Buck50HD

For that size trailer, you would probably be just fine with max tow and have a better ride than the HD package. If the WD hitch is set up right, not a problem.

On the other hand, with 4 guys and other stuff, you would likely be over the legal payload. The HD package would make it easier to stay legal while reducing tire squirm in the wind and bouncing over bumps.

The 150HD sounds like the best fit.

smokeywren

Yeah, My bad. I misread Ford Build&Price. So I edited my original post.

brulaz

Well that depends ... on what you mean by "better ride". Softer, yes, but I like to feel the pavement a bit. And when loaded up, I definitely do not like the rocking back and forth, or tire squirm, or sway and bounce.

For sure, the standard F150 suspension is not designed for a loaded truck. More for your daily commute.

So with my MaxTow, I added on the Heavy Duty Shocks, RAS and LT-metric tires. But the HD Payload option would probably have been cheaper up front even though I didn't need the extra payload. It wasn't available in my configuration (FX2 SCab) though.

ecobeest

You're about where I am in terms of the weight of my TT. Guess what decision I made....

The F-150HD will be more than fine for what you want.

willieboy

Regarding unloaded ride on the MaxTow HD trucks: I am not sure if it is the extra 12" on wheelbase, or if Ford got the suspension right, but my truck ride exactly like my brothers truck (no MaxTow or HD, 145" wheelbase). So I would not worry too much about the unloaded ride.

smokeywren

Ford no longer offers manual transmissions on the F-150. But they have something even better, an option called a Select-Shift tranny. The Select-Shift can be shifted like a manual except it has no clutch. Instead it has a rocker button you mash when you want to shift gears in manual mode. That rocker button is called a paddle shifter in sports cars. It lets you choose the gear you want to shift up or down to, just like a manual tranny but without the clutch.

So if your need for a manual tranny is to control your own gear shifting, then you can do that with the Select-shift tranny in an F-150. Select Shift is not standard in all F-150s. It's part of the trailer tow pkg. The trailer tow pkg is standard in FX2/FX4 and Lariat trim pkg, and optional in XL, STX, and XLT trim levels.

If looking at used F-150s, look at the gear indicator on the dash. If it includes an "M", then it has the Select-shift tranny. Mine has "P R N D M 1 2", and the shifter button is on the steering column - easy to reach if you want to row your own.

But if you're feeling lazy and want to let the automatic do its thing, then choose "D" instead of "M". The "M" is there if you want it, but you don't have to use it. In "D", the 6-speed automagic tranny will be just like any other 6-speed automagic tranny.

Buck50HD

Well, I haven't spent a lot of time in a base F150 but I test drove one for about 5 miles. Tough to get a feel for it in 5 miles but it did feel like a softer ride than my 08 GMC (which I thought was very good) and now this HD feels stiffer than my GMC so there is some difference.

One thing I really wish is that the TPMS did not trigger at 50psi so I could air the tires down when not towing. I tried them at 35 psi and big difference.

Regardless, the ride really isn't too bad and I think it's mostly due to the 60psi E tires.

Buck50HD

Also, forgot to mention that I meant only unloaded ride was a little rougher. When towing the tt or 5th, the HD package really handles and rides great. No roll or bounce and better control in the wind. Very relaxed towing experience.

willieboy

I sure would be nice if you could have 2-3 profiles for the TPMS on the HD Trucks. The dealership set mine at 45psi, and the TPMS tripped two miles after I left... Checked them all, and realized Ford sets them at 60 (rear) and 55 (front). On my Tundra you could reset them simply by hitting a button. It does not appear that Ford allows the end user to reset them at all. Oh well, once a few of us HD guys wear the center of the tread out before the outside edges, maybe Ford will update the program...

Buck50HD

It's probably a safety issue. They need to make sure the consumer doesn't run fully loaded without having 60psi.

For trailering, they could avoid the issue by detecting the trailer and default to high pressure settings. But, if you load up the bed, no way of knowing.