Maybe this is where I should have posted this:

Looking at buying a F-350 CC 4X4.

I will require the 4X4 for Northern Illinois (Chicago area) winters and Mississippi summers. No plowing in the winter, just driving. Towing the travel trailer, tractor trailer, and horse trailers in the summer.

My primary requirement will be to tow the travel trailer, two motorcycles in the bed, and four adults (size-wise, they are teens) in the cab while on vacation, plus the dog. Preliminary weighing puts my payload at 3,500-4,000 lbs. Current travel trailer weight is under 6,000 lbs, but that could increase as the kids get older. Current tractor/horse trailer weights are between 5,000-10,000 lbs.

Looking at the DRW based on current and possible future payload, but which gears? No less than 85% of the trucks miles will be unloaded or lightly loaded, traveling from Chicago to South-West Mississippi to visit family. Until I retire I have no idea how much I will be towing, but I can't afford to to buy one vehicle to travel in and another just to tow with.

4X4 off-road package: Is it worth it? No real off-roading for this truck (that's what the Jeep is for). I just don't want to get stuck in the fields or at those less-than-desirable RV hook-up locations.

Heavy-service suspension package: Would this be recommended if going with a bumper similar to the Warn winch bumper or Ranch Hand bumper?

Tough Bed: Get it from the factory or go with quality aftermarket? I have no idea what it costs to have a truck bed done out in town?

Molded or tubular-chrome cab steps? Function and durability are primary concerns. I'd rather not have any chrome on any vehicle I own, but that's another thread.

How come you can't get the PowerScope mirrors unless you get the XLT convenience package? I hate auto-lock/auto-unlock! I don't have any use for the keyless keypad entry, either. The only feature I like from that package is the power seat, and I'm not too lazy to do it "manually". Would like those mirrors, though - just don't know if they are worth the extra money of the XLT convenience package to have them.

Rearview camera: Is there a better or more reliable unit on the market for less?

I appreciate any input.

 

Chief; Heres my lil thoughts and suggestions. I live up in northern VT and was kinda un-certain about the 2wd dually that i got. But after having it, i can honestly say that it will go any where that a 4wd can go. I help out on my inlaws dairy farm and there again i get by just fine with 2wd running around the fields with a trailer picking up hay bales. It goes realy good in the snow too, given, im not trying to push through two foot snow dumps!

I had a 03 3/4 ton diesel truck, and now i have a 2000 diesel ton truck. They are both powerfull trucks, each had its pro's and cons. I would say that the dually is better suited to long highway travel while pulling a trailer. Its more "stable", espesially when pulling a camper trailer and an 18wheeler pass's you.

I just looked the other day at a new flatbed as mine is rather "taty" looking. I priced a steel 8' x 9' with a hide a hitch goose neck ball for about 2100$, installed by them for 2800$. They didnt realy want my old bed in trade! If you want an alluminum, your looking at 500 to 1500$ more depending on what you want.

As far as the suspension package, i dont know, these trucks are like tractors, just a plain truck can take a lot of weight.

My 03 was an xlt package, i realy liked the heated mirrors with the lights on them. They were telascopic but is was manual, they seemed to work real well.

Hope this helps in any way;
Bill.

 

well, for my 2 cents. I would suggest looking for a manual 4x4 system, which is what I have. Mine is a SRW and I use the reciever to pull loads as I like to save the bed of the truck for bikes, BBQ or whatever when we go camping. My current TT is 8K and truck is rated for 12, 500 from the reciever so there is plenty.

I am an Army retired so I know the cross country and budget issues. I have 4 kids. 3 boys, 1 girl all teens and we have gone from MD to AZ in the truck no problems.

I would go with the XLT package at least, good mix of items and you can always get the skid plates on your own.

But do get the tow package, the telecoping/power folding mirrors are worth it and the integrated trailer brake controller is worth its wt.

See if you can sign up with the DAV, (disabled american veterans), or another organization that can give you x-plan pricing. Basically in a nutshell, you buy just under invoice and still get rebates.

Hope this helps...I would not necessarily consider a dually if you are just gonna use the reciever for pulling, but I would want the 4x4.

 

Thanks Bill.

I am still undecided about the 4X4 but still leaning heavily for it. I don't plan on going mudding in the truck, most of the hunting camp "roads" are well packed. If it's anything like my Jeep, it will rarely see 4X4. Well worth it when needed, though.

 

Thanks for your service. And thanks for the info.

I feel the same about the bumper pull TT. Even if we upgrade later, it will still be a bumper pull (have to have my motorcycles). Unfortunately, with the weight of the motorcycles, people, dog, other cargo, and TT hitch weight - I will be right at or over the published payload specs for the SRW F350. I would rather err on the side of safety and go ahead and get the DRW.

Definitely will get the manual 4X4 system if I go that way. I don't like that little switch.

Will also get the XLT package at a minimum. I prefer cloth seats over leather.

As for pricing plans - I will have access to the Military Overseas Sales Program. This is supposedly real close to invoice pricing.

 

You know thats something I wish I had been a lot smarter about. When I was in the persian gulf, i remember the salesmen coming on the ship for a day or so just selling cars and stuff. I was a firemen at the time, didnt know anybetter, hindsight 20/20!

 

Just bought an 09 SRW 4X4 CC w/ the XLT package last weekend. In addition to the $3500 rebate (+ another $500 for military or cops) there's a $1200 "XLT" rebate. They sold it to me for just over invoice. when they showed me the invoice X plan was only $100 under (just FYI).

Good luck w/whatever you do.

Bret

 

I would probably not get the off road package. It comes with skid plates on the transfer case, oil pan, and fuel tank and Rancho shocks. If you aren't doing any serious off roading, you won't need it and the shocks can be replaced any time. As far as the Tuff Bed lining, I prefer to just go with a rubber bed mat. Everything I put in the bed stays put without sliding around just fine. Bed mat runs about $80 at most retail parts stores. I would go with the molded cab steps. I've had 3 Fords with factory chrome step bars and they've all began pitting after 3 years in the northern Indiana climate. I'd get the manually telescoping power trailer tow mirrors if it were me and skip the Convenient Package. I can't give a good answer on the rest as I've never had the rear camera system. And the heavy service suspension package might be worth looking into if you think you'll be pushing the limits of the suspension. I would go with XLT.

 

I would agree that the off road package is probably overkill for most. Mine has it - seems that all the dealers in NM order them that way. As for the power vs manual mirrors, I like the power. Since my truck is also the "family truckster" (can't afford a third car for a DD), the power mirrors are great when you have to park in a tight spot. Fold 'em in and you won't have to duck under them to get to your doors.

 

I had an XLT in a 2000, now a lariat in 05 with all the options I could get at the time. Only thing I would change is having the manual t-case. And I still have regrets over it not being a manual 6 speed sometimes. Honestly, if you are getting the dually crew 4*4, make sure you look into price with options you want at XLT and what a Lariat has, because I bet you will end up a pretty even. I know you say no leather, but, I have it and can honestly say, better in every way, so much easier to clean, they are also easier to repair, heated seats definately a plus. If you want the full stereo with Nav, sat, backup cameras this is probably not possible at a reasonable cost without atleast lariat trim level. One way to figure this out is some pricing of a build on the web. Oh, and if you are doing a custom order, just go with the bed spray in liner from the start. I have the mat, you are better off with the spray liner and cheaper from factory. I ended up going from steps back to boards, they didnt hold up in our winter climate either.

 

I have the x-liner on mine, did it after I bought the truck and they will give you a military discount, ended up being a bit better.

 

Take a look at Upromise.com also. Their fleet pricing is generally under invoice (remember, invoice is not dealer cost). I priced a F-250 4x4 diesel CC Lariat for about $41k, compared to the local dealers sticker of $54k, not bad. Your local credit union probably has the same type of programs. The overseas programs are ok, but I found the the discounts were not much more then I could negotiate locally for, it is just easier ordering exactly what you want. Just my 2cents.

Brent

 

Thanks for the info.

Do the manual adjust mirrors have the heated glass?

While I don't mind a manual seat, I do like power adjustable mirrors. It seems people like to mess with my passenger side mirror anytime I don't have a passenger to help adjust it back.

 

Excellent point on comparing the different packages, and I have been.

Using the Ford build & price website:
F-350 XLT 4X4 CC DRW, V-10, Auto, 4.10 limited slip
XLT convenience package
Camper package
Power equipment group
PowerScope mirrors
Tough bed
Sliding rear window
Molded cab steps
Roof clearance lights
17" forged polished aluminum wheels
LT245/75R17 BSW A/T tires
Rearview camera
Upfitter switches
Single CD stereo w/ 4 speakers
Cloth captains chairs

MSRP $45,235

I don't want the in-dash all-in-one NAV/GPS/CD/SIRIUS whatever. I already have a GPS that I like (and it can be taken from vehicle to vehicle). I also prefer my stereo with USB port that allows me to plug in and control my iPod. The Ford entertainment system would do nothing but start arguments for my kids - they can't stand to watch the same movie. It's better to not have that option.

 

Thanks for the info. Will check out the website.