I considered myself pretty fortunate to be in the market for a new Ford F-250 in September 2011 to haul around my new camper. Not only were the 2012 models coming out soon, which motivated dealers to get rid of the 2011 trucks still on their lot, but 2011 was also the year Ford unveiled significant changes and improvements to the F-250. These included new exterior styling, new in-house diesel and gas engines, a new six-speed automatic transmission, as well as new options and standard features not found in previous years. Buying a new truck in the past had always been a treat, but this time I felt like a kid in a candy store.
Unfortunately, last September the pickings were pretty slim if you wanted an F-250 XLT in a color other than white that had a crew cab, a short-bed, and a 6.2L gas engine. After numerous test drives and dealer visits, I finally found my F-250, but it was located in Las Vegas and had to be shipped to a local dealer here in Arizona. I received big savings through dealer rebates buying when I did, though it still set me back $41,000. If you’re looking for a higher trim line model like a King Ranch with the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel and four-wheel drive you’ll be paying more than $60,000 for it! Unless I win the lottery there’s no way I’ll ever pay that much for a new truck.
In spite of the slim pickings last September, I was still able to find an XLT loaded with most of the features and options I was looking for. Standard features for the XLT trim level include a chrome grille and bumpers, heated outside mirrors, cast-aluminum wheels, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, an integrated trailer brake controller, carpet, cloth seats, a lockable second-row under-seat storage with a 12 volt power outlet, and a four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack. The options already installed in my truck included a 10,000 pound GVWR, tow package, tailgate with fold out step, power rear window, backup sensors, power telescoping side mirrors, spray-in bed liner, chrome tube steps, and a 150 watt inverter.
Featuring a cast iron cylinder block and lightweight aluminum cylinder heads and pistons, the 6.2L Boss V8 produces an impressive 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The 379 cubic inch engine features a 2-valve per cylinder SOHC valve train with roller-rocker shafts, two spark plugs per cylinder, and dual-equal variable cam timing. It also has much wider bore spacing (4.53 inches) compared to earlier engines which allowed Ford to employ larger bore diameters and valves. Built-in features for the 6.2L Boss V8 include piston cooling jets for improved fuel economy, an oil cooler for improved towing, a deceleration fuel shut-off capability for improved fuel economy, and an E85 flex fuel capability. If you’ve seen the 6.7L diesel under the hood, you’ll notice that the engine compartment with the 6.2L is much less crowded and that you can actually see the engine block!
The 2011 Ford F-250 also features the new 6R140 TorqShift 6-speed transmission. Somewhat surprising, this transmission is mated with both the gas and diesel engines, unlike the other manufactures that have separate transmissions for each. The 6R140 allows drivers to switch to a manual mode which electronically locks out some of the higher gears to prevent upshifts when hauling a heavy load like a truck camper. The transmission also features a full-manual mode when needed. One feature I really like about the transmission gear indicator is that it highlights the gear in which you’re driving. You can actually watch the gear indicator progress while the transmission shifts from first gear to sixth. Pretty cool!
The Tow-Haul mode is one feature I really rely upon when hauling my truck camper. The mode provides better control down steep grades by downshifting the transmission, if needed, to provide additional levels of engine braking. Ford has enhanced Tow-Haul transmission downshifting through the use of a brake pressure transducer, a device that monitors the amount of brake pressure applied. The transducer provides the controller with the exact information needed when downshifts are required. What’s great is that the Tow-Haul mode can be activated either manually, with the push of a button, or it can be activated by the truck controller automatically when it senses the need. What’s the bottom line? The engine braking system works great and really saves wear and tear on your brakes and on your nerves.
Weighing in at 6,686 pounds (a figure confirmed at a local scale), the 2011 F-250 is a big truck. The crew cab, short-bed model is 20.5 feet long, 6.4 feet high, and 6.6 feet wide and offers a sturdy 156.2-inch-long wheelbase, a great platform for towing and hauling a heavy load. Even the short-bed is the longest in the industry at 6.75 feet. I really like the rugged body styling of the exterior, though I’m not a huge fan of the block style front chrome grille. I actually prefer the matte black grille and bumper offered with the lower XL trim line, so I may switch this out at some point in the future.
If you need to tow a large trailer, the 2011 F-250 will be more than adequate. The maximum tow rating for my truck with the 3.73 rear axle is a respectable 12,700 pounds. The 4.30 rear axle, however, will net you an additional 3,000 pounds. I knew we would use our truck more around town rather than hauling a camper, so I wanted the 3.73 to improve gas mileage. If you want your truck more for hauling, then the 4.30 axle will serve you better.
The 2011 Ford F-250 comes with an impressive array of standard safety features. These include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, trailer sway control, tire pressure monitoring, hill launch assist, stability control, side curtain airbags, and an SOS post-crash alert system. An integrated trailer brake controller is standard on XLT and higher trim levels, while the Lariat trim level offers rear parking sensors. A rear-view camera is optional on the XLT and Lariat and comes standard on the King Ranch model.
You won’t see much of a difference in the 2010 and 2011 Ford F-250 interiors. In fact, the F-250 interior is looking pretty dated with its simple, industrial theme. If you like hard plastic, you’ll like the interior of the Ford F-250, but to be fair the interior is pretty comparable to the interiors found in Dodge and Chevy trucks. The dashboard displays are well laid out and the switches are easy to reach. I really like the fact that the F-250 has air conditioning ducting for the rear seats. This is a great feature to have, especially if you live in a hot climate like we do. A new feature in the 2011 F-250 is the lockable bin located under the rear seats that is large enough to store tools, rifles, and other valuables. While the lockable bin provides valuable storage space, I don’t like how the bin encroaches on the floor space with the rear seats folded up. This is one feature I really like about the new F-150. Ford would do well to offer a “bin-less” backseat as an option in the F-250.
So how does the truck perform in real life? First off, compared to other trucks I’ve owned and test driven, the 2011 F-250 ride is much quieter. The new six-speed TorqShift transmission shifts smoothly, efficiently, and effortlessly. The Tow-Haul mode makes descending steep mountain grades with a 3,000 pound truck camper a breeze without smoking your brakes or raising your blood pressure. Gas mileage for this three-quarter-ton truck is better than I expected with 13 mpg city, 16 mpg highway. Better yet, I consistently get 12 to 13 mpg with the truck camper mounted–not too shabby considering the mountainous terrain found here in Arizona. And speaking of the mountainous terrain, the 6.2L engine has zero problems climbing steep mountain passes, though on one exceptionally steep overpass it requires about 4,200 rpm to do so.
Would I recommend the 2011 Ford F-250 to others? Absolutely! The combination of class-leading power, superb payload numbers, and smooth handling make the F-250 a great truck to own not only as a daily driver, but also as a rig to tow or haul your favorite toys. Fortunately, the 2011 Ford F-250 delivers the goods in such a way that you’ll look good doing it.
Note: This is an independent review. I do NOT get paid to review products on this website. I will only recommend products in which I use and believe in and which I think will benefit my audience. The views expressed in my reviews are personal views and are written without any influence, whatsoever. That said, I reserve the right to engage in paid affiliate marketing and promotion with brands, companies and individuals whose products I review.
Thank you might for the great info. Unfortunately we bought a 2012 F250, Diesel with crew cab, 8 foot bed. Decided to look into buying a TC. I don't think we will be able to use this truck. Our payload listed is only 1627#. So be careful and be sure to check the payload…Not all 3/4 tons are equal. Thank you for all the great information you share.
People often mention these great deals they got on the various forums, but keep in mind that you are getting the most high-volume configurations in most cases, which is not usually what you want for carrying a truck camper. I passed on a 2012 F250 6.7 4X4 XLT for $37K that the dealer had as left over stock because I was really looking for an F350 4X4 DRW 6.2 which has a massive difference in payload. A new truck in that configuration would have to be ordered and is well over $40K.
Exactly right! That's why I recently upgraded to a Ram 3500 4×4.
I bought my New 2013 F-250 Lariat Crew cab, 6.5ft Bed, Fx4 w/ 3.55 with locking diff., and the 6.7 power stroke msrp at just over $64k for $43,3?? drive off price. And that was in July 2013. If you buy at the right dealer and negotiate well, you can get anything for any price. I live in fort Worth,TX (Land Of High Prices). At the local dealer they wouldn't go down below $58k, so I went to Mack Haik Ford in Desoto got almost identical truck for less than $45k. Things worked out. I encourage people to look around before buying and to shop with in atleast a 100mile distance from home to get the best deal.
I am inspired by your blog Mike. I have fifth wheel at the moment but I am planning on buying a Chalet 4 slide truck camper and haul it on a GMC or Chevy one ton dually. I am a full timer and with a truck camper I feel that I can be more flexible and enjoy traveling more. I enjoy reading your blog which I found today on the net. Happy camping!
Thanks, Greg. I appreciate that. You'll love that Chalet, I'm sure. Very big and very well built.
I understand that you like your Ford pickup. After visiting Truckcamper Warehouse in New Hampshire and discussion on trucks that are capable of hauling the largest truck campers. They informed me that the Ford trucks that they installed campers on had to have their suspensions modified to haul the campers without squat to the rear suspension. GM and Ram trucks needed nothing done to their suspensions because of the higher payload they offer. I see now that GM trucks have the highest payload of all the one ton trucks on the market. Just some information on other alternatives to haul a truck camper with better results..
Thanks, Greg, for your thoughts. The big three are all producing great trucks which makes it great to have options. As for my truck, I didn't have to modify my rear suspension at all and I own a 3/4 ton truck. The airbags I have are used to correct side-to-side loading or tilting.
You're one of the rare few who gone from diesel back to gasser. Ok, maybe not but me personally I could never go back especially with the fiver I tow. However, understand your decision logic but I'll still say with your camper package you should of went F350. I avg 12-13 mpg towing 13,000+ lbs on fairly level hwy travel, unloaded 18-19 Hwy and avg 15 in city and that's with 20" wheels. I was lucky to get 15mpg (unloaded!) with my previous '06 F350. Yea, I need a small bath tub when I change my oil :-).
I have the '12 F350 6.7L Lariat Ultimate 4×4, $64K package but got it for $50K. Some of the features I've yet to even use.
Yeah, I wish I would've bought an F-350 4X4. Next time for sure!!!
I was wondering why you chose Ford over Chevy or Dodge with the same payload. I cannot buy new, so how old can I go with the F250 and still have it be strong enough?
Hello Mike, for a moment there I was certain you were a Ford mechanics giving a pitch sale.
It's also the firs blog I see with so much detais, thank you much. I have almost purchase a new Lariat 150 but the dealer wasn't able to locate the one I wanted with all my options. I finally realized that a F150 is not proper to pull a decent camper, I would have made a big mistake.
Finally trying to save on gaz does not go along with towing safely.
I'm now looking into buying a F250. Cheers
Buyers should also be aware that Ford slide in camper payloads are different from standard payloads. A 2012 F250 CC SB 4×2 with the 6.2L and 10,000 GVWR has a standard payload of #3690. While the same truck has a slide in camper rating of #2777. I wasn't aware of this until recently shopping for a new truck myself. The truck must also be equipped with camper package #471 in order to have a Ford slide in camper certification.
Not sure if still valid, but spec'd my '08 F250 4X4 with snowplow and camper packages along with 18" wheels/ AT tires. As such 250 & 350 had same GAWR.
Thanks for the review. I am looking for a truck myself for when I purchase a truck camper plus my car is on its last legs. I have been going back and forth between a F-250 and F-350. I am leaning toward a F-250 because of price and I will not get they newest, heaviest truck camper out there.
You're welcome. Yep, price was the only thing holding me back from a F-350. The F-250 has more than enough payload for me and my TC. It works for me, very well.
Mike….If you wanted to increase your payload, you should have simply gone with a SRW F350 vs the F250….. Now, you have a truck that will need to stay out the BLM areas if there's a chance of rain as it will get stuck at the first wash.
Yeah, as it turned out I would've been okay getting the 4×4 with this truck. I have more than enough payload. Still, you bring up a good point. My next truck will probably be a 4×4 F-350.
Hi Mike!
Nice write up and nice looking 250. Was there a reason you didn't go 4WD?
(2009 Silverado 2500)
That was another tough decision. I wanted a 4×2 to get off the beaten path, but I was also concerned about the truck's payload. So to answer your question, I went with a 4×2 to increase the payload. Was it the right decision? I won't know completely until I take the truck and camper to the scales.
Hey Mike,
Nice write up. The truck appears to be wider than 4.2 feet. 😉
Pete
This is why I buy Ford and its why they sell more trucks than anybody else. Great review!
I bought my 2010 Taurus (what a stupid name for a great car) when they came out and it's been 2 years not a single issue. THis has been the case for every single Ford I have owned since 1984.
🙂
Erik