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

Sounds like a F250 Tremor is rt for you. Raptor has never been intended to haul loads other than light toys like a Dirt bike. Even has less towing and payload capacity than a regular F150

 

That's interesting ... Better MPG than I thought you'd end up getting. What were the specs on the "larger" trailer?

 

I actually de-arched the stock springs on the Raptor and am now running a set of Icons (which are great other than being squeaky as all hell). The thought with a 250 is (1) I actually like diesels, (2) they seem to be better suited for loading full of crap and dragging something all over creation, and (3) it seems like they hold their value a little better than an F150.

 

I did not read the entire thread, so if this is covered please excuse me.
Keep the Raptor, its the best daily driver truck and will not let you down on the weekends.

I have one of each, but I am using the 250 less and less.

 

This has been touched upon, but you really don't need so much stuff/weight to go camping. I have never understood the appeal of a RTT beyond the fact that it looks cool. The infrastructure for it is too heavy (in general) and too permanent (you don't take it off between trips right?), putting me on a ladder at night isn't ideal (I'll have had many drinks), and it immobilizes your truck once you get to where you're camping (isn't using your Raptor once you've set up camp part of the fun?). I am not trying to sound overly critical.

If you like how the Raptor looks and drives then just know you don't have to get something more heavy duty to do the things you want to do, you just need to reexamine you how do it. I take my family of 5 remote car camping on the regular and have never had a payload/weight issue. I would only consider moving up if I had a current/planned reason to tow something the Raptor can't handle. Otherwise my mindset is making the shit I bring work with what I've got.

That being said, it's understandable to do what you want to do. If RTT is your cup of tea and payload is ultimately the most important thing, then another truck is probably the better fit. It's all about priorities.

 

Sounds like the Raptor is doing everything you want...so really don’t understand the question. Since you didn’t say anything about a cost issue, we have to assume that money is not a factor. Everything you described seems to fit fine with the Raptor or an F150 (no idea why you’re even considering a 250), or a Tundra.... For pure enjoyment, I’d stick with the Raptor; much more nimble and fun to drive. If you’re trying to get a truck that suits your purpose but you want to be more budget conscious, then say that..

 

That's a cute one with the short bed. I'm surprised how many recommendations there are here for F150's. Besides the Raptor, I would never consider an F150, as they just aren't capable of real towing or hauling.

F350 4x4 CC LB diesel is a great truck all around. I'm considering an F450 for the next purchase, though the width of a dually is limiting.

 

If you read the OP’s post again, he’s light hauling and he states no need for heavy hauling. He “may” haul a light trailer in the future. Pretty much camping in it. Pretty much any base truck could do what he’s asking of it and the Raptor is also doing everything he needs.

 

First, lemme just say that I came from a 4Runner and while it's nice, it's also at least a decade in the past (or more) when it comes to features. Same thing with Tacoma's and Tundras. Nice enough trucks, but not really what I'm looking for.

The Raptor is doing everything I want, for now, but it doesn't mean it couldn't be done better. It's currently over GVWR and that's before I hitch a trailer to it. The 250 would afford me a longer bed, more payload, better towing (as it looks like that's something I'll likely do more and more regularly), and still do everything else I want it to while maintaining decent reliability. I'm not necessarily "budget-conscious" but I'm also not looking to make it rain at the local Ford dealer.

 

I'm not 100% sure on the specs, tbh. It was a rental from a private owner. Originally I wanted their 21' unit, but it wound up having a wheel bearing problem, when I returned it they let me have their 23' unit instead, plus they threw in a generator for free. All told...3500# or so?? I didn't weigh it, to my regret. The Raptor tends to run pretty rich when you're in the boost to keep the turbos cool, so that can tank mileage pretty quick. I could definitely feel it behind me, but never did I feel like I didn't have enough truck to handle it. A weight-distributing hitch can go a long way to making eh ride more comfortable for you and the truck as well. You pointed out all the advantages of a 250. If you're at GVWR on the Raptor, and decide to tow, you'll need to move cargo to the trailer, but still stay below the GCWR, which might be a further limitation. Maybe a 250 Tremor would be more to your liking. I read the comment earlier about the 6.7 diesel being a good choice in their opinion, and they do have a certain appeal. If you gut a good one, your probably set for whatever you'd tow...1000+ ft-lbs of torque after all...but if you get one with issues it can be one headache after another troubleshooting them. Although, if you're going to get a 250, maybe consider going all the way up to 450...not for cargo/towing capacity, but with the wider front axle on the 450's you cut down your turning radius, and if you do go into the boonies that is a consideration.

If you have a good relationship with your Ford dealer (Curious who you bought from), they may let you take a diesel on an extended test drive over a weekend, that would give you a chance to really get to know if it's right for you or not (comfort, size, features, etc). Probably not the exact one you want (nor a Tremor) but enough to give you a solid idea of what you'd be getting. Last thing I'd want to see is that you pull the trigger, then some time later have buyers' remorse and miss the Raptor.