I'm considering purchasing a new F-250 gas. What options would you recommend and which should I avoid. Also are you satisfied with your F-250?

 

The first question we need to ask is what are you going to be doing with the truck?

 

I will be using it as a daily driver and work truck. I will be hauling nursery stock out of the field short distances to a sales yard.

 

I'm now on my 2nd 6.2, ordering the 4.30 gears made my 2017 so much better.

 

In that case, I would think you would be ok with a 250, but they do run out of payload quickly when you hook a trailer behind them. Definitely go with the 4.30 gears, my 2012 has the 3.73s & I have always wished for 4.30s. I would go for the snowplow/camper package, too. It will give you heavier front springs, rear swaybar, and rear helper springs. Skip the FX4 package & add the skid plates. I went for the carpet delete on the 2017 I have on order because I'll be getting in it with mud, snow, etc on my work boots. That gives you a padded rubber mat on the floor. Much easier to clean out than carpet. Those would be the "must haves" that I can think of, anything else would be "wants".

 

I too am on my second 250 w/6.2.

I stayed with the 3.73 gears on my 2017, and they work for me. If you are ordering, it may pay to upgrade to the 4.30 gears for the little money they cost.

If you are in and out of fields all day, then the carpet delete option may also be a good idea.

If you want a decent payload on a 250 AVOID the 6.7; it eats up almost 1k of payload.

 

5th wheel/gooseneck prep package is very nice if you think you'll EVER be pulling one of those, and not a super expensive option. I was not hot on drilling holes in this brand new truck bed. Glad the truck came with it.
Mine came with camper/snowplow prep package. Heavier springs all around and helper springs on rear. They might give you a little more payload.

 

You'll be very happy with the 250. If you haul way more often than you tow like I do, the 250 gas is the perfect choice. With the 4.30s and the 18" wheels, you will be over 3k lbs of payload in virtually any configuration with a 6.2. I have the 17" wheels and I'm still at 3k, even with CCLB and 4WD.

I did not get the factory running boards, but they are one of the least expensive options. If you are going to be in the dirt/mud/snow, I'd choose a step with better texture to clean your feet. I have Luverne Grip Steps and they are fantastic.

100% get the vinyl floor. There is no appreciable sound difference, and are super easy to clean with no worries about stains/grease/whatever. If you have kids, this should almost be mandatory.

100% recommend getting Sync 3 and the cameras. These are available even on the XL model. Sync3 with Android Auto is ok, but the real killer feature here is being able to get google maps and navigation without having to pay for factory "navigation." All factory nav systems from every manufacturer that I have ever used, from Mercedes all the way down to Dodge, is steaming hot garbage. I would never buy a car with factory nav unless it was free, and then I'd ask the dealer to flash it so it's not on the car lol. Sync3 solves this issue. Cameras are great for parking lots and off road/tight turning areas.

Factory gooseneck/5th wheel prep is great. Buy the goosneck ball/chains or 5th wheel hitch aftermarket.

If you get the 40/20/40 front seat to allow 6 passengers, you will not have rear air conditioning. So if you really want/need rear air, get buckets with a middle console.

Rear sliding glass is really nice for those lazy drives or working from the bed while on the move. Worth the $ if you ask me.

Electronic 4x4 shifter is super convenient. I know a lot of people here will see it as a liability, but I've never known any of the ESOF trucks that have failed. The only things that fail are the vacuum actuated hubs, but you can always manually lock them just like you would on a non-ESOF truck. The electronic transfer case shifter is rarely a problem, and 99.9999% of the time it will save you getting out and getting nasty because you have to manually lock your hubs.

As most on here will say, get the 4.30 rear. In most people's opinion, it takes the truck from "ok" to "enjoyable." You will likely get better in town mileage, and only start to see slightly less mileage around 70 mph. Even then we're talking .5 mpg. If you think you'll get better than 12 in town or 14-15 on the highway at 75, you are incorrect. If you do get better than that, you are probably driving and accelerating so slowly you may as well be on a bicycle

Upfitter switches - if you don't get them, you cannot add them later. At least not without a major cost and time, and no dealer will touch/warranty this. It's not like the last year where it could be added later.

Strong recommendation for getting a long bed. I was worried a CCLB would be terrible to park and maneuver, as it's like 5 feet longer than my last truck, but it's never been a problem. 0 regrets, thankful every day I have as much room as I need. Also, you WILL NEED a bed liner. I have an ArmorThane spray in, love it. Trust me. The first time you slide in something slightly sharp or made of metal, you will see the little shavings of aluminum curl up, and you will cringe. Get a bed liner. Had a friend installing a headache rack with square tubing, dropped the side from about knee height, punched a square hole right in the bed. Get. A. Bed liner.

Other than that I hate things like leather/sunroofs/other doodads. For me, a well optioned XL or XLT is the sweet spot. You can get all of the goodies that make a truck a good truck, and leave out the expensive-to-repair-after-warranty fancy stuff (except the cameras, those are fancy but also pretty sweet). Hate how overpriced seat heating/cooling is to option out? Get cloth! Normal in the summer, normal in the winter, no extra nonsense to fail. But if that's what you like, go for it! The only person you need to impress is yourself. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for liking what you like.

Just let me know if you have any more questions. I absolutely love this truck and could hardly be more impressed with it, especially for the price I paid.

 

Payload is great on a 250 gasser. Nearly equal to a 350 diesel.

 

I was apprehensive going from a 2013 5.0 F150 to the F250. I wouldn't go back! I have a 6.2 Premium XLT CCSB - 3:73 gears and tow a travel trailer no problem. The only downsides - fuel mileage (I get 10-12 but its stop and go), slightly stiffer ride, and the turning radius (still getting used to) all minor gripes. Love the truck and am satisfied as a daily driver F150 replacement. Towing is SOOO much better.

 

Oh - get the 360 camera - WISH I would have a camera on the front.

 

A big difference between the 250 gasser and the 350 gasser is the transmission. With the 350 you get the 6R140. Not throwing stones at the "G" trans that comes with the 250 gasser but the 350 trans is the same Ford matches with their 925 Torque Ft-Lb Power Stroke diesels.

 

I would get the 350. Almost the same cost and much better payload capacity with the 350.

 

Only thing I don't like is the giant sun roof.

Its hot, puts off a LOT of heat even with the shade closed.
Mine leaks .. the truck has 6,500 miles.

 

After having a 250 and now a 350, I would opt for the 350 depending on your needs. I haul a truck camper so payload is very important to me. My 250 payload was 2496 lbs and was a 6.2 gas engine. My 350 payload is 4226 lbs and also a gas engine.
Having had both, I am sold on the 350.