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If you’re looking for a truck to tow your travel trailer, you’ve probably looked at the F150 and F250 series.
Ford is well known for building tough, rugged trucks that are some of the most capable vehicles for towing on the road today.
But how do you know which series is right for you? Can you tow your camper with an F150? Or do you need the power of an F250?
Choosing the right truck is hugely important to the safety of your travels, so let’s take a look at these two Ford series trucks so you can have a better, more informed idea of what you’ll need.
The F150 vs F250 competition has begun!
About the 2022 Ford F150
The F150 lineup features the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim packages.
The Tremor and Raptor are also available, but they’re designed for a different purpose with off-roading in mind.
The base prices range from $30,800 to $76,900 among the various trim packages.
Inside, an available SYNC 4 and 12-inch productivity screen means owners can easily access their playlist, follow GPS directions, or make a call. Rear-locking under-seat storage is a great feature for securing loose items and cleaning the floor.
About the 2022 Ford F250
The F250 lineup features the same trim packages as the F150, but the base price ranges from $38,400 to $88,800.
The available 7.3L OHV Gas V8 engine and the Powerstroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine increase the performance of the F250 over the F150 series.
The Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a great feature on the F250 series that allows owners to turn a knob on the instrument panel to direct the truck where to go.
In addition, the Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage helps owners safely change lanes when in heavy traffic.
What Are the Key Differences Between the F150 and F250?
The biggest difference between the F150 and F250 series is the engine capability.
The F250 is a heavy-duty truck, which means it carries and tows heavier loads than a light-duty truck like the F150. The F250 has a more powerful engine to perform with strength and durability.
The body, design, and style are very similar between the F150 and F250 series. The luxurious amenities owners can add are also similar.
The trim choices and optional packages are the same. So the main difference is the capability of the engines.
Ford F-150 vs F-250: Head to Head
Comparing the F150 and F250 is difficult because of the different packages, options, and trims.
Each truck is a bit different, even within the same category.
But in general, let’s take a look at how these two models compare head to head: F150 vs. F250.
Light-Duty vs. Heavy-duty Truck
Light-duty trucks are for, well, light duty. They’re not supposed to haul around heavy fifth-wheel campers.
They haul equipment like lawn equipment or an ATV on a flatbed trailer. This doesn’t make light-duty trucks inferior. It just means they’re for a different purpose.
Heavy-duty trucks haul heavy loads. If you’re working at a construction site, you need a heavy-duty truck to move dirt from one location to another.
If you’re towing a 14,000-pound boat and trailer, you need a heavy-duty truck to arrive at the boat launch safely.
The distinctions of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty among truck brands denote the purposes for their design.
F150 vs F250: Exterior Design
The F150 and F250 series trucks have high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy bodies. Aluminum alloy is lighter than the previous steel body, yet it remains strong.
It’s also tougher, more resistant to dents, and not subject to rust. The fully-boxed, high-steel frame comes with up to 10 cross members for superior strength and durability.
Therefore, the exterior design of the two series isn’t much different.
Keep in Mind: If you don’t think an F150 or F250 are for you, take a look at Ram 3500 vs. Ford F350 for Towing Your RV!
F150 vs F250: Power and Handling
The F150 series is available in three different engines: the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the 3.4L EcoBoost V6, and the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8.
The type of engine will affect the towing and payload capacities. The F150 series has Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand, and Mud/Rut drive modes in the 4×4 options.
In addition, this lineup has trailer sway control and an integrated trailer brake controller.
The F250 series is available in three different engines as well: the 7.3L OHV PFI Gas V8, the 6.7L Powerstroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, and the 6.2L Flex-Fuel Gas V8.
Like the F150 series, the engine type will affect the towing and payload capacities.
The 7.3L OHV PFI Gas V8 engine has 430 horsepower and 475 pound-foot torque. The 6.7L Powerstroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine has 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft torque.
These engines are the most powerful in the entire Ford lineup.
F150 vs F250: Towing and Payload
Towing and payload will change from truck to truck even within the same model lineup. The wheelbase, engine weight, axle ratio, cab size, and truck bed length all affect these numbers.
For example, an F150 crew cab with a 6.5-inch truck bed built with the 3.5L PowerBoost V6 engine will have a base towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
If you add AWD and the max trailer tow package, the towing capacity increases substantially to 12,400 pounds. The payload doesn’t change; it remains at 2,120 pounds for this particular model.
A similar comparison to an F250 crew cab with a 6.75-inch truck bed built with the 7.3L OHV PFI Gas V8 engine will have a base towing capacity of 15,000 pounds.
The F250 series doesn’t vary much on towing or payload between the different axle ratios, wheel sizes, or wheel drive. The payload for this particular model is 3,780 pounds.
F150 vs F250: Price Difference
The F150 starts at a base price of around $30,800 for the XL model. The price increases as you go up in luxury with the various trim packages.
The XLT starts at around $38,500, and the Lariat starts at $48,400. The King Ranch starts at $59,600, and the Platinum starts at around $62,400.
The most expensive option, the Limited, starts at about $76,900.
The F250 starts at a base price of around $38,400 for the XL model. Like the F150 series, the price will increase with trim packages.
The F250 XLT starts at around $43.400, and the Lariat starts at about $51,800. The King Ranch starts at $66,800, and the Platinum starts at around $70,100.
The most expensive option, the Limited, starts at approximately $88,800.
Keep in Mind: Want an SUV for towing instead? You’ve Got Options with the Best SUVs for Towing!
F150 vs F250: Which Is Better for Towing?
It’s clear that the F250 series is better for towing because of the increased engine capacities.
Even with the added max towing package, the F150 series won’t be able to perform at as high of a level as the F250 series.
However, this doesn’t mean everyone who tows a trailer needs an F250. If you own a lightweight travel trailer under 6,000 pounds, there’s no reason to spend the extra money for an F250. It will certainly get the job done, but it’s not necessary.
However, it’s also important to consider the payload and towing capacity. A lightweight fifth wheel may be able to be towed by an F150.
However, the weight placed on the truck bed will probably exceed the payload capacity for the F150 series.
F150 vs F250: Which is Better for You?
Every RV, boat, and flatbed trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating. This is its maximum weight.
If you’re loading up a travel trailer, you don’t want to exceed the GVWR to ensure safe travel. Whatever you’re towing, check the GVWR and make sure it’s below the towing capacity of your vehicle.
If you’re on the line or close to exceeding the limit, it’s worth the extra torque to go up to an F250 heavy-duty truck. The power and handling will make traveling so much easier.
But if you’re safely within limits, save some money and stick to an F150. But, know the numbers. Safe traveling depends on it. The amount of wear and tear you put on your truck depends on it. The money you spend on repairs and maintenance depends on it.
Which is better for you, an F150 or F250?
I’ve had them both and if you’re out shopping for a F250 spend the little extra for an F350. Some F250’s (diesel) do not have much if any more load capacity than some F150’s. I bought a new F350 to replace my Heavy Tow F150. There is about $1700 difference new between a F250 vs F350 and you pick up an extra 1k load capacity. At the prices of a new truck, $1700 isn’t that much any more.