Ford: Ford Truck gas mileage, better mileage, gas mileage

Question
Hi,
I'm considering buying a new Ford pickup for work, and I was hoping you could answer a question. I pull a cargo trailer (6x12) every day and drive about 500 miles a week. I get reimbursed for mileage, so the better my gas mileage is, the more I "net" from the reimbursement. My question is: Should I go with a smaller pickup, like a F150 with a small v-8, or should I go with an F250 or bigger. Supposedly, the smaller the engine, the better the gas mileage. But I'm concerned that a smaller engine might have to work so hard to pull the trailer that any advantage in gas mileage would be negated. In your opinion, which would be the best way to go, so as to optimize gas mileage?

Thank you for your help,

John M

p.s. my current P/U is an 85 F250, and it gets 8MPG with or without the trailer. I'm hoping to improve on that.

Answer
John,
You definately should be able to improve on that 8 mpg. On the new F-150 the difference in gas mileage between the 4.6 Lt. V8 and the 5.4 is only 2-3 miles per gallon. I suggest you stop in your local Ford dealer and ask for a trailer towing guide that they should have. This should answer your questions about trailer towing with a new Ford. You can also go online to www.fordvehicles.com and get the information there. I suggest you look for a truck that has the 5.4 with the trailer towing package and the 3.73 limited slip rear axle. The limited slip rear axle is very important. This will give you the maximum towing capacity and look for a substantial discount right on the window sticker for ordering the combination of the 5.4 V8 and the trailer towing package on the XL or XLT truck. The discount is not available on the Lariat.
The F-150 has a trailer towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds, so you should not need a F-250 unless you plan to exceed that weight. The F-150 will get better mileage and a smoother ride every day, and should cost less from the start.
Make sure you are talking to a salesman that can answer all of your questions and help you pick out the right truck for your needs, not just try to sell you what he has in stock. If you can not find a truck expert at the first dealer you go to, GO SOME PLACE ELSE! There are plenty of Ford dealers around. Your truck is your most important and most expensive tool. Don't get caught up in some one's sales pitch and get stuck with the wrong truck. It sounds like you keep your truck for a long time and you need to make sure you have the right tool for the job.
Ford is offering the "Simple Price" program right now through Jan 3rd so the price will be the same where ever you buy. The price is within a hundred dollars of the invoice amount of the truck, plus you get rebates. If you own your own business and have a business license you can get a $300 commercial rebate on top of all other rebates Ford is now offering. You should also get with your tax expert to check out substantial tax deductions for buying a new truck that are currently offered in the federal tax code.
I suggest if you are planning to get rid of your F250, don't trade it in. Sell it your self. Good used Ford trucks are very popular on the used market and should sell quickly. Trading the truck will get you wholesale, and maybe not even that. Price your truck based on the condition and miles (you can go to www.kbb.com for the blue book value) and remember to allow yourself some room to negotiate.
Good luck with your new truck.
John