Ok getting ready to order. XLT with premium package. 4x4, 6.2, 4.30s. Crew with short bed. Add remote start, tailgate step, console. Im thinking I will add mud flaps and wheel well liners myself as they seem to cost about half on Amazon. I have a couple of questions... Does the snow plow/camper package degrade the ride a lot? Im liking the addition of rear sway bar and overload spring but dont want to hate the ride. I think it adds more than the FX4 for less even when you add the skid plates for $100. The next thing is the Chrome wheels that come with the premium. I like the way they look. But Im reading some bad things about them chipping and peeling. Im wondering if its a bad issue or if its being blown out of proportion. They make it hard to get what you want outside the packages. Im not really up for another 3 to 5 thousand to go to the Lariat. But I like the machined cast 20s the best of all the stock wheels. I also like the body color on the mirrors over the chrome.... The last thing is the hardest... Ingot Silver? or Magnetic??? Color is always the hardest decision for me.

 

Is this a F350 or F250?
My suggestion is to opt for the camper/plow if you plan on heavy equipment. Also did you opt for the E Locker? I opted for the larger 48 gallon tank and went LB.

 

 

You can always get a set of the 20" cast aluminum wheels, take offs if you go with the XLT. The ONLY reason I went Lariat was because I wanted the LED lights, auto climate control and the power steps, in that order. I also got the 20" aluminum wheels which you cant get with chrome package which I didn't care for. I didn't really need the leather but it is a nice upgrade.

Color is 100% preference but I love Magnetic.

 

I'd always order the CP/SP package. My 350 with it rides super smooth.

 

Wheel well liners used to be standard on SD until the early 2000s when Ford "decontented" the truck to save money. Glove box light, dual sunvisor and hood insulation went at the same time.

Personally, I would not give Ford the satisfaction of ordering wheel well liners from the factory.

 

The snowplow/camper package option for the F250 4x4 includes uprated front springs, an auxiliary leaf for each rear spring, and a rear stabilizer bar. My experience with our 2019 F350 4x2 with 4550 lbs. front springs is that you'll find the ride noticeably stiffer when lightly loaded due the uprated front springs. However, reducing tire pressure usually helps.

The XLT Premium Package includes the 18" "chrome" PVD wheels along with the rest of the otherwise optional Chrome Package. If you like the wheels, then it's a good deal IMHO because it includes step bards which are otherwise optional. It's a long way up on the 4X4! Both our 2017- and 2019 F350s were fitted with the chrome PVD wheels; neither set has exhibited any peeling or other finish issues.

AFAIK, you cant get the camper- or snowplow/camper package if you order 20" wheels.

If you haven't already done so, other options to consider are upfitter switches, the extra-extra HD alternator (240 A), 276/70R18E A/T tires, LED box lighting, and the LED cab clearance lights.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Good catch Jim. Upfitters for sure! The dealer I ordered from said if I didnt order he would pay for them as when I buy a new truck in the future through him itll be 10xs easier to sell esp up here in Ohio where guys plow.

 

Yes I saw the cast wheels on ebay for $999. I could get really nice after market wheels for that. If Ford comes through with some good incentives in April I might go for a Lariat. I like leather. GM and Ram both have big incentives advertising now. over 10 grand. Ive been a GM guy for a few vehicles now. But with them moving production out of the U.S. after taking billions of our TARP money, I will never buy another GM vehicle again.
Yes the 4.30s are elocker only.
I do not haul heavy. 90% of the time is simple transportation. 5% homeowner construction materials or personal haulage, and 5% towing a 9,000 lb boat. But that may soon include towing it to Florida from N.J. down Rt 81 etc. at that time Ill be wishing I bought a diesel. But not worth it to me with the pollution controls and all the additional cost. I could probably do fine with an F 150. But after 25 years in the trucking business as a heavy hauler of O.D. shipments I just personally need a heavy duty vehicle. I also need to get to work in hurricanes and blizzards.
That said, I also do not want the truck to beat itself to death and rattle because I have too much spring rate. Stock 3/4 ton will suffice Im sure. But Im under the impression the camper pack includes overload springs which will not effect ride unless you have a big load. And a sway bar off the F 350.
As for color, my problem is I love both the Ingot and the Magnetic. Im thinking the Ingot will be easier to keep looking good. The magnetic might have an edge when both are clean and waxed.

 

• If ride is a concern and you have no use for a snow plow, get the camper package for the aux springs (F250 only....as F350 comes standard with them) and stabilizer bar.
• I'd vote for the $100 Skid Plates vs the $400 FX4 package. The reports are the FX4 shocks suck. So for $300 you get a different decal and Hill Descent Control that you can add for ~$10. Take the savings and but some real shocks.
• Ingot Silver. Looks sharp and stays clean looking. Hides scratches.

 

I didnt list the switches, lights and alternator in my post but they are in. Glad to hear the PVDs arent peeling because I like the look but didnt want to have to spend $1,000.00 on wheels with the first tire change.

 

 

I test drove standard, snow plow, and camper trucks. Drove on asphalt and dirt farm roads. Zero difference. I didn't test drive a plow/camper truck with the max springs. Reports here and elsewhere range from no difference to some difference. I went with the plow/camper package. Figured the heavier springs would mate OK with the diesel engine. It also will ride about 1" higher than standard ... a sort of pseudo-leveling kit. If I were going with 6.2, I'd get the camper package for the leaf and sway bar -- I wouldn't want the heaviest front springs without also having the heavy diesel engine.

I opted out of the chrome package. My family actually preferred the standard wheels. I liked the chrome door handles, mirrors, and exhaust tip. I prefer non-chrome tow hooks. I had Ford factory chrome wheels on my 2006 Explorer. My buddy had Ford factory chrome wheels on his 2014 F-150. Both sets of wheels lasted only a few years before they pitted and peeled pretty bad. So, it ended up being a no-brainer for me. No chrome package. If I decide I want different wheels in the future, it will be aftermarket, not Ford PVD.

I don't like silver cars and especially not silver trucks. So, if those are the only two choices, definitely Magnetic. But color might be the most subjective question out there. Get what you like.

 

 

Nice truck Smirks. Wish I was able to justify a diesel. Im really a diesel guy. But I really dont need it, dont want the government controls. I know there will be times where I hate myself for not though...its all I can do to stand laying out $20,000.00 more than I once paid for a Peterbilt! for a gas engine 3/4 ton... my god.