Bull

I should add that while I believe my current F-150 would do well with the set-up David describes (no adders, etd.), if I ever move to an enclosed trailer I would use an F-250. I too like lots of capacity margin and also like the F-250s (bought my first one in '74). Unless I absolutely needed the pulling capacity of the diesel, which David does not, I would buy a gas F-250 given the cost delta of the diesel engine and the $.40+/gal cost of diesel over gas in our area.

SundayDriver

This has really changed the economics of a diesel. In the 'old' days, diesel averaged .20-.30 cheaper and with the better mileage it would pay for the option. Not true today. Diesel is nice for the pulling power, but in today's world you pay a high premium. I am seeing more and more commercial guys (like tow operators) going back to big gas engines rather than diesel.

jrgordonsenior

That's the way it should be done....

Bull

Same here, particularly with the diesel option being close to $7000+ (Ford), and the mileage coming down on the new diesels to where it is on a par with gas in situations like David's light duty use.

jaholmes

Maybe a grease car conversion is the option if you go long distance.

So why is diesel more expensive now. Is it the new low sulfur stuff.

SundayDriver

Diesel has always gotten more expensive in the winter when it competes with heating oil. My understanding is that the high price of diesel mainly reflects the high demand from China and other places.

When you distill fuels, there is an optimum mix between gasoline, diesel and other stuff. When demand is high for one (diesel) it is less efficient and reflected in the price. Of course, simple supply and demand also drives prices up.

John H

It's threads like this that really make me miss Ray Calvo.

David K.

On my way back from Maine, I was paying $3.69 & $3.75 for Diesel (reg gas was $3.10- 3.20). The new diesels get worse mileage do to the new emission equipment vs the older diesels.

rsrdan

I also tow with a 04 F-150...20 ft Pace,944 race car, and tools total 6200lbs...tows great....but would love a Toureg Diesel

cr207

i tow with an F250, commercial version so it doesn't have all the nice interior pieces. but it tows great. even though I tow an open steel trailer. I would always go with overkill when towing.

dbryant61

David,

I have an '04 F150 FX4 Supercab. I tow my SC with 8 tires on a steel open trailer with no problem (approx. 5000 lbs). That is with the bed full of tools, gas, and parts and a locked tonneau. I also tow a 24' cargo trailer for my church that is around 8000 lbs. For that, I use a load distributing hitch. You should use the LD hitch with any 1/2 ton if you are towing over 5000 lbs.

A turbo-diesel 3/4 ton pickup would be an easier tow, and you would not need the LD hitch. I prefer my F150 because I also use it as a daily driver. I have spent some time in an F250 and a GM Duramax 2500 and find the ride to be bouncy and uncomfortable when un-loaded.

Although the TD Taureg probably had plenty of power, I'd be wary of the short wheelbase, especially with an enclosed trailer (bigger sail).

David K.

I may hold out for the New 2009 F-150, it look like the ticket for me.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/2009f150/

Jim Child

My 2006 5.4L F150 tows great. I tow a 968 race car on an open steel trailer. Total trailer weight fully loaded is a bit over 5,000 lbs., with another 500 lbs of gear in the bed. I have absolutely no issues with hills, wind, braking, handling, etc. Things would probably be different if I towed an enclosed trailer.

smlporsche

I have a friend who rents an F-150 to tow his open trailer to the track. It might be an option for you or at least help you decide if it's right for you.

Personally, I bring an RPG to the knife fight (F-350 crew cab diesel)

rlm328

I have an F-150 Crew Cab that I use to tow my trailer (2500 lbs) and car (2800lbs). Combined weight is around 5300 lbs. I have no problem towing, once the trailer is up to speed the truck handles well. The one thing that is a must is to have a very good brake controller, that way when you put on the brakes the trailer does also. The one advantage to a pick up (any pick up) to an SUV is that I do not mind throwing tires, jack, really greasy nasty stuff in the bed that I have to ride home with the smell with until I can get it hosed out. By the way I went from an SUV to a pick up.