f250 or f350?

[Daniel97]

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.

[Allworth]

Having had both (2004 RAM 2500 4x4 shortbed and now a 2006 Chevy 3500 4x4 longbed) with diesel plants, I would not bother with a 2500 given the relatively small difference in price.

You can always tow below the limits on a 3500, but not (comfortably) above the limits of the 2500.

[cruz-in]

F350 for sure...I have an F250 and wish I had the F350....

As far as 6.4L versus 6.7L. IMHO, it depends on the year. Personally would stay away from the 2008s (the first year the 6.4 was used).

However, I would not hesitate buying a good 2010 6.4L....I own one. It has 60K miles on it and not one single problem so far.

2WD versus 4WD. I went with a 2WD and glad I did. In 5 years of hauling, never needed 4WD. Not having 4WD gives me about 400 pounds greater carrying capacity, lowers the overall height, and gives improved ride/handling due to the front suspension. Some even argue better mileage due to less weight and lower height but I am skeptical on this. Besides DW said no to the increased height of the 4WD, so a 2WD it was.....albeit with a limited slip differential.

[Timay]

valhalla360 wrote:
If it's a single rear wheel F350, I would go for that.

Unless you do a lot of off roading (for which an F250 or F350 is a horrible option anyway), not much benefit in going 4x4.Realistically, a 4x2 with limited slip and a 5th wheel on the back will have a ton of traction.

Until it doesn't! We pulled down into a farm lane and off in a field for a family reunion, pulling a 26' travel trailer. Going out on the dirt farm lane that went uphill, the dirt would let the tires spin as the traction was gone from the angle of attack. Tried it about two times then put it in 4WD and drove right out. Many more similar stories, mine and others.

4WD for me!

Tim

[ljr]

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...

Good call. It still pains me that I replaced a perfectly good F-250 simply because my taste in RVs outgrew it. Not spending the relatively small extra amount for an F-350 was a very expensive mistake on my part.

I've always had 4x4 TVs. I've only really needed it a handful of times but then I REALLY needed it. Sometimes the capability to negotiate a few feet over mud or wet grass can save a days travel and a very expensive tow.

[transamz9]

Grandpere wrote:
I also agree with going with the F350, and make sure it is a dually, as long as you are going up just as well get the best setup for towing duallies are more stable.

Freight liners and Peterbilts are more stable. Why not just go all out. Why settle for a little 350 with training wheels.

[Dave_H_M]

It seems like the 4X4 drivers are the most boisterous.

i am not knocking the 4X4, but i ordered an F 250 so i could get what I wanted and needed which was a 2X4. I don't boat or park my fifth wheel on grassy slopes.

Where i live, you aren't cool unless you got the large 4X4 decal. But I am just an old pfart that does not get into running with the big dogs.

You have to get what you need.

[rhagfo]

CarlT100 wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
If it's a single rear wheel F350, I would go for that.

Unless you do a lot of off roading (for which an F250 or F350 is a horrible option anyway), not much benefit in going 4x4. Realistically, a 4x2 with limited slip and a 5th wheel on the back will have a ton of traction.

I have ti disagree. I have had one 4X2 F250 and three 4X4 F350's. I will not go back to a 4X2. I don't use the 4 wheel drive often; but when I need it, it's there. I use it most often on slippery, wet boat ramps. Obviously, I don't have the weight of a fiver in the bed on boat ramps. I also use it on wet grassy slopes with the fiver. On the very rare occasions when I am in snow, I am happy to have a 4x4.

X3 never go back to 4X2!

[CarlT100]

valhalla360 wrote:
If it's a single rear wheel F350, I would go for that.

Unless you do a lot of off roading (for which an F250 or F350 is a horrible option anyway), not much benefit in going 4x4. Realistically, a 4x2 with limited slip and a 5th wheel on the back will have a ton of traction.

I have ti disagree. I have had one 4X2 F250 and three 4X4 F350's. I will not go back to a 4X2. I don't use the 4 wheel drive often; but when I need it, it's there. I use it most often on slippery, wet boat ramps. Obviously, I don't have the weight of a fiver in the bed on boat ramps. I also use it on wet grassy slopes with the fiver. On the very rare occasions when I am in snow, I am happy to have a 4x4.

[valhalla360]

If it's a single rear wheel F350, I would go for that.

Unless you do a lot of off roading (for which an F250 or F350 is a horrible option anyway), not much benefit in going 4x4. Realistically, a 4x2 with limited slip and a 5th wheel on the back will have a ton of traction.

[Golden_HVAC]

Your local Ford dealer will find a F-350 with all the options that you need for towing. Do not get 'stuck' with what they have on their lot.

If it is located 200 miles away, then the guys who do oil changes, or perhaps a couple of salesmen will drive over and pick up your vehicle. More than that, and they should have it shipped to your local dealership.

Unless they are offering well over 15,000 off the MSRP, I would walk from the deal, unless it really is the truck you want and need.

Ford is offering Friends and Family pricing to everyone right now, take advantage of it.!!


Fred.

[avvidclif1]

agesilaus wrote:
"350 4x4. What engine does that 08 have. Its not the 6.4 is it? "

Yes, the 6.4 was introduced in 2008. It has 350 HP and 650 ft-lb of torque. 2015 engines are rated at 440 horsepower and 860 lb·ft. So you can there is a very big difference. The best thing that can be said about the 6.4 is that it wasn't as bad as the 6.0 that came before it.

Have you owned a 6.4 or are just quoting what you have read?

[laknox]

agesilaus wrote:
"350 4x4. What engine does that 08 have. Its not the 6.4 is it? "

Yes, the 6.4 was introduced in 2008. It has 350 HP and 650 ft-lb of torque. 2015 engines are rated at 440 horsepower and 860 lb·ft. So you can there is a very big difference. The best thing that can be said about the 6.4 is that it wasn't as bad as the 6.0 that came before it.

While hp and torque are nice, they don't come free. You still have to feed the beast. 🙂 I backed off on buying a newer truck when I was looking as the FWs I am interested in are lighter than my current one. My paid-off < 100k mile '02, looks a whole lot better than a $25-30k loan for a low-mile '06-07 D'max, even after totally refurbishing the '02 with some light body work, new paint and updated interior. 🙂

Lyle

[laknox]

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...

From my experience, I wish I'd held out for a 3500 SRW (I'm a GM guy) instead of my 2500. Even with my fairly light-pin FW at a GVW of 11,300, I'm overweight on my '02, though tires and axle are within spec. I also use my 4wd regularly when I tow on dirt. You get on a washboard road and, even with the weight of the FW on you, you can still get rear wheel hop. Running in 4wd really helps out in those situations. (FWIW, I'm talking < 35 mph, mostly around 25 mph, in my situation.) Having the 4LO option is also great if you boondock and need to take it really slow over uneven terrain. Even if you never =plan= on being off-road, that one time you could really use 4wd, and you don't have it, will convince you of its usefulness. Personally, I'll never own another 2wd gasser, as long as I'm RVing. I've got my current FW up for sale and looking at a larger, yet lighter, model, but I'd still rather have a 3500 to tow it.

Lyle

[rblake39]

4x4...always happy I have it when my rear wheels are in the water on a steep slippery boat ramp. And that's a 19 foot bass boat. 22 foot bay boat has to be heavier.

[WyoTraveler]

If I were going to buy a 5ver and PU, especially 4wd I would measure height of PU bed, height of hitch in bed, height of bed sidewalls, hitch adjustment available on 5ver, and how much height is gained by reversing 5ver axle. Check it all out before you buy not just listening to sales person. You do not want to tow your 5ver down the hwy looking like a rocket launcher.