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NarniaBCs · 07-04-2018, 02:39 PM

Planning on trading Ford Expedition for F150 or 250 4x4 short bed supercab (rear seat replaced with dog crates; need outside bed for generator and its gas tank - we mostly drycamp). Would welcome input from experience on which axle ratio I should order. Towing FC25 sometimes in hilly VT and NH: do I really need diesel or can I survive with gas? Like to know before hearing dealers try to sell what's on their lot.

Daquenzer · 07-04-2018, 04:16 PM

The 3.5 Ecoboost I have with max tow haul comes with 3.53. You’ll want to try and get the 36 gallon tank. If you get a higher ratio you’ll probably have to order it. They usually aren’t sitting on the lot with higher axle ratio because your mpg will suffer some for daily driving. But not necessary for a 25’FC. I have a 28’IS and the 3.5 Ecoboost does just fine. I can drive faster than I should. I really don’t think you would need a F250 for that size AS. Unless you are going to really load up lots of weight in the bed. And you’re right. Don’t need a diesel.

If you go with the F150 probably the XLT will give you the most payload with some nice features. Platinum generally is loaded up with too many extras that cut into payload. My payload is about 1760lbs.

One other thing is that finding towing mirrors on existing F150 is hard. I have a BLISS system with rear camera on AS. Then I bought mirrors I can slip over existing. I think it was going to cost $800 for different mirrors.

The only thing a diesel would help with is going down hill with the engine brake.

Some people have complained about porpoising with F150. I have Propride and have not experienced that. And if you have the Expedition it shouldn’t be different than the F150. Always a tough choice.

Daquenzer · 07-04-2018, 04:33 PM

PS. I use my F150 3.5 Ecoboost for daily driving as a real estate appraiser. I get 22.8 mpg on an everyday basis. It goes down in Winter. But the mpg’s are really good with the 10 speed transmission. It get about 10 to 12 mpg while towing (depending upon wind). Also the F250 with gas is a real beast of an engine. Watch the gauntlet test for the F250 gas and you’ll see its power.

Bobbo · 07-04-2018, 07:52 PM

I'm happy with my F-150 with a 3.5l EcoBoost and 3.55 gear ratio.

uncle_bob · 07-04-2018, 08:21 PM

Hi

A diesel holds an edge at high altitude if it has a turbocharger (or a supercharger for that matter). A gas engine would also benefit from having one. Truck diesels get them, gas engines don't. If you are east of the Rockies ... not a big benefit performance wise.

Depending on how the state you are in taxes fuel, the diesel may be cheaper on a cents of fuel per mile basis. Here in PA ( and many other states) it does not come out that way.

So - no clear answer. No obvious "must have" ....

Bob

RandyNH · 07-05-2018, 04:33 AM

Whereas the highest elevation in New England is just over 6,000ft and you can't tow a trailer up to it, plus the fact that pretty much all towable roads in the area are below 4,000ft a diesel would be complete overkill for you.

You would do perfectly well with an EcoBoost model maxed out for towing.

Wayne&Sam · 07-05-2018, 04:47 AM

Nanrnia BCs - as in Border Collies?

ROBERT CROSS · 07-05-2018, 04:49 AM

We've 'survived' with gas since 1987.👍
'84 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, iffy at best😂

7.4, 3.73

8.1, 4.10

Bob
🇺🇸

NarniaBCs · 07-05-2018, 06:18 AM

Yes, three. Two retired, youngest in Agility and some herding. Also have a Sheltie.

Bobbo · 07-05-2018, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

A diesel holds an edge at high altitude if it has a turbocharger (or a supercharger for that matter). A gas engine would also benefit from having one. Truck diesels get them, gas engines don't.

Someone forgot to tell my gas F-150 with twin turbos that it isn't supposed to have them.

**DKB_SATX** · 07-05-2018, 08:58 AM

If your reason for trading the Expedition is more for cargo arrangement than payload (you mentioned wanting the cargo bed for generators and other dirty stuff) then a properly-specified F150 should do fine for you.

My personal preference is the SuperCrew 5.5' box, Max Tow (Max Tow pkg is 53C: 3.5 Ecoboost, 3.55:1 e-locker differential, larger fuel tank, upgraded rear bumper). I ordered the telescoping tow mirrors (they're separate from the tow packages) and wouldn't want a new truck without them. I have about 1750 lb stickered payload on a Lariat luxury setup (502a) and that works well for us with an Airstream 26U. You can get more payload with a lower-trim truck, and LOTS more payload with the hard-to-find HD Payload package (long wheelbase only, supercab/8' or supercrew/6.5'. Take your dog crates to the dealership when you're looking at trucks. I confess I didn't do that this time around, but I did the first time and the travel crate wouldn't fit behind the seat in the older platform, which is how I ended up buying a Supercrew for the '07 and went with Supercrew again for the '17 because the layout works for us.

Wayne&Sam · 07-05-2018, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NarniaBCs

Yes, three. Two retired, youngest in Agility and some herding. Also have a Sheltie.

The boy in my avatar died last year- he was going on 16. Did quite a bit of agility and some herding (I bought him a flock).

Now we just have a Pyr Shep.