We are soon to be RVers and are looking for a truck that will comfortably pull 9K. Probably will be going with a 5th wheel but havent ruled out a pull-behind. Basic parameters are 3-4 years old that has less than 40k miles.

We had pretty much decided that a 250 would do the job.

My wife and I went down to the local Ford dealer yesterday to look at a 250 they had advertised. Upon arriving at the car lot, our eye caught a beautiful '08, F350 dually, 2X, 6.4L TD in excellent condition 36k miles at a really good price (we've been shopping alot so we know a good price). I said what the heck lets just look... bad idea!! now we fell in love with the truck.


My question:
What is the downside of owning a 350 vs 250. i.e. gas mileage difference ... dealer says about the same. Any other advise would be much appreciated.

 

Hello almostgone and welcome to FTE.

Fuel mileage will be fairly close, with the dual rear wheel truck (DRW) getting a little worse mileage. Wind resistance from those bulging fenders, a little bit more weight and rolling resistance from 6 tires does that.

Parking is a little more of a headache, but you will get use to that.

On the plus side, you'll experience a more stable towing platform.

Before you pull the trigger, be sure to research the engine and good and bad points.

 

250 and 350 SRW are essentially the same truck. There are a couple very minor differences, but the biggest difference is that the 350 has a higher GVWR.

The dually will lose a little bit of gas mileage due to the extra weight and rolling resistance, but has higher payload and towing capacity.

The dually would be overkill for towing 9K, but certainly wouldn't hurt to have the extra capacity.

One thing you didn't mention, are you looking at regular travel trailer or a fifth wheel?

 

from what i have seen and been told from my buddys that pull toy houlars and big recreational trailers is. nothing beats a 350 dully for towing.

 

p.s i looked at at 4x4 08 f350 yesterday at a truck lot/oh man when i sat in it it was like the truck gave me a hug. super comfy.still debateing weather to pick up a truck payment or not ..lol

 

Probably gonna go with a 5th wheel. However, we are having a tough time finding what we want within our budget, so haven't ruled out a tag-along. Also, the 350 has the 6.4L TD.

 

also going with a 350 it will cost more to license, insure, and title.

 

That will vary by State. Here in MN, registration is cheaper on the 350

 

Nice pointing... especially when you are on a tight budget.... thanks.

 

fith or goose neck only way to go.youll get a better tow and ride.plus backing it up is ezr also.

 

Any issues with the 6.4L TD or the tranny?

 

6.4L Power Stroke is a bit of a fuel hog. Mileage can be good for a truck that size if certain modifications to the emissions equipment are performed, but I will leave that for you to research.

As far as reliability, it is better than the 2003-2007 6.0L PSD. As I stated, visit the 6.4L Power Stroke engine forum and do some research.

The transmission is the Ford 5R110W Torqshift transmission. It is an awesome truck transmission that I think is under-rated. I would easily put it ahead of the Allison transmission that Chevy/GM is using in their 2500/3500 pickup in terms of performance, reliability and longevity.

 

Thanks for your thoughts!
Yeah, I had the head guy at an RV dealership tell me to stay as far away as possible from the Ford V6 diesel.
The Ford dealer did say that you can get a tuning device that is used to alter the trucks fuel consumption. Will have to check that out... if I get a truck that needs it.

 

Ford V6 diesel??

 

He probably meant the 6.0L, which is a shame. Stock the early versions weren't all that great, but any 6.0 can be made into an awesome engine with the addition of a few parts and the deletion of a few more.