Looking for some input on this build to tow our new fifth wheel. The main use of the truck (80%) will be used to tow the fifth wheel, which weighs in a little less than 10K fully loaded. A conservative estimate (25% of total) of the loaded pin weight will be 2453 lbs. Adding the hitch, people, fuel, dog and other junk, I am estimating a conservative total max payload of 3232 pounds.

I would like to go with a F-250, but the 10-speed tranny is not available with the 6.2L only the 7.3 and 6.7 diesel. Therefore, looks like it will be an F-350, 6.2L, XLT, crew cab with a 6.75’ bed (160” wb), 4x2, 4.30 electronic locking rear, 10-speed transmission, 10000/9000 GVRW, hitch prep, sliding glass rear window, ultimate trailer tow backing and camera package, navigation, upfitter switches.

Is the 10K package really an upgrade or does it just reduce the payload capacity? What are the possibilities that I will get at least 3400lb payload capacity on the door sticker and would the dealer be able to tell me the payload capacity before I order it?

The 2021 Specs say the curb weight is 6343 lbs. Looking at a 10K build, the specs show a payload of 3650 lbs. I assume that is a base XL model. With the XLT package and hitch prep it looks like I may be pushing the limits of my estimated payload? I found the 2021 Ford Truck Camper Loading pub and found a list of accessory weights and calculated at least 410 pounds of additional pounds off the payload.

I see other builds for the short bed crew cab 4x2 with higher payload ratings (10,200, 10,700, 10,800 and 11,300), how do I increase the GVWR of the build, tires, etc?

 

I would suggest a F350 w/7.3L Im a believer that you go one level higher than you think you need. Then you always have more for any future needs, like a bigger trailer / 5th wheel

 

No, do not get the 10k payload package, you will have a payload lower than 3200lbs 3400lbs and there's no reason for it as it's only a paper derate for people who are trying to avoid dealing with cdl regulations.
You're removing ~1300lbs 800lbs of payload for no reason with that package. You increase your capacity by simply not selecting either of the derate options when building
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Do not select any of the GVWR packages on the build. They are actually derates and will give you lower payload capacity on sticker.

I'm not familiar with the 2wd numbers but I think an F-350 CCSB will have a GVWR of 11,300. For the relatively small upcharge the 7.3l is worth considering.

 

I would do the 250 camper pack 7.3/4.30. Better value and should be around what you need.

Might be able to skip the camper pack really.

 

Do the derate, pay less reg and know you still have 800 additional over the indicated. If you do pull that much with the 6.2, you may want the LB for the 48 gal tank.

 

consider a 4x4....Like a first aid kit or fire extinguisher...better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it....same philosophy for a firearm....

 

Doesn't make any difference in the cost of registering it in my state (FL) and from a cursory glance it seems most states are similar.
Derating to 10k gvwr vs the 11,100 his truck should have is only opening you up to liability issues with zero perceived benefit.

 

So you can get the 4.30 e-locker diff with 2wd, but what would engage it?

I ask because I was under the impression the only way to engage it in a 4x4 is to physically go into 4wd which then signals the locker to engage.

Is there a button or something in a 2wd to engage it?

 

The OP's data says he is also in FL, so no need to derate.

You do not have to engage 4WD to engage the E-locker. You can engage one or the other or both. To engage the E-locker, you pull the 4WD **** versus turning it. I do not know how it's engaged on a 2WD truck.

 

Found it on autotrader

 

I started with a 2013 F-350 SRW 4x2, with a GVWR of 11,500 lbs. Although the truck was loaded to the max, I towed a 15,500lb 5;er with 3,050 lb pin weight for 3 yrs.. Therfore, with a new F-350 SRW 4x2 you should have no payload issues with c. 2,500 lb pin weight.

 

Pull your **** to engage the e-locker, 2x or 4x makes no difference.

 

Good to know.

So you can engage it in 2wd. Handy to know.

 

I would not choose any derate. I highly recommend going up to a F350 and a 7.3 with the 4.30 for best towing now and in the future.
You will get better fuel mileage with the 7.3 vs the 6.2 empty and towing.