I'm thinking about starting a business that will require me to do a lot more towing than I'm currently used to. I know my current truck will pull the load, but I certainly won't want to do it on a daily basis, it has a hard enough time pulling our 2,400lb boat(3.55's and 33's aren't the greatest). So that brings me to the idea of getting a new truck.

I would be pulling 2 ATV's, a 300 gallon water tank, and an assortment of about 200lbs of tools etc. on an 18' steel trailer. I'm thinking it will weigh around 5000lbs. It will be a 5-6 days a week thing for 5-6 months a year. The rest of the year would be unloaded for the most part, except for towing the boat occasionally. I may also try to build up a snow plowing business during the winter months, so a plow is a possibility.

With the the F-150 I'm looking at the 5.0 or EB, crewcab or extended, 6.5' box and 3.73's. The Super Duty would be the 6.2 crew or extended, 6.5' box and 3.73's. Both would be 4x4. I'm wondering if the 150 will be able to handle years of towing and remain reliable, or if I should move up to the SD and give up some gas mileage and every day comfort. I know we're not talking about a ton of weight, but IDK if the 150 is really built for towing that load daily.

Right now I'm thinking the SD, but if I can get by with the 150 I'll go that route to save some $.

 

well the newer F150's that are equipped for towing can handle over 11,000lbs reliably. i dont see what would be wrong with a proper equipped F150. however, you cant deny the fact that a diesel would be better

 

I'm really not even considering a diesel. The added cost up front along with the maintenance and fuel costs have me leaning away from a diesel. I would love the power, but don't have a need for it.

 

I would step to a super duty. Your truck could pull it easily but everyday would put alot more wear and tear on it than an SD.

 

check out some of them videos of the new ecoboost. that thing looks sick and they beat the hell out of that thing. they are all over you tube and the ford website. i vote eco boost you will save money that way.

 

I think ford says not to use the 150 with a snow plow, but ive seen many that do. And if your not getting the diesel why get the sd with the a gas engine if that is what your worried about, the wear and tear on the gas engine of the 150.

 

The smartest move is to keep the truck you've got rather than burden a new business with $40k in debt right off the bat. Your truck is perfectly capable of getting the job done.

 

How does buying a new truck save him money? The savings in gas is pennies compared to the cost of replacing his current ride.

 

ruffn-it - I'm not worried about the engine, I'm thinking that the transmission and suspension in the SD will handle the use much better and more reliably.

eye.surgeon - That is likely what I'll have to do right off the bat. Once I get some cash flow coming in is when I'll look to upgrade. The need for a new truck is amplified by the want for a new truck, as I've had my current ride for 9 years and am getting the itch to get something new.

 

An F150 is not built for handling snow plow duty--especially if one were to do it as a business (on your own private property wouldn't be so bad, as you're not plowing a whole lot). Based on that alone a super duty would be a better idea.

 

I would never push snow with anything less than a 3/4 ton...... and at that I'd want a diesel.

eye.surgeon - sound voice of logic and reasoning, its all about cash flow and buying a 40k truck right off the bat when you have a perfectly capable truck, not the best idea, but do what you want.

Good Luck!!!!

 

Put some 4.56 gears in your truck and nice transmission cooler and it will do fine for a few years.

When buying a new truck, get a SD. It's much more comfortable, will pull anything, built better(IMO) and get a diesel so you will get much better fuel economy and longevity out of the truck over the 6.2.

 

i meant to say saves money buying the ecoboost compared to a diesel. i was a little tired last night when i was on here my bad.

 

A SD more comfortable than a F-150 Um, solid front axle, heavy duty rear springs...it's not more comfortable.

 

A super duty would def be the better pick for the job...but it all comes down to numbers (financing/costs). You may want to give the new business a lil time first before going into debt with a new SD. That way you don't get in over your head. Good luck!