How would you spec out a 2011 F250 for towing trailer?

[epperp]

Here's a question for the towing gurus:
If you were going to spec the ideal diesel F250 2011 configuration for towing a 28' Excella (8200# GVWR), how would you set it up? We would hope to do extended trips, including western/eastern mountain areas.

18" vs 20" tires? Off road equipped? axle ratio? other recommended features? short box vs long box?
any concerns/notable experiences with diesels that have exhaust filters and need regeneration cleaning?
any concerns/notable experiences with using the DEF fluid?
any reason to avoid the 2011 F250 (aside from the $$$)?

thanks in advance for any insights while we dream of the ideal tow vehicle.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by epperp

Here's a question for the towing gurus:
If you were going to spec the ideal diesel F250 2011 configuration for towing a 28' Excella (8200# GVWR), how would you set it up? We would hope to do extended trips, including western/eastern mountain areas.

18" vs 20" tires? Off road equipped? axle ratio? other recommended features? short box vs long box?
any concerns/notable experiences with diesels that have exhaust filters and need regeneration cleaning?
any concerns/notable experiences with using the DEF fluid?
any reason to avoid the 2011 F250 (aside from the $$$)?

thanks in advance for any insights while we dream of the ideal tow vehicle.

It's not only the tow vehicle, it's also "how you rig it to the trailer" that determines safety.

Andy

[dkottum]

Virtually any configuration of a diesel F250 can handle the Airstream with ease. How might it be used when not towing, or on trips and unhooked? Daily driver, work truck, family sedan, many other possible uses would suggest that it not only be set up for ultimate towing, but to get the most good out of it.

[moosetags]

It sounds like you are going to have a great tow vehicle with just about any configuration. Your particular wants and need will determine long box/short box, 4wd/2wd, regular cab/extended cab/crew cab, etc.

I would check some prices on 18" & 20" load range E tires. When you are dealing with an odd size, they can become very pricey and very hard to get a replacement on the road.

Brian

[THEPILL]

On my 2011 F250, Cooled seats are a must. Also the dual alternators. One to charge your batteries while traveling and also add the Supplemental Cab heating. Haven't used mine yet but I have been told it's awesome!! I also ordered mine with 3.31 rear gears. With that much power the higher gears are a non issue and might help in MPG.
I have the Lariat with the ultimate package and it has things that are truly amazing.I also orded mine with 18" rims. Factory remote start,Moon Roof...etc. This will be my last truck. Time to pay one off and keep it. Ford hit a homerun with this truck.

Enjoy.

Shane

[epperp]

Good comments, appreciate them.
We'd also use the truck for hauling firewood in the box and in a small heavy duty trailer, but wouldn't use it for everyday work commuter vehicle.
We have a load distributing hitch (Reese, I think) that we've used with our F150--any reason that wouldn't be good to use with the F250?
Also, still wondering about the emissions controls and exhaust filter--any experiences worth noting?

[THEPILL]

If your referring to urea/def fluid>diesel exhaust fluid> Mine needed 2.5 gallons after 3,000 miles. I don't believe it was full upon delivery. Only have 6,ooo miles on her now and all is good.

It's a 6 gallon tank.

Shane

[dstalzer]

20" Wheels will give you a stiff ride because there is almost no sidewall to flex and take up the bumps.

Dennis

[dstalzer]

Originally Posted by THEPILL

If your referring to urea/def fluid>diesel exhaust fluid> Mine needed 2.5 gallons after 3,000 miles. I don't believe it was full upon delivery. Only have 6,ooo miles on her now and all is good.

It's a 6 gallon tank.

Shane

So how expensive is the def fluid?

[THEPILL]

You can get it at Flying j for about 6 dollars a gallon. Ford sells it for roughly 12.99 a gallon here. Prices vary everywhere. I also heard most auto part stores carry it. I also heard that in a few places there are "def" pumps. I haven't seen one here in Texas. I think it's a minor annoyance. It beats the black nasty smoke my 7.3 and even my 6.0 produced.

Shane

[epperp]

We're headed to the 18" wheels, short box.
The comment about getting replacement tires on the road gets me wondering--which is more common and easy to find--18" or 20"?

[THEPILL]

18" by far.

I ran 20's on my 2007 F250. Plus they are quite a bit more expensive.

Shane

[2airishuman]

DEF is used to convert oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from the exhaust into nitrogen and water vapor.

it's got nothing 2 do with BLACK (soot) in the exhaust.

the DPF traps/screens the diesel particulate (soot) matter like a vacuum cleaner bag...

and then periodically REgenerates (cleans) itself by converting the soot to ash using HIGH TEMPs.

once cleaned it continues trapping soot and the process repeats.
________

the 08-10s have totally clean looking exhaust (no SOOT) pipes...

but the NOx is colorless and odor less

and harmful to living things in a DIFFERENT way than soot.

that's why the NOx removal was added for the new emission standards on 2011s.

there are multiple ways to accomplish this and DEF is the cheapest for the manufacturer.
_________

the dodge/cummins has the DPF but no DEF (no urea fluid/canister)

it uses a precious metal cat/converter to trap/convert NOx without fluids.

that's a more expensive technology for removing N0x

but is simpler for the owners and LESS $ for periodic maintenance.
_________

for the op...

18s vs 20s is not exactly an independent OPTION u can choose.

the tire/wheel size is tied to GEARING and PAYLOAD and GVWR.

so IF buying off the lot u will see certain common options/packages and gearing with 18s vs 20s.

17s are also available my truck has 17s.

imo 17s or 18s are a better tire/wheel choice for many reasons,

but most folks think 20s look better.

but ultimately what is available will depend on gearing/payload packages.

i could explain the many combinations but it would take pages.

the sales guy can enter options/packages and the COMPUTER will only allow specific comboz.

cheers
2air'

[thecatsandi]

Long Box. Store more stuff. More stable towing a long trailer or longer if you wish.
A cap for the Bed would be helpful or long trips.
I have a 2006 F-250 4X4 3X rear ratio, diesel, long bed, 18" wheels 265/75/18 tires.
Works great!

[THEPILL]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

DEF is used to convert oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from the exhaust into nitrogen and water vapor.

it's got nothing 2 do with BLACK (soot) in the exhaust.

the DPF traps/screens the diesel particulate (soot) matter like a vacuum cleaner bag...

and then periodically REgenerates (cleans) itself by converting the soot to ash using HIGH TEMPs.

once cleaned it continues trapping soot and the process repeats.
________

the 08-10s have totally clean looking exhaust (no SOOT) pipes...

but the NOx is colorless and odor less

and harmful to living things in a DIFFERENT way than soot.

that's why the NOx removal was added for the new emission standards on 2011s.

there are multiple ways to accomplish this and DEF is the cheapest for the manufacturer.
_________

the dodge/cummins has the DPF but no DEF (no urea fluid/canister)

it uses a precious metal cat/converter to trap/convert NOx without fluids.

that's a more expensive technology for removing N0x

but is simpler for the owners and LESS $ for periodic maintenance.
_________

for the op...

18s vs 20s is not exactly an independent OPTION u can choose.

the tire/wheel size is tied to GEARING and PAYLOAD and GVWR.

so IF buying off the lot u will see certain common options/packages and gearing with 18s vs 20s.

17s are also available my truck has 17s.

imo 17s or 18s are a better tire/wheel choice for many reasons,

but most folks think 20s look better.

but ultimately what is available will depend on gearing/payload packages.

i could explain the many combinations but it would take pages.

the sales guy can enter options/packages and the COMPUTER will only allow specific comboz.

cheers
2air'

2air, What year do you own?

Just curious?

Shane

[pattonsr]

Dennis,

The 18" tire has a diameter of 32.1 in. and a sidewall of 7.0 in. The 20" tire has a diameter of 34.1 in. and a sidewall of 7.0 in. Can you explain why you said the 20" wheels will give you a stiff ride because there is almost no sidewall. It looks like the sidewalls are the same.

Barry

[THEPILL]

I think he was referring to aftermarket rims,,,as was I.

Shane

[Mikethefixit]

Definitely 18s and a long bed and a crewcab if available. Now the crewcab will be more but if you get it you will thank me and yourself later on. I have never regretted getting the crewcab, we not have a big dog and he takes up most of the backseat.
I think you have chosen an Awesome TV.and for only a few bucks more ya can go in style. Dont worry about the long bed being longer wheelbase(better ride too) and ya have to take up two parking spots at WalMart, I do it all the time and you just park a little farther from the store and the exercise will be good fer ya.

[slowmover]

I'd vote 17 or 18 inch tires. Drive Axle[s] Limited Slip (or locker) is mandatory. Longbed with HD cover (either bed topper or tonneau type). I find no need for 4WD (initial cost, maintenance, repairs) so I'd recommend plenty of contemplation on that option (as proper E-range tires and some bed weight cover most contingencies).

Good luck

.

[barts]

Your need for 4wd will depend entirely on where you like to go... on our first trip w/ the Airstream, we used 4wd extensively. If you like to go boondocking in anything other than perfect conditions, 4wd will give you great piece of mind - and possibly avoid rather awkward problems.

- Bart