Newbie questions
My wife and I are getting set to start RVing. The plan is to work full time for four more years, part time for another four and the full time on the road for a couple of years. We have no prior RV e...
Forum Discussion
pyoung47 wrote:
Be sure to note the difference in height for the F-350 and F-250. If you can make the 350 work with your fifth wheel, by all means opt for it. I believe that all of the options are available on the 350 that are available on the 250.
By height, I mean: the tailgate on the 350 is at 59 inches and the bed is at about 38 inches. The 250 is at 56 and 36 respectively. The higher value can put your fiver significantly nose high, especially with one using 15 inch tires. Payload on the 250 is sufficient for many fivers, but if you are thinking of moving to one of the larger, more luxurious versions, the 350 is the way to go. Just be aware of the issues.
You should also be aware that the payload ratings given on the Ford tables that I have seen list those with the gasoline engine, which are significantly different than those with the diesel which is much heavier. To find the diesel payload ratings, you will need to find the Gross Vehicle weight of the vehicle (10,000 for a 250) and subtract the vehicle weight (about 7600 for a diesel truck). Add in your weight and the wife's weight, plus the hitch weight, fuel etc. and you can determine the "book" weight for a fiver pin weight rating. about 1500 pounds for the 250.
Personally, I am looking at the 250, since I have a fiver with only a dry pin weight of 950 pounds, plus it will not accept the height of the 350 without modification.
Thank you. I hadn't considered the height issue.
I am still confused about the weight issue.
If you add me, the wife the dog, fuel etc. I get about 1400 lbs payload left over. I am told to expect a pin weight of 20% to 25% of the FW GVW. That limits me to a FW with a gross weight of 5600 lbs, no?
For a TT that wouldn't that be 15% giving me a gross TT weight of 9300 lbs?
The only difference I see between the 250 and 350 is the max rear axle weight. The 350 is about 1000 lbs greater than the 250. The listed payload is the 10,000 with the heavy tow package.
And then Ford puts in a FW tow number of 15,900 for both. But that is tow, not load, no?
My head is buzzing and it isn't even cocktail time.
Wayne from Maine
