To the OP, if there is any chance a 5th wheel is in the future, don't even consider a 250.


The engine brake is a very nice feature!

 

Wont let me send a PM as I'm too "new" of a member. Assuming you really enjoyed the step up from the Titan to the F350 6.7L? I enjoy my 2010 Titan as a daily driver but looking to step up to a larger payload/hauler. Selling the Titan is like getting rid of an old pair of shoes though and I'm uneasy about getting into a diesel yet as my past 2 vehicles have been problem free.

 

My Titan was sold last week. I was a bit sad to see it go but I do really like my F-350. Nothing says POWER! like the clatter of a diesel. I don't use my F-350 as a daily driver. I bought a used Nissan Leaf for that.

I have a bit over 3,000 miles on the F-350 and it's been out camping twice, pulling my toy hauler once up into the Colorado mountains and once up into Wyoming.

If you had the Rockford-Fosgate stereo in your Titan prepare to be a bit disappointed in the Sony stereo. That's about the only negative comparison between the two trucks.

 

You read my mind! The radio and the utili-trac tie down system. I took a XLT for a drive and said well I will need the upgraded radio and better seats. Then I took a Lariat for a drive and said, wait, this is the upgraded radio? What a letdown. I have the big tow package so I'm good up to 9500# but sometimes I'm pushing that limit with payload. They may need to pry the keys from my hand. Haha.

 

Jeez Jim...you've got to be the only person on this forum who drives a diesel F-350 and whose other car is a Leaf, lol.

Too bad that 6.7L diesel clatter is so quiet. I agree the stereo stinks, but its good enough for me. The seats are not as good as the 2016 I traded in, but likewise...they're good enough.

 

I do not even know why Ford makes a F250. Do not even consider it.

 

Yeah, the two vehicles are extreme opposites on the spectrum. I'm thinking of getting a bumper sticker for the Leaf that says, "My other vehicle is a PowerStroke F-350".

The stereo is a step down but it isn't bad enough that I plan to do anything soon. If I did anything I would get a stronger subwoofer. The subwoofer in the Titan was under the driver's seat so it was nicknamed the "Butt Massager". I miss that, well, my butt does.

 

I've owned two F-250's...they do everything as well as a 350 except take a heavy load in the bed. That can be easily rectified. Meanwhile, they ride a little nicer and are slightly cheaper. I understand completely why Ford makes them. They also outsell all other Super Duty trucks.

 

The payload on my 250 6.2 is right under 2900lbs. I currently don't plan on getting one of the larger 5th wheels but they do make some that have right around a 1500lb pin weight. That leaves close to 1400 lbs for everything else. I also plan on putting airbags on it to prevent any sag that I might encounter. In hindsight for the minimal cost difference I probably should've stepped up to a 350 but as of right now I have no complaints whatsoever. In the future if my trailer needs/ wants increase I may step up to a 350 DRW. Anything is possible.

 

We were in the exact same situation about three months ago. 250 vs 350, gas vs diesel. I talked to so many people in person and researched online to the point that I was sick of researching. I ultimately decided on a f350 6.2 gas with the 4.30 gears. I'm sure most people on this forum would agree, if you are going to get the 6.2 and are going to be towing a decently heavy travel trailer or fifth wheel, get the 4.30 gears. In the end, it wasn't worth it to me to pay the extra $9000 for a diesel engine that seems like there are more systems and parts to have problems with. Admittedly, I am completely ignorant when it comes to working on diesel engines, so if I were to break down on the side of the road, I would have no clue where to start. At least with a gasoline engine, I know my way around a gasoline engine and can work on them if needed ( although with all of the electronics and computer systems on these newer gasoline engines that may be a little bit tougher..lol).

We have a 9000 pound travel trailer that we pulled for the first time a few weeks ago. It had loads of power and I was overall happy with the towing experience.

In the end, like someone told me when I was trying to decide, just go with what your gut tells you. I don't think you'll go "wrong" with either of the choices between gas or diesel. However, I would not get a 250 and I would definitely get a 350 in your situation. When I first placed my order, I placed it for an F250. My gut told me that I would regret it and I called the dealer back the next day and changed it to an F350. I have not regretted that decision.

 

In many ways diesels are simpler: a mechanical fuel injection pump pushes fuel to electronic injectors which spray...there is no ignition system on a diesel, so the heat from the cylinder compression ignites the mix. The injectors used to be mechanical on a diesel as well, but they are electronically operated now...just like your gas engines...but a lot more sophisticated.

It is true that there are a bunch of ancillary systems involved as well...the emissions after-treatment system, the various fuel system pressure and temp sensors, etc. Aside from the diesel engine being hard to work on within the engine bay due to everything being jammed in, I think the biggest concern lies in the potential cost of repair / replacement of certain components...a new fuel system can be $10k for example.

 

Exactly, and another deciding factor for me to go gas over diesel is that when I got on various super duty forums, this one included, I noticed that most of the issues with the newer trucks usually involved the diesel engines and ancillary systems. Not to say the gassers don't have their fair share of problems but it seems like the diesel set ups have far more. Now, is that because more people are buying the diesels than gas? Maybe so.

I am not "anti-diesel" by any means. I think they are great as long as you NEED one. A lot of guys buy the diesels meet because they think it's cool, however they would be just fine with the gas set up.

When I was taking delivery of my truck, I was chatting it up with the shop foreman of the dealership that I bought mine through. He is a diesel mechanic and an avid diesel enthusiast. He told me the very same thing and that most guys do not need diesel's but buy one just because "it's cool". He said if you're going to be towing every day or have the NEED for a diesel, get a good diesel. Otherwise, the gas is a very viable option.