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F250 v F350
Hi guys:
I have a 12,300 UVW fifth wheel and would like to get an F250 to pull it. 350's are hard to find and I was told an F250 with bags in the springs will do the job. A friend tows a 16K trailer with his and no problems. I would appreciate any insight - We're actively looking for a 2006-2011 model. Thanks so much! |
Recommend skipping the 9-11 and going with a 12-up. I Pulled 5th wheels for years and used a 1 ton dually for the last few we had. They were in the range of 13-16k lbs. The newer F-250 will pull it but the stopping power will be lacking in my opinion. We pulled different 5vers from 86 to 2009 using a FL Sportschassis for the last 5ver. That had major stopping power. People in little cars do some really stupid stuff right in front of you and being able to stop and save their lives in spite of their driving is so worth it. If you shop you can usually get a F-350 for the same and sometimes less money as they are in greater supply. I ran airbags on my Dually just to make an air cushion ride for the 5ver so would recommend it with whichever you purchase. My current truck is a 2012 F-250 6.7 bought new in 2012 and if I had it to do over again I would have gone with at least F-350 and really leaning towards the F-450 with its tighter turning radius and 19.5' wheels and tires from the factory. We have gone to the TC world and have modded the F-250 to make it work and drive comfortably.
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F 350... locate the LARGE truck dealerships ( semi tractor ).. and fleet/lease truck dealerships.. many 350 are around.... they do not advertise around car places. I got my truck from a fleet/lease dealership.. a good value.. on a 2012...but its a 250,, as that is what I wanted.. and 2 wheel drive. |
You need the pin weight and actually weight of your trailer. Then look at the specs for the f350 you want (crew cab long bed 4x4 etc) once a f250 is optioned with crew cab 4x4 diesel leather interior etc you loose all the payload capacity and will be overweight. So the f350 srw will be the truck you'll need, then it comes down to how often and far will you be towing? If it's a lot the dually might be better for the added stability and capacity while towing.
and just because so and so towns 18k with a diesel f250 doesnt mean it's under capacity and safe. I see a ton of idiots with half ton trucks towing well over their capacity or at max capacity. Just cuz it pulls it doesnt make it safe |
I would go dually. It's a much less scary ride. I think people underestimate the value of having truck weight.
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If you go for a dually might as well enjoy a f450 the wide track axle give a great turning radius esp compared to my other rig f250 |
He's looking for a pick up truck. F450 is technically a cab and chassis and it's hard to find with a bed. And I if he already has a 5th wheel plate, it might not fit because the frame is different.
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Sure and there was a point where I 100% did not want a tuner on my 7.3. Well now I’ve done a lot of mods to my 7.3 (for those in the know I even refused the AIH delete from my mechanic at first because I wanted a total of 0 mods) plenty of 450s w a bed out there the key is to find one from someone that dosent use the truck like a truck. Towing behind a 450/////backing down w a 450 makes even the most tight situations much more relaxed than a 250/350. Especiay when I’m backing over 1/4 mile where a mistake puts your over the mountain or into it. Additionally with enough searching I’m confident you can find some 450s cheaper than a 250/350. Mine was 20k (f250s at the time we’re going for way more) for an 08 w 100k western Hauler CCLB 3 months to find 7.3 CCSB 8 months to find. Additionally f450s w the bed usually have a gooseneck ball installed in the bed. Also if anyone says you don’t need one I just tell them ohh it’s nice having a truck with the same turning radius as your little car; or the classic don’t worry my trucks going to be running years after your Kia is at the scrap yard. |
Also the brakes on the 450 are exceptionally powerful |
If you are truly at 12.300 than an F250 diesel with air bags will do the job. Just be carful how you load the trailer, you can easily go over the pin weight on your truck. I would look for a 2013 or newer long bed single cab to get the larger brakes and higher weight rating.. .
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Originally Posted by leadmic
(Post 18088000)
If you are truly at 12.300 than an F250 diesel with air bags will do the job. Just be carful how you load the trailer, you can easily go over the pin weight on your truck. I would look for a 2013 or newer long bed single cab to get the larger brakes and higher weight rating.. .
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Don't know if insurance is a factor but a buddy of mine said insurance for his F350 dually was twice what mine is for my f250 single wheel. His is a 94 mine is a 2011.
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I'm not sure where the OP is from but here in Cali
the insurance will be higher as well as paying dearly for every extra pond of GVW at the DMV. Also its only 12,300 that's fairly light for a fifth wheel. If you are going to use it for a DD it's a pain to park a dully and they burn more fuel Also dont forget about two extra tires you have to deal with. A dully has it's place, but I wouldn't be afraid to to tow 12,300 with an F250 SRW. In fact I tow 11,900 with a SRW F250 with a 6.2L gas motor right now but it's a bumper pull. I wouldn't want any less truck for that weight, but I have plenty of barke and it handles it well. |
Twice I've heard of cops sitting outside an RV park and pulling over pickup trucks with bumper trailers and 5th wheels that were obviously over the truck weight ratings (i.e. F150 and F250). Once this was reported in Arizona and another time in the Carolinas.
Once reported was a man in the Carolinas that got pulled over and upon inspection was over-weight. The cop would not let him move it. He had to hire someone within the legal ratings and legal to hook up and pull it to the nearest campground. Even if your truck can pull the weight, an accident might cost you BIG if you're out of weight ratings. Even if the truck can pull the weight, are you safe? My truck pulls it just fine. There's an easy way to tell if there is a difference between an F250 and an F350... One has a model 2 number in it and the other has a 3 :-X06 |
Originally Posted by Batman7777
(Post 18089861)
Twice I've heard of cops sitting outside an RV park and pulling over pickup trucks with bumper trailers and 5th wheels that were obviously over the truck weight ratings (i.e. F150 and F250). Once this was reported in Arizona and another time in the Carolinas.
Once reported was a man in the Carolinas that got pulled over and upon inspection was over-weight. The cop would not let him move it. He had to hire someone within the legal ratings and legal to hook up and pull it to the nearest campground. Even if your truck can pull the weight, an accident might cost you BIG if you're out of weight ratings. Even if the truck can pull the weight, are you safe? My truck pulls it just fine. There's an easy way to tell if there is a difference between an F250 and an F350... One has a model 2 number in it and the other has a 3 :-X06 |
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