F-150 With Heavy Duty Payload Package, First Hand Experience?

[brp]

Hi everyone. I am considering a Granby and have shopped F250's and F150s with HDPP.

The F150 has more payload in some circumstances, 2,490lbs specifically in the configuration I am looking at. I really want to make the F150 work, but I am interested in the subjective thoughts and advice of those with firsthand experience.

Does the F250 drive with more confidence even though the payloads are basically a tie (2500# vs #2700)? I'm old now and don't want to white knuckle-it....you know what I mean? Easy driving, "like its not even there." But if the driving confidence/handling is the same/similar, then I'd like the cheaper, more efficient, smaller F150.

Whatever truck I end up with will not be daily driven.

Thanks a lot for any advice.

 

[pods8]

I was recently superduty shopping and have one on order. In many cases the F250 payload is more of a registration/gvwr sticker aspect than its actual capabilities, some states registration/insurance is cheaper for 3/4T (some states a 1T is cheaper, many its minimal difference). IE differences between an F250 and F350 are minimal (springs can be different) and sometimes non-existent as in all the components are the same except the badging and sticker stating a 10000lb gvwr. My point is the F250 while sporting a 2700lb payload in the configuration you're looking at has the same frame/brakes and depending on how you order it same everything as an F350. Its not pushing anything to roll with that payload is my point.

I can't speak for the newer F150 with high payload package but a decade back when I had a 1/2T that was running near its payload all the time it didn't handle as well as when I switched to a 3/4T.

For what its worth in realizing there really isn't any difference between a F250 w/ camper package and an F350, I went ahead an ordered an F350 (hopefully they build it... man the supply chain is messed up!). Because whether running a truck camper or pulling a trailer (I have both) with 5 passengers in the truck it really eats up payload so I figured the heck with it an ordered the 1T to have plenty of legal sticker margin.

 

[DavidGraves]

Hello BRP

And welcome to the forum if you happen to be new.

I didn't know there was an upgrade in payload capacity on the 1/2 ton Fords.

We have a Grandby shell and I have a far off foggy notion of a new truck.....and sure wanted to try a 1/2 ton.

We have the lightest Grandby there is, and travel light.....

David Graves

 

[Stokeme]

I have a 2018 Ford F150 with the HDPP. I had to order the truck. I have a custom build out Grandby Shell. I too wanted to travel light. My Shell additions had weight in mind. I love the 3.5L engine with its better gas mileage. That was a big decision factor for the F150. To me the truck has impressive power. It handles the camper easily & is under payload. The 10spd auto transmission takes most grades, also easily, w/o strain. It is awesome to manually (push button) choose a gear & limit the top end for great uphill ascent w/o lugging. Then conversely choose a gear for downhill descent & improved engine braking. I am up in North Coast Redwoods with intermittent internet but will be back later this week. I’ll try to throw out more detail & some real numbers. Easy driving & smoother ride with the camper. It’s there but not at all a burden.
With a, weightier, fully equipped FWC, a F250 is probably a better choice.

 

[Happyjax]

Hello BRP and welcome.

I struggled with your question for a couple years when trying to decide which truck to buy. I was elated when Ford finally came out with the aluminum body which would mitigate rust issues and increase payload.

I looked at every option but when it came down to the nitty gritty the axle and brakes were the issues I could not ignore. I was planning to do off road stuff and was concerned about possible failures in the axle area or drive train. The thoughts about slowing down the beast I would have on the highway or even at slower speeds but with quick stopping needed just pushed me to the F250.
I knew in the end I would feel more secure with extra truck than a couple extra MPG.

Funny thing is after owning the truck for a few months I needed to get a leak fixed (no big deal) but they gave me an F150 loaner. Felt like I was driving a toy truck after driving the F250 and I didn't even have the camper yet

I have a customized Bundutec Sable, came in around 1600lbs dry. I have stable loads on the rear and I believe they do help. I have yet to do any real off road but I've been on some dirt roads. I like the setup and am glad I went bigger but can understand the allure of the F150 with HDP package.

Good luck with your purchase

 

[Machinebuilder]

When I got my Grandby shell I had a 2011 F150 Extended cab 8' box, 5.0 engine 4x4 3.73 axles and the heavy payload package (2200lb payload)

IMHO it's not enough truck. when I loaded up my gear for me and my 2 dogs for a 2 week trip I was very close to the GVWR.

I also experience a wallowing when going through dips at an angle. I installed airbags and at a fairly low pressure they did help with that.

With the camper on I got about 15-16mpg on a 2 lane road at 60-65mph. if I took it to 70-75mph on the interstate it was close to 12MPG.

I traded up to a 2021 F350 4x4 extended cab 8'bed 4x4 7.3L Gas 4.30 axles. my payload is 4800lbs. 11,800GVWR.
There is so little difference in payload from the F150 to the F250 I didn't see the point of the F250. I don't like running things at 90+% of their capacity.

Loaded for a 3 week trip I scaled at 10000lbs. for me it is an only vehicle. I get about 13.5mpg around town. and on those 2 lane roads at 60-65mph about 15MPG

this truck is capable of anything I want to do with it, it is a big heavy truck. I don't see that much difference in driving it compared to the F150.

With the current market conditions good luck finding a truck.

 

[pods8]

I traded up to a 2021 F350 4x4 extended cab 8'bed 4x4 7.3L Gas 4.30 axles. my payload is 4800lbs. 11,800GVWR.
There is so little difference in payload from the F150 to the F250 I didn't see the point of the F250. I don't like running things at 90+% of their capacity.

Just an FYI as I was mentioning above when it comes to the newer F250 (may factor into others too but I know for research in this case) the lower payload is a reflection of the GVWR the truck is marketed at versus the capabilities, there is little difference (sometimes no difference) between the F250 and F350. A tremor F250 for instance is the exact same truck except the badging as an F350. Some F250 have a slightly lighter springs than the F350, some are the same.

Point is I wouldn't want to run a half ton at 90+% of its capacity but I wouldn't have that same concern with a current F250. That said I ordered an F350 to have mover "legal capacity" on the sticker and also I could get a 3.73 rear end vs 3.55s, I was concerned the 4.30 would be less economical unloaded at 80-85mph on western highways.

 

[Machinebuilder]

Just an FYI as I was mentioning above when it comes to the newer F250 (may factor into others too but I know for research in this case) the lower payload is a reflection of the GVWR the truck is marketed at versus the capabilities, there is little difference (sometimes no difference) between the F250 and F350. A tremor F250 for instance is the exact same truck except the badging as an F350. Some F250 have a slightly lighter springs than the F350, some are the same.

Point is I wouldn't want to run a half ton at 90+% of its capacity but I wouldn't have that same concern with a current F250. That said I ordered an F350 to have mover "legal capacity" on the sticker and also I could get a 3.73 rear end vs 3.55s, I was concerned the 4.30 would be less economical unloaded at 80-85mph on western highways.

NOTE: I both trucks I mentioned are 8' beds.The Tremor is only available as a crew cab 6.75'bed. I do not live in town and my truck does not have my camper on most of the time. I have more use for a truck with an 8' bed than most people.

The OP was asking about a truck for a Grandby (made for an 8' bed),
I would not recommend a short bed truck for a Grandby. yes it can be done but I have not enjoyed driving a loaded truck with the center of gravity really far back.

In states where registration cost is based on GVWR there may be more reason to get the F250 over the F350. but compared to what the truck costs does it really matter?
I do not have to be concerned with registration cost here in TN, my Insurance has been interesting because apparently I am unusual in owning a truck for personal use that most owners use commercially.

as far as MPG, you will not see an appreciable difference with the 3.73 vs 355 vs 4.30 at 80mph. You're pushing a big object through the air and it will take a lot of power to do it. If you're concerned about MPG's slow down it will help more.

My reasoning for getting the 7.3L engine and the 4.30 gears is:
1. Ive never had too much engine.
2. Ive never had too much gear
3. this may be the last truck I buy

 

[pods8]

NOTE: I both trucks I mentioned are 8' beds.The Tremor is only available as a crew cab 6.75'bed. I do not live in town and my truck does not have my camper on most of the time. I have more use for a truck with an 8' bed than most people.

The OP was asking about a truck for a Grandby (made for an 8' bed),
I would not recommend a short bed truck for a Grandby. yes it can be done but I have not enjoyed driving a loaded truck with the center of gravity really far back.

In states where registration cost is based on GVWR there may be more reason to get the F250 over the F350. but compared to what the truck costs does it really matter?
I do not have to be concerned with registration cost here in TN, my Insurance has been interesting because apparently I am unusual in owning a truck for personal use that most owners use commercially.

as far as MPG, you will not see an appreciable difference with the 3.73 vs 355 vs 4.30 at 80mph. You're pushing a big object through the air and it will take a lot of power to do it. If you're concerned about MPG's slow down it will help more.

My reasoning for getting the 7.3L engine and the 4.30 gears is:
1. Ive never had too much engine.
2. Ive never had too much gear
3. this may be the last truck I buy

I wasn't in any way trying to imply get a short bed, I was merely using the tremor as a known example where if you order a F250 or F350 there is no functional difference in the trucks except the badging and sticker. I was making the point that an F250 is essentially "derated" and that if you're running at 90+% of the payload on that platform you aren't actually pushing anything in terms of components. Also to point out don't be afraid of an F350 thinking its going to have a harsher ride than a F250, in cases they are sprung the same, what options you order matter more than which badge if ride quality is a concern.

I think some states can gouge alot for a 1T but that's where as a consumer you need to be aware, its not a big deal here that I am aware so I ordered an F350. As an example in the other direction my buddy in MN ordered a 1T because its actually cheaper to register than a 3/4T in that state he said.

Caveat : The below is just my brain being nerdy, not being argumentative, I appreciate differing perspectives and do change my opinions when merited.

Off hand its hard to imagine there wouldn't be an appreciable difference between 3.73 and 4.3's at western highway speeds. With the all terrain tires that are 34.1", a good 300+ rpm difference between the two and in my mind in meaningful ways (rpms over 2000rpm). I mean if there were extra overdrive gears (in addition to the 3 already there) it would neutralize that concern with the 4.3s but as is those extra 300rpm required seem like they'll spool the engine more in a gas consuming way.

2000rpm 10th gear 3.73 = 79.3mph (~2300rpm with 4.3)
2150rpm 10th gear 3.73 = 85.2mph (~2480rpm with 4.3)

1600rpm 10th gear 3.73 = 63.4mph (~55mph with 4.3)
1700rpm 10th gear 3.73 = 67.4mph (~58.5mph with 4.3)
1800rpm 10th gear 3.73 = 71.4mph (~61.9mph with 4.3)
1900rpm 10th gear 3.73 = 75.3mph (~65.3mph with 4.3)

I acknowledge wind resistance is a major factor but that aside it would seem to me that 2000 vs 2300rpm would slurp some more gas. The 4.3s cost another ~$400. Right now 1-2mpg difference over the course of a year with $4+/gal gas is a few hundred difference. If I have the vehicle for a decade or more (ideally my plan) that could be $3000-4000 difference (or more if gas keeps climbing...). That cost is reasonable to bear IF I'm reasonably gaining something with the 4.3s. But in my use cases am I? Running <1500lb pop up truck campers, currently towing <7000lb travel trailer and fairly unlikely to tow more than 10000lb. With the low end torque of the 7.3 it doesn't readily seem like 4.3s are needed for that BUT I wish there was some notable testing on the two configurations in real life, maybe the 4.3s make a bit of difference in how much downshifting, dunno.

 

[iowahiker]

We have a 2013 Ford F-150 HD regular cab (5.0 V-8) with the payload package and over 115,000 miles (on both the camper and the truck) and it works very well, very nimble. We have friends with an extended cab long bed F-150 HD with the payload package who are also very happy and over 100,000 miles. Neither camper has needed air bags or any modification. Everything depends on your purpose which is not stated and personality. I would not recommend the F-150 HD for rock climbing or pulling a trailer with the camper on, i.e. rock climbing or combo with trailer are F-250 or better. The regular cab F-150 HD is a very "light on it's feet" with a lot of range on a tank of gas and can turn around in a small space. The extended cab long bed F-150 HD is a transcontinental beast. Our friends have traveled from the mid west through Canada over and over with their F-150 extended cab long bed HD.

Personality issues: if you want a lot of metal buy an F-350, if you want a "Tacoma on steroids" buy the F-150 HD.

Both campers are Granby.

 

[Machinebuilder]

Pods, I am going to step away from this discussion with this.

having spent the last couple years following super duty's on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, the common discussion is that higher ratio gears are worth 1/2 to 1 mpg.

With the majority of trucks being higher trim levels with much higher prices for them chasing that small a difference is the billionaire chasing penny's on a busy road.

Mine is an XL with the only "luxury" option of Sync3 it still cost me $50K

 

[pods8]

Pods, I am going to step away from this discussion with this.

having spent the last couple years following super duty's on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, the common discussion is that higher ratio gears are worth 1/2 to 1 mpg.

With the majority of trucks being higher trim levels with much higher prices for them chasing that small a difference is the billionaire chasing penny's on a busy road.

Mine is an XL with the only "luxury" option of Sync3 it still cost me $50K

Fair enough, there is a snowball effect to the if it cost $X what's a bit more, esp. when ordering options. Like I said not arguing, I went back and forth a bunch mentally, currently my order is in with 3.73's but I could likely change to 4.3's. If it wasn't a 10speed I'd absolutely get the 4.3's, still just not sure I gain anything in my usage is all. IE why give up that 1/2-1mpg if I'm not towing 15k+ fifth wheels was my 51/49 mental split at the moment.

Yeah I hear you I had no desire in my mind to order a new vehicle in my typical financial planning however the used truck market is so very screwed up right now, those 3yr old 25% depreciated trucks don't exist anymore, they're priced higher than I was able to order one for. It'll be a LONG wait and it might not get build but feel like I did about the best I could given the market place right now. Ordered a F350 lariat, value package, black appearance (gets LED lighting most affordably), skid plates, 5th prep, heated rear seats, etc. msrp $69k, negotiated for $63.7k if ford builds it. That's after ~$2500 in msrp price increases that have already rolled out in Dec and Feb on the 22's which cost me some money not having decided to order earlier.

 

[BBZ]

We have a 2016 F150 supercab 8 foot bed XLT HDPP for our Grandby Shell (plus a few items, furnace, king bed, some cabinets, 1250 lbs when ready to hit the road). Our payload is 2611 lbs.. 5.0 motor

My 2 cents..

Its perfect (for us). We use our truck for work and play and I test drove an F250 and simply hated it, too tall, too stiff, just an uncomfortable ride.

I found a HDPP used and jumped on it. (often used dealers have no idea its a HDPP truck, which was the case and I stole it).

We just did a 5200 mile round trip from Colorado to Baja and back.. averaged 15 mpg for the whole trip.. Truck gets around 18-19 in daily mixed driving.

Not once did I feel underpowered or under trucked. We hit plenty of rough roads and got to some remote places.

We took the back seats out and built a platform for the dogs and storage underneath.

I did add airbags, but mostly for leveling, my truck and camper are both heavier on the drivers side..

We sit right around 2000 lbs when traveling if we have all the toys and dogs.. plenty of extra..

 

[Stokeme]

Back in internet range. I am glad to see other posts about payload with their F-150. I’ll vent here to say if u own a F-150 … it does not mean you are “running things at 90+% of their capacity.” My door sticker payload is 2373lbs. My 2018 Ford brochure (says 2700lbs payload) states my GVWR is 7850lbs. I have an enhanced Shell when wet & loaded (dry 1150 ) runs 1350lbs. So, 56% of my payload is in the rear. My wife & I, combined w/gear in SuperCab, depending on trip duration, runs at max 450lbs, or 19%, up front. Our max payload total is 1800lbs. We are never over 75% of payload, often less. That weight is spread out over our 20’ truck length. The Camper does make our ride smoother by depressing the springs a bit.
I wanted light & nimble for a Grandby. (That’s a joke) I have always been into light since backpacking days. With my 3 kids, & separately w/fishing buddies, I’d bring the kitchen sink. After driving a friend’s EccoBoost 3.5L, that was the engine for me. N/A on the 250, it actually has more torque than V8, 470 vs 430, & nearly the same HP, 375 vs 385. With a comparatively lighter vehicle I cruise up passes. Now retired I like being lighter, still w/plenty, but with less clutter, less in the way. The MPG is a plus but just part of the overall consideration.
When my new dry Camper was loaded onto my truck at FWC, I asked the tech what he thought. He showed me how little it had compressed my springs, my bump stop still had a ton of space. With the HD pkg you get an extra leaf spring. My towing capacity for my mini kayaks trailer or 15’ Klamath aluminum w/trailer is enormous.
It all comes down to weight vs payload, individual preference & comfort. Different strokes for everyone’s unique situation.
I planned thoroughly to be weight efficient. As mentioned previously, a built out factory FWC probably requires a F-250

 

[pods8]

After driving a friend’s EccoBoost 3.5L, that was the engine for me. N/A on the 250, it actually has more torque than V8, 470 vs 430, & nearly the same HP, 375 vs 385. With a comparatively lighter vehicle I cruise up passes.

Have the 3.5eco boost in our expedition, its nice and zippy. Pulls a trailer quite well too, it had to work for it to climb up to the Eisenhower tunnel out of Silverthorne to hold full speed with the trailer and in the future I think I'd go more mellow but I wanted to see if it could. Glad to hear the eco w/ truck camper cruises nicely, my 5.7hemi with the 5 speed trans has annoyed me for years on that same climb with a FWC in the back, 2nd-3rd gear is too large. ANYWAYS, you're referencing the 6.2L numbers above, I don't think I'd have been as inclined to get a superduty if the 6.2L was the only offering (also in F250 its only available with the 6speed, have to get a F350 for the 10speed with the 6.2). The 7.3 is 430hp and 475lb of torque but more importantly its torque curve is much better in the lower rpms than traditional designs. The fast lane did a test run up that same climb I mentioned before and it held full speed with a much heavier trailer, that really help sell me on the 7.3. With family 5 eating up payload I'll be in the larger truck category for a while, while the higher F150 payload sounds like it works well with FWC (which is nice), it struggles a bit (as does my expedition) with travel trailers in wind (even with the very nice hitches, and I don't mean equalizer or such) I've read/talked which many about it while trying to get my expedition as good as it could get for now with the trailer. Just random extra chatter for the conversation.

 

[DarinH]

Since the truck won’t be your daily driver, I’d highly recommend the Superduty with the 7.3 l gas. You’ll have payload capacity to spare,and get around 11 - 12 mpg on the highway with camper, and power to spare. You wont get any better loaded mileage than that with any of the F150 engine choices, and you’ll be near max payload. If you were using the F150 as your daily driver, it might be worth the sacrifice to be maxed out on your payload capacity, but if your getting the truck primarily for hauling the camper your better off with the bigger truck. I have a Granby in my 7.3 l gas Superduty and get around 11.5 mpg.

 

[BBZ]

Since the truck won’t be your daily driver, I’d highly recommend the Superduty with the 7.3 l gas. You’ll have payload capacity to spare,and get around 11 - 12 mpg on the highway with camper, and power to spare. You wont get any better loaded mileage than that with any of the F150 engine choices, and you’ll be near max payload. If you were using the F150 as your daily driver, it might be worth the sacrifice to be maxed out on your payload capacity, but if your getting the truck primarily for hauling the camper your better off with the bigger truck. I have a Granby in my 7.3 l gas Superduty and get around 11.5 mpg.

That is completely inaccurate information in regards to the f150 MPG.. we consistently get 16-17 with a full load on our F150 5.0 HDPP.. I am not sure you if you missed the point about the heavy duty payload, ours is 2611 lbs.. plenty to spare when loaded for us..

 

[DarinH]

That is completely inaccurate information in regards to the f150 MPG.. we consistently get 16-17 with a full load on our F150 5.0 HDPP.. I am not sure you if you missed the point about the heavy duty payload, ours is 2611 lbs.. plenty to spare when loaded for us..

That wasn’t my experience when I had a F150 with a 5.0, although I loved the truck and the 5.0 engine. If I got the mileage your getting I would have kept it. My comment was based on my personal experiences with both trucks. Congratulations on getting 16 mpg.

 

[BBZ]

That wasn’t my experience when I had a F150 with a 5.0, although I loved the truck and the 5.0 engine. If I got the mileage your getting I would have kept it. My comment was based on my personal experiences with both trucks. Congratulations on getting 16 mpg.

hmm.. weird.. second 5.0 that has hauled a camper and both produced same numbers (actually a little better in the older one (2014) but it wasn't HDPP so the rear axle ratio was different I believe.