Which truck would you get?

[Diamondpilot]

If it were me I would stay away from diesel. You simply don't need it. This is coming from a diesel guy who currently has a trouble free 06 F350 and have had 3 others in the past.

A modern 1/2 ton is leaps and bounds more truck then your current 4.7L rig. The Ford F150 Eco Boost is the top dog. If you are set on 3/4 ton go gas.

Chris

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I have to agree with chris on this one (first time for everything right chris?) Well, from what your saying, a v-8 f-150 or 3/4 ton would be fine for what you are pulling. (brand is immaterial until you figure out what suits your needs/price range) If gas mileage is your main concern, the diesel will get much better mileage towing no questions asked. They are just not working as hard to do the same amount of work. The problem with a 3/4 ton gasser and this is my observation, (my dad had a 2005 3/4 gmc and I currently drive a 2012 2500 ram) that they don't get bupkiss for mileage. If I break 15 driving around i'm doing something. 13-14 is the norm but I wouldn't hesitate to pull up to about 10k-12k with a 3/4ton. Now I had a 2005 dodge ram 3500 cummins with 4x4 8' bed and a crew cab (weight was about 7400lbs) and I could get 19 mpg all day long driving around in the 6spd standard.(i broke 21 once (and this is HAND CALCULATED NOT THE OVERHEAD METER!!!!!)) I'm not advocating a diesel for you but everyone likes to mention the "expensive maintenance costs" Well thats b.s. If you need a diesel its part of the plan. Yes an oil change can't be done for $35 , but when you go 10k-12k between changes and not 3k-5k is that really that big of a deal? Nope. Diesel is more expensive per gallon. Well I got 25% better fuel mileage in my 1 ton vs the guys running 3/4 ton gassers. hhmmm something fishy here. If you want diesel advice ask the guys who drive the diesels not the guys who never got one because they couldn't justify the "cost".

Another problem/benefit with diesel trucks is the initial buy in price/higher resale price. Once you figure that out its not so bad to deal with. Yes you pay more money up front, but they sure do not depreciate as fast as the gasser's do with high mileage.

The ford guys know their trucks, the duramax guys know theirs and the cummins fans are just that. They are all positive and negatives to each and every truck and hence why they make so many different models. AS long as you do a little bit of homework into which years/generations had problems and know those going into it, you should be fine. (also, dodges in the 3/4 and up don't eat front ends. The half tons in my experience do though)

 

[DocDiesel]

Get an EcoBoost. Cheaper to buy, better fuel economy than a diesel. You have to regularly pull 10,000+ to warrant the need for diesel besides liking the sound.

 

[aczlan]

Yes an oil change can't be done for $35 , but when you go 10k-12k between changes and not 3k-5k is that really that big of a deal? Nope.

If you run synthetic oil (such as Mobil1) you can get 10k+ per change with a gas engine as well.

Aaron Z

 

[fordmantpw]

Many gassers recommend 7500 now anyway. Ford recommends 7500 in our Flex on semi-synthetic.

I actually change the oil in my diesel at a lower mileage interval than our Flex due to the low miles I put on it. I usually get it changed every 6-7 months and have less than 5k on it.

At any rate, count me on the "gasser" side of things for towing that load. This coming from a diesel driver.

 

[94BULLITT]

Many gassers recommend 7500 now anyway. Ford recommends 7500 in our Flex on semi-synthetic.

I actually change the oil in my diesel at a lower mileage interval than our Flex due to the low miles I put on it. I usually get it changed every 6-7 months and have less than 5k on it.

At any rate, count me on the "gasser" side of things for towing that load. This coming from a diesel driver.

The new f150's and the superduty with diesel you run it til it tells you to change it. It varys on what type of driving you are doing.

 

[fordmantpw]

The new f150's and the superduty with diesel you run it til it tells you to change it. It varys on what type of driving you are doing.

Yep, same with our Flex. Well, our Flex doesn't vary it based on type of driving, it's strictly a mileage counter. My MIL's Escape has the system you are talking about, and it has come on at 2200 miles for her before. She doesn't drive much, and it's all around town driving.

 

[Agent Blue]

You don't need another used truck...... keep what you have. It will serve you well and as in the past not be in the shop for repairs frequently. Your just scratching the surface of this vehicles capability. Don't buy someone else's problems and above all don't get a diesel. For your usage it would only be an ego trip and added expense.

 

[bdeboer]

Considering the limited miles per year and budget, I would look at a 3/4 Ton gas powered truck to give you the larger brakes and stability for towing your RV.

 

[fordmantpw]

There is no way I would buy a F150 with a 5.4. I bought my Ford new; '05, F150 Lariat, 5.4, 3:73 gear. That was the lamest truck I've ever owned and traded it in '07 with 25,000 on the clock; definitely not one of Ford's "better ideas". Oh, I traded for an '07 Tundra, which I still have; towed trailers that I shouldn't have(12'000+) with ease. I really question the OP's need for a diesel considering his towing needs, but some folks just like oil-burners

Interesting that you found the 5.4 lame. I towed my travel trailer with mine (also an '05, 3.73 gears) with no problems. I never had a single issue with the truck and it towed extremely well.