have to say I was very impressed in how far the 1/2 trucks suspensions, engines and transmissions have come for pulling and hauling. But as I noted, I just took delivery of a new 3/4 ton pickup. Why, and this is PERSONAL and I am not giving advice, but for me, every day I was tired after pulling, especially up hill and down hill through the twisty mountains and when there were moderate to heavy cross winds. When it was time to travel, I started to regret the days trip ahead of me. With a 3/4 ton, I always looked forward to the driving, I was always relaxed and no stress at the end of the day and most importantly I felt in much more control and ready for an emergency evasive action. Not to push diesel, but since you didn't care about maintenance cost, put a Cummins, Powerstroke or Duramax in the 3/4 ton and you will think you went to heaven. To make the only controversial comment here, there is NO comparison, Apples to Oranges. Lastly, if you purchase a 3/4 ton, you will never say I wished I had not.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:26 AM   #10
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2012 22' FB Sport
Gardnerville , Nevada
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F250 Diesel

I towed my 2012 Sport 22FB initially with a 2005 Tundra. Although adequate on the flats, navigating mountain passes in Nevada was slow, and loud. I purchased my F250 4x4 Diesel, with an Equalizer tow bar, and I can honestly say that I no longer even feel the trailer in tow. The ride is extremely comfortable, and secure. I share the driving responsibilities with my wife, and she feels equally safe in the Ford. Having the 250 also allows us to consider one day trading up to a larger trailer, without worrying about our towing capability.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:30 AM   #11
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As stated by Monza, I love my F350 and the diesel. I had an F250(2008) and upgraded because I wanted the crewcab. The difference in ride and control was much better. The F250 should do you well with your size of trailer. Going up hill, I pass all kinds of trucks pulling trailers with the 6.7 deisel, going down hill, the engine is a God send, great, no breake...
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:44 AM   #12
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Apache Junction , Arizona
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I have had two F150's and loved them both but I also felt as though I was being pushed around a little. When I bought my 10,000 Classic I knew I had to go with a F250 and so I did. Plenty of power and not being pushed around at all. A little wiggle when truck passes me but not much. Feel much more secure. The F350's will be you almost 1,000lbs more payload then the F250's but the F250's have plenty of payload capacity.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:45 AM   #13
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When I purchased the 2013 25FB International Serenity, I had great plans to tow it with my 2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI diesel. I got it home safely empty from Los Angles to Phoenix an it did okay going up the mountain out of Palm Springs. However once loaded for camping, the scales reported the axles were overloaded. I researched the ½ ton world and particulary the Ford models, but the payloads were less than stellar for what we wanted to carry.

We settled on a 2012 Ram 2500HD with Cummins and have never looked back. It was fine with the 25FB and is just the right equipment for the 2014 Classic for us. I do not wish for a smaller truck with 9,200 pounds of loaded Airstream behind me.

Everyone has to find their comfort zone when towing. The weight and size point where the ½ ton is being pushed to it's limits and a ¾ ton would be happier is in the eye of the beholder.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:46 AM   #14
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2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
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Super helpful. I appreciate the comments
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:48 AM   #15
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2020 23' Flying Cloud
Albuquerque , New Mexico
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Experienced some high transmission temps in Ozarks, Rockies, and Beeline Highway in our F-150 pulling our 30' FC. Strain on transmission. Switched to Duramax. No more problems. Very smooth and powerful up and down wherever we go. Cost 15k, but worth it for us.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:48 AM   #16
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I also have a 2011 F-150 EB, which did well towing our 2015 23D. We now have a 2008 Safari 28' and I can definitely tell the difference. Overall it does great, but anything over a 6% grade causes the trans temp to rise. The most noticeable difference is the braking ability and tendency for the truck brakes to heat up, even with the trailer brakes adjusted and working as they should.
As soon as the 2017 F-250 diesel is released, I plan on placing my order!
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:49 AM   #17
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On My 1/2 ton ford pickups, after a year on the road the rear wheel bearings and seals would go bad, not a problem with the 3/4 ton....and the tail quit wagging the dog...
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Old 04-09-2016, 11:50 AM   #18
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F150 to F250 to Whatever...it's all about the suspension, horsepower and torque...

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differ...orsepower1.htm
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Old 04-09-2016, 12:15 PM   #19
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Pay $400 and get a set of Firestone airbags on the rear springs and you will love the difference in stability in your 150.
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Old 04-09-2016, 12:34 PM   #20
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250 is better than the 150 , 350 is better than the 250, 450 is better than the 350, 550 is better than the 450 for towing .
you will drive yourself nuts.
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