What Tow Rig Combination

With places making deals I started wondering if I should look at getting a car trailer. The problem is that I am not set on what I want as my combination. This also brings up another question in which combination for me is best.

So, I will not be driving the truck I end up buying much as I have a company vehicle and company gas card I am allowed to use for personal use. My wife took the 2015 F150 as hers and has only put 2k miles on it since October. That was with me taking it hunting and up to Bowling Green and using it when I need to haul car parts. So you are talking a truck that will only get used when pulling a trailer or other odds and ends type things.

These are the two setups I was thinking.

F150 3.5 EB Max Tow Supercrew pulling something like the Sundowner 22’ Ultra

Or

F250 Diesel Supercrew pulling 24’ enclosed trailer not bumper pull though.

So obviously, if I go with something to be pulled by an F150 I can get it when I find the right deal and use what I have already but I still plan on a new truck in a few years.

Or wait and get a Super Duty.




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I'd get a Super Duty.

F250 without a doubt

What weight you plan on pulling? May be just fine with a 7.3L or gasser SD

Tow = F250

My position isn't much different than yours. I wanted a 3/4 or 1 ton for the added stability, but couldn't justify getting the diesel because I didn't think this truck would run without a trailer on it. The added cost of the diesel fuel, maintenance, and the price of the truck (at least $13k additional) pushed me to a 2012 6.2.

By some odd twist of fate it's my DD and it drives me insane that it's so gutless, somehow rides worse than my old 7.3s, gets 11 empty, and probably 7 or so with the trailer.

My trailer is a 24' enclosed ATC, maybe 7k lbs max with a car in it.

Given your situation where you have a company car, a gasser 3/4 or 1 ton would probably work out a bit better. I'm currently trying to decide if I should buy a car for my (upcoming) commute, or sell the truck and have Nick find me a slightly used King Ranch F150 with the 3.5 and 10 spd for dual duty.

I'd say that you should determine how much weight your trailer and load will be.

An F250 with the 7.3 might be a great option for you. Dont test drive an F450.... you might fall in love with the low speed maneuverability with that wide track front axle...

Weight wise the sundowner trailer and car combo would be less than 6000lbs.

An enclosed trailer would put me between 7-8k.

Is it harder on a diesel or gasser to sit a lot? That is something That will happen. We take my company vehicle on vacations since I don’t pay for the gas or other maintenance. My wife will still have her truck which like I said, 2k miles in 6 months have been put on it.


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my 2012 f150 with to package (not max tow) ecoboost towed my mustang on an open trailer 5-6klb range like nothing was there. That said if you're gonna tow 8k+ than that Id go super duty for sure or you'll run out of payload fast. If it's gonna sit most of the time I'd get the gas motor. Given the lack of use I think I'd opt for the cheaper to buy and maintain gas motor.

As mentioned figure out what the eventual goal is. The wife and I plan on getting a toy hauler so I bought a truck for that. Although I do wish I had gone with the 350 over the 250 at times just to get a little more room on the GVWR. But after towing with this truck I'm not sure I could go back to a gasser. I do my own maintenance so it isn't too bad.

My dream is the F450 in Ruby Red. I saw one driving home from work a couple weeks ago and it made my pants tight.

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The Sundowner trailer is listed at 1995lbs, my heaviest towed vehicle would be my 02 GT Convertible. The real use would be whatever my drag project is which would be a 96-04 GT. I have my eye on 3 or 4 different ones. And it won’t be some wild and crazy drag project. Budget, have fun, get beat most the time thing. I don’t have the skill or desire to spend the coin to over come lack of skill. I just want something fun.


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F250 with a gas 7.3 sounds perfect then. It's a super simple engine with plenty of power for what you're towing. Keep the tank full with a good gasoline and some stability and it will always be ready for when you want to tow.

Deceptive said:

The Sundowner trailer is listed at 1995lbs, my heaviest towed vehicle would be my 02 GT Convertible. The real use would be whatever my drag project is which would be a 96-04 GT. I have my eye on 3 or 4 different ones. And it won’t be some wild and crazy drag project. Budget, have fun, get beat most the time thing. I don’t have the skill or desire to spend the coin to over come lack of skill. I just want something fun.


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and the on track day comes the jacks, stands, tires, tools, fuel, fans, easy up, coolers etc etc etc. That mess will add up fast

Deceptive said:

Weight wise the sundowner trailer and car combo would be less than 6000lbs.

An enclosed trailer would put me between 7-8k.

Is it harder on a diesel or gasser to sit a lot? That is something That will happen. We take my company vehicle on vacations since I don’t pay for the gas or other maintenance. My wife will still have her truck which like I said, 2k miles in 6 months have been put on it.


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6,000lbs may not sound like alot but the problem is with a really long trailer on a 1/2ton truck if the car isn't perfectly centered on the axels the tongue weight will be far too high. The newer aluminum body f150s are even more sensitive to this since they are lighter and smaller changes in tongue weight reduce the weight over the steering tires.

the last thing you want for any modern diesel is for it to sit a long time. Diesel oxides quickly, moisture gets into the fuel lines, even algae can form in the tank overtime. Diesels are best when you work them hard and constantly.

if you plan on pulling a 22ft trailer i vote f250/f350 either with the 6.2L or the new 7.3L gasser.

I’m partial to Ram 2500 6.7. It’s my first diesel and maintenance isn’t bad. I do fuel filters once a year about $100 and then oil changes that’s all I’ve had to do.


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Enclosed trailer and used regular cab 6.0 Powerstroke. Wife and kids ride in something else. Enjoy the peace and quiet.


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We have 2 trucks, a 14 Raptor, and a diesel 17 350 plat SD. Have a "normal" 24' steel frame trailer. Towed it about 9k miles with the raptor (6.2). It is stable and works well (Raptor is rated to tow 9k lbs). Got the SD when we got another trailer, a 2 car 38' gooseneck. Simply put, no need to tow with the raptor any longer. Regardless of engine (gas vs diesel), the SD is so much better suited for towing over the F150.

Diesel has my vote. Looking to get the one I have my eye on for my car hauling needs.


Pick your poison.

You can do countless math exercises on gas vs. diesel mpg and increased diesel/maintenance cost extrapolated over time of ownership blah blah blah blah.

You never need a diesel until you do. The first time you tow any significant weight, that realization becomes crystal clear.

That weight is nothing for the 3.5 max tow. You’ll be just fine.
That being said those new 7.3 gassers are so intriguing. I just really have loved my 3.5 eco f150. It’s a phenomenal dd too
edit - open trailer is what I’m thinking