I'm new to the forum and would like to get some of your perspectives on a choice I need to make. Currently, I have a 2007 f150 lariat 5.4 4x2 supercab and a 2000 Jayco Eagle 304bh trailer. Dry weight is 5030 lbs and it's about 30'. I also live in CO at 8,400 elevation. While my current truck will tow it, it's not the most pleasant experience. I'm trying to decide to replace my truck with a new f150 eco boost 4x4 max tow or bite the bullet and go with an f250 4x4 diesel.

We plan to tow the trailer a few times a year but, also do a lot of traveling cross country and camp under the shell in the back at times. I had an 04 f350 4x4 diesel before and loved it and my current ride is great, except when towing in the mountains. Anyone have some thoughts based on their experience they would like to share?

Thanks!

 

Hi, , Grimm, and WELCOME! to F150forum.



Based on the specs of a new Eagle 306, the GVWR is 9,750 so the wet and loaded TT can be expected to gross about 9,000. 9,000 TT will probably have hitch weight of about 1100 to 1200 pounds.





The F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine and max tow pkg can PULL a 9,000 pound TT at altitude in the mountains. So you'd be happy with the performance of the EcoBoost drivetrain. But the tongue weight will overload the suspension of an F-150.

So spend the big bucks for a SuperDuty diesel. You'll be glad you did. But don't stop at the F-250. Check out the specs for an F-350 SRW. It has 1,500 pounds more payload capacity with no change in the looks or performance of the truck.

 

He said dry weight is just over 5000lb. Not sure why you think that because some different model has a GVWR of 9750 that his will be around 9,000lb. He said the dry weight is 5030lb, couple hundred for LP and battery, another 1000lb or so for gear/food/clothes...heck, call it 1500lb instead of 1000lb and you're still UNDER 7,000 (unless you carry water but most people don't). That's a tongue weight of ~900lb. Now, I suppose he could have several thousand pounds of crap in the camper but I somehow doubt it. A 2003 Jayco Eagle 304 BH (most recent year that Jayco has in their archives) lists a dry weight of 5155 and a GVWR of 7600 2003 Jayco Eagle Brochure. Pretty sure this is going to be a lot closer than making assumptions based on a different model that is 16 years newer...

The F150 could very well have enough payload (depending on cab type and trim level/options that is) as it is common for XLT's to have payloads over 1800lb (heck, mine is pretty well optioned and has a payload over 1800lb). The shell does complicate things as it adds weight but still...

I do agree with you though that if he goes diesel, an F250 probably does not gain him much if any payload over an F150 so if going to a SuperDuty to gain payload, might as well go F350.

 

I've got the 2.7L payload package on mine. 1733 worth or payload. I wouldn't hesitate to pull your trailer with my truck. Tons of power.

 

The ecoboost is a capable hauler, but its achilles heel (as is the case with all 1/2 tons) is the payload limitations. Not sure if Ford still offers it in the new F150s but you may want to look into the Max Payload option.

 

The nice thing about the EB is it ability to work at higher elevations like a diesel w/out power loss.

 

The Heavy Duty Payload Package is still an option on F-150s. Ford didn't produce any during the 2015 model year and not until the second half of the 2016 model year. But they are back in production now.

 

Unfortunately the SuperCrew HDPP trucks aren't being built yet. Late second quarter before they get scheduled (if not delayed again).

 

The achilles heel is not as bad as it was with the previous gen trucks. If you were to compare two trucks with the same options, the 2015+ would have 400+ lb more payload (so long as we are talking 3.5EB or 5.0 anyway).

Heck, I gained options and still gained over 400# payload.

 

Is that mostly due to the aluminum body?