I checked with my insurance and its only $3/mo difference between the F-250 and the F-350 configured with the absolute top of the line Platinum (not what I am buying, but just for example). Why would someone want to buy the F-250 when you could buy the F-350 for what seems like less than $1000 more? The documented payload and other specs are higher on the F-350, seems like a win-win?

Sorry, I could be wrong in these assumptions too. I just am in the market and the payload on the F-250 is lower on the sitcker than the F-350 (1850 vs 3100 comparably equipped). I realized the GVWR of the F-250 must be 10,000 and under to not risk being a "commercial" vehicle, but if I plan on putting 2300-2500+ payload, even though technically the F-250 is identical and can hold it, why not just get the F-350 and know I am legally covered?

Any thoughts? Please set me straight. Thanks a lot.

 

If I was buying new, I'd go F-350. My as well get the best if using it to haul. Make sure you get clearance lights!

 

why clearance lights? the truck isn't like 10' tall? what's the purpose otherwise?

 

Because clearance lights are cool!

 

Clearance lights are required on vehicles over 10,000 GVWR.

 

I do like the clearance lights or marker lights in truckers terms. My 79' F-250 has them as well as my 2010 Super-duty. I have them on one of my up-lifter switches so I can signal or flash or isolate as needed.

 

All 1 tons should have clearance lights

They do look sweet. I wish I had them but will get them when I buy a new truck in a few years.

 

I agree that a dual wheeled F350 is best for doing a lot of towing and hauling stuff. But, a single wheel F250 is nice in that it doesn't have the width of the dually, lower blocks in the rear axle so the bed is a little lower, and less expensive to replace the rubber! Dually for a lot of towing, especially heavy towing, and hauling a lot of weight. F250 for towing smaller trailers, hauling less weight, and just a little smaller truck which is great for in town and tight spots.


Edit: Clearance lights are cool!

 

My F250 with camper package has a 2915 payload with a 10,000 GVWR.

 

ah. very nice. you have the diesel or gas engine? if you are gas it'd make sense since diesel engine is heavier and comes off payload.

 

You've answered yourself in two different threads. The 10,000# GVWR limit is a magic number in some states, where costs drastically change. That's the only meaningful distinction between an F250 and F350 SRW, pretty much every other difference of note can be optioned somehow or changed in an hour in the driveway. The real difference is between SRW and DRW, if you only have 4 tires, then it's just ink on paper, and if it matters in your state or not.

Side note, not all F350s automatically have higher specs than F250s. The 10,000# GVWR package is one way to make them essentially equal GVWR wise, but there's also a de-rating package that comes with base 17" wheels on commercial models that reduces RGAWR. Plus FGAWR is optioned based on engine and suspension upgrade package.

It comes down to buy what you need, let others do the same.

 

Get the f350. I did for the extra payload. They don't sag in the rear end as much with a load. Insurance cost was the same here in MA. The price was the same as the f250.

 

I agree. Go for the F350.

 

Clearance light required by weight? I don't recall that when I was reading the CDL book.


All F350 have clearance light? I see some F350 with no clearance light as long it is SRW.


I don't know if weight is the requirement for clearance light, but the width is. If it is over certain width, then clearance light is required, such as DRW, box truck, or whatever. Chevy at one time had Quardrasteer and it made the bed little bit wider, and it was required to have the clearance light.

 

I ordered and received an F350 without clearance lights. I haven't been pulled over for it yet.