Tow Vehicle - getting set up to tow (need advice)

[wsomach]

Greetings!

My wife & I will soon be getting our 28' Flying Cloud. We are both newbies.

For our tow vehicle, we are getting a Ford F250 Diesel pickup truck.

We will be going to a local dealer very soon to acquire this.

We need to know a lot of basics, especially what to ask for from the Ford Dealer for the setup of the truck.

When purchasing the truck, for our particular towing needs, what functional options should we be asking for?

I have been told about the need for a brake controller.

We want the heavy tow package. Is there any sort of special hitch package we should be asking for?

We would be very grateful for any advice we can get for making sure our towing setup is ideal.

Thank you so much!

[bweybright]

Are you buying new or used? If new be sure it comes with the factory tow package. On a new truck this will get you plenty of hitch capacity and an integrated brake controller on the dash. I would suggest against them offering to sell you something on the lot and put a hitch on it.

[SYC2Vette]

Definitely get the factory tow package. Most dealers will order a F250 Diesel with a tow package and integrated brake controller, in fact it is possible you can't order without that. In any case do not go with a dealer installed after the fact. This might be of some help https://media.ford.com/content/dam/f...owingGuide.pdf Plenty of folks here that know a lot more than me about TV and Ford F250, and sure they will offer good advice.

[Daquenzer]

You won’t have to worry about towing ability.

And all the diesels come with a towing package. That’s why they are built.

If I were you I would want to get front and rear parking sensors. The F250 sits really high and the turning radius isn’t all that good. If you use it for a daily driving parking in parking lots can get tricky.

Definitely a dynamic backup camera.

Not sure if you want the BLISS system that tells you if someone is beside you and the trailer. It shoots down the equivalent of a 33’ trailer. I love it on my F150; especially when driving in heavy city traffic.

One problem you are going to find is there isn’t much of an inventory. The Ford dealer I bought my F150 from had nothing on the lot. And in fact no dealers did. I ordered it in June and it came late August. And if you order you will have to get a 2021 and that won’t be until December.

[JonDNC]

As others have said make sure it has the towing package that includes the 360 cameras.

Other than that it’s all about how deluxe you want your truck. Also compare pricing to a single rear wheel F350 we found there was very minimal price delta new for identical spec, and you get a much higher payload. It all depends on what they want to make the deal on.

[CRH]

You probably want the Powerscope towing mirrors. Extending and folding at the push of a button is nice. The 360 cameras are nice. I would be sure to get the camera package that includes the trailer TPMS. Bed led lights are nice. The tailgate step is almost a necessity. I have BLISS. I dont pay much attention to it. I could have done without.

[majorairhead]

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...9&d=1597151977

Have fun with that link. It's exactly what I did when I ordered my truck. I'd recommend familiarizing yourself with the 'packaged options' towards the end of the document first.

I got on Ford's website a few years back and found ALL the options and packages and other assorted ordering information. In fact, I schooled the salesman on a few things that he didn't even know.

I ordered the XLT model. Keep in mind mine is a 6.2 gas engine. I didn't want leather seats, and wanted to stay away from some of the 'driver assist' electronics.

I did NOT want a sunroof, did NOT order the cab lights, and did NOT order the upfitter switches, but WOULD order the upfitter switches if I had it to do over again.

I didn't get the offroad package either. I found that I could add a skidplate or two, and not have to get the upgraded shocks, saving some $$$.

I DID get the camper package. It beefed up the rear end and increased my payload considerably.

So, I have the 4x4, crew cab, camper package, large display screen for my old man eyes, powerfold mirrors, a couple skid plates underneath, tailgate step.

The 110/400 watt power outlets are REAL nice. They're probably standard.

I have the 4.30 rear, though likely not necessary IMO.

I have a sliding rear window.

I also have the Heavy Duty Alternator.

I might have ordered the full length step bars, but now it's a non issue as I have a leer topper on it.

I wish I had remote start

sorry for the scattered post.

[solomon.m]

I have a 2020 F-150 4x4 Lariat and like it a lot. The features I'd suggest for your 250 shopping list are the Quad Beam LED Headlamps/Taillamps and Fog Lamps option ($1180), Tailgate Step (I call it the old man step $375), and Individual trailerTPMS with customer placed camera. This one is a bit tricky since you would need to run wires for the camera but I think integrating the camera and TPMS into the Ford display system is a cleaner integration versus having the Airstream camera module suction cupped to the windshield and a separate TPMS display for the trailer

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by solomon.m

I have a 2020 F-150 4x4 Lariat and like it a lot. The features I'd suggest for your 250 shopping list are the Quad Beam LED Headlamps/Taillamps and Fog Lamps option ($1180), Tailgate Step (I call it the old man step $375), and Individual trailerTPMS with customer placed camera. This one is a bit tricky since you would need to run wires for the camera but I think integrating the camera and TPMS into the Ford display system is a cleaner integration versus having the Airstream camera module suction cupped to the windshield and a separate TPMS display for the trailer

Totally agree on the tailgate steps! I also have side steps that come in and out. The F250 is 4 inches higher on the side than F150. Unless you are pretty tall.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by CRH

I have BLISS. I dont pay much attention to it. I could have done without.

I'm surprised by this. I have BLIS on my SUV and appreciate it. Especially good when towing because it includes the trailer, not quite perfectly, but still I think it is worthwhile.

[matthewk]

Be careful with payload. When you add a diesel to a 250 it eats up about 700-800 of your payload. I've seen F250's with 1800lbs payload - this is in F150 territory. You may want to consider a F350..

This video explains it nicely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK3neNe3mTo

Ford Super Duty Platinum 6.7 diesel and you'll have basically everything you need. I added an alternator, 3.55 locking rear diff, FX4, dual battery, moonroof.

The diesel comes with the top tier tow package including brake controller.

Things I'd do different add factory spray in bedliner and trailer TPMS, remove the moonroof.

One other thing of note, I would avoid those trucks with heavy duty front suspension or snow plow preparation. It stiffens up the front considerably and makes the ride pretty harsh.

[dnsapp]

the tow package should come with the break control.
Now days you can’t just say F250. There is a range of capabilities of towing within the F250 range. Your hitch has a label (or should ) that tells you the weight limit. The hitch should have a weight limit no less that the towing capability of the truck. example : of the truck has a capability of towing 10,500 pounds then the hitch should be a hitch rated at 12,000 pounds. You hitch and all it’s components are only as good as the weakest link in the system. Never buy any components for the hitch system (ball, receiver, chains, pin, etc that is rated less than the towing capacity of the truck.

[superChop]

WSOMACH - Lots of great advice here on the Forum. IF buying new, look for a lifetime limited warranty on the driveline from your dealer. After watching the video referenced above, make your decision on size of TV and then go to Ford.com and look at the packages offered and their impact on MSRP. For example, when we went to that webpage in 2019 for the F250, we were comparing prices between the XLT and Lariat models. With judicious options, we were able to keep the MSRP for the Lariat to only $2K more than the XLT, which included leather inserts, heated & air conditioned front seats, and electric movement of the tow mirrors.

I agree with the poster on the >$10,000 diesel engine's impact on payload on F250. We have also seen diesel F250's with less than 2,000 lb payloads. F350 will offer more payload. Our gas 4x2 2019 gas F250 Lariat has a payload of 3550 lbs.

Engine selection - Living in FL, how much mountain driving will you encounter? IF only for 5% or less of your towing experience, I have found our 6.2L gas engine which is the standard engine on the F250, to be excellent. I can turn off 6th & maybe 5th gear when driving up the rollercoaster roads to the Top of Georgia Airstream Park and have very little down/upshifts. As I have mentioned in other posts, Diesels Super Duty TV's passed me on the climb up Lizard Head and Monarch Passes earlier this year, but slowing down going up these long climbs was not disruptive to my piece of mind, wallet (do not pay for xtra maintenance cost, extra fuel cost, DEF, etc.), or gas consumption. 2020 introduced an even larger gas engine, the 7.3L, which is about $2K cost on MSRP. It appears to get similar MPG to my 6.2L (not towing 13-14 in town, 16 - 17 on highway & 10-11 when towing).

We winter at Land Yacht Harbor in Melbourne, FL and would love to have you visit this park with your new rigs! PM me for my cell number if interested.

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by DCPAS

I'm surprised by this. I have BLIS on my SUV and appreciate it. Especially good when towing because it includes the trailer, not quite perfectly, but still I think it is worthwhile.

I agree. I have the BLIS warning system on my Expedition. A nice bit of modern-day electronics.

I recommend this option. And it works with the trailer, too, which more than doubles its value to me.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

After buying the AS, how much is left on the credit card? .... this can get expensive ...

The max tow package should include spring upgrades as well as all the hitch / brake related "stuff". The Camper ( = the sort you put on the bed of the truck) puts an anti-sway bar on the rear axle. It's well worth the "few" dollars it costs. It also bumps up the springs (and thus the payload).

Next on my list would be a manual locking rear axle. Before you panic, they are electric and run by a switch on the dash. Not a lot of money to get one, no real downside to them. In many cases they will do more for you than 4WD.

As mentioned by many others, the 360 cameras and the blind spot "radar" are very useful on a big truck. They are even more useful when towing ..... I would include the electric power driven mirrors in the "need to have" category. You never know when you may get into a tight spot ....

Engine wise it's up to you. We've pulled a 30' Classic all over the country with a gas engine on a F250. Same with the 4WD / off-road package, up you you. ( I have the off road stuff and like it ...).

You will find that various odd options only kick in as you go up in trim level. We had to go a bit nuts to get the electric running boards one of us needed to have *and* the lack of a moonroof the other one was after.

Cab size again is your call. With our two dogs and occasional passengers, a crew cab was the only way to do it. Bed wise, longer will let you haul more stuff. A crew cab with an 8' bed will be "fun" when it comes time to find a parking space at a restaurant .....

Lots of choices !!!

Bob

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by wsomach

Greetings!

My wife & I will soon be getting our 28' Flying Cloud. We are both newbies.

For our tow vehicle, we are getting a Ford F250 Diesel pickup truck.

We will be going to a local dealer very soon to acquire this.

We need to know a lot of basics, especially what to ask for from the Ford Dealer for the setup of the truck.

When purchasing the truck, for our particular towing needs, what functional options should we be asking for?

I have been told about the need for a brake controller.


We want the heavy tow package. Is there any sort of special hitch package we should be asking for?

We would be very grateful for any advice we can get for making sure our towing setup is ideal.

Thank you so much!

Make sure the truck comes with the heavy duty tow package. That will have everything you need for towing right from the factory.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by matthewk

Be careful with payload. When you add a diesel to a 250 it eats up about 700-800 of your payload. I've seen F250's with 1800lbs payload - this is in F150 territory. You may want to consider a F350..

This video explains it nicely.

Ford Super Duty Platinum 6.7 diesel and you'll have basically everything you need. I added an alternator, 3.55 locking rear diff, FX4, dual battery, moonroof.

The diesel comes with the top tier tow package including brake controller.

Things I'd do different add factory spray in bedliner and trailer TPMS, remove the moonroof.

One other thing of note, I would avoid those trucks with heavy duty front suspension or snow plow preparation. It stiffens up the front considerably and makes the ride pretty harsh.

+1 on payload. Look at the payload sticker inside the driver side door. If you’re going to add a topper, slide and/or carry lots of stuff, think about the F350. Not much difference in the price, but you’ll get a lot of payload.

We went with F350 (2019 Lariat) Diesel for that reason. Love it. We bought it primarily as a tow vehicle, not a daily driver. It does a great job pulling our 28 RBT. By the way, we have about 3400 lbs of payload.

[Spaggs]

Three (3) letters you need to know: FTE (Ford Truck Enthusiasts).
Go to this forum and specifically look at the Super Duty site and ask the same question.
Some of these guys are engineers and/or Ford Truck related aftermarket towing specialists.
Personally, I would not have been able to build my “optimum” tow vehicle without the help of these guys.
Also, you will find guys with thousands of miles of towing experience with your same truck. There are a lot of posts with the phrase “if I had it to do over again I would ....”
For prepping your Ford, this is the most valuable resource you can tap into.

[turk123]

I would look at the f-350 for about $800 more. The main difference is an additional leaf spring. I added one to my 250 and it gave me 1100 lbs. more payload. The ride? Even better. The 250 has quite a whishy washy rear end. The extra leaf firms it up properly.

Of course I'm pulling a 30' Classic.

Also, they lowered the models height since I bought mine (2017). I believe they dropped it 2". Mine is way too high for a rear bed truck.

[JonDNC]

We also ended up with an 2019 F350 Platinum. All the goodies was only $500 more (dealer wanted it off the lot). 3300+ payload, all the comfort /fun stuff. Wife says equal comfort to the Audi SQ5. Only downside is ours is a little tall (FX4 off road) but the automatic running boards help a ton. They are lower than the fixed ones when down and out of the way when up.