Ford F-250 Super Duty Truck Review & Upgrades
KYD’s Tow Vehicle: 2019 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.7L diesel 4×4 3.55 gear ratio.
This is our 5th Ford tow vehicle since 2007. We’ve had a 2007 F-150, 2013 F-150, 2017 F-250 and 2019 F-450. More information about these tow vehicles can be found here.
Collectively, I’ve driven 222,000 miles with Ford pickup trucks and only replaced the oil, batteries, wipers, tires, windshields brakes and one pesky fuel pump fuse. Maybe I’m lucky, but I think trucks have come a long way in the past decade (of all brands). Many people have asked why I don’t try out different brands (especially a RAM pickup truck), but with this kind of performance (or luck) why change?
Why we did get an F250 again?
Many people have asked why we didn’t just keep the F450. We feel strongly that matching the right truck and trailer makes for an overall more enjoyable towing experience. More information about that is included below.
We really liked the ride of an F250 previously and now with towing an Airstream, we were well within the numbers to go back to that truck. There is a small part of me that thinks we should have gotten an F350 so we could have experienced the entire Ford pickup truck line, but considering we’re keeping this setup for the next several years, we wanted to go back to what we knew we liked.
Gas or Diesel?
Moving from gas to diesel was a night and day difference in the performance, fuel economy and depreciation. The 6.7L diesel engine is quiet and powerful. With the 3.55 gear ratio, it tows up steep grades at 2,000 RPMs without downshifting.
Notice the 3 degree grade in the picture above. It takes a steep grade to show 3 degrees. This picture was taken on the I-17 heading North from Black Canyon City – towing the Airstream at 8,800 pounds at 74 mph at 1,800 RMPS. Yes, too fast for towing, I agree but done for this photo.
This is a biased Ford review. It’s not sponsored, but given my history, I’m a Ford guy!
What you should know before picking a tow vehicle
When it comes to towing a travel trailer, reaching your payload capacity will likely be the first rating you could potentially exceed. You can find your truck’s payload on the yellow sticker in the door jam. The payload is the curb weight (how much your truck weights with full fluids and the driver) less the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). As an example, if a Ford F250 weights 7,900 and the GVWR is 10,000, then the available payload capacity is 2,100. If your hitch weight is 1,000, then you’ll have 1,100 pounds available for passengers and cargo.
When it comes to picking a truck for towing, I recommend picking out a towable RV first. When you start shopping for RVs, it’s highly likely you end up buying something different than you thought. If you end up buying something larger or smaller, you may have too much truck… or worse, not enough.
Many people say there’s no such thing as too much truck. Go out and get a big truck and then you’ll be set for any towable RV. This is not my perspective. Too much truck is an unnecessary expense. It will likely be bigger and more rigid, which is fine if you need it. But if you don’t need a dual wheel drive truck to tow, why deal with drawbacks of a stiff ride, long bed or difficulty finding a place to wash it. Matching the proper truck to the trailer is more enjoyable process and by selecting the trailer first, you’ll be in a better position to accomplish this.
If you already have a truck, then start by knowing your numbers. Identify your payload capacity, towing capacity, axle rating, and gross combined weight rating. You can find this by Googling “Official Ford Towing Guide”. Then match the numbers to the towable RV you’re shopping for and compare with the RV’s GVWR and hitch weight. Ignore the dry weight! It will never be empty and RV owners tend to drastically underestimate how much their stuff weighs.
Half-ton trucks and SUVs
There are many trailers that are suitable to be towed with a half-ton truck or SUV. Posting questions to the usual RV groups, on Facebook, will get the typical comments – “get a dually!”
KYD has always been about starting where you are and then improving. The reason for starting small is because small is usually cheaper. For your first RV, it’s important to learn how you RV before investing more money in a truck and trailer. It’s not common to get it right the first time, so why spend more than you have to before knowing exactly what you want and why?
When we moved from the half-ton Ford F-150 to an F-250, the first thing we noticed was the ride. The trailer didn’t move the truck around and there was far less bouncing. This made for a more enjoyable ride and allowed us to drive further on drive days without arriving fatigued.
When we moved from gas to diesel, the first thing we noticed is that the truck no longer downshifted to go upgrades. We were able to tow with cruise control on, even up hills and the RPMs would hardly change. This also made drive days more enjoyable allowing us to drive longer without arriving fatigued.
One of the things we enjoy about towing with a Travel Trailer is having the entire truck bed. When we towed a 5th wheel, most of the items in the truck bed would end up wet from towing with the tonneau cover open. As a result, we stopped storing things in the truck bed and our 5th wheel storage was cluttered with all the gear for the truck and the trailer.
RV Towing Truck Accessories
RVing is a journey. When first starting, selecting the right towable RV and truck can be overwhelming. Then towing for the first time can be nerve-racking. Next comes all the essential gear you need to even take your first trip.
Yet it doesn’t take long before you get into a rhythm and know what is essential and just nice to have. Then attention can be shifted from the RV to cool truck accessories and suspension systems that will make towing even more enjoyable.
This season we partnered with Stage 3 Motorsports for these upgrades and they are providing the KYD community a promo-code (KYD) for up to 10% off through the end of June 2020!
Use Promo Code “KYD” at Stage 3 Motorsports to get up to 10%
This is not an affiliate link – only savings to you and Stage 3 doesn’t do this often because they already provide the best prices with free shipping.
If you’ve been considering some truck upgrades, take advantage of the savings.
Below is a list of all the custom truck parts we installed:
S&B Replacement Fuel tank
When towing, we’re getting roughly 10-13 mpg gas mileage. Tricia’s favorite truck part is the replacement fuel tank. It’s a truck upgrade that you’ll be reminded of every time you drive, which is why we like it so much.
2017-2020 F250 & F350 6.7L 6.75ft Bed S&B Tanks 60 Gallon Replacement Tank
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000
When it comes to a tow vehicle, I like the truck to be level. Level trucks perform better and look like they can handle the load. If you’re using a weight distribution system, it’s critical to add air before you tighten the chains or the air will remove the tension.
In this case, I selected Air Lift again due to the internal jounce bumper, but I like Firestone bags equally. It’s important to mention that Firestone Ride-Rite may not be compatible with some 5th wheel hitch installations.
F250 & F350 4WD Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate PLUS Load Leveling Kit w/ Internal Jounce Bumper
BAKFlip Tonneau Cover MX4
If you like the sleek look of a pick-up truck like we do, but want your gear to be locked and dry, a tonneau cover is the way to go. I particularly like the smooth OEM look of a BAKFlip.
As I mentioned in the video, I don’t think I’d go with a BAKFlip if I had a long bed truck or if I wanted to mount bikes above our truck bed like our F150.
The BAKFlip keeps the water out of your truck and secure nicely. It’s also nice to only flip the first section or two to reach most of your gear.
F250 & F350 BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover (Short Bed)
Bed Slide
This upgrade makes RV Life a little easier. Getting gear in and out of your truck bed is constant and a bed slide brings your gear to you. Yet, I couldn’t live without my 5 gal containers of extra freshwater and gas, propane and generator. So I installed a 5 foot (short bed) Bed Slide to leave 16″ inches forward of the bed slide.
The next concern was the clearance of my standard tall containers to hold tools and other RV gear. I took a chance and it worked out. We’ve been RVing for the past four years and never had the need to carry tall items, so this configuration works well for us. But if you have a bigger generator, stand up paddle-boards, bikes or other gear, you may consider pairing a truck cap with you Bed Slide.
F150 BedSlide 1000 CL Silver Bed Drawer System (5.5ft Bed)
BedRug Complete Bed Liner
This is the first time we’ve done a BedRug. Candidly, I never trusted myself to keep the bed of a truck nice. On the other hand, while RVing fulltime, the bed of the truck can quickly turn into the combination of a misc storage container and trash can. The BedRug will force me to take better care of the truck bed and combined with the BedSlide, it’s already been a great choice.
I was surprised that the BedRug material was padded. It makes it comfortable to sit on the tailgate. I really like the sharp look to it too.
F250 & F350 BedRug Complete Bed Liner (Short Bed)
Other types of truck upgrades:
Upgrades that I tend not to do, include exhaust systems and lift kits. These types of aftermarket truck parts do not improve towing performance and I lean toward function. Except of course for my 23″ Groover air horn. Cliff’s Welding pre-wired the airhorn to an upfitter switch and I just need to get some brackets made.
If you’re not equipped to do the truck upgrades yourself, don’t just search for “truck accessories near me”. Rather, find a trailer hitch shop that specialized in RV related truck upgrades. We have found Cliff’s Welding in Phoenix and TAPs Auto in Paso Robles (not sponsored) to be very knowledgable with great customer service. We also enjoyed working with Summit 4×4 Company in Prescott, Arizona, but they are mostly a Jeep shop. Of course, many truck owners can do these installs themselves and save money by buying directly from Stage 3 Motorsports.
Questions:
What questions do you have about these truck upgrades and modifications? Leave a comment below. Your comment might not show up at first, but we’re working on a way to block spam so comments show up quicker.
Mark, one of the items I always have in the bed of my truck with a cover is a six or seven foot wooden closet pole with a hook on the end. Saves my old tired bones from climbing into the bed of the truck or even opening the bed cover. I drive a F350 dually with a long bed so it comes in very handy
I use a old style aluminum manual awning opening rod that is light weight and slightly bendable
Hi Mark
I have a backflip on my F250 6.7 as well and really like it.
It has proven water tight for more than a year.
Instead of a bed rug, I went with a rubber mat ( forget the brand) but it is awesome as nothing slides around now! I like your idea of the short bed slide leaving the front for items that rarely leave the truck.
I tend to carry a extra propane bottle, 2kw portable gen and a little giant ladder in the front.
Good choice on the F250 Diesel. once you’ve pulled and towed with a diesel, you can never go back to towing with gas motors on long steep grades. I actually travel faster up the hill with my diesel setup(not Ford) rather than down the grade. it’s a diesel thing
Does the air lift system help smooth the ride out at all when not towing? I love the ride of the newer 1/2 ton trucks, but I know they aren’t capable of pulling the kind of trailer I want to have. I’m interested in knowing if there are mods that can be done to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck that make the ride a bit nicer when empty.
NOTE: It’s possible that getting worked up over nothing… I currently have a 96 Dodge 1 ton dually and it doesn’t ride all that great when empty. I have not, however, actually driven a newer truck to see just how well they ride. I plan on keeping my current ride a few more years and then upgrading for retirement.
Thanks!
No, there is zero improvements to the ride empty – because the truck is still mostly on the leaf springs. It requires a load to depress the bags enough to transfer weight to the air.
We have a non modified f250 and HATE the ride. So much so that we are thinking of downgrading the trailer so we can go back to a 150. That said. Big truck big rv has ideas on softening the ride with shocks that we are going to try first.
We have a non modified f250 and HATE the ride. So much so that we are thinking of downgrading the trailer so we can go back to a 150. That said. Big truck big rv has ideas on softening the ride with shocks that we are going to try first.
Good luck!
Hi Mark, Good choice on the Bed Rug. I’ve had them on my trucks over the years. Not sure how much crawling around in the bed you’ll be doing with the Bed Slide installed but if/when you do it’s easy on the knees. Hard to judge, but it may also work as a road noise damper. Should the need arise Bed Rugs clean up nicely with a pressure washer.
Just a curious question. I’ve noticed a number of RVrs …including you, go with 4×4 option. Is that because you figure on some traction issues…better pulling? I spent over 50 years in the trucking business so I understand weight distribution and torque rating but going with 4×4 costs more, gives up about 1200 pounds of load capacity, adds to complexity of front end and drive train, doesn’t add to towing rating, and reduces fuel economy So where’s the benefit? What am I missing?
Much like the BAKFlip vs truck cap, we like the look (and clearance) of a 4×4. However, living in Flagstaff during the winter, we use it all the time. Perhaps if we had snow removal, we would not need it as much. I don’t think it helps towing at all, but the clearance is nice when getting in/out of some gas stations, etc.
Thanks Marc for quick response. Fully understand, I guess reason that finally prompted my question is my evaluating the influence your comments have on so many.
Picking equipment combination is like example of the big rocks. Realistically what am I going to use this for. We have kids,grandkids,great grandkids scattered all along western states so knew that would influence our trip planning. We take trips other places but knew that family would be a big rock. Next going to use pickup without trailer so want a good compromise regarding ride. Next I’ve had lots of gas/diesel experience so is there gas set up that will meet my requirements. Gas way easier and less expensive to maintain. Next level ride height. Again is there a setup that won’t require another system but will do the job. Anyway you get the big rock point. I have a HD gas pickup. Puts out 420 ft. LB’s. Torque. That’s what you feel when you step on the gas. Suspension is stock and perfect ride height pulling Keystone 268 RLSWE. Often people talk about climbing hills. Over the years of trucking and traveling I’ve probably climbed every major pass in US but that’s not the point and I apologize if that sounds like bragging. Really Here’s my point and the question; out of every trip how much time is spent climbing passes. I know there’s a balance here”… like your Jackson Hole example but how much of even that trip was”J. Hole?
Let me wrap this up: I’ve Had this fifth wheel setup 2 years now. Average mpg same as your diesel; 11-13. Average mpg without trailer 22-25. Pulling power…never under speed limit and I feather gas pedal going up hills. Out of curiosity on our First trip to California coast hiway 46 between 101 and hiway 1 has a couple of pretty good pulls. Without ever flooring it I backed out at 75. Here are my “CAT” weights. Steering axle 3180, drive axle 4060, trailer tandem 7460. Full of fuel, stocked and leaving on trip to Washington and back through Idaho, and Nevada. Black and gray tanks empty, water tank about 20-25 gallons.
So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Like Trish said, everyone ride your own motorcycle. Just make certain you know how and why this is the MC for you. Know the right questions.
Thanks again for your great encouragement to people to just get out there and do it!
How much in payload did you lose putting in the bigger fuel tank? You mostly only had about 2000 lb payload before doing tank.
I need to reweigh. The parts on paper still kept me under my payload, but I’m sure I’m using every bit of the 10,000 lbs now. Rather than a “buffer”, we just stick to the numbers.
Hi Mark,
i have a 2019 F150 3.5 Ecoboost with max tow package. I will be towing a Grand Design Reflection TT between 8-10k lbs. I’ll likely be averaging 9-9.5k lbs when towing. My wife and I will be towing around the country for work. My questions: Did you ever feel your safety was compromised when towing tour first TT in your F150? Was safety your biggest reason to upgrade to an F250 or was it comfort? longetivity?
P.S. We love your channel and love your story.
Thank you,
Justin
The F150 was a great place to start and to learn, but hills up and down was a challenge. Getting out of Jackson Hole was 10mph 5,000 rpms. No regrets. I’d do it again! But moving to the F250 was a game changer in every category. Comfort, speed, climbing, not having the trailer push us around. Beware, once you go Super Duty or Diesel, there is no going back.
Hey Justin, I had the same configuration as you’re planning on. 2018 F150 Lariat FX4 with 3.5 EB and towing the GD Reflection 297RSTS. We had our maiden voyage in Jan’20 traveling some 5K miles through south and southwest US. Ended our journey in Apache Junction, AZ where we spent about 3.5 weeks, which got interrupted by COVID-19. So we headed back to Des Moines, Iowa to be close to family. I will have to say the F150 proved itself over and over again. I had no problem climbing mountains in southern Arkansas, New Mexico and Arizona. On the way back to Iowa we traveled north and east from Phoenix to Holbrook, AZ through the White Mountains. These were probably the most challenging for the F150 3.5 EB, but I still had no problem pulling the 10K Reflection at between 55-65 mph….even through several 6 and 7% grades. It was a little nerve racking going down these grades, but the F150 with Tow/Haul kept things under control. I’d say my biggest issue with the F150 3.5 EB was wind….especially cross winds and/or head winds. This smaller truck was constantly struggling…or should I say I was. On the way back to Iowa we experienced 5 days of constant 25-35 mph crosswinds that had me exhausted by the time we reached home. So about 3 weeks after arriving in Iowa I had a mission…”Get a bigger Truck!”. My end result was we purchased a 2019 Ford F250 Platinum FX4 with the 6.7L Diesel. I can already say….”Best decision ever!” The ride is soooo much better in the F250 than it was in the F150. And talk about power….the 6.7L Diesel pumps out 450 hp and 935 ft/lbs of torgue. A friend of mine who had a similar situation says it’s a “Night and Day difference” when towing. I haven’t officially towed with the F250 yet as per Ford you shouldn’t tow within the first 1000 miles. So can’t wait!
Marc, I’d like to say thanks to you and Tricia and the KYD channel. I’ve learned so much from watching your videos. I aspire to me as good as you one of these days. I’m not as good looking as you are and are probably 20+ years older…not to mention probably 75 lbs heavier. But who knows….miracles can happen. Oh we do have one thing in common….I am a fair skinned red head…now turning white (not grey). LOL.
Hmmm, 75 mph towing an 8,800 lb. trailer uphill with the TPMS light on? Watch those tires!
I’m going to lower the TPMS warning with FORscan because 55 is too high. The payload of a Michelin tire at 50 psi is plenty for the load.
Hi Marc,
Did you consider an in bed auxiliary fuel tank to add to the fuel capacity? I know the replacement conserves bed space, but was there any other reasoning you didn’t go with the aux tank?
60 gal replacement is so much more elegant. I really don’t have enough space in the bed now. It would have worked with the long bed/5th wheel combo. Hardly anything was in the bed then because I was tired of it getting wet on travel days. It sure rains a lot in this county! 😉
Hi Marc,
Curious how you have already driven over 4K miles with your new truck (actually I assume you got it in the winter?)
We just got a Ford Truck and with the current situation I only have 375 miles on it (had it over a month and a half). Need at least 1K on it to start towing …
Did you consider the BAK Revolver X4 Cover that rolls back? Since I have a long bed I took your advice and did not get a BAK Flip cover because of the size of the panels. Ended up with the Revolver X4 – hopefully it seals well.
That’s what happens when you buy a truck in CA, live in AZ and pick-up an RV in TX 🙂 And have family in Phx we go and visit. We picked up the truck in late Feb before COVID was a think. It was around, but not a thing. I would do the Revolver X4 if we had a long bed, but now with the slide, we only need to flip the first panel. Pretty good setup.
I also went with the BAK Revolver X4. I had the BAKFlip MX4 installed on my last 2 Ford F150’s, which I loved. But after my latest shoulder surgery, the BAKFlip panels were getting a little too heavy given the truck height.
If you’ve ever had shoulder problems, you know doing anything above or at shoulder height can be a problem. So now that I have a F250, which is approx. 6 inches taller, I felt the Revolver X4 was a better option. I must say….another good decision! I love the Revolver, and so does my wife. It’s so easy to roll the tonneau cover back to gain access to the bed now.
We just got a new F450 with the back up assist do you have that option too i tried it with our car trailer could not do it had to do it the old school way. Have you looked at auxiliary back up lighting hooked up to the upfitter switch we seem to always get to a campground late for the last 26 years.
hi Marc,
I have a on of questions about your air system…
how is the air line run so you can use the aux air outlet with out losing air pressure to the air bags.
I noticed you didnt put a Schrader valve in for an aux fill input incase your compressor quits.
do you have anymore in-depth video or pictures of the install
a little bit about us we are Bob and Debbie Kreb we are part timers live in lacey WA. We have a 2020 Grand design 310GK fifth wheel and we tow it with a 2017 F350 super duty platinum. we have been watching your channel for about a year now. Bought our fifth wheel in Oct 2019. had it out to maintenance once and now its a yard ornament, waiting for the coved 19 to clear up we are still under quartine until the end of this month maybe.
Hi Bob, I’ll ask Cliff’s and reply again. Congrats on a very nice setup!
The air for the bags and aux fill come from the air tank. I can’t remember Marcs install exactly but usually there is a backup shrewder valve to fill the tank up in case the onboard compressor goes out. Once the air tank is filled you can fill the bags up from the gauge like normal
Did you consider the 7.3L gas engine from Ford as an alternative to the diesel? I know the diesel still has twice the torque, but i’m interested if you looked at the 7.3L. I’m looking at an F250 and my truck would be more daily driver and only towing 10-15 days a year.
Also, what’s your gas mileage in the diesel unloaded?
The 7.3L is a good engine. It’s hard to go back to gas after diesel, but the resale value of diesel, especially over 100k miles is what keeps me buying the 6.7L. I probably get 15-18. I don’t keep track. The 3.31 gear ratio does better.
Marc – Your comments have me looking at the 6.7L. What is the payload for your new F250 Platinum? Did you get / consider the “camper package” or any upgrade spring packages to help with payload? Also have you/would you mind posting your window sticker as i’m interested in seeing what you got, knowing your experience and that you did a lot of research.
Would like to know this too!
Marc,
Will you be addressing the hitch set up soon? We were wondering if you were going back to a Hensley type or not? If not why?
We have the same truck as you guys just in silver. Traded my BMW X5 in for it after pulling the TT through the Black Hills with my son’s F-150. I love this truck even more that the BMW. My husband can’t bribe me out of it. I totally get why Trish loves driving in yours.
Thank you for all that you guys do. We appreciate your videos and they have helped us avoid many pit-falls and eliminated issues. I appreciate like minded people. I finally got my hubby to get a camper we could pull and afford and get out there. He said we wouldn’t use it, I said we would. We did at least once a month and a big trip. He is hooked.
We just upgraded to a Grand Design Reflections 287 RLTS. Between the Hensley hitch and the 250 we barely know it is there.
See you on the road where sometime!
I would like to look into other options for three reasons. 1) We don’t have an ongoing sway issue to solve 2) I would like to learn more about the Tucson Sway Control device 3) The hitching of a Hensely is just slightly a PIA and I like a standard ball if possible. More to come, but hitch reviews will take place throughout the videos.
Marc,
I am very curious to know what hitch you are currently using with the Airstream and if you have made a hitch change after towing it now for several thousand miles.
I want to know more about Marc’s choice of hitches also! I noticed that the Airstream is not using the Hensley and would like to know why the change?
Hi Mark,
Long time listener, first time caller… We’re looking to make the same F150 evolution to F250 for the same reasons you describe. I understand the premise of the 10k# option, but what does that do to the GCVWR if anything? I can’t seem to find anything on that.
Thanks!
Matt
Gross combined is truck specific. You can find the gross combined rating by getting the official towing guide. Usually, the gross combined ratings are really high and I would guess is the last rating you’d reach. By the time someone exceeds that rating, they’d be way over payload, GVWR and axle rating. In the case of a properly loaded RV. I suppose someone could tow a flat trailer of concrete…
Thanks Marc!
We found a great used low mileage F250 with the 6.7 and could not be happier.
Interestingly, the GCVWR for this truck is 23.5K which is 500lbs less than GVWR + Max Trailer. Not sure where the 500 lbs went. Regardless, based on our rig, we’re in great shape for a long time.
Hi Marc and Trish,
Question on the air compressor you put in the 19 F250. I have a 18 F350 CCSB SRW and am looking to put in an on board air system for tire inflation for traveling and when I need to air back up after taking the truck on the beach. I’m not looking at air bags for the truck yet as my Jayco Jayfeather 25BH has a GCWR of 6,750 and a hitch weight of 645, so it does not stress the F350 at all. That said, I believe from your video, you went with the ARB Dual High output compressor kit (CKMTA12)? If so, how do you like it now that you have had it for a while. Do you like it over the other systems that you have used in the past? In addition to having onboard air, I am thinking of installing an air horn as well.
I am also eyeing the bed slide and like how you got the smaller one for up front space. Love your videos. Good luck with your Airstream and safe travels this season.
~Stephen
I like that it’s fast, but it’s louder than the Viair. Not a bid deal being loud as it comes on so seldom. I think the Jeepers use it becuase they have big tires. RVers tend to add 5 lbs of air to each tire.
Comment on smoothing out the ride in super duty unloaded —-I have a Ford F-350 dually 2017. Pulls great. Unloaded can be choppy. I went with Bilstein shocks and Sulastic shackles on the leaf springs and the ride smoothed out noticeably! Not sure which helped the most , because I did both upgrades at the same time.
I purchased the air suspension system from Stage 3 and wondering if you have more video of the guys installing the system? I was thinking of installing myself based off your video.
I wish I did. Have you searched YouTube for an install video? Installing air bags actually isn’t too difficult. Jut make sure you have a way to separate the truck from the frame to make room.
Stage 3 has minimal video on this. Thanks anyways.
I purchased the Stage 3-KYD kit for my 2018 F350 and will be upgrading the air tank to a two gallon tank. What size tank did you install in the F250? Is it possible too get some pictures of the install? The video shows that they welded additional brackets to the tire carrier frame but that all.
Does the air compressor shut off automatically when it reaches 150? Can the pressure limit be changed to less then 150? The guys installing the kit are telling me I need a separate gauge for the tank. I don’t see that on yours.
Hi Mark,
Alot of good information, I’ve been doing research for some time now since we learned of the RV lifestyle and hope to make it our retirement plan. I have been researching trucks to purchase one now to have it paid off when we retire 2-3 yrs then get a 5th wheel and travel the country. I am undecided between an F350 srw ccsb with the 6.7 or the new 7.3 gas engine. Anticipating around a 12k gvwr camper doesn’t leave much room on a truck with a 10k gvwr such as the 7.3 whereas the 6.7 is 11,400. I’m having difficulty finding accurate specs, but 10k gvwr is the max I find offered with the 7.3 although the towing capacity increases with the gear ratio gvw does not. I really like the benefits of the F350 with the 6.7, but it’s about an $8800 increase from the 7.3, but don’t want to be underpowered. I’ve run the numbers using your GVWR spreadsheet and even the F250 comes close to max with either the payload or gvwr.
Hello KYD, we love your videos. It’s a great mix of entertainment, encouragement, and shared knowledge. I noticed that in your previous truck you swapped your OEM shocks out with Bilstein 5100’s. Now that you have a F250, would you use those same shocks again or would you move to another type of shock? Looking at replacing my OEM shocks with a “softer” shock such as the Rancho 9000XLs or Fox 2.0s. For reference, I am in an 2020 F350 SRW and am trying to smooth out the ride when empty and when we tow over rough roads. Towing a 30ft East to West Alta ~7500 lbs.
Thank you for the knowledge that you share!
Many blessings!
Mark
Thanks for all the useful info – quick question any thoughts on a generator?
We have a 34’ travel trailer and are exploring dry camping more and would welcome thoughts and comments.
Thanks
Julian
Hey Marc,
Did the ride change at all with the AirLift bags? I had them on my Tundra and they rode rough unloaded. My guess is that it was the jounce bumper but also that they were just oversized for a 1/2 ton truck. I switched to Firestone and they ride like stock unloaded. Interested in hearing your feedback on them now that you’ve had some seat time with them.
Thanks!
Harold
Great show and blog. We are pulling our 27’ Airstream with an F250 diesel and love the safety.
Will be adding a 55-60 gallon fuel tank this week and am puzzled about the FORScan software fix for miles to empty. Did you do the software upgrade yourself, and if so do you have a video or blog on that task. In the alternative, have you found a vendor in the American West who will undertake that upgrade. I know that Ford dealers are not permitted to do that software fix.
I was wondering how much room is from the under side of the bake flip Tonna cover to the bed floor less thinking about getting one but I want to add an auxiliary fuel tank at the front of the bed is there enough room
I was just curious about what you do for regular maintenance on the truck while putting so many miles on and towing? Are you changing the oil and such yourself? What brand are you using? Or are you stopping at the closest dealer at the recommended intervals and having them do it all?
Love your videos!
I am starting to look at GMC Sierra 2500 now vs. the 1500 and since I work for GM and the push to sell the HD trucks is on, it just might make it doable. We just bought a Keystone Bullet 243bhs and I know Denali pulls it okay, but I could go for more of an enjoyable ride. The family will appreciate it also even though they gasp at the price of it. I want to travel to the National parks thus my desire for the HD.
It’s a good point that the bed of the truck will probably get ruined over time so it’s best to put some sort of liner down. My brother is trying to get a few trucks for a local business that needs them for shipping. He needs to make sure the trucks are comfortable for the drivers that are going on long-hauls.
Quick question from a newbie. Will be pulling a Reflection 31mb, likely around 11k most of the time. Am looking at a new 2500HD with max towing setup and am just torn between regular bed or long bed. Do you feel the long bed is necessary with a fifth? I know it’s recommended for longer TTs, but doesn’t seem to be as much of an issue with a fifth. We will not be full-timing but will put some miles on it.
Hi Marc, I have 2017 f250 6.7l D, did the air lift upgrade at Cliffs. I pull an 8k lb TT: 1. What bed slide did you get 1.5 or 2k model ? 2. I get considerable purposing with standard sway bar set up going down the road, recommendation ? Thank you very much ! Love your vids
I never knew that a diesel vehicle was that drastically different than a gas engine. My brother wants to get a new truck to pull heavy loads. He needs to consider diesel because it could fit his needs better.
How big is the bed in your F250? 8ft or 6-3/4ft? And do you like the size of bed you have? I hope you guys do a solar install video on the Airstream soon. Thank you. I appreciate all your content!
Not sure if this is the place to ask, but here goes. I saw that you were using a Hensley hitch and had some videos up about it, but it looks like you are currently using a Blue Ox. Could you explain your thought process on that?
Just purchased the S&B tank. If you contact S&B they have a program to provide you EZ Lynk Auto Agent that changes the trucks firmware to fix the DTE issue with the larger tank. You just have to put a deposit down and then return the EZ Lynk after the fix to get your money back. Also there is no 10% discount ton the S&B tank at Stage 3.
Your horn… Plain and simple, I want that setup. Please share the model number. Their website is currently down for maintenance so I can peruse their site until 1/10/2022 and I want to be ready when it comes back online. 🙂
I have a question about your air horn setup. I have a Grover air horn but cannot seem to get the right pressure. Can you recommend a pressure switch?
A dedicated GPS unit designed for trucks can help with navigation, especially if you’re hauling large loads.
Hi Marc
Like you in the past, I had a 2019 F150 which I used to tow my 30’ TT. I loved my F150 but this past Nov I traded it in for a 2023 F250. I opted to get the 7.3 gas engine. Love the truck as it feels more secure while towing. The only I don’t care for is the optics on the passenger side mirror. I cannot get use to the magnification. Was curious if you also experienced this issue and if so, if you found a fix. Thanks for all the information you provide.