Don't know what to do?

[markjschuttler_]

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.

[Johnny_H]

X2 A bigger truck can pull a smaller trailer a lot easier than a smaller truck can pull a bigger trailer!

[Tyler0215]

Go with a 350. Nobody complains about having too much truck.

[roadnerd]

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]

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]

Steer clear of the 6.0 and 6.4 diesel engine. Do some research, trust me.

[BubbaChris]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[mdamerell]

Ball parking some numbers a 3/4 or 1 ton diesels will weight 7,500 to 8,000# loaded with fuel, hitch and family. When you open the driver's door there is a sticker which will list the GVWR for that truck. The F250 will be about 10,000# GVWR so (10,000 - 8,000 - 2,000) you'll be able to carry a 2,000# pin (hitch) weight. Average pin is 20% of loaded trailer weight so a 10,000# trailer.

The trailer you listed is 14,000# GVWR or a 2,800# pin weight (ball park) so you need a truck with a GVWR of 11,000# or higher. That means you are looking at a F350 and a dually might be the better option. Age and spec's effects the ratings, so just open the door and look. Leave yourself a little wiggle room with the numbers.

[bbaker2001]

sorry , but I think the 3/4 would be a little light. but for me it would be perfect. how much does he want. I am in CA, but what a great trip it would be.

[Dennis_M_M]

Dry weight means nothing, it will never be dry again. GVWR is TOTAL maximum weight. If you fill the tanks that is part of your carrying capacity.

[markjschuttler_]

I will need to look at what you wrote. I will need to do my homework. I am leaning more towards the 350 Dully.... Thanks for the info.