Hi,

I'm looking to buy a 2004 to 2009 Superduty. I do not trailer the truck with the exception of my 356 Sonic dream boat years to come...

Back to reality. I have an '93 f150 with 194k and need to upgrade. I haul a cold plate Freezer body that carries ice cream. It weighs about 1400 lbs and Product can get anywhere from 600lbs to 800lbs. for a total of 2000lbs to 2200lbs

I do not want a dually (makes it hard to drive down alleys in the city).

The body will stay on the truck 90% of the time....so a constant 1400lbs.

What do you guys think?

thanks

 

How many miles do you drive per year? Does your truck run at idle while selling the ice cream? The reason I ask these questions is to determine which engine would be best for your application. The F250 would be more than enough for the 2,000 lb payload.

 

I agree an F250 would be fine, but if you find a really good deal on a F350 it would fit your situation nicely.

Very true about idling and running, starts and stops. Look closely before pulling the plug on the diesel.

 

Yea, I have been kicking the idea of what I need a Diesel or gas also.... the diesel's are so expensive and money is tight (goes without saying).

So my situation......

I make about 20 stops per day (as of now only one day per week).

The body runs off shore power (charged at night).

From what I have heard if I had a diesel I should not start and stop it during deliverys (because of turbo coolers).

I did rent a 250 diesel to p/u this body when I bought it (brand new '09), and Oh man was it powerful. 900 miles (about 14 hours) in one day.. up and back from phila. to ohio. Crazy strong truck.

Do you think I would see the same power out of a gas?

Thanks again for the info.

 

Oh forgot to say...I drive about 20 to 25k per year... that (I hope) will go up as I get more business.

 

You mentioned the future boat so I'm assuming that this truck will be for both work and family. What cab configuration are you wanting... crew cab, extended cab, or regular cab? There are some deals on the regular cab trucks because everyone wants crew cab or extended cab trucks.

 

naa.. the boat was just that......a dream.

I DO NOT want a crew.. to big. Prob go with just a Reg. Cab. Don't need the extended. I need to get into tight spaces so the smaller the truck the better.

Besides if I had a wife and kids and wanted a boat....

 

There isn't much reason to choose an F250 over an F350. Same basic truck, but the F350 will just sit a little higher in the rear. That cold box will probably level it right out, while an F250 might sit a little low in the rear. The F250 is plenty for that load, I'm just saying the F350 will do it and sit a little more level. Of course, if you find the right deal on an F250 it is really easy to level that out too. Point is, no strong reason to get one over the other.

I think you want a 5.4, based on your described use. It will be cheaper to buy and cheaper to operate. Also, ice cream goes best with whipped cream and nuts, not diesel fumes.

 

Yep, I think gas for your application, and the 5.4L at that; however, I say F350. The payload on the F250 is going to have over 2000 lbs payload, but I think if it's weight on the truck the whole time you'd be better served with the F350 with higher payload. And as BPounds stated, it'll likely ride more level. I would check to see if insurance or registration is different between the two trucks.

 

Just keep in mind that for every F350 for sale on the market, there are five F250's of the same configuration.

 

I love my 350, but unless you just really want a dual rear wheel truck I would get the 250.

 

? I'm with Ace... given the choice, I choose the 350 SRW (single rear wheel). You certainly don't HAVE to have a F350 dually. The F350 SRW will have higher payload rating. The F250 will have enough, especially if you get regular cab. However, I think the F350 gives you more room. If you're already at 2K with just product...adding your own body weight and any other stuff will just add up.

I don't know about elsewhere in the country...but I easily see more F350's than F250's around here in Minnesota. It's probably 3 to 1 I'd guess.

if I were you, I'd look for the best deal on a F250 or F350 SRW with the 5.4L or V10 gas engines and let the deal drive the choice.

 

Id choose a F350. Their really isnt much diff between the F250. They pretty much weigh the same, same motors, F350 has higher payload cap (no brainer) and their really is no price diff (depends what state you shop in). I think your answer is F350, unless you can find a sweetttt deal on a F250, then go with the F250

 

Since you're buying a used one let the price determine you choice.
You should be able to get a good deal on a late model regular cab truck.

 

Thing is that the OP said he was not going to use it for hauling or towing really. The 250 would be fine for him. Don't get me wrong, the 350 has a well deserved place, single or dual, but he probably can get a much better deal on a 250 than a 350. If they are both pretty much the same price, he would be stupid not to get the 350, but since he does not want a dually and does not intend on towing with it all that much, a 250 will suit his needs and save him a few thousand to boot.