Buying a new Ford F150 or F250 - Opinions?

2gumby2 · « **on:** 26 Jul 2015, 01:44 pm »

I'm going to buy a new Ford F150 or F250 with a gasoline V8. Just looking for opinions for those that have experience with these trucks. I ride off-road motorcycles so I will be using the truck to haul the dirt bikes among other things. I know the F150 will be suitable for this purpose, but I really like the look of the F250.

Don_S · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Jul 2015, 02:33 pm »

Sorry to only have questions, not answers. I did not realize the F150s and F250s had different body styles. Does that mean the F250s are not aluminum-bodied? I keep hearing the F150 series has aluminum bodies but never any mention of the rest of the series so I assumed they don't but realize I might be wrong. I always thought they were the same body style but with different "guts" (engine, drive train, and suspension).

RDavidson · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Jul 2015, 04:10 pm »

One has to see them side by side to see the difference. The F250 is actually quite a bit bigger and tougher looking. If it were me, and being how you're into dirt bikes, I'd get a Ford Raptor. Those are awesome recreational trucks. From what I've read, one only needs to maybe change tires and make a minor suspension adjustment and the Raptor is fully Baja ready. I don't really care for the Raptor graphics they put on the trucks, but I'm pretty sure those are optional....or can just be taken off, for a cleaner look.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Jul 2015, 04:30 pm »

Quote from: RDavidson on 26 Jul 2015, 04:10 pm

...... From what I've read, one only needs to maybe change tires and make a minor suspension adjustment and the Raptor is fully Baja ready......

Minor? I'll just leave this right here.

https://youtu.be/JKQdlXvbWSU

*Scotty* · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Jul 2015, 08:11 pm »

Thus proving once again that you cannot case a jump and survive.
Epic fail!!!

Scotty

Wayner · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Jul 2015, 08:14 pm »

I like my F150, rides nice and it can get 23mph with its 5 liter engine. If you get the 250, would you be getting a diesel?

'ner

CSI · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Jul 2015, 09:05 pm »

I used to sell them both in my car guy days. Both great vehicles. The F150 can easily double as a passenger car for most people which is why it is often the best selling vehicle in the country from year to year. The F250 is a little more rugged, carries more gross weight (which you really won't need, no matter how many two wheelers you put in there) and looks more macho (or more beautiful...it's in the eye of the beholder). Plus some dealers are wheelin' and dealin' on the F250's right now. You will have to check with Ford about the aluminum bodies but I wouldn't put too much, er, weight on that factor in your decision. Sorry for the pun.

RDavidson · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 01:33 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 26 Jul 2015, 04:30 pm

Minor? I'll just leave this right here.

https://youtu.be/JKQdlXvbWSU

Hahahahaha! OK......maybe where I read that, someone re-interpreted "desert pre-runner" ready as full-on baja ready. We all know how that happens.

Guess those guys in the video read the same thing I did.

Though actually, I think the Raptor held up much better than a standard truck would've.

2gumby2 · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 02:10 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 26 Jul 2015, 08:14 pm

I like my F150, rides nice and it can get 23mph with its 5 liter engine. If you get the 250, would you be getting a diesel?

'ner

Wayner, 23 MPG is VERY impressive from a V8. Do you have the aluminum body F150?
Unfortunately, the new Raptor will not be available until late 2016 and it will have a V6. I want a V8, not a V6. And I'm in the market now so it will be either the F150 or F250. I realize the F150 may be more practical considering the fuel mileage, but I really like the look of the F250. Anyone here with the F250 and 6.2 liter gas engine?

sandbagger · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 02:57 pm »

2015 F150 = Aluminum
2015 F250/350 = steel
2017 F250/350 = Aluminum

Unless you are doing A LOT of Towing I would look very hard at the ecoboost V6

If you want me to hook you up with a friends and family plan let me know

Don_S · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 03:14 pm »

Quote from: sandbagger on 27 Jul 2015, 02:57 pm

2015 F150 = Aluminum
2015 F250/350 = steel
2017 F250/350 = Aluminum

Unless you are doing A LOT of Towing I would look very hard at the ecoboost V6

If you want me to hook you up with a friends and family plan let me know

sandbagger, Thanks for the information.

2gumby2, My Alcoa stock is in the dumpster

so please buy an F150. Guess I have to wait another year until the 2017 models are introduced for the rest of the line to go aluminum. Are the 2016s out yet? If not, then any minute now.

Wayner · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 05:35 pm »

Quote from: 2gumby2 on 27 Jul 2015, 02:10 pm

Wayner, 23 MPG is VERY impressive from a V8. Do you have the aluminum body F150?
Unfortunately, the new Raptor will not be available until late 2016 and it will have a V6. I want a V8, not a V6. And I'm in the market now so it will be either the F150 or F250. I realize the F150 may be more practical considering the fuel mileage, but I really like the look of the F250. Anyone here with the F250 and 6.2 liter gas engine?

No, it's a 2013. The aluminum bodies are new for the 2015 (and maybe some 2014 1/2) I do trade-in every 4 years so I'll have to wait for awhile. The truck does ride very well, as it weighs in at 6000 lbs. I also have all the fun bells and whistles, but really don't use all of the features..

Wayner · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 05:39 pm »

Quote from: sandbagger on 27 Jul 2015, 02:57 pm

2015 F150 = Aluminum
2015 F250/350 = steel
2017 F250/350 = Aluminum

Unless you are doing A LOT of Towing I would look very hard at the ecoboost V6

If you want me to hook you up with a friends and family plan let me know

Gas mileage according to one of my friends that has the aluminum 2015 with Eco-boost said he got about 25 mpg, but when he hooked up a trailer, the mileage really went to hell. So in some cases, you might be better off getting the V8 5 liter.

sandbagger · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 06:55 pm »

Yep MPG towing will drop with the V6, that is why I said if you were doing a lot of towing it might be better to go the V8.
Also if you are always out on the freeway at say a higher than posted speed you may want to go V8 as the higher speed will get you up into the boost range on the turbo and lower your MPG. If most of your driving is around town and only tow a few times a year, you might want to look into the 2.7L V6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n2uEx8CojE

rockadanny · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 10:25 pm »

I love my 2003 F250 V-10 4x4 as it can tow our large two-horse trailer with horses with ease. Although I get only 12 mpg.

Rocket_Ronny · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 10:54 pm »

Quote

I would look very hard at the ecoboost V6

While the ecoboost is impressive I would not want to deal with any long term maintenance.

Rocket_Toyota Tundra_Ronny (no ecoboost here)

sandbagger · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 Jul 2015, 11:07 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 27 Jul 2015, 05:35 pm

No, it's a 2013. The aluminum bodies are new for the 2015 (and maybe some 2014 1/2) I do trade-in every 4 years so I'll have to wait for awhile. The truck does ride very well, as it weighs in at 6000 lbs. I also have all the fun bells and whistles, but really don't use all of the features..

Aluminum was 2015 only..... I know

Wayner · « **Reply #17 on:** 28 Jul 2015, 01:38 am »

Quote from: Rocket_Ronny on 27 Jul 2015, 10:54 pm

While the ecoboost is impressive I would not want to deal with any long term maintenance.

Rocket_Toyota Tundra_Ronny (no ecoboost here)

Well, the thread is about either an F150 or an F250. I don't see a need to bring up a Toyota as it has NOTHING to do with the thread.

'ner

2gumby2 · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 Jul 2015, 02:02 pm »

I'm set on a gasoline V8 only and I'm not looking for a car like ride. The fuel mileage of the F150 is very good, but the looks and handling characteristics of the F250 is appealing to me. The F250 is about 1,700 pounds heavier than the F150 and the power between the 5.0 liter and 6.2 liter is not very different. Just a little more torque out of the 6.2. I've been over at the Ford Trucks forum and have been getting a lot of good input over there. If I go with the F250, I'm getting the 4.30 axle as it seems that is the overwhelming recommendation over there.

2gumby2 · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Jul 2015, 12:01 pm »

I made my decision and ordered a 2016 F250 4X4 6.2 liter. In the end, I just think I'd be happier with a truck that handles like a truck and not a truck that handles like a car. Thanks for the input from those that contributed.