Ford F-350 or F-150 for Towing a Fleetwood Trailer, 8,100 lbs Dry

Question:

I have a 27 foot Fleetwood trailer, 8100 lbs dry. I am looking at buying a 2002, Ford F350 6.8L, V10, Lariat, crew cab, long bed, tow package, 4x4, off road package, gas. Is this way overkill for my trailer? Could I get away with a F150 to pull it? Also the truck seems a little tall for me to get 5th wheel pin to fit correctly, I think the truck has a lift kit in it, is that a problem? First choice for me would be an F150 because they are pretty but if its not going to do the job then I wanted and F250. I found the F350 for a good price with the longbed. I am finalizing the ppwk to buy it this afternoon but I am nervous. Is this the right decision? What is the real difference between the F250 and F350 trucks?

asked by: Wendy

Expert Reply:

It may not be the prettiest option, but you would want to go with the F-350. An F-150 would not have the capacity for how heavy of a trailer you plan on towing.

Lift kits can make fifth wheel towing more difficult to set up, but that depends on how tall of a lift is on the vehicle.

The main difference between an F-250 and an F-350 is the amount of weight they are designed to tow. For the most part the engines and transmissions will be the same between the two. But the F-350 will have heavier duty suspension and brakes, as well as gears in the rear-end more set up for towing.

expert reply by: Jameson C