Hi,

I'm back here, after 16 months owning a 2011 Ram Hemi.

I'll be changing the Ram next summer and will most certantly go back to Ford. I miss my old F150 FX4.

I'll be going with a crewcab FX4, either F150 or F250.

What i want/need.

Good towing vehicule. I'll be towing a 26' RV sometime.
Good interior space. (no problem in the F150)
Good payload capacity. (ATV, snowmobile, ...)
Nice interior. (no problem in the F150, haven't really looked at the F250)

I don't want a gas guzzler (speel check?). My Ram average 13.9 MPG since new. So nothing worse, but better i wouldn't mind...


Now with the fun part. I know the F150 will be a better daily driver, there's no dought there.

Off road, would the F150 do better then a F250 Powerstroke or 6.2L V8? I won't be doing any rock crawling, but sand pit, water crossing, mountain climbing, wood trail...


Would a PowerStroke be a mistake if a do about 10 000 to 15 000 miles a year? Always wanted a PowerStroke and the new once seem to get really good millage.



Won't be buying new or really don't think so. Mostly a used 2011.

 

Having owned 2 F150's and an F250, I should be able to help out. For your points (I numbered them in your post above to make it easier):

1) F250 wins, no contest. The F150 tows GREAT, but when you step up the weight a bit, the F250 really shines! Plus, you never know, that 26' RV may turn into a 32' fifth wheel!
2) Plenty of room in the F250. The back seat in the F150 is probably a bit more roomy (leg-room), but the F250 has plenty.
3) The F150 will have plenty of payload as long as you aren't towing while hauling. If you want to haul an ATV and tow a travel trailer at the same time, go with the F250.
4) The '11 and up F250 has a VERY nice interior. Maybe not quite F150 nice, but pretty darn close!

As far as off-road, the F250 is a bit larger, and will be a bit more unwieldy on tighter trails, but then again, the F150 isn't exactly small. The F250's solid front axle will be a tiny advantage in some cases off road.

If you can swing the PowerStroke, do it! I only drive 7-10k miles per year, and I love mine! Mine is an '08, and the '11 is TONS better. My dad simply LOVES his '11 diesel. He gets better fuel economy with it than he did with his 6.0 or 7.3, and it tows like a dream!

 

1) Will never happen. I don't want a fifth wheel and 26' is big enough, maybe i 28' but starting to get too big.
3) That's my problem. I could not take my Ram this summer because i was towing the RV and had a dirtbike in the bed, plus 4 adultes and my 1 year old girl. I was way over my payload limit.


As for the offroad i do. The F250 would fit without problem.



How is the confort in the F250 PowerStroke? Is it bone cracking rough or close to the F150?



Edit: After looking at the spec. The F250 actually have more legroom in the back the my Ram Crewcab. Not much, but still 1.8'' more. And the F150 have 1.4'' more then the F250.

Ram Crewcab = 40.3''
F150 Supercrew = 43.5''
F250 Supercrew = 42.1''

 

Don't say never...fifth wheels are AWESOME! Plus, the tow 10000 times better than a bumper pull.

The F250 actually rides really well. My '08 is a bit stiffer than the '11 and up models too. It's not F150 smooth, but for what it is, it rides really well.

I've also heard great things about the 6.2L in the F250. Decent fuel economy and tows really well.

 

If you're going to modify the suspension (suspension lift or leveling kit or 35+ tires) you're better off with the f250 because of the solid axle. Offroad use you want a gas engine. A diesel cant spin the tires at a high rpm in the mud like a gas engine can. Diesel just aren't good in the mud or climbing trails, they can't keep that high rpm to keep the tires spinning.

 

From a 150 & 6.4L F250 owner, I can pretty much echo what fordman has said. I also want to throw a small wrench in the diesel works. If you plan on lots of stop and go city driving or small trips (<5 miles) don't go diesel. You will be constantly regening the DPF and loading up the EGR system. The fuel mileage will suck beyond belief. The gasser in the F250 will probably be worse MPG than the Ram.
You're in a tough section of the truck market, basically right in the middle of each. The 250 does ride a tad rougher especially over pot holes and uneven paved roads. My 250 felt like a chuck wagon whereas my current f150 just glides over the same section of road. A f250 gasser is my choice for you if you do lots of stop and go, but remember the MPG's will be worse than your Ram. If your everyday travels are more spread out 6.7L diesel will keep you smiling. Need4racing has a great point about offroading, but it sounds like your adventures are pretty mild and the diesel can hang.

 

Ecoboost.

 

You know, I was really concerned about that before purchasing my F250, but it hasn't been a major issue. I typically drive about 6 miles each trip twice a day. But, I have a few longer trips thrown in, and the regens don't really cause an issue. Occasionally, it can be a PITA, but I just take an extra 20 minute drive and call it a day. My fuel economy does pretty much suck, though, running around 12-13, but I've seen 17-18 on longer trips. Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to remove the DPF and EGR, but I'm still under warranty, so that will probably wait. The '11 is MUCH better with regens, though...

 

Ecoboost, I haul a 31' camper that weighs 6100 dry with a 650lb atv, pulls great, get the right equalizer anti-sway system and you will never look back. Great gas mileage and if your only towing a few times a year why waste the money. Plus it will ride like a dream!

 

I'd go with the 250, by the time you add in the all the features you want and gear the 150 doesn't have the payload to haul much. That and stay away from the ecoboost engine, I'm having all kinds of random issues with my EB. Just google it and you'll be amazed at the issues Ford still has not resolved with this engine. While not everyone has issues with the EB, it's still a gamble. From what I understand the 5.0 and 6.2 engines are fairly good and have very few issues. I'd lean to the 5.0 for mileage.

But bottomline is payload, and honestly a 250 would give you plenty rather than not enough. The f250 will jar your teeth loose compared to the f150s, but I've heard if you take the tire pressure down a bit it helps alot.

 

No, no it won't.

It is a tad rougher than an F150, yes, but it's not "jar your teeth out" rough, especially the 2011+.

 

I trade my 2011 F250 Lariat in for a 2012 F150FX soley because I couldn't stand the F250 ride. I only needed it to plow, vs a F150. Hated the ride so much I chose to snowblow instead of plow. F150 is a caddillac compared to F250. Interior both are equall. I had 6.2L now a 5.0. The F250 unloaded would hop-shake into the other lane on a very bad city road. JMO. It was my daily driver so, it was not a good choice, considering. Love my F150! 13MPG vs 16.5

 

F-150 because you said you would just tow the trailer once in a while. All of the other requisites lead to the F-150.

 

I know the F150 would do the trick. The F250 Powerstroke is something i want, but i don't need it.


The problem with the F150 FX4, it's either the Ecoboost or the 5.0
5.0 doesn't offer the payload or towing capacity i would like, but is the safe choice.
Ecoboost offer everything i need, but i'm afraid of that motor. I don't know if i trust it right now.

 

You can get the 6.2 in the FX4 for 2013. At that point though I feel you might be better off with the Powerstroke in terms of MPG, slightly. You have to weigh out the extra cost for the diesel though.

In the end, get what you really want.

*EDIT*

Whoops, just saw that you said used 2011.