I am really perplexed about this decision. I have a boat that I am going to have to trailer 200 (400 total) miles three times a year that weighs 5400 lbs. + about 1500 lbs for the trailer. Plus whatever fuel, water, gear, and people are in the truck/boat. Will the F150 cut it?

I also like the exterior of the F-250. I think it will look a lot better than the F150 with a lift kit and bigger tires installed. However, it does not hold a candle to the interior of the new F150.

I drove the 6.0 diesel last night and WOW! I love the power that it had.

Opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank T. Lee

 

Well, you are talking about 7000 lbs here. The F150 could do that all day long, but like you said, the 6.0l made you say "whoa". The interiors of the 250's are done up much nicer with a King Ranch or Harley Davidson (coming soon) package.

Personally however, I'd go with the F150. It's gonna be easier to drive the other 9/10s of the year, it'll be nicer on the interior but can still tow your boat when you need it too (make sure you get the 5.4L with 3.73 axle ratio). In my opinion, unless you were towing that trailer 1/2 of the year or more, i'd stick with the F150. The f-250 is nice, but you are paying so much extra for something you do 3 times a year, and then not have the nice interior, new body style, and cool gadgets associated with the new 150.

Good Luck on your decision.

 

BigBadRedLiftedFordMan,

Thanks for the reply. Yes the boat and trailer total 7000 lbs but, don't you have to add in the weight of your passengers, gear, and gas / water (in boat)?

P.S. I notice that your F150 is lifted. What do you think the F150 will look like lifted compared to the F250? IMHO, the F250 has a "tougher" (more like a Man's truck) look to it.

Thanks,

Frank T. Lee

 

I am sure the 04 F-150 interior is pretty sweet, but I think the Super Duty interior is great. It just has it's own way of saying "I'm a big bad truck".

 

Sounds like you have already decided on the Super Duty, you just don't realize it yet.

So far you have indicated that you prefer the exterior look as well as the diesel engine.

If thats what you really want, then go for it.

It's a lot of money to spend so make sure you get what you really want as either truck will handle the boat.

 

Based on the reviews, the F150 is a fine truck but IMO better suited to towing 4-5000 lb boats and comfort, handling and awesome styling!!! The F250 is built for the needs of heavier hauling. Pick the best tool for the job.

With what you are towing, your pushing into the upper range of the F150 design envelope and nobody exactly knows today what the real rating on the 04 is anyway but looks to be similar to current. Ford would not sell any F250's if the F150 would handle the heavier trailers. Thats why they offer two designs. 7000 lbs is a lot to tow and, your right, you gotta add people, coolers full of drinks and ice, food, fuel, skis, rope, anchor, life jackets, water (if the boat has a head or any kind of on board water), perhaps some tools, spare battery, spare parts even. I think gasoline weighs 7lbs a USGal so that adds up quick. Could get up into 8000lbs plus. Unless you go with a 4.10 gearing, your F150 truck is going to struggle and your tranny is gonna wear out or give you grief. Your brakes will take more heat. The lighter weight will be an issue on slippery boat ramps.

None of this is absolute but it only takes once...

The F250 is rated to tow 8000lbs with just the 5.4 liter for starters. Up to 12000 with the diesel and a weight distributing hitch. With the F250 you have a truck that will give you the margin you need in terms of performance AND durability over the years.

Ketch

 

just copied this from edmunds.com first look review


Now rated at 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, the 5.4-liter engine uses three-valve cylinder heads and variable camshafts to provide more power at lower engine speeds. The extra juice allows the F-150 to claim a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds, the highest rating in the half-ton class.

During a towing demonstration in which the F-150 was pitted against its current rivals while pulling a 7,000-pound trailer, the newly invigorated Triton proved to be a smooth and refined hauler. The broad power band enabled the truck to maintain a steady pull on moderate hill climbs, and it did so with less interior noise than a Hemi-equipped Dodge Ram.


This may appear to push the envelope out, but this is for "maximum tow rating" which implies getting it with the lowest gearing, weight distributing hitch, etc." In these reviews you never read that they pushed the limit by hooking up a 9500lb tailer with sticky brakes or something. There would be zero headroom here.

So I'd still go with the F250.