I tow a Cougar Half Ton 25RES with an F-150 Lariat with a max tow package and have been doing it for a couple of years now. The truck handles the unit very well and I am pleased with the performance.
Before I purchased the 25RES, I dug out my vin number on the F-150 and called Ford Support. Not too worried about Ford Support trying to sell me another truck so I felt comfortable with the numbers they gave me.
The 25RES fit comfortably within the specs provided by Ford Support with plenty of capacity to spare. Lets look at some numbers
25RES
Hitch weight - 1505
Total weight - 7852
24SABWE
Hitch weight - 1739
Total weight - 6061
27SABWE
Hitch weight - 975
Total weight - 6679
Based on the info provided to me by Ford Support I would not feel comfortable towing the 24SABWE with my F-150 but would hook up to the 27SABWE without reservation.
Like I said, call Ford Support, give them your vin and have them tell you what you can tow then make a decision.
Having said all of this, if I was buying the tow truck first I would have purchased an F-350 if for no other reason than having the extra capacity to grow into.
Ed Frulla
www.MyRVNotes.com