Bought the wrong truck. Help
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 537
From: DFW
Bought a 2024 F250 Ultimate Lariat CCAB 6.75 box, 7.3L gasser to pull our 13K GVWR 5er and boy did this dog ever struggle in the hills of New Mexico, Wa, Ut, etc. Screaming up 5% grades at 4K rpm in 4th gear is a bit nerve racking while people are buzzing past pulling much larger trailers. We put less than 7K miles on this truck and are looking to trade. We will be taking a big hit to the wallet so I don't want to make the same mistake twice. The truck also sagged a bit more than I would like. SO...... Do we move to a 350 with the HO diesel, stay with a 250 w/ the diesel option and add air bags, 3.31 or 3.55 gears? And HO vs SO?
TIA
Bill
TIA
Bill
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,161
Likes: 1,372
From: Chaz
Hey - if you can afford it, make the move. I'd go with an F350 Standard Output 6.7L Diesel. You don't want to fail too many times...it's expensive and in-general, people should learn from their mistakes. But, I learned early on in life, that when you fail, fail fast, admit the mistake, and move on trying not to make the same mistake twice. I got rid of my 2017 6.7L and regretted it quickly. Moved back into a 2023 as soon as I could. The new diesels, 2023-2025 are well built and efficient as daily drivers. The emissions systems function much better. You'll be happy and it'll tow more confidently. Just do it.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 350
Likes: 99
From: Huntsville
Agreed. I have always hated (so I thought) long bed trucks. My '23 is a long bed and I'll probably never own another short bed truck. Even though the difference in length is less than 2', the ride in the long bed is so much better and the extra bed capacity is a huge bonus.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 215
fwiw.....
Ride:
LB versus SB:
Ride:
- I don't think the diesel F-350 rides any different unloaded than the 7.3. I have the 6.7, close friend has the 7.3. Mine is a LB, his is a SB.
- He only drives in the east, so not steep grades relative to the west. I drive in the west a lot. His truck lugs and shifts on the slightest grades and then revs up (even the overpasses in FL) so he keeps 10th locked out when towing and complains about it slipping to 7th from 9th skipping 8th gear on hills. (I think he got the wrong rear end, he would have liked the 3.73 but he thought he'd get better fuel milage with the 3.55s)). My truck tows in 10th without issue although I lock out 10th in the west a lot of times with the 3.55s..
- After many trips locally in his truck I can't say the ride is any different unloaded than in my truck unloaded. No comparison loaded as I haven't ridden in his truck when he is towing. He does always have his 5th wheel hitch in his, I run with a goose ball so he has a bit more weight. We both have about 30 gallon aux tanks. So it is pretty even comparison I think, Again - no significant ride difference that I can see.
- My truck doesn't sag, but my 3200 lb pin weight on the camper lowers the rear at least 2 inches. I have AirLift bags for that and they absolutely improve my ride (along with my Reese Goosenehith with its air bag).
- When I had a standard hitch on my SBs I also had air ride and the ride was OK. I like the goose ball better tho.When pulling, I have no issues - anywhere. Up hill is where I make better time than the huge motorhomes, semis, and gas powered trucks. I'm not trying to set any speed records, it just goes up mountain grades effortlessly (I have the SO output).
- Going down mountain grades is not a problem with the diesel. If anything, it seem a bit aggressive some times. I have no experience with a gas engine (nor do I want that experience).
LB versus SB:
- I had 3 SB trucks since 2020 and now have a '22 LB. I went with a LB because I got tired of the weight of a slider hitch when having to take it in and out of the truck and with the SB I was too close to my weight limit on the truck. So the LB got me at least another 500 lbs of carrying capacity and I lost about 200 lbs of slider hitch weight with my gooseneck ball hitch. My campers weights in at just about 15k loaded.
- Turning and parking is, of course, a bit more than the SB. But after all is said and done it hasn't mattered much. We do have to more selective when choosing parking spots, but it hasn't really been an issue (when using a daily driver or when traveling while towing).
- I think the ride is a bit better in the LB when empty. This is very subjective tho. ymmv
- With my Aux fuel tank and the gooseneck I have a LOT more room in the bed when towing such that a small generator and gas can easily fit still leaving room for other stuff if we had the need.
- I don't miss the SB.
- Garage parking at home could be an issue for many tho with the longer bed truck. I don't have that issue.
- I can make a 90 degree turn with the camper if I want. I could do that with the slider hitch too. I firmly believe anyone in a SB needs a slider in many situations (lots of folks would say no).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 1,117
Bought a 2024 F250 Ultimate Lariat CCAB 6.75 box, 7.3L gasser to pull our 13K GVWR 5er and boy did this dog ever struggle in the hills of New Mexico, Wa, Ut, etc. Screaming up 5% grades at 4K rpm in 4th gear is a bit nerve racking while people are buzzing past pulling much larger trailers. We put less than 7K miles on this truck and are looking to trade. We will be taking a big hit to the wallet so I don't want to make the same mistake twice. The truck also sagged a bit more than I would like. SO...... Do we move to a 350 with the HO diesel, stay with a 250 w/ the diesel option and add air bags, 3.31 or 3.55 gears? And HO vs SO?
TIA
Bill
TIA
Bill
- definitely the F350, a 250 is payload challenged for a 5th wheel, especially in a diesel. They don't ride significantly different IMO; wheelbase and tire pressures make much more difference.
- with the 6.7/10spd, gears don't matter much - I'd go with the 3.55's if possible since I routinely lock out 10th with those gears when towing anyhow.
- HO vs. SO.....well the SO has more than enough power though more is always nice....there have been a few people with issues with the HO in recent posts. At your weight, it's a want, nowhere near a need so it depends on your budget.
Another thought is I'd definitely go with a LB if I was pulling a 5th wheel - no sliding hitches or worries about hitting the cab, better stability and ride. If you get the CC LB, you get the 48 gallon tank (vs. 34 galls) which gives you better range.
Good luck
Dave
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
fwiw.....
Ride:
LB versus SB:
Ride:
- I don't think the diesel F-350 rides any different unloaded than the 7.3. I have the 6.7, close friend has the 7.3. Mine is a LB, his is a SB.
- He only drives in the east, so not steep grades relative to the west. I drive in the west a lot. His truck lugs and shifts on the slightest grades and then revs up (even the overpasses in FL) so he keeps 10th locked out when towing and complains about it slipping to 7th from 9th skipping 8th gear on hills. (I think he got the wrong rear end, he would have liked the 3.73 but he thought he'd get better fuel milage with the 3.55s)). My truck tows in 10th without issue although I lock out 10th in the west a lot of times with the 3.55s..
- After many trips locally in his truck I can't say the ride is any different unloaded than in my truck unloaded. No comparison loaded as I haven't ridden in his truck when he is towing. He does always have his 5th wheel hitch in his, I run with a goose ball so he has a bit more weight. We both have about 30 gallon aux tanks. So it is pretty even comparison I think, Again - no significant ride difference that I can see.
- My truck doesn't sag, but my 3200 lb pin weight on the camper lowers the rear at least 2 inches. I have AirLift bags for that and they absolutely improve my ride (along with my Reese Goosenehith with its air bag).
- When I had a standard hitch on my SBs I also had air ride and the ride was OK. I like the goose ball better tho.When pulling, I have no issues - anywhere. Up hill is where I make better time than the huge motorhomes, semis, and gas powered trucks. I'm not trying to set any speed records, it just goes up mountain grades effortlessly (I have the SO output).
- Going down mountain grades is not a problem with the diesel. If anything, it seem a bit aggressive some times. I have no experience with a gas engine (nor do I want that experience).
LB versus SB:
- I had 3 SB trucks since 2020 and now have a '22 LB. I went with a LB because I got tired of the weight of a slider hitch when having to take it in and out of the truck and with the SB I was too close to my weight limit on the truck. So the LB got me at least another 500 lbs of carrying capacity and I lost about 200 lbs of slider hitch weight with my gooseneck ball hitch. My campers weights in at just about 15k loaded.
- Turning and parking is, of course, a bit more than the SB. But after all is said and done it hasn't mattered much. We do have to more selective when choosing parking spots, but it hasn't really been an issue (when using a daily driver or when traveling while towing).
- I think the ride is a bit better in the LB when empty. This is very subjective tho. ymmv
- With my Aux fuel tank and the gooseneck I have a LOT more room in the bed when towing such that a small generator and gas can easily fit still leaving room for other stuff if we had the need.
- I don't miss the SB.
- Garage parking at home could be an issue for many tho with the longer bed truck. I don't have that issue.
- I can make a 90 degree turn with the camper if I want. I could do that with the slider hitch too. I firmly believe anyone in a SB needs a slider in many situations (lots of folks would say no).
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 697
From: Minnesota
Thank you. I have towed many trailers many times and you are correct. I/we did not enjoy all the downshifting and hi revving of the engine. A more relaxed subdued easy climb will suite us better.. No one answered the question about ride quality. The 250 we have is nice. Will the 350 be a harsher ride?
Was that helpful or should I just be quiet?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
This will also be my dd and I don't want to drive a dump truck.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 710
Likes: 356
From: Beautiful South
Bought a 2024 F250 Ultimate Lariat CCAB 6.75 box, 7.3L gasser to pull our 13K GVWR 5er and boy did this dog ever struggle in the hills of New Mexico, Wa, Ut, etc. Screaming up 5% grades at 4K rpm in 4th gear is a bit nerve racking while people are buzzing past pulling much larger trailers. We put less than 7K miles on this truck and are looking to trade. We will be taking a big hit to the wallet so I don't want to make the same mistake twice. The truck also sagged a bit more than I would like. SO...... Do we move to a 350 with the HO diesel, stay with a 250 w/ the diesel option and add air bags, 3.31 or 3.55 gears? And HO vs SO?
TIA
Bill
TIA
Bill
4k ain't screaming btw.
https://youtube.com/shorts/gnpsPt1V_Hk?si=9BeyO1YTk0BWXVdl
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 537
From: Wasilla, AK
Then buy a 350 and lower the TP to 55 in front and 45 in rear when not towing.
We learn from our mistakes. There is always an active thread concerning someone who bought a 250, incorrect gears, or a gasser and regretted it.
We learn from our mistakes. There is always an active thread concerning someone who bought a 250, incorrect gears, or a gasser and regretted it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Did you remember to put the Godzilla Stickers on? Performance comparison 
Sorry, couldn't resist.
With only 7k, perhaps you could trade for a slightly used 6.7. If you can take the hit, a new one. Don't beat yourself up too much; I just sold a new tractor at substantial loss because I didn't go big enough.
Your decision; all I can offer is you won't regret going diesel; pulls my 16k 5th wheel up the hills without breaking a sweat.
Sorry, couldn't resist.With only 7k, perhaps you could trade for a slightly used 6.7. If you can take the hit, a new one. Don't beat yourself up too much; I just sold a new tractor at substantial loss because I didn't go big enough.
Your decision; all I can offer is you won't regret going diesel; pulls my 16k 5th wheel up the hills without breaking a sweat.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,968
Likes: 4,043
Or an F450, fall in love with the turning radius, only to fall out due to the crappy ride and poor fuel economy as a DD. If only I could have kept my F150 AND get the F450 for just towing the 5th wheel.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 1,117
An F250 and F350 are 99% the same truck; in some trims and with some options, it can be 100%. Ride quality is not a reason to go with an F250 over an F350 IMO; as I said before, wheelbase, tires and tire pressures will all make much more difference than the rear springs/overloads on a 350 will. Diesel, camper package, plow package, tow package all determine which springs your truck gets whether it's a 250 or 350. Neither is a "dump truck". You have another chance to get the right truck now that you've decided to bite the bullet and go diesel; I'd definitely go with the 350 this time and even if you couldn't live with the miniscule difference in empty ride, It's alot easier to add airbags, Bilstein shocks or even remove overloads/change the spring pack than it is to add to your GVWR/Payload....
2 cents,
Dave
