F150 vs. Super Duty 4 X 4

[davidrrand]

I have had F series Fords since the 1980s, most with four wheel drive. Previous
truck was an F350 Super Duty 7.3 diesel. Current truck is a 2015 F150 Lariat Super Cab with 5.0. The 4x4 system features dash selector with 2H, 4A, 4H & 4L options, along with locking rear. I live on a mountain in NW Georgia and find the 4A especially useful on slippery wet mountain paved roads in inclement weather. This is the first truck I have owned with this feature and I like it. Later model Super Duties I have seen do not appear to have this feature. I have not looked at the latest models in the last two years, but the prior models did not have this feature.

The other thing I noticed, is that the Super Duties I have seen also have column shifters, no console shifters like the F150s. I like console shifters.

My question is to those who have gone from F150 to F250/350, do you miss these features? Or is this an option I am not aware of? I think I definitely would.

Thanks in advance for comments and sorry the picture is sideways!

Dave R.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by davidrrand

I have had F series Fords since the 1980s, most with four wheel drive. Previous
truck was an F350 Super Duty 7.3 diesel. Current truck is a 2015 F150 Lariat Super Cab with 5.0. The 4x4 system features dash selector with 2H, 4A, 4H & 4L options, along with locking rear. I live on a mountain in NW Georgia and find the 4A especially useful on slippery wet mountain paved roads in inclement weather. This is the first truck I have owned with this feature and I like it. Later model Super Duties I have seen do not appear to have this feature. I have not looked at the latest models in the last two years, but the prior models did not have this feature.

The other thing I noticed, is that the Super Duties I have seen also have column shifters, no console shifters like the F150s. I like console shifters.

My question is to those who have gone from F150 to F250/350, do you miss these features? Or is this an option I am not aware of? I think I definitely would.

Thanks in advance for comments and sorry the picture is sideways!

Dave R.

I had a 2014 Platinum 4x4 Echoboost with my 25's. Loved everything you mention, except no payload...I was always way over the max payload. When I was looking in 2017 for replacement, I looked at every 1/2T out there, and still, 2000lb payload was very difficult or non existent in some models. I also got a new 28' AS; the "wife" insisted on a larger TV, so I ended up getting the new 2017 King Ranch 4x4 with 6.7L Diesel. Looked at the F250 KR gas model my service Manger had, but he talked me into the diesel; said he wished he had gotten the diesel. 133K miles now, and I am happy with everything except cost of fuel and parking when unhitched can be a pain...but, no payload issues, drives great, comfortable, handles the AS nicely, and no issues with engine. Resale is still very good also.

[davidrrand]

Our F150 has been good and just finished almost 7 weeks out west mostly in the mountains. Fourth 6k+ mile trip across country since 2016. Total AS mileage is just over 31k miles and 73 k on the truck. Payload on truck is 2031 lbs (Supercab instead of Crew helps payload). Could use a bit more payload and yet lugged around 2 Honda 2000s and 200 watt Renogy suitcase and never used neither. Maybe just need to go lighter and smarter! Holding off buying anything substantial now as this not a buyer’s market. Glad you love your truck. That 6.7 is a beast! Loved my ‘99 350 and traded it after 16 years and 190k miles for $10k so appreciate a diesel’s resale value. The 7.3 was puny with 235 hp and 500 ft lbs compared to yours but served me well in my work and hauling a saltwater fishing boat. Still like the idea of a new 250 and the 7.3 gas as I am pretty sure our 25FC will be our last trailer ��

[mikeinca]

I went from an F150 Lariat to an F250 Platinum. I do miss the console mounted shifter (although you get an additional storage cubby in its place). I prefer the console shifter but have gotten used to the column one.

4A mode was a nice feature on the F150 but I haven't really missed it that much on the F250 since I didn't use it a lot anyway. I have towed with the F250 in snowy/slushy conditions in 4H mode and it performs without complaint.

AFAIK, there are no options that will allow you to equip a Super Duty with either the console shifter or 4A mode, even if you choose the optional 10sp transmission. The lack of 4A mode probably has something to do with the hauling/towing capacities of the Super Duty. I don't know about the console shifter unless Ford doesn't think it fits with the "image" of the truck.

Overall, the F250 is superior enough compared to the F150 in terms of its ability to comfortably tow our Airstream that I don't think much about the missing features.

[John Ware]

I've had several F150s and F250s since 1978. As far as 4x4s go, the 2010 F150 was the best balanced, but the 2019 F250 4x4 is far superior in towing power. My son has a 2020 F250 and his has a console with a floor shifter. Mine has the column shifter which is what I prefer.

[Trowbridge]

3/4 tons don't have a 4 All Wheel drive option because it can't handle their torque. Is nice on a 1/2 ton truck for all around driving in slippery conditions.

Our 2004 Dodge 2500 (forgive me, not a Ford) has transfer case options on a knob on the dash/console (2WD, 4H, 4L) and gear (D, 2, L, R) on the column. I like it. Simple to operate and doesn't interfere with a person in the center seat OR (possibly more importantly) the fold down cupholders!

[AgBullet]

Went from a 150 Lariat to a 250 King Ranch...do miss the console shifter, but it's not a big deal. Love towing with the 250.

[Silverminer]

Originally Posted by davidrrand

I have had F series Fords since the 1980s, most with four wheel drive. Previous
truck was an F350 Super Duty 7.3 diesel. Current truck is a 2015 F150 Lariat Super Cab with 5.0. The 4x4 system features dash selector with 2H, 4A, 4H & 4L options, along with locking rear. I live on a mountain in NW Georgia and find the 4A especially useful on slippery wet mountain paved roads in inclement weather. This is the first truck I have owned with this feature and I like it. Later model Super Duties I have seen do not appear to have this feature. I have not looked at the latest models in the last two years, but the prior models did not have this feature.

The other thing I noticed, is that the Super Duties I have seen also have column shifters, no console shifters like the F150s. I like console shifters.

My question is to those who have gone from F150 to F250/350, do you miss these features? Or is this an option I am not aware of? I think I definitely would.

Thanks in advance for comments and sorry the picture is sideways!

Dave R.

I'm going from an F150 to a 250 in the fall. Mine is on order. All 250's have column shift. I'm actually looking forward to it. With the column shift I find it's easy to not be in park. My F250 order does include the locking differential. It's my understanding that its used for when starting in deep dirt or mud. As others have commented the F150 lack of payload. I can attest to that. Every trip we take, the back has hardly any room for bare essentials. And cannot accommodate 4 adults when towing.

[DKB_SATX]

The front axle is completely different on the 150 vs the SuperDuties, and that's where the magic happens for the "4A" mode.

F150 4WD has independent front suspension, and the SuperDuties still have a solid front axle. The hay-wagon axle is stronger and more durable, but it doesn't drive as well and is somewhat sensitive to your maintenance of the front-end components. If they're still building them that way when I need a 3/4 ton, I'll be deciding between getting 2WD or getting a GMC.

[guskmg]

If you really dislike the ride get a Keldermanir air suspension system. They have systems for all Ford, Dodge and GMCs. The GMC does not have front air because with torsion bar it s not needed, but their kit includes great shocks to replace the OEM weaklings. I have had full air ride for 12 years. Not only is the ride much nicer, but the trailer is getting a smoothe ride (think front end separation).
guskmg

[kscherzi]

Have 2017 F150 3.5 Ecoboost 4x4 Lariat with 1670 lbs of payload. It could easily handle a 25' Airstream. The F150 XLT models have quite a bit more payload, close to 2,000 lbs.

Just depends how important having that big heavy duty diesel engine is to you.

[gypsydad]

"Handeling" a 25' is not the issue here, right? It is Payload, (again:-()

I have seen 25' tongue weight of 1000+ lbs...add couple passengers 350#, a 45# generator, 150# of camp gear (bbq, firepit, 20# propane tank, etc.), a 40# pooch, and you can easily exceed 1/2T limits, on "most" of the 1/2T's, including Ford. I loved my F150 Platinum 4x4 EB towing 2 different 25's; problem was payload limitations.

F250 works well with the 28'. Not saying a 1/2T could not "tow" a 27/28, or 30' AS, but the issue with the larger AS's is also braking and control. (The torque/power with the 6.7L is awsome also!) Our F150 towing our 25 AS's I felt very comfortable but I was always over payload, and did not know about specs of payload till later.

Yea, there are folks who will "argue" that control of the AS with a 1/2T vs a 3/4T is not an issue; and folks that will argue that it is an issue... Lots of experience towing 4 different AS's with both. I can tell you, from my experiences, the 3/4T offers a totally different experience not only in power, but control and braking, when towing a 25' or larger AS. Many here who have had both tend to agree. If you have not compared the 2 while towing, you will never know...

[OrangeCrush]

This January I went from a 2018 F150 Platinum 4x4 to a 2022 F250 loaded Lariat 4x4 Diesel. I live in Colorado and do miss the 4A slightly but it is easy enough to just use 4H when I need it. Thought I would miss the console shifter but turns out I now much prefer the column shift as it gives more storage area at the console. I never used the manual shift feature on the F150 other than to play with it. If you go with the F250 I highly recommend the adaptive steering with tow haul mode. Good luck with your decision.

[Bcc75]

Went from F150 Lariat 4wd with Ecoboost to 2020 F250 lariat 6.7 diesel. Other than paying $5.75 for the fuel, I love it. It’s not my every day driver so I can live with it. For towing and payload, the 250 is far superior. Yes you can make the F150 work as many on this forum will attest to. But when you have the opportunity to experience both, towing the same trailer… that’s when the 250 stands out. The auto exhaust brake in the mountains is a game changer. Better braking, better stability. No sway. 17-18 mpg while towing our 25’. I never used the 4A option on the 150 and I like the column shifter because it gives you more room for storage on the center console. Keep in mind the 250 with 10spd transmissions also has the selectable drive modes which includes a slippery/wet setting that gives better traction and handling in those conditions. This is simply done by a button push on the shifter. The f150’s have the same feature. This is nothing to do with 4wd. I think you would be well pleased with the 250. I know I am.

[DewTheDew]

Because of payload issues I went from a 2017 F150 EB Platinum to a 2019 F250 diesel Platinum and I actually like the console cubby more and am fine with the column shifter. I thought I would miss the AWD but when I have been in slick conditions (not often and not for long distances to date) I have put it into 4H with no issues. I liked the F150 but appreciate the capabilities of the F250 and have no regrets.

[davidrrand]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

The front axle is completely different on the 150 vs the SuperDuties, and that's where the magic happens for the "4A" mode.

F150 4WD has independent front suspension, and the SuperDuties still have a solid front axle. The hay-wagon axle is stronger and more durable, but it doesn't drive as well and is somewhat sensitive to your maintenance of the front-end components. If they're still building them that way when I need a 3/4 ton, I'll be deciding between getting 2WD or getting a GMC.

Thanks! I knew 150 had IFS but did not realize that was making the auto mode possible. Make sense. It also explains the
car-like handling compared to my ‘99 F350.

I did drive a couple of Super Duties since 2018 and they handled much nicer than my first gen Super Duty.

Thanks for all the responses.

Dave

[jcl]

Originally Posted by davidrrand

Thanks! I knew 150 had IFS but did not realize that was making the auto mode possible. Make sense. It also explains the
car-like handling compared to my ‘99 F350.

I did drive a couple of Super Duties since 2018 and they handled much nicer than my first gen Super Duty.

Thanks for all the responses.

Dave

The auto mode isn't because of the independent front suspension (which does improve handling).

It is because of the inclusion of a central differential in the transfer case.

[civeng99]

We have run Ford, Chevy and Dodge 250 and 350 trucks over the years in our fleet. Mostly Ford over the years. Mostly regular cabs. We are on a Chevy purchase contract right now as they’re the cheapest out there right now by a large margin. The dodge trucks have the best ride, the fords are quite acceptable and the new Chevy units ride like a buck board with by far the worst interiors. The seats are an absolute disaster and they’re like a torture chamber inside. We’ve had the best luck over the years with the fords. Work trucks. Your mileage may vary.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by jcl

The auto mode isn't because of the independent front suspension (which does improve handling).

It is because of the inclusion of a central differential in the transfer case.

I stated it poorly, perhaps. Yes, the 4A system depends on a unique computer-controlled wet-plate clutching system in the transfer case and is designed to work with a particular (also computer-managed) front diff which is specific to the independent front suspension. I was unclear... the magic is in the computer-controlled clutches in the system which uses a diff that's not the same as the one in the solid axle. I have no idea of the exact specs but I'd guess the clutch system in the 150 transfer case is rated for less torque than the more traditional transfer case in the SuperDuties, and the independent front end is definitely rated for less weight than the SuperDuties.