New 2015 Ford F-250

[saranautilus]

We are about to purchase a used airstream and wanted to get the truck first so that we can haul it away when we find the right one. We are looking in the 27' to 34' range.

We hit a stumbling block when it came to trucks as we can not afford a new diesel vehicle, and all of the used ones are pretty expensive as well unless they already have 150,000+ Miles on them. We are very weary of used trucks with that kind of mileage on them since we have heard many horror stories from people.

Imagine our excitement when we found that Ford's website claims that we can tow 12,500 lbs with their brand new 6.2L 2 Valve Flex Fuel V8 Gas Engine and is right in the sweet spot of our budget.

Do you think this would be a smart decision, or do you think it won't be a strong enough truck to pull that long of a trailer full-time?

Thank you SO much for your help everyone, we are very green at this!

[xrvr]

Should do the job. Check the payload features and if it has towpackage. Peace, jim

[DKB_SATX]

First off, the 6.2 isn't truly a new engine so there's probably less concern about new-engine teething problems. They used it in the Raptor on the previous generation of F150s, and while I confess I haven't followed that particular powerplant closely I haven't heard of big problems with it.

The biggest differences you'll see from the diesel crowd are that a naturally-aspirated spark-ignition engine will need some RPM to make its rated power, and you'll see a bigger reduction in available power at higher altitudes than a turbocharged vehicle experiences.

As long as you're not afraid to let the engine turn higher RPM when you need big power (short freeway ramps, climbing steep inclines, etc.) it should do fine. Some people are afraid their going to "hurt it" by climbing in the 3k-4k RPM range, but as long as you do the maintenance and you're not running the truck all day every day at 4k RPM you'll do fine.

[PaulnGina]

From what I'm reading on the Ford web site 2015 Ford Super Duty | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com
I would think you would do well with the F250 and the 6.2L gas engine. They've done a lot with their trucks since mine was made (1995 model year, 7.3L PowerStroke). Mine has a 10K lb. max. trailer weight rating and does well with our 1987 Avion 34W.
I will ALWAYS recommend the 3/4-ton trucks for that range of trailer. Good choice!

Good luck with your search!

[KJRitchie]

I don't particularly like the specs of the 6.2L V8. High rpms to get maximum torque and HP, only 2 valves per cylinder and two spark plugs per cylinder. If you are looking for a new F250 I think you could find a GMC/Chevy 2500 diesel in the mid $40k with under 60k miles. My brother-in-law bought a Silverado diesel 2500 that has 100k miles and kept it a couple of years to tow a 5th wheel before switching to a Class C motorhome and never had any issues with the truck. Maybe look out of state.

Kelvin

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I don't particularly like the specs of the 6.2L V8. High rpms to get maximum torque, only 2 valves per cylinder and two spark plugs per cylinder. The fuel tank is 26 gallons on the 157" wheel base. If you are looking for a new F250 I think you could find a GMC/Chevy 2500 diesel in the mid $40k with under 60k miles. My brother-in-law bought a Silverado diesel 2500 that has 100k miles and kept it a couple of years to tow a 5th wheel before switching to a Class C motorhome and never had any issues with the truck. Maybe look out of state.

Kelvin

Heck, for that matter you could find a nicely-kept, low-mileage used diesel truck from ANY of the "big three" makers for what you're considering spending on the gas F250. I'm not biased or anything (well..... not much!) but I REALLY like the Fords, and I especially like the smell of diesel!!

If you're patient, you will find a nice used truck. As mentioned, don't be afraid of travelling to get a good deal. But, KNOW what you're looking for and KNOW what questions to ask. Feel free to ask here...... Lots of knowledgeable folks on this forum!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by PaulnGina

And I especially like the smell of diesel!!

Hi,

[saranautilus]

I would love to say that our budget was in the mid $40k but the F250 we found is $33k and is looking pretty hard to beat!

Thank you guys so much for all the input!

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by saranautilus

I would love to say that our budget was in the mid $40k but the F250 we found is $33k and is looking pretty hard to beat!

Thank you guys so much for all the input!

You'll be happy with it! Good luck! Keep us posted!

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . I had a 250 with the 6.2 when it was a V10. . . great truck for towing, but got 10 mpg with just me & NO trailer ! 9 mpg towing, was fine but. . . may be some improved now with V8. As others have said, look for the best buy you can find on a used 3/4 ton with diesel, in your price range. seem to be lots available around here ! regards, Craig

[paiceman]

Once I went to Diesel I will not go back. That said if you've never had one the 6.2 Ford F250 can handle the trailers you are looking at. RPMs will be high, it will make some noise, but it will run and run. Your gas mileage will probably not exceed 10 or 12 MPG without the trailer and will be sub 10 with the trailer, where I get about 15 around town in my F350 Diesel - about 21 MPG on the highway with my wife, dog and some luggage and towing the 30' As we average 13.54 MPG. We use the computer and the old fill and calculate formula to calculate. Now that we know we don't bother. One point is though, the F250 and F350 Diesels come stock with only a 26 Gallon fuel tank, so we stop every two hours and fill up, but my back doctor says to do that anyway. If I remember the 6.2 F250 comes with a 40 gallon tank.

I had a 2012 that I sold to Ansley RV in Altoona PA in July of this year. They were trying to sell it, but I think they turned it into one of their own trucks, but might still sell it if someone called and asked. It is a 2012 F250 6.7 Diesel and when I sold it she had about 11,000 miles on her, nothing wrong at all, we simply made a big expensive mistake and now are back into an AS. The truck never had an issue at all. I think when they were actively trying to sell it they were asking about $48,000

Good luck and enjoy. Buy what you and your wife decide on, don't regret the decision and get going.

[Tater]

I have a friend with a new F350 ordered. His 11 F350 SRW has 17000 miles on it with no problems. He just wants a new one. So good used vehicles are out there if you shop around. It should retail for around 37k I would guess. I have a 15 Silverado Diesel and as others have said I won't go back to gas for towing.

[Firedog1]

We recently purchased F250 diesel and absolutely love it. Will never go back. Only problem is the 26 gallon fuel tank had to go. Had the ford dealer install 50 Titan fuel tank in its place and reprogram the computer

[m.hony]

I manage a fleet of 400 vehicles. We have purchased many Chevy/GMC Duramax/Allison crew cab pickups, both 3/4 ton and 1 ton, single rear wheel and dual rear wheel. We have bought used ones from 2005-2010 year models for anywhere from $11,000 for a 2007 with 300,000 miles to $26,000 for a 2010 with 80,000 miles. Most of them are super clean like brand new, even the 300,000 mile one. Keep Looking. You'll find your truck. For me it was a used Tundra with 6,000 miles for $30,000, but it ain't no 3/4 ton. I tow a 30' trailer with it, though.

[Bill Lynch]

A 2015 F-250 for $33,000?

That's way less than I thought. I might have to go shopping soon!

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by Bill Lynch

A 2015 F-250 for $33,000?

That's way less than I thought. I might have to go shopping soon!

The base price on the F250 is about $31,000 and the base price on the GMC 2500 is about $33,000. That's for a standard cab. Once you start adding features such as tires, bumper, etc, the price goes up! lol Actually, the base models would probably do everything you need it to do.

[palerider]

Newbee here, but been in the auto-truck business for 50 years. Last figures I read said you will have to put at least 50,000 miles a year on a diesel to just break even with a gas rig (fuel cost, maint cost, initial added cost) I ordered a new 08 350 with V10, 4:30 gears and have never been disapointed. Very little extra fuel than a diesel would use and with the gearing I pass a lot of diesels on the hill climbs

[Jackcat2]

Another seldom mentioned option is an F150 with the heavy duty payload package, 8300 GVWR. We had to sell our '12 Ram 3500 mega cab, picked up a '12 F150 supercab, 5.0. Payload on the Ford is nearly the same as the Ram was 2360 to 2445. While the Ford doesn't have the extreme pulling power of the Ram, it had zero problem pulling our 30' Classic. A 2015 F150 HD payload optioned right exceeds 3000 lbs.

[saranautilus]

Hi guys! After weighing all of the pros and cons, we decided to get the regular gas engine after all. We realize we may have a few limitations but it made the most sense for us personally. Thank you all so very much for helping us make an informed decision!

[mefly2]

If it will be a dedicated TV, hold out for the torque of a diesel - there are plenty around. Find a used car dealer that will scoop one up for you.