Ford Superduty question…

[Bruce B]

I am thinking of trading my 2020 GMC in on a Ford F-250.
I thought long and hard about ordering an F-150 but I can’t escape my fear of payload deficiency. Plus I like my vehicles optioned up and that kills payload.
As I build the truck, I see an option for an “F-250 Trailer Tow High Capacity” option.
I have read online that this increases rear spring ratings and in my way of thinking, I don’t need anything like extra capacity. Somewhere I read that it also included a Dana axel that is supposed to be superior to whatever else is normally included.
Has anyone else got anything to add to this?
My preference would be to end up with the nicest ride available… I am pretty sure the truck would be overkill for towing a 25’ Globetrotter…
Thanks,

[Fungus]

The F-250 Trailer Tow High Capacity requires a diesel engine. Just FYI.

The upgrade in GCWR is unnecessary.

My 2022 F-250 Lariat FX4 gasser is great with our 2017 International 25FB. I sometimes wish I had ordered the diesel for the range with the 60-gallon fuel tank. I'm making it work with the range and there are negatives to the diesel as well as positives. Not worth changing at this point. The truck replaced a 2020 F-150 Lariat FX4 that was just a shade too low on payload (1585#). But lots of folks make it work.

Max out the GVWR on whatever you order. My 10K GVWR gives me 3000# of payload.

Order the extending side mirrors. They are not standard equipment even on towing-optioned trucks. I don't often extend the mirrors but retracted they are quite a bit further out than the standard mirror.

The 360-degree camera and the adaptive cruise control are pretty great. I did not order adaptive steering.

My truck is equipped with the pro-trailer backup assist but I don't use it. I set it up on my F-150 but couldn't get it to consistently recognize the sticker.

I got the running board that is solid up to the bottom of the truck body, or nearly so. It helps knock down road debris.

After market I added bed steps at front right and front left. Rear left came with the truck. I also have the steps that extend out of the tailgate. The grandkids play on it more than I use it. With the left rear step it's kind of redundant. Spray-in bed liner at a local outfit and tonneau cover from Amazon after market too.

I ordered the double battery and upfitter switches in case I wish I have them at some point in the future. I'm trying to figure out how to wire the rearview camera to an upfitter switch just for kicks. I could wire it directly more easily.

Good luck in your quest to figure it all out.

[pjshier]

The heavy duty towing GVRW option does change the rear axle to a Dana version and a stiffer spring pack, both used for the F350. Note the Dana axle has been the subject of a recall or service bulletin for filed welds and some crushing of the axle tube on the F350s - solved in units going forward now.

Fungus makes a good point that with a gas powered F250 you have more payload than you'll likely use towing an Airstream - even a front-heavy unit like our 27FBT at about 1,200lbs tongue weight. No need to forsake the lighter spring pack and tried/true Sterling axle. It's a good option.

Having tried towing with a highly optioned F150, Platinum F350 (diesel) and now a highly optioned F250 (diesel), I feel like Goldilocks. The F150 was too light and had a payload right at 1,500; the F350 had a payload of 3,300 but rode like I imagine a covered wagon did - even with some ride mitigation modifications - and the F250 seems just about right.

For us, the diesel and extended range tank make sense, so the payload is only about 2,300lbs - but now that we know how we roll it is adequate. The softer spring pack and now knowing I can deflate the tires to 50 PSI safely - and have reset the inflation warning through the truck's software - this rig makes an excellent tow platform and a pleasant daily driver.

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by pjshier

No need to forsake the lighter spring pack and tried/true Sterling axle. It's a good option.

Having tried towing with a highly optioned F150, Platinum F350 (diesel) and now a highly optioned F250 (diesel), I feel like Goldilocks. The F150 was too light and had a payload right at 1,500; the F350 had a payload of 3,300 but rode like I imagine a covered wagon did - even with some ride mitigation modifications - and the F250 seems just about right.

For us, the diesel and extended range tank make sense, so the payload is only about 2,300lbs - but now that we know how we roll it is adequate. The softer spring pack and now knowing I can deflate the tires to 50 PSI safely - and have reset the inflation warning through the truck's software - this rig makes an excellent tow platform and a pleasant daily driver.

This is exactly what I was hoping to hear! It was my gut feeling…
Thank you,

[OrangeCrush]

High Capacity Trailer Tow requires Diesel and gets you 10,800 GVWR. That is what I got in a custom order 2022 F250 Lariat 4x4. Mine is loaded except no moon roof and payload is 2793 lbs. Moving from a 2018 F150 platinum my wife and I are actually quite pleased with the ride and do not find it harsh. Good luck.

[Thiss]

Build and spec a Ram with a Cummins too.

[VeloBuckeye]

I have the HCTT package on my 2020 F250 Lariat Powerstroke. I purposely looked for one without the snow plow package, rear seat heater, and some other options to negate the impact on payload. I do have the moonroof though. Payload sticker is 2900 lbs. My dealership casually referred to the the truck as an "F300" given the HCTT package includes an extra leaf spring and the Dana axle like with the F350. As for the ride, I don't find it bad, especially when towing, although adding Bilstein shocks and Sulastic Springs really improved the non-laden/non-towing ride.

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by Thiss

Build and spec a Ram with a Cummins too.

While I loved my last Ram, I will not own a truck without at least an 8 speed transmission. The Ram I owned was a lovely truck with a beautiful interior but that transmission was just too strange.

[jeffmc306]

Bruce, our RAM 2500 has an 8 speed trans (6.4 gas) and 2940 lbs payload with rear coil springs (smooth ride). If I don’t put it in Tow/Haul mode the trans will drop into 8th gear towing and occasionally go into Eco mode (cylinder deactivation). Got up to 12 MPG through Iowa heading west.

It tows our 27’ Globetrotter with ease including the mountains of Colorado. Your mileage may vary. Great interior as you mentioned too!

[nryn]

Originally Posted by Fungus

I ordered the double battery and upfitter switches in case I wish I have them at some point in the future. I'm trying to figure out how to wire the rearview camera to an upfitter switch just for kicks. I could wire it directly more easily.

I have a dashcam and the rearview camera wired to the upfitter switches. It was easy. Let me know if you want some guidance.

[AppFan]

Bruce, take a look at a 250 Platinum or King Ranch. When I ordered my F350 in '18 it came optioned with essentially everything (adaptive cruise, 360 cam, etc.). Adaptive cruise is worth every penny and more. I'll never have another vehicle without it.

I went for the Lariat line to minimize chrome but essentially ended up with a Platinum, without the massaging front seats.

I ordered the 350 as, at the time, we were towing a 12K# 5th wheel. If I were ordering today it would be a 250 for sure.

[Brian Mages]

I have the High Capacity and happy with the ride. Here is my truck build with a Cargo Carrying Capacity of 2889 lbs.:

2022 Lariat 250 with: ..
- 6.7L POWER STROKE V8 DIESEL
- Trailer Tow High Capacity with Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System and Pro Trailer Backup Assist Package
- PREFERRED EQUIPMENT PKG.608A
- 3.31 RATIO REGULAR AXLE
- EXTENDED RUNNING BOARDS 6 CHRM
- TONNEAU COVER
- Lariat value package

.

[Capt who]

My 2020 F250 CCSB 4x4 6.7 PS is only an XLT and probably more truck than I need for my 25' FC but it sure does a fine job. I don't have or see the need for the max tow pkg. The ride is good as is the MPG. A buddy has an F250 same truck but with the 6.2 gasser and wishes he had got the bigger gas or the Diesel, he pulls a bigger, SOB trailer.

[DewTheDew]

Someone pointed out to me (when I was looking to upgrade from an F150 to an F250) to avoid the fifth-wheel prep package. It takes about 200 lbs off of payload.

[MandN]

Full timer and frequent boondocker here, just upgraded from f150 to f250 (tremor, diesel) due to payload issues. Spend two years on the road and made it work with the f150,, but just barely. F250 payload increase allowed for the kind of mods that made our life significantly easier - ie splitting resources between airstream and f250 by adding the following to the truck; extra more easily accessible storage via contractors ARE cap, , extra 40 gallon water tank, more lithium and solar etc.. just wrote a post about it if interested click on my name. Good luck.

[AgBullet]

Went from a 3.5 EB F-150 to a King Ranch F-250 6.7PB. I have loved towing with the F-250...does all things well for me as a TV.

[majorairhead]

I'm an F250 owner. My gut tells me the Chevy likely rides better, but hey....

I'm an F250 guy

6.2 gasser, XLT, CCSB, 4x4, skid plates added, camper package, 4.10 rear, no frills otherwise.

3,111 pounds payload

10 mpg towing 30 foot Airstream at 60 mph on decent roads, less if driving faster or towing in terrain such as West Virginia mountain country.

I think I'm at 13.2 or so overall for life of truck according to dash meter, over 60k miles. No issues. Can get 15 mpg not towing, on highway if not floggin' it.

Only thing it can't pass is a gas station

[AppFan]

Originally Posted by DewTheDew

Someone pointed out to me (when I was looking to upgrade from an F150 to an F250) to avoid the fifth-wheel prep package. It takes about 200 lbs off of payload.

Definitely not needed for an AS. That 200# is probably more of the weight of a 5th hitch installed in the bed. The undercount bracket may be heavy, but probably not 200#. Regardless, I'd probably skip it as they can be installed later if you decide to go that route.

[Sophiehaus]

I have a 2019 F250 diesel super crew. I went with the standard front and rear suspensions. The max tow package turns your F250 into a 1 ton F350 with the F250 badging. The package includes the 1 ton springs and the Dana M 275 rear axle. The F250 with the standard suspension, has the tried and true Ford Sterling axle. My F250 rides smoothly and doesn’t beat my Airstream to death.

[tjdonahoe]

17 2500 ram with a 6.7 and 6 speed automatic…double over…it works good..I owned 2 and I would but another…nothing strange about the Chrysler transmission..and nothing wrong with the coil springs…: