|
|
09-03-2020, 06:47 PM
|
#21
|
3 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Lawn Guyland
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 144
|
F150 vs F250
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewk
That's basically a F-250 with a small hood
|
Yep - I can still reach the windshield wipers to change them - if i climb up on the tires . . .
__________________
Walt
WBCCI - 29375
|
|
|
09-03-2020, 11:18 PM
|
#22
|
Moderator
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,536
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewk
That's basically a F-250 with a small hood
|
2017+ the hood is exactly the same size as a 150. Everything forward of the box is pretty much the same aluminum body panels with some codpieces added to make it look tougher. You could swap in F150 bits and make them look the same... the fake fender vent and different lights and grille are just cosmetic.
__________________
— David
Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566
He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 12:53 AM
|
#23
|
Cloudland2
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Trenton
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 439
|
My ‘15 F-150 5.0v8 Supercab Lariat V8 has done well towing my FC25 on 2 month 6-8k trips from GA to CO, WY, MT, ID, UT, NM in 2016, 17 and 19, mostly exploring mountains. Each trip the overall mileage was just under 12. Above 8k elevation, the naturally aspirated V8 is a bit slow and the downhills with 3.31 gearing means high revving 2nd and even occasional 1st fear to avoid excessive braking but it has worked. Payload is pretty good compared to Supercrews at 2031 but I carry a lot of tools, generators and stuff so am pretty maxed. My BrotherNlaw has a Similar truck and AS but his has the Ecoboost that performs much better at altitude with its turbos. His is Crew with less payload, smaller bed but has the 10 speed I think he has been pleased.
For more capacity and power, I am considering the F250 or 350 with 7.3 gas, 3.73 or 4.10 gearing in a Lariat with Crew cab. Probably 6.75 but maybe 8 ft bed. I’ve had an older gen F350 but these newer ones have a much better ride quality, though not as nimble or economical compared to F150s. I get unloaded on the hwy 20-21 mpg and 18 around my home in the Appalachians so that will go away with heavier truck but hoping closer to a wash towing. So the 150 works with a 25 depending on how much junk you want to haul around and where.
If you want more power, capacity go SuperD.
PS- I don’t like the shifter on the column and lack of Auto 4wd in the SuperDutys. What’s up with that?
__________________
Dave & Carolyn
WBCCI #2584
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 04:54 AM
|
#24
|
Rivet Master
2023 27' Globetrotter
Winder
, Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 517
|
Again, thanks to all for your input. I have never in my life been part of a forum but this is really an awesome resource.
I may wind up just keeping my 06' F250 for towing for now. It's has the 6.0 powerstroke which was a problem for Ford but I have had it "bulletproofed" and it only has 142k original miles. Its not my every day drive vehicle so again, may just hang on to it for a while. Only thing is, new ones aren't getting cheaper!
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 07:41 AM
|
#25
|
Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
|
One negative I've found with my F150 3.5 ecoboost is its propensity to overheat on long grades when towing, specifically at altitude. The truck tows like a mule but its frustrating to watch the coolant temps climb to the high 140's then get the power reduction message on the dash. Google overheating while towing with the ecoboost, its a known problem.
I had it checked by Ford service and they couldn't find any issue. The owners manual even says the truck can overheat on grades and the computer will then reduce power to protect the engine. I'll be towing uphill at 55 mph then suddenly the engine will slow and 35 is all it'll manage.
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 09:05 AM
|
#26
|
4 Rivet Member
2013 25' Flying Cloud
Crystal River
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 474
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscherzi
I'll be towing uphill at 55 mph then suddenly the engine will slow and 35 is all it'll manage.
|
I find it a bit hard to belived that presents such a problem to some folks (not pointing at you). If everything else with the truck is adequate but on occasion you have to plan to take long grades in a couple of stages I just don't see it as an issue worth worrying about. I did a fair amount of traveling with a max load on my one ton. Every once in awhile I'd have to pull over to let the transmission cool or the brakes. No doubt I could have continued on in those situation without damage but I tend to err on the side of taking care of my equipment. I never saw it as an issue. Maybe I've read too many history books about the trials and tribulation of the wagons heading west.
__________________
“While you live, shine / Have no grief at all / Life exists only for a short while / And time demands its toll.”
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 10:05 AM
|
#27
|
3 Rivet Member
2021 25' Globetrotter
Cleveland
, Ohio
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 158
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DKB_SATX
2017+ the hood is exactly the same size as a 150. Everything forward of the box is pretty much the same aluminum body panels with some codpieces added to make it look tougher. You could swap in F150 bits and make them look the same... the fake fender vent and different lights and grille are just cosmetic.
|
The 250/350 hood is taller at the front than the f-150.. Likely to make it look tougher and clear the diesel.
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 12:34 PM
|
#28
|
Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
|
I'm just putting it out there, apparently Ford installed a cooling system that can't keep up with its high powered turbo engine in the F150.
They compensated for this decision by stating in the owners manual that the truck will overheat in certain situations. Maybe its an issue with my model year and they have since corrected it. I bought this truck to replace a 2003 5.4 Expedition (same platform as the F150) that never overheated pulling the same trailer over the same grades.
I used to have a 1966 MGB that overheated going downhill, but many english autos of that era had the same issues. That car was designed in the 1950's. One would expect a modern vehicle, built nearly 60 years later with advanced computers would be capable of pulling nearly half its advertised weight capacity uphill for a few minutes at the speed limit without overheating to the point of shutting off the turbo's.
So much for my rant. By and large the truck is fine. If I turn the A/C off, slow to 50 or 45 mph on the long grades, it'll make it without shutting off the turbo's, but barely.
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 01:14 PM
|
#29
|
Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Hiawassee
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,416
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bcc75
Thanks to all for your input. We are not fulltimers. Mid Forties with 1 in College so it will be while before we can retire & hit the road for extended trips. For now just weekend trips or week long vacations. However I do don't want to be limited to what I can pack for the weeklong trips so from everything I see, the F250 may be the way to go.
Also- does anyone know of any clubs or units in the Southeast US that has activities geared more towards weekenders?
|
If you’re a WBCCI member the Southeast Camping Unit might interest you. This year has been kind of weird but we usually have some weekend type rallies. You can get contact info in the Blue Beret. Or PM me and I’ll get it to you.
Another option is Top of Georgia unit. They have a nice campground open to all WBCCI members in the mountains just north of a Helen, GA. Not sure but I think most of their activities are located at that one site.
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 01:23 PM
|
#30
|
Rivet Master
2020 25' Globetrotter
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,846
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscherzi
I'm just putting it out there, apparently Ford installed a cooling system that can't keep up with its high powered turbo engine in the F150.
They compensated for this decision by stating in the owners manual that the truck will overheat in certain situations. Maybe its an issue with my model year and they have since corrected it. I bought this truck to replace a 2003 5.4 Expedition (same platform as the F150) that never overheated pulling the same trailer over the same grades.
I used to have a 1966 MGB that overheated going downhill, but many english autos of that era had the same issues. That car was designed in the 1950's. One would expect a modern vehicle, built nearly 60 years later with advanced computers would be capable of pulling nearly half its advertised weight capacity uphill for a few minutes at the speed limit without overheating to the point of shutting off the turbo's.
So much for my rant. By and large the truck is fine. If I turn the A/C off, slow to 50 or 45 mph on the long grades, it'll make it without shutting off the turbo's, but barely.
|
Not a rant at all. Overheating and loss of power while towing grades like you have described would definitely be an issue for me as well.
__________________
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)
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 01:45 PM
|
#31
|
Moderator
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,536
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewk
The 250/350 hood is taller at the front than the f-150.. Likely to make it look tougher and clear the diesel.
|
So they codpieced the hood too? I knew they went to the expense of a distinct quarter panel to set the fake vent into... so the cab is all they left alone. "Let's make these 2 lines use the same body to save money, then change a ton of things to spend more money." No wonder my F stock is where it is.
__________________
— David
Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566
He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 01:52 PM
|
#32
|
1 Rivet Member
Berkeley
, California
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daquenzer
And by the way if you want a better experience with an F150 put the roadmaster suspension system on your pickup. It REALLY makes a difference on the F150. The cost is about $650 installed. You will not regret it. Eliminates lots of squat, and firms up the back end quite a bit without taking away the ride comfort.
|
Sorry if this has been discussed already, but do you have more details on the Roadmaster setup? Their website has a lot of systems and I'm curious what you sent with. Thanks!
|
|
|
09-04-2020, 02:26 PM
|
#33
|
Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Driftless Area
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 783
|
Went through the same process. I started two threads that may be helpful:
Help spec a new F-150
Help spec a new F-250
As others say, it comes down to payload. For me, it was a family of 4, bikes, modest amount of gear, and a 27’ Globetrotter.
__________________
Airstream adventures and enhancements thread: Traveling with Tatay
Personal blog (photography, travel, woodworking, flyfishing, food): nryn.com
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 03:29 AM
|
#34
|
Rivet Master
2015 25' Flying Cloud
Schaumburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 635
|
First hand F-150 experience
Take this at face value, but I am moving up fron an F-150 to an F-250 (gas). Can't emphasize the weight situation enough. I have a (new to me) 2015 25' RBT Flying cloud, love the floor plan, love the trailer overall. We tow with an F-150 (5.0L v8) and I have plenty of power, although I don't care for the frequent downshifts to stay in the power band when necessary, and the F-150 gets pushed around more than I expected. We’ve been through mountain regions I-90 from Montanna to Minneapolis). What I don't have is margin on my payload or rear axle. On my trip home after purchase, we stopped at a CAT scale to get weights. The trailer was essentially empty, certainly NOT packed for an extended trip. I was 40lbs over on my rear axle (rated at 3800 lbs). That doesn't sound like much, and some on the forum might say this is no concern, but I want margin, and that overload is only going up once I pack for a real trip (tools, supplies, food, etc). I have already made the choice to upgrade to an F-250, not for power, for stability and margin (heavier truck). I have a 2021 on order. To each his own, but above all else, use your gut feel of your towing experience, and actual weights from a certified CAT scale, for your trailer, to guide your decisions, not just public opinion. My actual weights were the final confirmation that F-250 was right for me (yes, I have a correctly configured WD hitch; Equal-I-zer brand).
Best of luck in your decision process
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 06:14 AM
|
#35
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,592
|
If I had the need for a new tow vehicle, I’d almost certainly purchase a 3/4 ton truck with a turbo Diesel engine to tow an Airstream. I live in the mountains, and I need a 4x4 truck. That said, my wife and I like smaller trailers that can easily get into more remote or smaller campgrounds. For us, a 23 FB is plenty of trailer. Our 1/2 ton truck with a gas engine can handle that just fine. I think it really comes down to your preferences, how you’ll use the trailer, etc. Personally, I’d rather have a little more truck than necessary as opposed to pushing the limits of my tow vehicle.
__________________
Dennis
Past:
Airstream International Serenity 23FB
Newmar Ventana 3715
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 06:48 AM
|
#36
|
3 Rivet Member
2021 25' Globetrotter
Cleveland
, Ohio
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 158
|
If you're leaning for a F250 WITH a Diesel, consider a f-350. Very small differences between the two, but a 250 with a Diesel doesn't have much more payload than a F-150. This video really breaks it down.
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 09:38 AM
|
#37
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,746
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bcc75
...... Due to costs of purchase and maintenance on F250 Diesels, ........I love the 250's but in the long run is it worth the extra costs?
|
Hi
A F-250 does not *have* to be a diesel. Take that out of the equation and all the "high upkeep cost" stuff goes away.
Once you load up a F-150 with all the max tow this and that, it's not a $30K truck anymore.
Get the one you love !!
Bob
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 09:43 AM
|
#38
|
1 Rivet Member
2014 28' International
Cedar Park
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 14
|
I tow a 27' AS Intl with a Ford f150 ECO 6 with no problem. I just finished a three week tour of Colorado. The f150 towed well.J Cesaro
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 10:15 AM
|
#39
|
2 Rivet Member
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Central
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 97
|
We've towed a 25FB for the past nine years from Florida to the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina with a 5.6L V-8 Nissan Armada, Hensley/ProPride - no problems. FWIW, the V-8 would still be my choice over a turbo V-6.
|
|
|
09-09-2020, 10:20 AM
|
#40
|
New Member
2017 25' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2
|
F250 for sure. I had a 25RB International Signature and an F150. It pulled fine but was not as stable, in my opinion, even with weight distribution and stabilizing bars. I ended up buying an F250 gasoline and added a few leaf springs in the rear. Pulled fine, no stabilizer bars or weight distribution, even through a tropical storm in 60mph wind gusts and torrential rains. (Pushed the evacuation time a bit much.) The extra weight of the tow vehicle helps in many ways. Stopping, downhills, high winds, etc.
Anyway, divorced and downsized to a 16' Sport and went back to an F150. I could easily pull it with something smaller but prefer heavier tow vehicle per object towed.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|