I purchased mine from Canby Ford. Straight shooters, no BS. I only purchased from them because when I purchased mine late 2017 there were not that many new 2017's in stock yet it was slim pickings all over town. I'm up in Battle Ground, WA so Canby Ford is I don't know 50 miles south of a bit of a haul. I have had my service done at Vancouver Ford which is much closer to my house, no complaints on service. In this area there is a mix of dealers, some no BS some not so good. My brother purchased his 2017 F250 from Damerow those guys are clowns that try to charge you BS fees.

Canby Ford is a rural dealer that doesn't normally stock higher price higher trim trucks. Some joker had ordered the one I purchased then backed out. They gave me a fair discount off MSRP and a fair price for my trade. I think they were glad to sell this truck so quickly since it cost more than their rural customers typically purchase. I purchased it the day it arrived on their lot, good deal for them and me.

My must have options were...

1. Quad Beem LED headlamps, non negotiable. As you know in our area halogen's really suck with all our rain and overcast skies LED's. I didn't really want the Lariat ultimate package but at the time the LED headlamps were only available if you first took the ultimate package.
2. Power running boards, the truck is pretty much lifted from the factory its a big step to get into these rigs. The power running boards extend lower to the ground than fixed running boards. Love mine really glad I got them.
3. Remote start.
4. 5th wheel prep
5. Roof clearance lights, for max visibility because of all the horrible drivers in our area. One of these morons T boned my previous F150.
6. Spray in bedliner

Stuff I didn't want but now love that I have...All those cameras. That eye in the sky overhead camera that looks down on the truck from the sky is really handy. So is the front camera. These are large tall trucks just trust me on this one the cameras are worth it. Also loving the tailgate step, super useful. These trucks are so far off the ground I'd need a short step ladder to climb in without that step.

I really did not want the moon roof but it was forced on you with these options back in 2017. I really wanted the shorter bed vs the 8 foot LB. I'm used to driving and parking it now. I have read using the short bed with a 5th wheel means messing with a slider hitch. Still if I was purchasing new today and did not have a defined need for the long bed I would have purchased a short bed, just personal preference.

 

I guess we all have opinions so I'll add mine.
1. Quad beam leds.... Not a low budget option. If you luv leds and feel u can't live without them go for it. But there are plenty here replacing heads and tails with leds for close t $100. The factory leds are about $1200 last I checked

​​​​​​2. Power running boards, not exactly a lower budget item. Many here prefer fixed boards to help protect the sides of the truck which are much less $$. The power boards do nothing to protect the sides. They do have their good points like their lowered step height.

3. Remote start, for me, is useless.... But... I can certainly understand those in northern climates liking them to heat things up in the winter. Not an issue for me in south Louisiana. Not much cost difference either way. Some in my area like to get the ac going, but, I have it and do not use it at all. Again, useless to me.

4. 5th wheel prep..... Agree, don't leave the dealer without it. Too cheap and useful.

5. Roof clearance lights are a cheap item and may have a value as indicated. I simply prefer to not put 5 big holes in a perfectly good roof. Same goes for the moon roof for me, I have no sympathy for anyone complaining about leaks in either.

6. Bed liner. Nice option...... I've never had one in any of the 5 trucks I've owned, I am always amazed at everyone that can't live without one. I do have a Ford bed mat to protect the bottom and keep stuff from sliding. Truck beds will last the life of the truck without a liner unless you haul / spill corrosives. You can always spend a couple of years scuffing it up ..... Good prep.... And line it before you sell it. Just me I guess. It's a fricken truck. Why not scratch the bed. I know I will be flamed forever but it's just my opinion.

I agree with all the posts about the F350 LB 6.2L based on your stated needs (wish I had a LB just for the 48 gallon tank). SC or CC......you'll have to decide. I think you will be fine with 3.73 or 4.30.... Just depends on what parameters are more important. With all the unloaded highway miles you might prefer the 3.73. With bigger tires and or heavy loads you may like the 4.3s better.

As for as package, based on your budget I would load up an XL/STX package. You can get the big screen with Sync 3 and ultimate camera package (a great option as stated above), and bed lights, and etc etc You can get almost everything I have in my Lariat except auto/dual climate control and leather. There are many here adding after market leather for $500.

​​​​​​I almost bought a loaded up XL/STX. I like my Lariat but would buy a XL/STX loaded out in a heart beat.

You should be able to load up one for $49-$50k MSRP. With rebates, private cash offers, etc you should be able to get that down to $42-43 ish with a little negotiation. Then add tax, some after market items (like a linex ) ........ And u should be able t stay under $50k.

So go ahead.... Order it already

Ok.... ... begin the flame job
(Buy the way.... I prefer smaller rims and more Rubber. I would never pay $$$ for larger/20" rims OR a chrome package. I would buy a bed liner before I would pay $$ for 20s or chrome. OK, flame me now!!)

 

No flamethrower here, lol. I like it when somebody tells it like he sees it. I'm wondering about the spray on bed liners as well. My 04 chevy work truck rusted out under the liner, the bottom of the bed broke loose from the front, because the liner hid the rust I could tell it as happening. But I haul corrosive seafood products so it's my fault Im sure for not cleaning it often enough. I had to replace the bumper and hitch as well due to rust. But the point is the liners are not bulletproof. At the moment I just have a bed mat in the new SD.

 

 

I do not recomend this dealership, but sthelens auto center does have some 10k + off MSRP on there lot right now.