I have driven F250s for years. I'm ready to purchase another Ford Truck. Is the F150 really a viable option to an F250???? It is so hard to believe that the 2004 150 is superior to the 250 for towing! Help! I need some quick answers. I need to close a hot deal on a new 250 this week or begin a search for a new 150.
Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks, Ken

 

The disclaimer: I do not actively use my truck to tow stuff every day of the week. I very rarely use my trucks to their fullest capability. The most I've pulled with any of my trucks probably weighed about 6000 lbs, vehicle and trailer combined.

That being said, F150 versus F250, the answer is, it depends. For my uses everyday, my '04 F150 is more than enough truck. If you're going to be doing some fairly heavy towing often, I'd always step up to the larger truck. Bigger brakes, stronger frame, more capable load carrying suspension. Short of something that says Kenworth or Frieghtliner on it, I don't think there's such a thing as overkill on a tow rig.

 

2004 models, I'd pick the F-150 5.4L over F250 5.4L. If you consider the V10 or PSD, then F250 is better better at towing >5000 pounds.

 

I'll agree with APT - it depends on how much you're towing. For the big stuff (over 5,000 lbs.) towed on a regular basis, there's no substitute for a Super Duty. I'd also offer that a SD will last longer with that kind of load due to heavier duty axles, brakes, transmission, etc.

 

Yes, it depends on the weight. One additional factor for me would be first year truck quality vs a seasoned veteran F-250. I'd get the F-250 and never look back.

 

If the F-150's were really superior towing vehicles, or even comperable, Ford wouldn't even make an F-250. An F-150 is great for towing a boat to the lake on the weekend, or a small lawn trailer or a light travel trailer, then driving it around for a night on the town. It gets a great ride etc etc. Of course it gets a great ride because the suspension is softer, the truck is lighter etc.

An F250 has heavier suspension, larger and stroger components and braking abilities and won't be bounced and pushed around like the F150 will.

Go with the 250.