F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

I have a chance to buy an f350 for $800 more than the f250. F350 has slightly bigger tires otherwise they have same options. This will be ordered new from Ford. The ford website really doesn't say much about the difference between the two. HELP! Obviously, I hope the f350 would be heavy dutier in some ways. Thanks, Kurt

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

For $800 more >>Just buy the F-350, you won't be disappointed.

You might post this on the Super Duty forum.
& check in the F150-250 forum too.

Those guys are great, and are loaded with info.


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F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

The only difference between a new 250 and 350 is that the 350 has a larger spacer under the rear leaf springs. They both have the same springs and shocks, same frame, same body, but Ford gives the 350 a higher GVWR so that it can have a higher payload, 8800 vs 9900 GVWR. They also both come with the same load rated tire which is E for all ford super duty tires, the 350 has a larger standard size tire but 250 can be ordered with same size. Hope this helps.

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

If you look in the specifications area you will notice that the springs are not the same on the 250 as the 350. the 250's are a tad bit smaller.

2000 F350SDXLT,SRW,RC,5spd man,V10, Front Leveling Kit,4.30 gears, 285/75/16 Wild Country

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

Oh yeah, i forgot, The 350 also has a slightly thicker frame rail.

2000 F350SDXLT,SRW,RC,5spd man,V10, Front Leveling Kit,4.30 gears, 285/75/16 Wild Country

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

The frame rails only differ on the cab-n-chassis model F350.

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

F250 and 350 diff depends on what year and config you have.
Check stuff like frames, rear end, springs etc.

See http://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2003/specs.html

Just change the year in the link.

F250's started receiving same rear springs, etc in late 2001 build dates but they still only have 2 in blocks vs 4 in for 350. You need to check spring codes on door for(2001).
:-X06

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

As I stated in my first post the info was for a new 250 vs 350. New referring to 2002 or 2003. In the NEW models there are no differences in the springs or frame, this can be verified if you go to your local dealer and ask to see a Truck Source Book. These books have all the info you will ever need, but unfortunately you can not take them with you but they will let you look at them. The 350 does have the larger spacer in the rear but they are identical leafs.

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

The F350 has a higher gvw and payload rating than the F250. However, if you check the specs that Ford provides for towing capacity, you will note that all things being equal (engine, trans, gear ratio) the F350 has a lower tow rating than the F250 probably due to the higher curb weight. So if you are planning to haul heavy loads in the bed, spend the extra $800 and get the F350. If you are looking for the maximum trailer capacity like I am, save the $800 and get the F250.


Just my 2cents worth.:-)

Bob

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

boblamp,

You're reply is a little misleading, especially if you're dealing with 5th wheel towing.

While it's true that the GCWR of the F250 and F350 may be the same in certain situations, remember that tongue weight of the trailer counts toward the max payload of the truck.

There is an explanation of this on the SD FAQ site. Maybe worth a look.

Waxy

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Dec-02 AT 11:22 AM (EST)]>boblamp,
>
>You're reply is a little misleading, especially if you're
>dealing with 5th wheel towing.
>
>While it's true that the GCWR of the F250 and F350 may be
>the same in certain situations, remember that tongue weight
>of the trailer counts toward the max payload of the truck.
>
>There is an explanation of this on the SD FAQ site. Maybe
>worth a look.
>
>Waxy

Waxy,

I did some checking at the various web sites (including the FAQ page you did, well done btw). Frankly, I think that the GCWR for the SDs is artifically low. Comparing the specs on the 1 ton duallys for the big 3, Ford has the lowest trailer rating.
:( :( I looked at the specs for 4x4 extended cab, long wheelbase diesels. The current Trailer towing specs from Ford list the F350 drw super cab 6.0 fifth wheel tow wieght at 12,600# regardless of gear ratio. Ford also keeps the GCWR at 20,000#. (Incidently, I still have copies of the 2000 and 2001 Ford Rv & Trailer Towing Guide and the current numbers are 300# lower than 2000)

GMC Durajap, same configuration.......14,900#. I didn't see a listing for the GCWR.

Dodge 5.9HO same configuration.........3.73 13,500# tow capacity and a GCWR of 21,000#

Dodge 5.9HO same configuration with the 4.10 15,500# tow capacity and a GCWR of 23,000#

I checked out the Western Diesel shoot out and the 6.0 PSD OUTPULLED AND OUTRAN all the others:7 !

Waxy, you and I both know that the Super Duty PSD is capable of far more than it is rated for. I see both Ford and Dodge duallys pulling tandem dual goosenecks (22k gvw) in the Laurel Mountains. :-roll
We also both know that a dually is going to be more stabil rolling down the road with a heavy trailer than a single rear wheel.

So bottom line, if I need to pull a 15k loaded trailer, do I buy the Dog with 4.10 gears? Or do I buy the F350 drw? Or do I spend more money and buy the F550 then pick up my teeth chips off the floor and head for the dentist office

:-X18

Bob:-wink

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

>Waxy,
>
>I did some checking at the various web sites (including the
>FAQ page you did, well done btw). Frankly, I think that the
>GCWR for the SDs is artifically low. Comparing the specs on
>the 1 ton duallys for the big 3, Ford has the lowest trailer
>rating.
>:( :( I looked at the specs for 4x4 extended cab, long
>wheelbase diesels. The current Trailer towing specs from
>Ford list the F350 drw super cab 6.0 fifth wheel tow wieght
>at 12,600# regardless of gear ratio. Ford also keeps the
>GCWR at 20,000#. (Incidently, I still have copies of the
>2000 and 2001 Ford Rv & Trailer Towing Guide and the current
>numbers are 300# lower than 2000)
>
>GMC Durajap, same configuration.......14,900#. I didn't see
>a listing for the GCWR.
>
>Dodge 5.9HO same configuration.........3.73 13,500# tow
>capacity and a GCWR of 21,000#
>
>Dodge 5.9HO same configuration with the 4.10 15,500# tow
>capacity and a GCWR of 23,000#
>
>I checked out the Western Diesel shoot out and the 6.0 PSD
>OUTPULLED AND OUTRAN all the others:7 !
>
>Waxy, you and I both know that the Super Duty PSD is capable
>of far more than it is rated for. I see both Ford and Dodge
>duallys pulling tandem dual goosenecks (22k gvw) in the
>Laurel Mountains. :-roll
>We also both know that a dually is going to be more stabil
>rolling down the road with a heavy trailer than a single
>rear wheel.
>
>So bottom line, if I need to pull a 15k loaded trailer, do I
>buy the Dog with 4.10 gears? Or do I buy the F350 drw? Or
>do I spend more money and buy the F550 then pick up my teeth
>chips off the floor and head for the dentist office
>
>:-X18
>
>Bob:-wink

boblamp,

I agree with you 90%.:-X10

Is the SD under rated, or are the Dudge and Chebbies over rated?

Most likely the SD is under rated, but exaggerated claims made to sell vehicles are certainly not above the boys in Detroit.

Remember that tow rating is based on more than just power and gear ratios. Modern semi tractors are cabable of pulling FAR MORE than legal weight, but what about all the other factors? You have to be able to STOP and handle the load safely.

That being said, I agree, the SD dually is capable of more, but just because you can doesn't mean you should. All maunfacturers build in a safety margin. Towing more than recommended just eats into that safety margin. In 95% percent of the situations you'll encounter, no problem. It's the 5% that's the problem, and that's where the legalities come in.

Plain and simple, HAULING MORE THAN YOUR MAX GCWR IS ILLEGAL. If you choose to break those laws, well, I guess that's your perogative. Until your actions cause harm to someone else, then it will quickly, and likely very EXPENSIVELY, become someone else's and the state's perogative.

Bottom line for me, I'm no cop, or highways officer, and like you, I see over loaded vehicles all the time. I've driven over loaded 18 wheelers down the road, some that I knew were very boarder line unsafe. I'm no longer driving professionally, but I know that that stuff is going on every day and I don't like it. I make sure I'm legal, both for safety, and FOR MY OWN PROTECTION should anything happen.

The point I always try to get across on this board is to know what your limits are and respect them. They're there for a reason.

Your situation is a tough one, I know that where I live, you'd be required to purchase an F450 or a Dudge:-X23 in order to get insurance. Just because the papers from Ford say so. Driving over weight as you've suggested would result in you voiding your insurance.

Waxy

F350 vs. F250 What's the difference ?..Please
 

if i remember correctly, that commercial shows that chebbie pickup gettin ready to pull that broken down semi in the desert....buy the ford 350