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Old 10-13-2016, 06:42 AM   #1
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Am I crazy? 250 or 350

We are towing a 2017 Jay Flight 27bhs with a 2014 Sierra double cab 1500 right now. I know the debate on what a half ton can do. But this is a personal thing for me. I do not feel comfortable at all pulling that trailer with this truck. Loaded it's just over 7000# so it's not a monster. But it's still a lot more than I feel comfortable with especially when my family is in there with me. I'd rather trade up on the truck than risk something bad happening because my truck "can" technically pull it.

So I've decided on a ford and I want a diesel because I love the torque and hp that it provides. But I'm hung up on a 350 for some reason. I think because I really want as much truck as I can get since I've been white knuckling with the 1500. I know that a 250 diesel will handle this thing just fine and they have the same engine and tranny. The major diff is really only the suspension and I can find used 250's for significantly less than 350's in my area. But for some reason I am hung up on the 350 I guess because I don't want to feel like the 250 is a mistake and have to buy my third truck in a year.

I'm looking at 2012 or newer so it willl be the 6.7 engine.

Am I crazy for being so hung up on the 350 or do I just need to chill out and go buy a 250 and be done with it?
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Old 10-13-2016, 06:47 AM   #2
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We always say, Buy a truck for your next camper, not this one.

Every truck that I ever "settled" for instead of the one I wanted cost me money.
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Old 10-13-2016, 06:48 AM   #3
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I'm pulling a 19RD with a 2003 F-350. The trailer does exactly what the truck says. No arguments!

Get the 1-ton. You'll be happier.
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Old 10-13-2016, 07:08 AM   #4
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You never hear someone say "Gee I bought too much truck"
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Old 10-13-2016, 07:10 AM   #5
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I had a 1995 f 350 dually and it was very stable pulling my 338 rets but when I went to a newer 2011 I decided on the f 250 diesel and it also feels very stable pulling the same 338 rets ... The f350 will have a little higher rear end ratio which in my opinion is better designed for pulling and on mine when running 65 mph in 6th it is fine but a little below the rpms needed to feel peppy. at 70 it feels better but I don't like pulling at 70 and if I drop 6th gear and use 5th my rpms go to around 2000 and fuel economy suffers a little as a result. hope this helps but I do love the power of the 2011 and it is so much quieter than my old 7.3
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Old 10-13-2016, 07:12 AM   #6
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We had this same decision to make in 2013. We ended up getting the 350. The facts were that for the approx $1000 more we got heavier suspension, heavier brakes, heavier driveline etc., along with larger payload. We could go with a larger fifth wheel in the future, if wanted.
Originally we thought we wanted a 250, gas model, but seeing these details side by side (like twice the torque), we grabbed a diesel model. What worked well for us was that the new 2014 models were out and just a few of the 2013s on the lot. They were drooling to deal.
You'll love whichever you decide on.
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Old 10-13-2016, 07:23 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by norty1 View Post
We always say, Buy a truck for your next camper, not this one.

Every truck that I ever "settled" for instead of the one I wanted cost me money.
Probably the best advice ever...
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Old 10-13-2016, 07:46 AM   #8
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Am I crazy for being so hung up on the 350 or do I just need to chill out and go buy a 250 and be done with it?
I think crazy may be a prerequisite.
I was told there is very little differences between the 250/350, extra leaf in the rear spring pack and taller blocks 2" vs 3" or something similar and all the running gear was the same.
The "too much truck" argument is valid (we went from 4400# to 12700#) but I bought the 350 knowing we'd be heavy.
It's an excellent TV and the 6.7 is an OX (it loves to pull).
Now, let's start the 2WD vs 4WD "discussion".
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Old 10-13-2016, 07:49 AM   #9
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No discussion on 4WD. I'm a hunter. So if I'm spending that much on a truck it will be 4WD. I know it affects capacity. But I will be way below payload anyway.

I was hoping I was crazy! 250s are much more readily available around here and tend to be a good bit cheaper.
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Old 10-13-2016, 08:05 AM   #10
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snip....

I was hoping I was crazy! 250s are much more readily available around here and tend to be a good bit cheaper.
That should tell you everything. Nobody in your area is buying the "inadequate" model.
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Old 10-13-2016, 08:08 AM   #11
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Dangit Mike....stop being right. It's costing me money.
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Old 10-13-2016, 08:21 AM   #12
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Dangit Mike....stop being right. It's costing me money.
I am very good at spending other people's money.

Ask my boss, her boss and my parents.
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Old 10-13-2016, 08:27 AM   #13
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In the Ford lineup there is very little difference between the 250 vs 350 for the years you are considering. There used to be a lot more difference between a 3/4 ton 250 and a one ton 350. A search on the Ford forums will give you the exact differences. An F250 with camper package has nearly identical ratings as an F350. When ordering new there is about an $800-$1000 difference for trucks with the same equipment but there are less F350's one the road. Given that you are looking at used, I would get the F250 or F350 truck with best documented maintenance history and look for one with the factory installed 5th wheel package in case you decide to upgrade to a 5th or it may increase your re-sale potential.

Crazy would be saying you would not enjoy double the torque while towing.
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Old 10-13-2016, 08:40 AM   #14
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The only difference between an identically equipped 250 and 350 is:
1 - The GVWR on the door pillar (for legal reasons only).
2 - The 250 has 2" blocks on the rear axle, the 350 has 4" blocks.
3 - The price, at least when new.
4 - You will pay more in certain states at the DMV for the 350 due to the increased (but meaningless) weight rating, ask me how I know.


Yes, you can legally haul more with a 350, but as far as the actual truck is concerned they are both equally capable because the hardware is identical. The 350 can take a bit more weight before hitting the bump stops, due to starting 2" higher...but if you are doing that while towing that is the least of your concerns. With all that said, like was already mentioned, look for the best truck for your money and don't worry too much whether it is a 250 or 350. Good luck!
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Old 10-13-2016, 08:43 AM   #15
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Minor differences between the two. You'll get very little as far as cargo capability with the F350 as opposed to the F250. Not enough to justify the lengthy search for the F350. If you could compare, you'd feel no differences in towing ability with either truck. They'd both tow identical with that trailer. Regardless of truck, I'd suggest some kind of auxiliary spring assist in the rear. Be it Timbrens or bags. Same tranny, same power plant, same rears (unless you upgrade), just about everything but the rear spring stack is the same. Same amount of leafs, the F350's are just thicker than the 250's. Good call staying away from the first generation 6.7.


Oh..and btw..I won't be getting the new 2017. Believe it or not, Ford has reduced towing capacities on the 17's. 2012-2016 is your best bet.
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Old 10-13-2016, 10:21 AM   #16
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The only thing I'm not clear on is the differences in the braking system between the two. I get that they'll both tow the same (or similar at least) with our camper. But is there a significant difference in stopping power during those years?
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Old 10-13-2016, 10:38 AM   #17
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The only thing I'm not clear on is the differences in the braking system between the two. I get that they'll both tow the same (or similar at least) with our camper. But is there a significant difference in stopping power during those years?
No, nothing significant. There is however, an increase in engine back pressure through the exhaust with the Integrated exhaust brake when you touch the brake. This applies to BOTH 250's and 350's. Big difference in towing.
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Old 10-13-2016, 10:53 AM   #18
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I'm towing an Eagle 318RETS that's around 9,000lbs. loaded with a 2013 F250 with the 6.7 and have never felt the truck was too small or that the trailer was too big for the truck. Mine is a 4 wheel drive and has the the 3:71 axle. I have towed in many conditions to include interstates and back roads in and around the Ozarks and am very comfortable with the performance, braking, etc. Hope this helps.
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Old 10-13-2016, 12:46 PM   #19
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What will you be using the TV for other than towing the camper? If it is a daily driver, the F250 will provide a better ride when you're not towing. Much better on the kidneys.
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Old 10-13-2016, 01:59 PM   #20
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Go dually and settle everything. Not available in a 250/2500.
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