F250 w/ 12.5k FW

Turtle n Peeps wrote:

taken wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
He has a de-rated F350. Same frame, 6.7, tranny suspension, sans rears springs. Tell him to air bag it and go have fun.

This 100%^^^

Every part of the 250 is identical to the SRW 350 with a 11.5k GVWR except for two things. The SRW 350 comes standard with rear upper overload springs which are optional on the 250 as part of the camper package. The 350 also has 4" rear spacer blocks as opposed to the 2" ones on a 250. Every other part is 100% identical. Main spring packs, transmission, frame, brakes, axles, differential, wheel/tire packages, everything. The 250 GVWR and GAWR are derated on paper and the door jamb sticker for two reasons. To appeal to a different market segment and to save registration fees in those states that charge more for trucks with a higher GVWR. Some think because of a Ford literature misprint that the 350 has thicker axles with a higher spline count but this has been verified to be false by Ford engineers and many regular Joes who took the time to look up the part numbers on both. So, if your friend has the camper package he has the overload springs. If not, get airbags to prevent sag and done. He can also swap out the 2" blocks for 4" blocks to have more of an unloaded rake that will help keep the truck level when loaded. It's only about $125 in parts for the blocks and longer u-bolts.

Finally two people that "really" know trucks.

It just goes to show you how good marketing works. My boss has towed a 37' toyhauler all over the biggest mountains in the west with a bagged 2500 Dodge. It tows great with no problems.

It don't really matter if an F250 is a de-rated F350 or not, nor does the reason for the de-rate matter... what will matter is the legality of the combination of truck and trailer in your home state. I know Texas is getting aggressive with registration, licensing and inspection of both driver and rig.

Despite any naysayers; I look for all states to bump it up a notch as more big trailers hit the roads.