Anyone switch from 3/4 ton (super duty, HD...)?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

clemsondds

Active Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2018
Posts
91
Reaction score
28
Location
NC
Just curious if anyone has switched from a 3/4 truck to a raptor. I have a raptor now and will be looking to trade it in soon. I pull my boat 5-6k lbs about once or twice a month 100 miles or so. I would love something that pulls it and you don't even know it's back there. But I also daily my truck and so I would like something that doesn't feel so big and awkward around town. I was leaning toward the 37 raptor or a TRX, but have just read so many mixed reviews on towing. Some say they are great and some say they hate towing with them lol. I have a gen 2 and so I hear towing is better with the gen 3 but I got a feeling I might still wish I had something bigger. I am leaning toward the 2024 AT4X...I like the creature comforts (nice interior, heads up display, massage seats...) but also the power and "off-road" capability. Just not sure about how the ride quality will differ from my gen 2 raptor. Also wouldn't know whether to go with gas or diesel v8. I haven't ruled out the SD either... And I know I need to go test drive some but it's just not possible right now. There's no trucks in my area that are available to test drive and I also have no time. So just trying to do the majority of my research online and then will narrow it down. So, I guess what I'm asking is: for those who have switched from 3/4 to 1/2, was it a huge difference and are you happy with your decision? thanks!
 

PGas32

Member
Joined
May 31, 2021
Posts
43
Reaction score
49
Location
Maryland
I’ve had an F-350 and F-450 in the past, and used them to tow a 40’ gooseneck. They were the right tool for the job (especially the 450, phenomenal truck!) but driving them as daily got old in a hurry. I don’t have much time in my Raptor yet, but it’s a great daily driver. Comfortable, and it stops and handles much better than a SuperDuty.

Sounds like either route you take will be a sacrifice of sorts…figure out if DD capability or towing is more important, and go from there.
 

Donovan

FRF Addict
Joined
Aug 10, 2019
Posts
4,510
Reaction score
4,392
Location
DC
I completely agree with what has been said. I always said that when I have a need to tow something. I would get an older 250 or 350 with much much less technology. Simply towing and hauling stuff.
 

BoostCreep

FRF Addict
Joined
Jun 25, 2021
Posts
1,633
Reaction score
2,060
Location
SoCal
Am I the only one that doesn’t buy into the “you need an F350 to tow 2-3 tons” camp? If you were towing that load for 1,000 miles per month sure, the HD truck would be better. But it’s not like everyone towing a 4-6k lb pleasure boat needs an HD truck either. Personally the comfort and performance of the Raptor would win me over 99/100 times unless you’re really towing a LOT or towing very heavy loads.
 

Donovan

FRF Addict
Joined
Aug 10, 2019
Posts
4,510
Reaction score
4,392
Location
DC
I can honestly say that I'll never be towing a boat. Maybe jetskis or a trailer for trash. So max 1 ton I suppose?
 

BoostCreep

FRF Addict
Joined
Jun 25, 2021
Posts
1,633
Reaction score
2,060
Location
SoCal
I can honestly say that I'll never be towing a boat. Maybe jetskis or a trailer for trash. So max 1 ton I suppose?
I’ve towed 2 SeaDoos on a trailer with the Gen 2 and 3, and you don’t even know they’re back there. A normal sized wake or ski boat, you know it’s back there but unless it’s long distances on a regular basis, the Raptor is fine.
 

HighwaySentinel

︻デ┳═ー - - - - - - -
Joined
Dec 13, 2020
Posts
1,528
Reaction score
3,330
Location
California
You could just get a Super Duty and upgrade the suspension to a Carli setup. That will help with the daily driving comfort. I had a 2013 F-250 before my 18' Raptor. I would not go back. Then again, I don't tow anything.
 

G2G3Iconic

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2021
Posts
168
Reaction score
370
Location
az
Over the past 10 years I have had many (10 or so) close friends buy fifth wheels and other toy haulers. 5 of them bought DD high end Diesels for towning. The others had other daily drivers. Typical was a hundred miles towing a few times a month. Mountains in summer and dunes in winter. Exactly 0 of the five still use the Diesel for daily driving. All have either sold the whole get up, or at a minimum found other daily drivers. The ones that are the most happy with their current circumstances bought older Diesel pushers, and drive a nice truck as a daily driver. So for my two cents, the answer is both.
 
OP
OP
C

clemsondds

Active Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2018
Posts
91
Reaction score
28
Location
NC
Am I the only one that doesn’t buy into the “you need an F350 to tow 2-3 tons” camp? If you were towing that load for 1,000 miles per month sure, the HD truck would be better. But it’s not like everyone towing a 4-6k lb pleasure boat needs an HD truck either. Personally the comfort and performance of the Raptor would win me over 99/100 times unless you’re really towing a LOT or towing very heavy loads.
I agree with you...I've been towing my 5klb boat for 4 years now with my gen 2 raptor and not had any issues. It's not like it sways or anything...I just like a little bit more torque and less squat. But it's not terrible or anything and definitely doesn't feel unsafe. I've had it up to 70+mph (on accident...just not paying attention) and never felt like it was out of control.
 
Top