I am debating to use a F250 or a F350 truck for my 5th wheel that we will be buying soon. I need help on figuring if the weight will be good for ether one. I have the weight of the 5th wheel but there is a difference in what each kind of f250 and f350 with size of engine and size of cab, and bed. I have looked at the towing guide for the F series and still not sure what to do. Who can give me the best advice?I have a friend that really wants for me to buy his F250, and I am not sure if it would handle the weight of my 5th wheel. Again what can I do.The truck is 2010 SD F250 4x4 6.4L V-8 Diesel 5speed Automatic 3.55 ratio. I looked up the Fifth wheel towing and it shows for a 250 6.4L TD that it can tow up to 15,300. The fifth wheel I am getting is a Gateway, GVWR 14.000. Now with that info, what should I do.

Start by posting specs or brand/model of 5th wheel you're talking about.

I would get the owners manual of the truck you are looking at and read what the towing capacity of the truck is based on the engine, axle ratio, and 2 or 4 wheel drive. Also you question is to vague, as you mention nothing of the truck year, the engine in the truck, or the weight of the trailer.

Change your think a bit...don't think what it can pull (tow)- but what it can carry (payload).Post the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the 5th wheel and you will get better advice on which of the two trucks would be best...

If you want to stay "friends" don't buy it from him. Never do business deals with family or friends if you value either one!FYI, tell your friend you decided on an F350 and then you're off the hook gracefully. By the way, you won't be disappointed going with the F350 if you looking for a good tow vehicle. Diesel would be even better, and dully even better, especially if you're towing a 5er. Overkill? Maybe? but you won't regret it! I promise!

F350 then if you trade and get a heavier rig you should be okay

Don't know what to do? | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Johnny_H
Explorer
Jun 16, 2015
X2 A bigger truck can pull a smaller trailer a lot easier than a smaller truck can pull a bigger trailer!
Tyler0215
Explorer
Jun 06, 2015
Go with a 350. Nobody complains about having too much truck.
roadnerd
Explorer
May 31, 2015
BulldawgFan wrote:
Steer clear of the 6.0 and 6.4 diesel engine. Do some research, trust me.

As a 6.0 owner, I'd agree... Unless you are "into it" and want to mod and maintain religiously, I'd avoid these motors/series of f250s. For more info, www.powerstroke.org. If money is no object then a new 6.7 or a Duramax with a warranty is a better choice.

Of course, everythine on the market has it's list of issues (Duramax transmission mounts, Dodge transmissions), so there is "peril" everywhere...

That being said: The 6.0 is a great truck if taken care of, and if you can get one cheap, you can do all the upgrades and still have something that is 1/3 the cost of a new one.

To the OP: I'd actually suggest letting the choice of tow vehicle drive the trailer choice - get the truck 1st, THEN decide on a trailer. Good luck, and remember the most important thing: have fun, it's camping!
Campinfan
Explorer III
May 30, 2015
When I looked last at the ratings of the 250 vs the 350, I actually found that sometimes the 250 has more capacity and sometimes the 350 only gives you 100 lbs more. It all depends on what "package" you get. Got the Trailer Life 2015 tow book right in front of me now. Can't figure it out.
BulldawgFan
Explorer
May 29, 2015
Steer clear of the 6.0 and 6.4 diesel engine. Do some research, trust me.
BubbaChris
Explorer
May 27, 2015
If the F250 was a gasser, you might have enough payload available. But like most the other replies, I believe you need the F350.

You'll still have to watch out for how optioned out an F350 is, I've seen (a very pretty) one on the dealer's floor that was barely over 2,100 lbs of payload.
Grit_dog
Navigator III
May 26, 2015
If you're buying used, skip the 6.4 and look for a 6.7 diesel unless you're saving enough $ to make it worth having the big brother to the 6.0 N0. Enough reasons out there to not make this mistake unless it's worth it $$$$.
No brand wars here, lol.
Regarding 250 vs 350? Imo if you're sticking with a srw truck, used, find the best deal on a truck based on miles, condition, price and if it happens to be a 250 then you may need to add airbags or overload springs, etc. consider it an added cost to the 250 but when looking used you need to find the best vehicle overall, not necessarily the prefect vehicle at one thing.
kmbelt
Explorer
May 26, 2015
westend wrote:
The F250 may have two disadvantages--the 3.55 rear end and the 4x4. Neither are wanted for just towing.

If buying new, I'd definitely get the F350, bigger truck with more functionality, better resale value, about the same price as F250.

I have an F250 4x4 and it is a great truck. It wouldn't be my pick for a fifth wheel hauler.

I'll add a third disadvantage. It has the 6.4 in it. THIRSTY....
dbbls
Explorer
May 26, 2015
Pin weight is about 20% of the trailer weight. Add to this the weight of the hitch, passengers, and anything else you will be putting in the truck. With a trailer the size you stated you are definitely in the 1 ton truck size. While you can get by with a single rear wheel, a dually will give you a much more stable platform. With a dually you will not notice cross or head winds, and you will not feel a push when a semi passes you.
westend
Explorer
May 25, 2015
The F250 may have two disadvantages--the 3.55 rear end and the 4x4. Neither are wanted for just towing.

If buying new, I'd definitely get the F350, bigger truck with more functionality, better resale value, about the same price as F250.

I have an F250 4x4 and it is a great truck. It wouldn't be my pick for a fifth wheel hauler.

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