This is a super easy one. The 250 is a registration beater. I live in SC, my '19 250 was about 1600/yr to register, my 450 is almost 3K/yr. SC has personal property tax that's part of registration, and the 250 is designed to stay under the "breakpoint" for higher vs. lower cost registration. If you're going to own the truck for 10 years, it could easily save you 5-10K to have a 250 instead of a 350.

Honestly, real simple, if you don't live in a state that works like SC (and most do not), almost everyone, especially if you plan to tow, is better with a 350. It has more paper rating, the ride is the same, and the cost difference is laughable (IIRC, it was <1000 bucks built identically). The 250 should really not even exist outside of states like mine, there's not a lot of reason to want a de-rated truck.

 

Because I didn’t need an F350. I have 3,400 lb payload and that is more than I will ever need.

 

I ran into that problem with my F350 and got it downrated at the DMV. All it changes is my registration, but that’s what the tax office goes by. Under 11000 qualifies for the 6% assessment vs the 10.5%. Florence county.

 

Well, I guess because politicians have yet to dictate what you buy yet! Hence, this is still Merica and we get choices! But rest assured, they will choose your ride one day!

 

All good comments above aside, I recon most of the 250s are purchased because they’re cheaper. They are bought to be pavement princesses and GVWR is not a consideration. Keep in mind that most of the owners aren’t following these forums either.

 

this. All though I always get a f350 with 11500 payload because I derate my trailers to 14.5k. But this is the way to go to get more trailer. I don’t need the payload.

but, I thought the f350 has a different axle.

 

When I bought my truck everyone said wow you got a F350. Everyone is surprised when I say the 350 is about a 1,000 more than a F250. The only reason I see to get a F250 is due to your state laws. I think it is part marketing TBH more options but same truck equals more sales and more profit (same parts)

 

Unless it's ordered with 4.30 gears which is a Dana axle the rest are Sterling. Post 13 shows the gears in the order guide.