LosAnglees, you should actually go to a .....car dealer and look at the trucks you're contemplating, or at least look at some pictures on the Internet. 250/350 = same truck basically except the 350 has an even heavier rear axle and more payload capacity in stock form.
Tailgate? Take it off, leave it on if it closes.
Clearance lights. I like them for looks. Sometimes they reflect off the camper overhead if it hangs over the lights though. Not a huge risk of leaks wiring shorts, etc.
Battery type? Doesn't matter.
Tires? Yes since you're looking at stripper XLs, they have marginal capacity tires. And they look too d@mn small anyway. You can swap them with a set of takeoff 18s or 20s off of CL or eBay and sell yours for better capacity and size for very little $ if you sell yours. Otherwise with 17s you're stuck with low load rated tires. 17s are for some reason only made in lightweight tires now.
Cruise vs value package? It's almost 2019. You'll be ok with power windows and the other useful stuff that comes with it.
Don't waste any $ on the FX4 package. If it looks cool, buy the stickers!
Power rear slider is a great vent window compared to cracking open side windows at highway speeds.
Electric locker feature is awesome, IF you're going places you need it. If 2wd, then it's even more useful for the oh shoot moments. If 4wd it's unnecessary unless you're planning on some really bad terrain or off road snow and ice driving.
OE driving lights are nice. You didn't mention them. Aftermarket stuff is great too, but not many options you can use with traffic on the road like OE lights.
you're not coming to get front buckets or the premium sorrsge options in a stripped down XL, but the center seat back console is decent.
Good luck truck shopping!
