Which would you pick?

[Jml54]

Hi All,
Looking for some truck advice.

We have a 2018 Jay Flight SLX 8 285RLSW. We've been towing it with a Toyota Tundra. The Tundra has done a good job for us but fully loaded we come within 70 to 80 pounds of the max GVW. Lots of trips to the CAT Scale. Fully loaded with water the trailer weighs 7100 to 7500 pounds. Hitch weight runs between 800 and 900 pounds depending on what we are carrying.

We are looking at taking longer trips and have been looking for a bigger truck, possibly a Ford Super Duty. Currently we have the choice between a 2017 F350 with 38,000 miles on it or a 2019 F250 with 16,000 miles on it. Currently we do not have plans to move to a bigger trailer. Obviously both would pull our trailer. Which truck would you choose and why?
Thank you.
Joe Luebeck

[Ohiofinlander]

The F250 will be the practical choice for your current trailer. We all say that there are no plans to go bigger, but......we all know how that ends up.

[bearcat77]

Why buy the same truck with less payload? F350 for sure. That way you are prepared for the next trailer that you haven’t yet realized you are going to buy. I speak from experience.

[SkyBound]

Let's say your current trailer gets stolen or wrecked and you get an insurance payout. Are you really going to buy the exact same trailer again? Probably not. Probably bigger or heavier or both. Have the truck that is ready for anything. Go F-350.

[mokurt]

If you can afford it go with the 350.
Dont regret after you buy.

[curver900]

are they both gas? what is the rear end ratios in them? aside from that you get more payload with the 350 and the ride is the same as a 250.. I bet the price is about par... is the 17 a diesel? and the 19 a gas? make sure when you test drive them that you take them at speed over some bumps make sure they don't have the death wobble... look at the service records too....

[finalcountdn]

Originally Posted by bearcat77

Why buy the same truck with less payload? F350 for sure. That way you are prepared for the next trailer that you haven’t yet realized you are going to buy. I speak from experience.

Originally Posted by curver900

are they both gas? what is the rear end ratios in them? aside from that you get more payload with the 350 and the ride is the same as a 250.. I bet the price is about par... is the 17 a diesel? and the 19 a gas? make sure when you test drive them that you take them at speed over some bumps make sure they don't have the death wobble... look at the service records too....

These are good points. One basic thing to compare would be the yellow payload sticker on the driver door jamb.

[NorCal Eagle]

Buying trucks is fun and tricky all at the same time.

As a general rule, I try to avoid first year models of anything. The 2017 F350 would qualify since it was an entirely new truck starting that year. It takes a year or two for kinks to be worked out.

Now, if its a 6.7 diesel, those are pretty good and I wouldn't be too concerned. The engine and trans are quite reliable. I love the 6.7 in mine.

Compare the payloads on both. Its possible, because of various trim and options, the payload on the 2019 F250 could be nearly close to the F350 (but also potentially much lower). Ford's option list and how the payload is calculated is mind boggling. So just compare the yellow stickers and see what's what.

If both are clean inside and out (check everything, even the headliner), it comes down to payload. Rarely anyone complains about having too much truck.

[Big1]

Go bigger, ask me how I know, never again, down the line believe me you will go with a bigger TT or fiver.