Will I notice a difference between a 2001 F150 and a 2005 F250

We are thinking of getting a 2005 or 06 F250 gas, to replace our 2001 F150 gas. The 150 has 120,00 plus miles. If we would get a 250, I would look for something around 50 or 60,000 miles on it. Is it worth doing and what difference in pulling my 24RL Cat?

I can't personally speak from experience, BUT...a friend of mine had a 150, don't know the year probably about an 02 with the small gas engine, and bought a new 04 250 with the V-10 engine in it. He said the difference was very noticeable.

As you know, a F150 is a 1/2 ton and an F250 is a 3/4 ton pickup. The F250 will give you larger brakes, heavier suspension and rear bearings. This all equates to more safety while towing.

find a diesel and a 250 and things will be even better than a gasser. Lots more pulling power and like Maxtor states the safety is superior.

If your experience ends up being anything like ours, you'll be finding ways to keep weight in the bed of your F250. We've owned both an F150 (2000) and our current F250 (2005). The suspension is much stiffer in the F250 due to the expected payload they're designed for. The F150 for us, was like driving the family car; very soft suspension = very comfortable ride. We've changed the shocks and even added air bags on our F250 in an attempt to change the way it rides both empty and loaded. There are days where we feel like we're driving a cattle wagon. When the bed is empty, our F250 lets us know every time we hit a chuck hole or a bump in the road.

TC

Earl, You're right on all counts.

In granny low and 4-low, I think I could pull a house off its foundation!

TC

Barry
If you go with the F-250 don't get the 5.4 engine go larger. V10 or the diesel. I did have 2004 27 RL & F-150 with the 5.4 with 3:53 rear. It did ok on the flat lands of Tidewater Va. We like going to the Mts. So I upgraded to F-350, 6.0 diesel with the 3:73 rear. I get about 14 mpg towing and Empty 16.5 around town and 21 on the open road.

Frank,
How about the F250 that has the 3 valve engine that is giving 40 more horse power then the 04 engine. I would like the 6.0 diesel but the temps here in the winter gets down in the minus 20's and 30's.
Fuel gels and oil changes are double the gas.
I haven't heard much about the V10's mileage or reliability.

beartoo wrote:Frank,
6.0 diesel but the temps here in the winter gets down in the minus 20's and 30's.
Fuel gels and oil changes are double the gas.

I'm sure there are many folks that have the 6.0 in your neck of the woods, and I would think in your area, the 6.0 would come with a block heater. If its a problem, just set a timer to come on a few hours before you pull out.

I would think there is plenty of additive in the fuel to keep it from jelling, but you could add some POWER SERVICE in the white container to help the fuel. You can get it at Walmart for pretty cheap.

Yes, oil changes are expensive, $125 at my dealership, but its so easy to do yourself. Drain the oil from underneath, replace the element($18.95 at Walmart) on top of engine. One gallon of Rotilla T 15W40 oil at Walmart is $11.00, and you'd need 14 quarts.

Also need to change the fuel filters, hardest part is getting under truck to change the 1 on the frame rail, other filter is right next to the oil element.

Personally, I'd go with the diesel if you can.

Here's my 2 1/2 cents on gas Vs diesel, FWIW...

Diesel Cons:

Diesels are more expensive to purchase up front; approx $4000 + option.

And even though they get better gas mileage Vs a gasser, diesel has been more expensive to purchase than regular unleaded the past couple of years. And since diesel is tied into the price of heating oil, I don't see this changing any time soon. So, the higher price at the pump somewhat offsets the gain in mpg Vs gas.

Diesels are cold-blooded by nature, so a block heater is generally recommended for colder climates.

Servicing is generally more difficult and most times more expensive than a gasser.

And for the clincher...you can't find diesel everywhere you go, but you CAN get regular unleaded anywhere; even at the 1 pump - mom and pop stations off the beaten path. This is huge for us when we want to take the "less traveled" roads. So, for the average truck owner, diesels end up being more expensive to own and operate over the long run.

Diesel Pros:

My biggest complaint with a gasser Vs diesel; by the time you get to 200,000 miles on the OD, you're just finally getting a good diesel broken in. Where a gasser at 200,000 is either ready for retirement or a major overhaul. Since we have to drive the wheels off our F250 for financial reasons, this is something we might have to contend with eventually. But for most who own HD trucks, they've either traded in or sold off their trucks long before they ever get to 200,000 miles.

TC

Here is my opinion:


In a warm climate, a diesel is the way to go, with more power, better fuel economy, and longer life. If I lived in a cold climate, I would prefer a gas engine, just for less hassle. Both engines are going to get you to your destination. We live in a warm climate, so we bought a diesel, and it has been a great truck for us. No problems at all with the 2006 Ford 6.0 diesel engine. I only use it to haul the WC or our race car, so it only has 20K miles on it, but so far so good.
In your situation, I would get the gas engine in a F250 or F350. Remember if you plan on buying a large cab over camper, it would be wise to think about a dually. If not, go with the single wheels.

JMO...

don't forget the Chevy, duramax with the allison tranny

A local car dealer has a 2006 Chevy C-2500 Duramax w/Allison tranny extended cab, 5th wheel rails, extra diesel tank with almost 29k miles and is asking 28K. Take a look www.tedciano.com and last week they had 06 Dodge 3500 with only 10K miles,5th wheel hitch and got 28K. Something to compare prices.

Barry 6.0 7000 miles on an oil change with normal driving. Rough duty 5000 miles Fuel filter change every other oil change Air filter 65000 miles normal duty. Anti-freeze 100000 miles before that has to be changed. you just have to get it tested with a test strip about 3 times before 100000 miles. If you need to add coolant you use the Ford anti freeze and distilled water.
I don't know about the 3 valve 5.4 engine. But if you are going to the mts make sure you have the HP to do the job. Ford has fuel addtive to keep from the fuel gelling up It is only about $8 per bottle. a bottle should last 5 fillups

And unless you really need it...don't buy a 4X4. Adds weight, worse fuel economy and more things to break. We bought a truck specifically to tow with. Before the snow flew we were gone. Even with where we live in the summer now. The only gravel I get on is in RV parks. We ordered it with only a couple of options: 2 wheel drive, positraction, cruise control, tow package (which added the factory brake controller), small gas engine, standard cab and long bed. Towed it up/down/up/down/up the AlCan, and 2 roundtrips across the lower 48, with no problems.

My 2 cents I had a f150, looked at the rating and did not feel safe pulling our 24RL, I know everyone says they a 1/2 ton towable. I wanted something that I was sure would be safe, so I went with a F350 diesel and am glad I did. The ride for use has been great equal to or even better than our F150 . We do want to pull in the MTs and have gone to Yellowstone this past fall with not problem. We had mornings in the mid 20's, all the stations I stopped at had the winter blend. Our milage over all (3000 miles) was 11 1/2 and fuel was never a problem finding. We had to stop more for the couple traveling with us because they had a gas engine. We are located in the MidWest and our winters do get cold, but there are a lot of diesels around, it is not a major problem. Just look around at all the large trucks going up and down the highway in the winter. Happy I bought a F350 Diesel, just my 2 cents worth

f150k wrote: Just look around at all the large trucks going up and down the highway in the winter. Happy I bought a F350 Diesel, just my 2 cents worth

And...they have to keep those big diesels running all night long while parked.

TC

I have a 01 F250 V10 and like it. I have a 48gal tank on it. On a good day I get about 10mpg pulling my 24rl on a windy day I have got 8mpg. And as you know the 24 has very little hitch weight so the F250 will ride rough. I did shocks and air bags it rides better now. Tim

We have a lot of farm pickup trucks in the area, which are diesel, and they have no problems. I have seen, when it get real cold, even the gas pickups have trouble. Its the old story what ever the story tell owns is the best , be it gas or diesel. Your the one who has to be comfortable with your choice. I like my diesel!

I'm in Alberta. Our winters are usually in the 0 degree range but also often down to 20 below 0 and colder. My Cummins starts with no problems at 20 below. Unless the engine is worked it will not warm up to normal operating temperature when it is cold like that. I hear an exhaust brake will help a diesel warm up faster. I do not use my truck as a daily driver but I know a lot of diesels are used for that around here. There is no comparison with a gas engine when it comes to pulling power.

In the U.S., using the exhaust (jake) brake is verboten in many areas, mostly populated.

TC

TC wrote: And...they have to keep those big diesels running all night long while parked. TC

I don't think they have to; I think they choose to. They leave them running because they are sleeping in there and need the heat, ac, and power (truck drivers feel free to correct me). A lot of truck stops now have units that sit in the window to provide these functions and a lot of new trucks are equipped with APU's so the main engine does not have to run all the time.

I have started my diesel (7.3 Ford power stroke) at temps well below zero with no pre-heat. It was not happy, but it started. If possible, I plug it in when it is outside and temps approach zero.

Here is a photo of our F150 that we traded in on our F350. All the RV dealers told me, we could pull a 5vr with the F150 but it just did not feel right. Our F150 was also lowered 3", I liked the truck, but the F350 makes driving and pull our 5vr. easy.

Well folks I did get a 2003 Ford, but it's an F350 6.0 PSD. Sweet deal and a sweet truck. I think it can pull my 24RL.

NICE LOOKING TRUCKS

Beartoo, looks like something is written on the hood?

Nice looking truck.... really smokin'! And red, too!

That sand sure is a pretty white!

I wish it was sand, and it says power stroke!

I think you made good move. We had a 2003 F350 V10 3.73 rears when we bought our 28rkwb, it did ok, but it liked gas stations.We traded it on a 2007 Dodge 3500 dualy 5.9 auto 3.73 rears best choice we made. Handles better and almost double the fuel mileage. the only thing I miss is I like the cab layout better on the ford, other than that I love my dodge.