Doesn't seem like there is enough price difference between the 6.8 STX and the 7.3 XLT. Get the 7.3 and you avoid first year productions foibles from both the engine and trans. Half ton Chevy doesn't make my radar on any level so no comment there. If I didn't need a new truck, I would try to wait out the current insanity. I thought getting my 22 was challenging. I wouldn't wish a '23 order on an enemy...

 

1/2 ton Chevy with IFS or a 3/4 Ford with a solid front axle. Two completely different animals!
I’d pick the Chevy for what the OP is using it for.

 

This is true.

On the flip side, I'd HEAVILY consider an F-150 5.0 V8 10-speed or Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi 8-speed before any chevy half ton option. The only chevy option worth considering right now is their 6.6 duramax which is a nice reliable truck but not as heavy duty as either the SD/Powerstroke or Ram/Cummins. But it rides nice and doesn't break down much.

 

No gain in durability with the F-250 over current F-150 pickups with a gas engine. My last truck was a 2500 with a beefed up suspension and the ride was not bad 'for a truck'. My 2022 F-150 has a plusher ride than my Chevy Traverse SUV which in turn was smother than with my Mercedes coupe or my Toyota Prius.

The frames on all Ford pickups are fully boxes and far less likely to fail than with older trucks. No gains in reliabilty with current gas engines for either family of pickups. In terms of space in the bed this is going to be the same for a F-350 as for a F-150. It comes down to a super cab or a crew cab and the length of the bed and how long a wheelbase you can tolerate.

 

I think that the "durability aspects" the OP mentions are that the F250 has heavier duty frame, driveline, and suspension components that should hold up longer than the lighter duty truck driveline and suspension components for his light duty use.

 

While I believe in living within your means and being smart, the OP didn't mention his income, unless I missed it. That said, don't buy a vehicle because of any emotional impulse, be smart.

If you don't need an HD truck, go half-ton. The ride and efficiency is so much better. I'm not a Chevy fan, because they seem to disintegrate inside, but they are comfortable. I'd recommend an F-150 with an Ecoboost. The power is crazy and it'll be a nice ride. The 250/350's are not Cadillacs. They're beasts. With truck costs what they are, really consider your wants and needs. Don't buy ANYTHING you can't easily afford. Don't let these yahoos paying $1,000 a month on a truck sway your decision.

 

A very close friend of mine has a 2020 Trail Boss LT w/ 6.5 bed with the 5.3. He absolutely loves it and has had no issues whatsoever. He has almost 60k miles on it. It’s definitely a great truck.

 

Paid cash (hard earned not handed to me) for my 22 tonner lb 7.3 lariat. Damn good truck so far at 17k and 15 months. It is comfortable and dependable and the engine is nothing short of amazing. But it is a legit heavy duty truck. Can’t believe how many urban wannabe cowboys complain about harsh shifts, stiff ride and beefy safety chain mounts!

 

Appreciate all the feedback! Yeah, I've always loved the Superduty, even though I have no real practical need for one. To me, it's just what a truck should be. I'm 48 with two boys, ages 10 and 11, and a 70lb dog, so cab size is important as well as bed space. From a towing and payload perspective, a half ton would be more than sufficient, but I do need a truck bed and would go with the 6.5' standard on the half ton rather then the short bed you see so much of today. I hunt, fish, do a lot of projects around the house, and have a side hobby of rebuilding old aluminum Starcraft boats, so I do haul a bunch of crap on occassion, and tow a few boats around, but again, nothing exceeding the limitations of a half ton truck. In fact, I've been driving a minivan for the past 10 years while the kids were little and I've probably hauled more crap in that thing than most would haul in their trucks. It's time for a new truck. I just need to decide which one I want to buy.

I looked hard at the F150 as well, but it just doesn't appeal to me. I like the interior, but for similar cost, I'd much rather be in a Superduty. I understand it's going to be a bit siffer ride, which is probably more of a concern for my wife than me, but the 6.75' crew cab bed only adds 9" overall length beyone the standrd bed Trail Boss I've also been considering. Also drove the new Tundra, but not too sold on those as well, and much harder to obtain in a desired configuration. At the end of the day, I just want a good basic truck that I can enjoy looking at and driving on a regular basis. I live in town, work from, home, so don't drive enough to justify a diesel. My best friend has a F350 diesel Lariet Tremor, which I've spent a lot of time in and is way more than I need, but it does fit just fine in my garage

Financially, I'm not keen on dropping 60k on a truck, but I'm not sure things are going to change much in the future as well. It's been budgeted for, and I'm not stretching our means, but I do not have any need to spend much more on all the creature conforts and luxuries of a higher end trim. In the new Supeduty, I'm leaning towards the XL with STX as its still a significant savings over the XLT with all the things I want and not the extra things I don't need. The 6.8 gas would be more than sufficient, but the 1st model year production concern is not without consideration. I really prefer the painted LED grill/front facia and color matched bumpers which can only be had on the XLT trim after adding the sport appearance AND the premium package.

Another consideration is with our local dealership. They provide a lifetime powertrain warranty to the original owner of new vehicles purchased through them, so even with the QC concerns, lifter issues, etc. there is some protection there. That would likley be an additional expense for the Superduty if ordered through Granger (not a far drive from me - but I really wish they kept their 2% under invoice for the MY23 vs the $1500 over they are doing).

I'd be looking at MSRP w/ the lifetime powertrain on the Trail Boss, or the $1500 over invoice with the Superduty(comes out to ~$1500 off MSRP). Less than 2k difference between the two configurations.

Honestly, if I could find a new MY22 F250 STX or XLT gas, I'd likely go that direction, but every one I have inquired about is either already sold or some other advertising scheme to get you into their dealership and not even availbale.

Thanks agin for all the feedback! Much appreciated!

 

Well, it sounds like you're thinking things through. You might be a good candidate for a used 6.2 gasser. Its a proven engine, to say the least, and will handle much more than you need. I recommend looking at this option.

If you go new, I highly suggest 7.3, since its built a bit more heavy duty and the tranny is definitely more HD and the additional minimal cost is a wise investment. The STX is a really good package at a bargain price. That said, my '20 was an XLT Premium and added some really nice features over the STX.

My '22 is an F350 KR and is pretty much my dream truck, so I splurged, but still paid cash. It is my retirement truck, though I haven't pulled the plug just yet. I needed something to pull a future fifth wheel, when prices go down. I also own land and rent an occasional skid steer or JD650. That 650 weighs about 22k without the trailer. Ultimately, you'll have to pay for it, drive it and feed it. Super Duties are good trucks, but so are F150's. Good luck!

 

I think the market is going to change in 2024 and I wouldn't be surprised if incentives improve as demand decreases.

 

Yeah, I agree. I'm probably best just to wait it out a bit, but that's not always the easiest thing to do I really would like to see a new Super Duty in person and see what the additional options may be. Can't even find much for pictures aside from the same ones floating all over the place, and the configurator doesn't even accurately display the options packages, so you can't even see what you are building. The payments are already set aside, so they'll just keep building as the months go by. I just really want to get a new V8 ICE truck before you can no longer find them.