About ready to snag a 2012 truck, but can't nail it down.

I was ready to find a 2011 F250 diesel, but have held off the horses. I drag trailers from spring to summer for camping to quading, so 3000 to 7000 pounds. I don't like the payload issues with the 1/2 tons, and have been dealing with tongue weight load issues that I'd like to sidestep this time, thus the F250 thought.

That said, I've considered the F150 Heavy Duty, but the wheels and black sidewall rubber looks like cheap garbage on a $50,000 truck. Still can't figure that design thought.

So, if I throw practicality out the window and go for a King Ranch or a Platinum, what are the reasons I should consider one over the other? Or should I just belly up for the 250 and have the best of both worlds? I guess I could consider the gasser 6.2L over the 6.7L, as well.

 

From what you described, you have absolutely no use for the diesel. 3-7k lbs is not enough to warrant paying an extra what, $8k I think it is? As far as getting a 1/2 or a 3/4-1ton, I would base it off of how much you use it. Will this be a daily driver? IF yes, buy a half ton. If no, buy the 1 ton. The ride quality on those super duties can be pretty bad unloaded. Realistically, for a loaded up lariat 1/2ton or 3/4ton the price difference for both gas would be pretty small, so if it was me it would depend on whether or not the truck would be a daily driver or a dedicated hauler. Anyway, best of luck to you in your search for a new truck!

 

I would agree your loads do not indicate paying for a diesel which cost 7k more off the bat for a compartive package. Dont matter what Ford says those new diesels are still only getting 12-14mpg, plus diesel cost 50-90 cents more a gallon, insurance will be more, as well as Maint. And payload doesnt matter, in 4x4 Supercrew standard bed the EB has 1900, 5.0 had 1700 and 6.2l has 1790. Diesel isnt much more

same configuration the EB can tow 11,300, 5.0 can do 10k and 6.2l can do 11,300. Diesel with crew cab can do 14.


If your towing 7k all the time and needing over 2k payload than yeah might think a diesel. But if your between 3-7k dont waste your money on diesel, ive been there and it cost money to run those things

 

I wouldn't let wheels and tires influence your decision too much. You can find a set of nice OEM "take-off" wheels on CL pretty easily (sometimes with tires).

 

You said it yourself....I don't like the payload issues with the 1/2 tons

If you are thinking of a F250, you might want to consider the F350 for just a little more. 6.2 L would work for me.

Although a F150 EB or 6.2L might work for you, with the amount of towing you do, I'd sooner underwork a 250/350 then overwork a 150

 

Probably not in the 7-lug Heavy Duty style.

 

I've driven mostly Superduty diesels since 1999 and agree with the 350 for the cost difference. I think an EcoBoost would be fine with the F150 HD with close to 2200 lbs of payload. Hauling a travel trailer 12X a year and a 4-place quad trailer the same shouldn't constitute the need for a smoker. With gas prices hinting at $5 a gallon by the mid year, I can't get happy about the additional diesel cost even though my dad averages around 19mpg in his rural travels and 20+ on the interstate with a 2011 6.7L smoker.

 

Good point, forgot about that.

 

As someone who has gone from an F150 to and F250 diesel, for those weights and the number of times towing, I say go with an EB F150. Unless you haul a lot of weight in the bed while towing, I think you will be fine. And you will have the niceties of the F150 while not towing.

 

I went fom a 350 to a 150 and haven't looked back but man, if I could have two trucks the other would be a 2012 f350. I love the diesel engine.

 

I like the looks of the 17" wheel and tall sidewalls better than the 20" low profile stuff they seem to be favoring lately.
If you are thinking of a KR or Platinum, you won't have much payload left. Maybe enough for 5 guys in the cab and that's it. Too much accessory weight in the higher end trucks that eats up all the payload.

 

I went from an '11 F350 6.7 4x4 Lariat to a '12 F150 Plat 4x4 EcoBoost. We sold our 5th wheel camper. Without needing to tow a big trailer any more, the 6.7 got gone. If you've owned a late model diesel and have gone to the Ford dealer for fuel filters, oil filters and 13 quarts of oil, you know how painful the cost of service is, even if you provide your own filters. I never got out of the dealer for less than $100 for an oil change. If you tow 9k+ lbs on a regular basis, the diesel may be an option for you. I'm perfectly happy towing my bass boat with the F150 and maybe a 7k lb camper in the future. The F350 was a heck of truck, so is the F150. The '11 F350 and the '12 F150 are the two best made, best performing trucks I've ever owned. (both use a similarly designed twin turbo too)

 

whats special about the HD version other then 7lug wheels and a little more payload. what did they do just add heavier leaf in the rear....If so....dont buy the HDhalf ton. get the regular trucks and pay out a few hundred for leafs or bags for the rear. No more "ugly" wheels. Id get the half ton with the 6.2L and let them horses sing.!

 

At those loads you will not be overworking an F150 at all. Like I said with 2200lbs of payload in and F150 and F250 isnt givng you much more.

Diesel is a big time money pit, you will never know till you own one. I had one loved it, but the truck was eating me out of house and home. Going to the pump was fun at 160 bucks and try 200 if prices go any higher next summer. All the while getting chitty MPG>

A lot of the misconception out there is from people that really dont know how capable the 1/2 tons are these days. A lot of people are under the assumption of old half tons they knew of that only could haul 5-7k now days there isnt one on the market with a V8 or EB that is under 9 grand I beleive. Do whats best for you, but if you go diesel it will cost you 7 more out of the gate and cost double to maintain.

 

Yeah, I wish I could have an F250 for towing duties (we have a 32' fifth wheel) and an F150 for my daily driver. But, my wife needs something to drive to work too, so she won't let me trade her Flex in for an F150 for me.