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Daniel97's avatar
Daniel97
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015

f250 or f350?

After for lurking around for a while, I may have decided to pull the trigger. I am looking to buy a 2016 Dutchmen Denali 307RLS. I can tow with the F250 without being over weight (on the higher side, but not over). I am just trying to get some personal opinions about which truck I should get. The trucks are a 2015 F-250 Platinum 4WD and the 2015 F-350 Lariat 4WD. The other question I have is would the 4wd be worth it because you can not tow a fifth wheel with a lifted truck? The truck would mainly be for towing the fifth wheel and a 22 foot bay boat.
  • If the 2008 F350 is the 6.4L diesel version I would not recommend it
  • transamz9 wrote:
    Daniel97 wrote:
    Looks like I am going to go with the f350. I am also looking at a 2008 Lariat F350 4x4 that is $25,000. The 2015 is $53,000. Now time to make some decisions...

    You might want to check into why that 2008 is so cheap if it's a diesel.


    I am definitely going to get it checked out by my brother (a ford mechanic) as I would do with any vehicle.
  • There is a big difference between 2011+ models and earlier ones. Assuming you plan on getting a diesel the 6.7 engine has been impressive so far, more powerful and much more reliable. The pre 6.7 engines at best were mediocre. Unless you go way back the the 7.2

    I was very glad i got the 4WD it opens a whole new world to explore. And occasionally it gets used to pull the fiver out of sticky spots too.
  • Daniel97 wrote:
    Looks like I am going to go with the f350. I am also looking at a 2008 Lariat F350 4x4 that is $25,000. The 2015 is $53,000. Now time to make some decisions...

    You might want to check into why that 2008 is so cheap if it's a diesel.
  • I would take the 4x4 option. It does come in handy when trying to maneuver in swampy grass/mud after a rainstorm. Also if you intend to do some boondocking.

    But mostly I'd get the 4x4 because of the boat. I've lost count of the number of pickups I watched burn their way up wet, slippery, mossy launch ramps - always with the buddies standing on the bumper. Very entertaining ! I would then just put mine in 4x4 and motor up the ramp. I watched my buddy's dually have trouble pulling his 30 footer out of the water one time in Florida - he was sliding back and forth sideways before he finally got traction. There's just not enough weight over the rear wheels on pickups - especially on steeper ramps.

    Also get the limited slip or locking differential. It's usually a cheap option and comes in handy for those sudden situations where you really don't have time to get into 4x4.

    I have a 2013 4x4 F350 dually and it tows my fiver just fine.
  • Looks like I am going to go with the f350. I am also looking at a 2008 Lariat F350 4x4 that is $25,000. The 2015 is $53,000. Now time to make some decisions...
  • You don't hear many complaining because they have too much truck. :)
  • Go with the 350.
    Don't make the mistake of forgetting Payload and only looking at towing capacity.

    The trailer you are looking at has a GVWR of 12,200 lbs. That's about 2,200 lbs of pin weight...then there's the hitch and passengers, etc. all count against you PAYLOAD rating....go with the F350.
  • For what you will pay for that truck the price difference between a F250 and a F350 is minimal. You will increase the tow ratings but the two vehicles drive the same, the F350 will have a better resale value too. And who knows maybe you'll want a larger trailer a few years from now.