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

[Nesc204]

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

 

[adllewis42]

With the little trailer, going out to Ocean Shores and back, about 13 +/-. With the larger trailer I went over Stevens Pass to Lk Wenatchee St Park, then back over Snoqualmie. That dropped me to 11.5. I was camping in the right lane though, not too much towing experience and didn't want to get into any trouble with a rental trailer...haha. Going a bit faster would probably crater the mileage even further.

I think the Raptor will tow anything up to its' weight rating pretty comfortably. As others have said though, if you need the bed space, or weight capacity as you acquire more 'camping goodies' you may exceed the Raptors capabilities. The 150 Diesel is an interesting option, it would probably tow as well or better than the EB with better mileage if that's a real concern. But I'm not yet fully trustworthy of 'modern' diesel emission control equipment. Kinda like the mid 70's to early 80's cars. I'd give it a few more generations to get really dialed in. A 250 Tremor is another interesting option, but the suspension isn't as compliant as the Raptor. If you enough gear on board it may come close...but sounds like price is a concern there and I sure get that.

As I mentioned though, once you get to your destination, what do you want to be knocking around in...'just another' 250...or a RAPTOR!?

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

 

[adllewis42]

I’m curious why you mention the jump to a F-250 rather than comparison to an F-150? An F-250 is a beast of a workhouse and likely way more than you need based on what listed above. Are you having issues with sag with your current setup?

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.

 

[PlainJane]

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.

 

[970rap]

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.

 

[Troutrad]

So I bought the Raptor because I could. I think it's a neat truck, I like the way it looks, I like the appeal of it, I actually even like the sound of it. All that being said, I don't use it like it was probably intended to be used. I've loaded it down with a cap and tent and camping equipment and it's much more of a car camper at this point than any sort of Baja runner. I still love it but I'm wondering if I should just trade it for a similar MY F250.

Most of the miles I drive are on pavement but on the weekends, I will go explore forest roads around the Western US. I've really never ran across anything I couldn't handle but I also generally find a Prius (or Subaru) at the end of the road. If we're going to classify the truck as anything, I would say it's more "overland" (as much as I hate that term) than anything but I really do enjoy just turning off the highway and exploring the roads and ridges of the Western US.

All I want is something that I can load down for the weekends, cover long distances on (and off) road, maybe tow a small trailer someday (something even the Raptor could do), and be decently reliable. The more I think about it, the more it seems like a 250 might be a better fit for me but I thought I might get some input from the people here too.

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..

 

[TopElement]

I love my F350. It rides nice, has great comfort, massage seats and all. It is tireless to drive. Versatile and does whatever it is asked to do. No, it’s not a Raptor, but they are very nice. Just have to ask yourself what ya really “want”. Not just need. Sounds like any truck will do the job for you. Nice to be able to “grow” into one though. Bigger trailers etc. Drive a couple and decide. View attachment 151184

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.

 

[Troutrad]

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.

 

[adllewis42]

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..

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.

 

[zemuron99]

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