Let's be real about it ... Should I just trade for a 250?

[adllewis42]

I would keep the Raptor if you like it, screw what someone else thinks of your usage. It may be overkill, but the Raptor will handle any dirt road exploration better than pretty much anything else.

If you want to switch platforms any F-150 would work, no point in paying for the extra fuel or cost on a F-250 for a glorified car camper. You would probably be fine with a 2.7L engine while enjoying better MPG for longer trips. Towing anything 7,000 pounds or less is very comfortable in a F-150. Add some airbags if you need to level it out with a load. Over 7K I’d consider a F-250 depending on distance, over 9K definitely F-250 regardless of distance. My brother towed 9,200 pounds of boat with a 2016 F-150 for a couple seasons and it does it ok, but his F-250 7.3 gasser does it much better with less stress.

I think what keeps me leaning towards a 250 is the thought that someday, I might tow something that weighs a decent amount. Maybe it's a boat, maybe it's hauling other cars or snowmobiles, or maybe even larger trailers ... I just don't know but I do know I like knowing that I COULD tow it if I wanted to. Probably stupid, but just being honest.

 

[melvimbe]

Well, that's another great point and honestly, I'm kinda considering a New 150 with the Powerboost but there's not much out there about it yet officially.

And if I'm honest, I've always liked diesel engines.

powerboost could make a lot of sense for you. I would put these thoughts aside and wait till you can get a good look at 2021 F150s.

 

[GordoJay]

I guess it depends on how heavily you want to load it up. An alternative to a 250 and full-blown lap of luxury is to keep the Raptor and figure out how to cut down the weight and still be comfortable. I also explore a lot of back roads, some of which aren't on maps and which will eat Subarus for lunch. But I still don't really go anywhere that a 250 won't go.

 

[DinduMcNugget]

I think what keeps me leaning towards a 250 is the thought that someday, I might tow something that weighs a decent amount. Maybe it's a boat, maybe it's hauling other cars or snowmobiles, or maybe even larger trailers ... I just don't know but I do know I like knowing that I COULD tow it if I wanted to. Probably stupid, but just being honest.

Being able to do something if I need to do it is a factor in my vehicle purchases, even if the need doesn’t necessarily arise or I’ve never actually done it prior. It’s nice to have a little peace of mind though. I think since you are thinking about future use and don’t require those things now, you should keep the raptor and enjoy it and maybe a year or 2 down the line you can trade it in and get what you want and won’t have to question hasty decisions, especially if said need does come up.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I guess it depends on how heavily you want to load it up. An alternative to a 250 and full-blown lap of luxury is to keep the Raptor and figure out how to cut down the weight and still be comfortable. I also explore a lot of back roads, some of which aren't on maps and which will eat Subarus for lunch. But I still don't really go anywhere that a 250 won't go.

The difference being that in a Raptor your kidneys will still be intact when you reach your destination. I haven’t driven a new one, but my 2006 F-250 diesel and my 2006 Dodge 2500 diesel rode like lumber wagons.

 

[FordTechOne]

Well, that's another great point and honestly, I'm kinda considering a New 150 with the Powerboost but there's not much out there about it yet officially.

And if I'm honest, I've always liked diesel engines.

Have you considered the F-150 Diesel? I had one myself and really liked the truck; the 3.0 is a great engine and the fuel economy can’t be beat. They haven’t been a big seller due to the additional cost over the 3.5, so many dealers have been marking them down significantly.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Have you considered the F-150 Diesel? I had one myself and really liked the truck; the 3.0 is a great engine and the fuel economy can’t be beat. They haven’t been a big seller due to the additional cost over the 3.5, so many dealers have been marking them down significantly.

I considered one before buying my 2020 Raptor, but with all the constraints the EPA puts on the new diesels, plus the DEF related issues I had with my 2011 VW Touareg and 2015 VW Passat, I think I’m done with diesels after my current ones are gone. I haven’t driven a F-150 Diesel, but it’s certainly not something I’d own out of warranty based on my DEF history.

My advise to anyone, keep the DEF tank full. Bad things happen when the DEF crystallizes on components in the tank. I now top mine off every 2,000 miles on a car where the tank can last 10K+.

 

[GordoJay]

The difference being that in a Raptor your kidneys will still be intact when you reach your destination. I haven’t driven a new one, but my 2006 F-250 diesel and my 2006 Dodge 2500 diesel rode like lumber wagons.

My '03 Dodge rode like that. The only time I really hated it was on the crappy local concrete highways where it would go into jackhammer mode at any speed between 50 and 80. That's actually why I sold it. My BIL has a 250, I think a '17, and it rides real nice empty. They've done a lot with suspensions in the last 20 years. I'm doing the same thing as the OP, I'm just cutting weight. So far so good. Now if Ford will just fix the damn thing, I can go on my long road trip in a week and a half. Once Labor Day is past, everything gets better.

 

[GordoJay]

I think what keeps me leaning towards a 250 is the thought that someday, I might tow something that weighs a decent amount.

I think you should just wait and if that day comes, upgrade. Otherwise enjoy the ride.

 

[adllewis42]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sounds like maybe I should just wait it out. I know older SD trucks rode like total shit when they had no weight in them but I think that might have been a combination of the trucks being set up for max towing while being driven with no trailer or payload AND I hear new trucks ride better. And @FordTechOne - No, I haven't looked at the 150 Diesel option. I honestly didn't even consider it. I'll have to check it out.