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IanPoulin · 11-15-2015, 05:27 AM

Hey all --

Well, I am going to pull the trigger on a new factory order diesel crew cab F250 this Monday or Tuesday before Ford finalizes its weekly build list. I am waffling on a few items and want your nitpick and broad feedback if you have any.

[First, let me say I've already checked out Chevy, GMC and Dodge diesels and I am too tall for all of them. I am going diesel this time round for both torque and engine braking capabilities. I am trading in my 2013 F150 single-cab ecoboost as part of this endeavor and have been phenominally impressed with its performance.]

nitpicks first:

18 vs 20 inch wheels, All-season versus all-terrain
There is an on-lot vehicle within 200 miles of the dealership that is 90% of what I want; but carries the chrome package (I don't want) and the 20" chrome wheels (meh.) If I go with this option (the dealer will offer a better trade-in value to my current truck if I do,) I am looking at replacing the All-terrain tires with all-seasons. Generally the knowledge of all-seasons handling ice and rain better and all-terrain handling snow and sand better. Does anyone know if 20" rims introduce any limitations on tire sizing on the F250 within the available wheel well space? Also, thoughts on impact to fuel efficiency and torque on 20" versus 18"?

Broad question -- Lariat vs King Ranch
Looking for a more broad range discussion on KR upfit versus Lariat. Is it really worth the $3500 change in TrueCar pricing? While it has features I dont need (built in navigation system likely to be antiquated within months,) it has some niceties such as the telescope to the wheel as well as tilt, the lighted steps for entry and the KR leather. To that, anyone own a KR and comment on the leather care. A quick google of the ford forums suggests the leather may be quick to dirty, darken and be difficult to care for. It's really this last point that is swinging me into the Lariat camp; but the comfort in the KR seats is amazing to me -- I could see multiple day drives to northern Quebec or Western US being far easier in those seats.

Regarding equipment groups, the only one I am going with is the Lariat Interior Package (if it IS a Lariat.) I've heard negatives about the Ranchero shocks that go with the Fx4 package, so just getting the transfer skid plates one-off. The trailer package (designed for drop in shell trailers) I don't need as it impacts the springs; and thus the ride.

I am going with numerous one-offs such as the northern states extras (engine block heater, accelerated cabin heater, heated rear seats, etc.) and some other extras including the tailgate step, toughliner spray-on, etc.

Oh yeah -- Alternators... go with the stock HD alternator, or would I ever need (or even want) the dual-alternators... 200 vs 350 some amps diff; not sure I really care -- unless I might get a better trailer battery charge based on one versus the other (assuming the tow electronics dont bottleneck what's being delivered)

thoughts, suggestions?

switz · 11-15-2015, 05:47 AM

If the wiring going from the engine compartment to the seven way trailer plug on the back of the truck has 30 amp rated #10 wire instead of #14 or smaller for both the battery charging circuit and the brake control circuit (typically blue wire), then the extra alternator power might be useful.

If your future has more sophisticated trailer batteries then lead acid, then consideration would be there for a second alternator with it's own voltage regulator for the trailer circuit to charge those non-lead acid batteries. Examples of battery types needing different charging characteristics include Lifeline GSM batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries.

paiceman · 11-15-2015, 05:50 AM

IanPolin: We have had a 2012 F250 6.7 Lariat Crew and now have a 2015 F350 6.7 Platinum Crew. Love them both, 2012 is gone (very long story).

Too your questions - The F250 had 18" M&S, liked them, still have them in the basement with wheels if anyone is interested only 4,000 miles. The F350 has 20" M&S and I notice a little more side to side stability but not enough to make me go either way. Both sets are Michelin E rated.

Tailgate step comes with Platinum, and if you do add it you will love it. We have a Leer 700 hard cover, not topper, on ours painted to match the Ingot color and the step makes it easy to get in and I can reach everything in the bed. Had a soft cover, someone cut it open while we were grocery shopping one time.

I went with Platinum as it did have everything I wanted, almost, I also added the dual alternators, (too Switz's post is why we went with two, we have upgraded gel batteries) engine block heater, uplifter switches, the cargo locking device for the bed area, used it once so far, not worth it. I added a Bed Rug bedliner and that is about it. Nav is just an SD card and can be updated anytime you want. That said we have found that despite how good, new or old a GPS system is we always have a paper map open and refer to it often OR open one of the mapping APPS on our cell phones. Plus the Nav has some nice NON Nav features, which I like.

We have Sirus radio and added the travel link.

We tow a 30' FC with both trucks, one a 2011 and now a 2015. The first with a Reese set up now an Equalizer. I like the Equalizer better but it takes getting used to and is noisy. We average over 10,000 miles on our last trip 13.5MPG towing, same with the 2012 F250. We use about 1 gallon of DEF for every 750 - 1,000 miles depending on terrain and I carry the stuff with us.

Oh, we have two Labradors we travel with and the leather seats take a beating so we also added the Ford exclusive Carhart rear seat covers, they are great.

In addition we replaced the factory 26 gallon fuel tank with an aftermarket 50 gallon tank by Titan. Best option we have ever had or added.

Also, make sure your package has Heated and Cooled seats. Once you have them you will understand. To your point on long drives, I could drive all day if I wanted to, even with two herniated discs and fractured back. Seats are great.

Good Luck

Bud

IanPoulin · 11-15-2015, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paiceman

In addition we replaced the factory 26 gallon fuel tank with an aftermarket 50 gallon tank by Titan. Best option we have ever had or added.

Also, make sure your package has Heated and Cooled seats. Once you have them you will understand. To your point on long drives, I could drive all day if I wanted to, even with two herniated discs and fractured back. Seats are great.

Thanks Bud! Yeah the 26 gallon fuel tanks had me worried with planning for Alaska and Mexico in the works; I assume then if I want to look at the 50 gallon Titan tank (looked at them before,) don't get the skid plate option? Also, how has the ford computer handled the new increased capabilities of the tank; or are there options you just ignore now?

yeah; both lariat and KR have the heated/cooled seats; plus the add-on for rear heated seats... ought to be good; just trying to figure if the KR leather versus Lariat leather will leave me cleaning headaches.

Ian

switz · 11-15-2015, 06:08 AM

I have read that Ford's fuel system computer can be set for a larger tank capacity as the stock sender goes into the Titan tank.

We just use the two trip meters in our 2012 Ram 2500HD with one dedicated to the miles since last fill up. I conservatively allow for 11.5 mpg so the 56 gallon tank is capable of powering the truck far longer than I can sit there without emptying my personal tank. I know that in a pinch, the range is over 600 miles.....

Slowing down from 62-65 to 55 greatly increases the mpg and thus the range. Nearly a three gallon per mile difference on relatively level terrain.

paiceman · 11-15-2015, 06:13 AM

We went to Florida last March and had the Titan put in by a Ford dealer in St Petersburg, Nations Ford. They swapped out the tanks, put our old fuel back in and reprogrammed the computer so the truck knows it has 50 gallons when full. I was in and out in three hours. They sent me down the street to fill up and come back so they could check for leaks etc. She has 18,000 miles on her since and knock on wood no issues. The increased range is terrific especially last summer crossing Nevada on the lowliest road in the US, RT 50. I may have missed it but I did not see a diesel stop for 258 miles. I was about their 10th install, one guy does it and he is very anal. No skid plates, plus changing the frame fuel filter is hard to get at as its now a very tight squeeze to get at it, but that is only ever 15,000 miles. Tank is well worth it.

I've only wiped down the leather front seats on our Platinum one time. Back seats have been vacuumed, many times with a yellow and black Lab the fur is amazing, but leather looks fine under the Carhart cover.

Bud

paiceman · 11-15-2015, 06:18 AM

Totally agree with Switz on mileage, if we slow it down to just under 60 I can get, on level ground over 16mpg, but I don't often. Last summer on I40 going east I picked up two Semi's from the old company I was GM at talked to them via CB and told them I was going to pull in behind them and "draft" them at 60mpg. For 100 miles I averaged over 17mpg, pure bliss.

We opted for the Igot Sliver on both trucks, stays clean much longer than other colors we've had, at least does not show the dirt as readily. And black seats, so the Carhart matches nothing.

Bud

Bob662 · 11-15-2015, 07:19 AM

Ian-
I don't believe the tow packages include stiffer springs, but the max. payload package does. You may wish to recheck the Tow Package, and compare it with the Max Tow Package. On the F-150, the max includes 3.55 axle, trailer brake controller and upgraded rear bumper that aren't part of the Tow Package.

IanPoulin · 11-15-2015, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob662

Ian-
I don't believe the tow packages include stiffer springs, but the max. payload package does. You may wish to recheck the Tow Package, and compare it with the Max Tow Package. On the F-150, the max includes 3.55 axle, trailer brake controller and upgraded rear bumper that aren't part of the Tow Package.

Bob --

I am not planning on the max payload package for the F250 (is one even offered? - I only have it on my current F150.) The regular tow package does not; or so I am hoping.

Now... if I spring (HA!) for the plow prep package (would do so only to increase resale value down the road to contractors, etc.) then the stiffer front springs may be required...

Else, unless I am thinking wrong, I am going for the springiest (or least heavy duty spring) ride. I am sure the Airstream can take it well.

Ian

paiceman · 11-15-2015, 09:13 AM

The plow package is about all I did not order, my wife said NO as she knows if I did I'd go out and buy a plow.

I always order max tow and max GVW for my trucks, just in case I switch from an AS and decide to try a 5th Wheel, plus there the resale value is increased as someone buying might want it for a 5th wheel. I never notice the difference between my HD trucks and those in stock at the dealership with respect to ride. No matter what your F250 is not going to ride like your F150. The F250 is a work truck and rides like it, in thinking about it I actually do believe the 20" do ride a tiny bit smoother than the 18" we have. I may just put the 18" on to see, now that you've got me thinking.

Bud

KJRitchie · 11-15-2015, 09:16 AM

Make sure whatever F250 you get has the payload you need. The higher the trim package the less payload. Check the driver door load sticker for actual payload. I've seen F250 6.7 with less than 2000lb of payload.

Kelvin

paiceman · 11-15-2015, 09:26 AM

KJ, It's just one reason I go with the HD everything my payload is 3,800 Pounds with a GVW of 11,500 pounds. So far have not come close to the 3,800 although I was concerned about it when we ordered the truck.

Bud

graysailor · 11-15-2015, 10:12 AM

18" wheels for sure. If you can hold out the 2017 model will be as smart and sophisticated as the current F150's. I have the 2016 Lariat, just over 2000lbs payload and also installed the Titan 50 gallon tank. Nice truck and doing the job.

The King Ranch is just extra $$$ for not much more truck.

IanPoulin · 11-15-2015, 10:18 AM

yeah just double checked -- there's no HD option on the F250. Per the Ford website, it's the 9900 vs 10000 GVWR affecting cargo capacity. For tax reasons, I'd rather the 9900 and don't think I'll miss 100 of rated towing ability (albeit, it's just a sticker change in my guess.)

Ian

URL sourced - http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...tions/payload/

IanPoulin · 11-15-2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graysailor

18" wheels for sure. If you can hold out the 2017 model will be as smart and sophisticated as the current F150's. I have the 2016 Lariat, just over 2000lbs payload and also installed the Titan 50 gallon tank. Nice truck and doing the job.

The King Ranch is just extra $$$ for not much more truck.

If you don't mind me asking, what's occurring in the 2017 model that you know of? Of course, my major concern is if they tinker with the interior, I might loose the headspace at the headliner, taking the F250 out of the loop as a drivable machine as well :-P

Ian

Photobum · 11-15-2015, 11:21 AM

You won't be going to Mexico with that truck unless you have a lot more diesel. Mexican Diesel will ruin that engine in one tank.

Plan-B · 11-15-2015, 11:25 AM

Just finished owning my second f250 diesel, both 20" wheels. Moving onto Cummins.

Anyway, I'll never do 20" wheels on a heavy duty again. On a 1/2 ton not an issue. 20" wheels have no cushion room to help take the rough out of the ride. 20" wheels are MUCH more expensive than 18". I have had to repair or replace 20" tires on three separate occasions, no one stocks them. It's always an order thing. Lastly, you won't get a 20" spare. They don't fit.

polarlyse · 11-15-2015, 11:29 AM

Hi Ian, Hope all's well. Our paths have not crossed lately so hope that changes. You will enjoy a new F250 for sure. We traded our Dodge for a F350 during the summer. Not that we didn't like the Dodge, we did. And the cummins diesel is a gem for sure. Ford gave us a much better trade value. Plus, the newer Ford diesels look to have finally gotten it right and ours is doing very well. We have a sliding bed that I moved from the Dodge to the Ford and just had a Leer cap installed on Friday. Ours has 20" wheels so I can't compare on the Ford but our Dodge had 18's. I really don't notice any handling differences. Both trucks handle well.

If you go for it I'm sure you will be happy. Stay in touch and hope to cross trails again soon.

IanPoulin · 11-15-2015, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plan-B

Just finished owning my second f250 diesel, both 20" wheels. Moving onto Cummins.

Anyway, I'll never do 20" wheels on a heavy duty again. On a 1/2 ton not an issue. 20" wheels have no cushion room to help take the rough out of the ride. 20" wheels are MUCH more expensive than 18". I have had to repair or replace 20" tires on three separate occasions, no one stocks them. It's always an order thing. Lastly, you won't get a 20" spare. They don't fit.

Greg --

Good feedback - sticking to the 18" All-Seasons then! The on-lot vehicle is not an option. Factory order for delivery just after the new year it is then!

Now.... Lariat or KR... Hrmmmm. :-P

Ian

Boogieshoes · 11-15-2015, 12:09 PM

Well, we all tend to like what we decided to purchase; certainly the case with us. 2016 F250 KR 4x4 crew cab. I believe we have every option except snow plow. Do like the 20" wheels and certainly feel the M&S much better for the road. Replaced the 26 gal tank with a 50 gal Titan; that is a must have for towing. We spent a lot of time comparing the Platinum and KR; came down to the front seats being a bit deeper and wider in the KR version. The seats are great. Heated and cooled front, heated rear seats were a non negotiable for us; once you have them, you are spoiled for life. The power difference in this truck and the other brands is significant; much quicker and more responsive. It is, as someone noted earlier, a truck and it rides like one. Leer camper shell with bed blanket is also great; Leer does a good job of matching exact paint batches.