Shopping for my first truck. Towing a 26' TT 5850 Dry / 7500 GVWR. Looking at the F150 XLT 3.5 EB with Max Towing Pkg. Ran the max towing numbers as explained in these threads. Towing numbers work, but as many of you point out that does not mean it will be right. Considering the 157 inch bed to improve stability and reduce sway with longer wheelbase. Will the 157 have a significant impact in real life towing? My alternative is to go F250, but not excited about that since this is my daily driver and I will only use it once or twice a month for camping. Went to two dealerships who both told me not to go F250. Don't need it for this TT and the 150 will be a much better for a daily driver. Never had a truck. Had Expeditions but not trucks, so the 250 does not thrill me. 157" wheelbase on the F150 or F250 for a medium sized TT? Thanks

 

I wouldn't have any issues with towing that camper with a properly equipped F150. Just make sure the payload on the truck can support the camper.

 

I have almost the identical weight and length camper. You'll have no issues even in 25-30 mph crosswinds with a good equalizer 4pt hitch. I'm still running the passenger tires that came with the truck but I do raise the pressure to 42 PSI when towing and have Goodyear endurance tires on the trailer for their added stiffness.
You can see my trucks specs in the signature.

 

As stated, a properly equipped F150 is appropriate considering your other concerns. Sure, a F250 would tow better but why stop there...

 

250 gasser..No worries about payload. Probably plenty of truck for your next trailer.

 

26ft TT is very reasonable with an XLT long wheelbase Max tow F150.

 

You said you have had Expeditions...did they tow this camper ok? Isn't the Expedition built on the F150 chassis?
I agree with above posts that the F150 you are considering will be sufficient. A guy I work with bought a Ram 1500 18 months ago and is already considering a 3/4 ton because of his truck feels maxed out towing his camper even though it's within the rated specs, because he can feel the rear end moving sideways & the traction control comes on, on the expressway when it's windy out. You need to decide which is most important...daily driver or towing.

 

Yes, they're built on the same chassis.

 

The sales rep at Gator Ford (which only sells trucks) said the newer Expeditions are no longer on the same chassis. They changed to get a more luxurious ride. He may have just been feeding me stuff, but he seemed to know his trucks. Thanks

 

IMO you're right on the bubble. Properly equipped you can do it with a F150. But you might have to pack carefully and not put very much weight in the truck while pulling the trailer. But I'd buy a gas engine F250. Same wheelbase and overall length so there is no difference in maneuverability at the mall. Price will be within $1000 and I wouldn't be surprised if the F250 is cheaper by the time you get a F150 set up for that much weight. You'll certainly find many more options out there to choose from with an F250. Not that much difference in fuel mileage either. About 1-2 mpg when not towing and the F250 will likely do better when towing.