From the sound of what you need, get the 2 wheel drive.

 

This is an interesting question. I did a quick search and found this article https://www.businessfleet.com/159398...the-extra-cost . After reading that, I think the best thing you should do is try to figure out the resale value of 4x4 vs 4x2 in your area. Then try to determine if getting a 4x4 is worth it. If people are buying 4x4 trucks in your area, then buying a 4x2 will really reduce the number of prospective buyers and hence lower the resale value.

Also, I see that you are spending money on the diesel engine. However, you already stated that this is what you intend on doing with the truck : " pulling my 5th wheel trailer, going to the dump, or hauling big stuff". In this case, do you really NEED a diesel engine?

As a wise person(s) once said on this forum, there are two reasons to buy a diesel engine. 1) you need it to tow heavy and often or 2) You want a diesel. I think both are acceptable reasons to buy a diesel.

If you want to save money, then the question should be whether you truly need a diesel.

That said, ask yourself, whether potential buyers of your future used truck will want a 4x2 or 4x4.

In my opinion, since you are buying the diesel, go with the 4x4 just to make the resale value better. If you were buying the gas engine, then I would recommend 4x2 since the resale would not be affected as much.

Also, I strongly recommend that you look at the F350 instead of the F250 simply because you get more towing and hauling capacity and don't have to worry about the tongue weight. The MPG is going to be the same

Take a look at the following forum threads for F250 vs F350.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-and-mpg.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rear-axle.html

As for not liking the ride, have you tried test driving a F350 with a long bed instead of a short bed?

 

Quite simply, 4x4 is security. Pickups are among the worst vehicles for traction without 4x4 simply because of the weight bias to the front. Sure, you can add weight. I recently drove my 250 diesel into a grassy area that was completely flat to park my 20' box trailer. It had rained a lot the night before and the area was soggy. I got stuck in 2WD right away! And this is with my 35" BFG off-road tires. 4x4 solved the problem.

Now, living in NH I would never consider a 4x2 for my primary transportation. Even in this snowbelt area you still see a fair number of 4x2 trucks but they are mostly contractors or fleet trucks.

I've had 250's, 350's, and a dually. Gas and diesel. In the past there seemed to be no difference between a 250 and 350 in terms of ride. For 2017, the leaf springs are actually a little softer spring rate than a 350. In my humble opinion, the 250 for 2017+ rides noticeably nicer than a 350. Not night and day, but noticeable. I tow with mine almost every day in the summer, aboout 12klbs. Box trailers and equipment haulers. The 250 handles it as easily as the 350's I've had; probably not as well as the dually.

 

 

 

OK now that's an interesting angle. I'll never argue with solid math. I even thought about an after-sale gear swap in the rear end, but tires would be far less work. Final gear ratio is final gear ratio no matter how it's achieved .

 

 

I believe you are right on that assessment. However, I'll probably never get to realize that benefit. If my truck is on the highway, it's probably got my 12,000 lb. 5th wheel attached to it. Other than that, it's only occasional trips to the local landfill or Home Depot to pick up something too big for my Honda CR-V. In the 5 years of owning my Ram 3500, with 45,000 miles on it, the total highway miles without a 5th wheel attached is probably less than 2,000 of those miles. Maybe less than 1,000.