2013 F350 Shopping: Options to consider?

[breeno]

So I'm considering upgrading my TV to get some breathing room on my payload. As much as I love my Tundra, after hitching up and loading up the family, I have no more capacity to toss motorcycle/scooter/generators/firewood in the bed. Standard 1/2 ton woes, really. When we bought the Tundra, a TT wasn't even a consideration (we had a popup) --but, alas, here we are, with our new 32' TT...

I shopped F250s initially at first, but the payload (via yellow door stickers) numbers are underwhelming (2k-ish). As the F350 isn't a bunch more $$ -- and I've been seeing yellow sticker reported payload numbers of 3200-3400# it looks like the F350 is right choice for our needs.

Anyway -- I've located a nice candidate locally:
2013 F350 SRW PSD 6.7 w/ 8' bed Lariat w/ 3.55

Ordering is certainly an option, although I have a long summer trip in the mountains planned and I'd love to have the new TV for that trip.

My use:
- Current TT is around 6.5k ready-to-camp
- Anticipated bed load of motorcycle, scooter, generator, firewood, etc around 1.5k or so

Clearly I'm not going to be using much of this truck, but I really don't want to have to deal with buying a new TV for sometime, so I'm thinking now is the time to buy "enough" truck for the future and be done with it. I'm not keen on a DRW vehicle, as my wife would never EVER drive that thing, and I do like swapping cars with her on occasion.

So my question for folks who know F350s -- are there any "must consider" options that I should look for?
I've been pouring over threads on various forums, but I'm trying to avoid a forehead-slapping "Doh! I should have gotten one with that feature!" moments after plunking down a massive stack of $ for one of these things. Any feedback much appreciated!

[Ric_Flair]

Since you've already decided to upgrade, may as well go all the way and get a GM product 🙂

[Farmer_David]

Navigation is something I would hate to do without, I also really like the fifth wheel prep option, I have the B&W hitch for it.

[Bob_Landry]

Another thing with the Tundra, and it's with any of the 1/2ton series trucks. That is fuel tank size. 26 gallons just doesn't get it. After a couple of white knuckle experiences relating to finding a fuel stop, I put a 47 gallon Transfer Flow tank in it and that made for less stressful trips. 40 miles from Rock Springs Wy, at 11 oclock at night, fighting a head wind and the gas light comes on, is not where you really want to be.
Once you move up to a F-250 or F-350 gasser, the gas tank is 35 gallons and that works. The tank size on the diesels vary according to wheelbase length.

[breeno]

Bob Landry wrote:
I just traded a Tundra 5.7L on a F-250, not because the truck wouldn't tow, but because I wanted more payload. The truck was a stump puller, but you couldn't load much in it. Unless the OP is looking to move to a heavy fiver, the Crew Cab short bed gasser makes a lot of sense. With the contoured front caps on the fivers today, they work fine with most short bed trucks, and the SB is certainly a lot easier to get around in for town driving. I bought the XLT because I could add the options I wanted cheaper than buying them as part of expensive packages that also had equipment I didn't care about. I added fog lights, a back up camera, clearance lights, and a retractable bed cover.

Thanks, Bob, very helpful post.

I am completely satisfied with the Tundra as a tow vehicle -- but like you, the payload, or lack thereof, limits what I can do/bring. And I certainly wouldn't mind a bit more headroom for safety rather than be on the edge as I am now.

We may just punt entirely on the TV upgrade and just work around the issue and enjoy the Tundra. But if we do move to the F350, it'll definitely be the 6.7 ... really love that motor and I'm willing to take the risk that Ford got that one right...

Also, when I test drove the F350, the ride quality surprised me - it's very decent unloaded. Of course, the Tundra is hardly a Lexus in terms of ride quality...so I suppose it's all relative 🙂

[Bob_Landry]

I just traded a Tundra 5.7L on a F-250, not because the truck wouldn't tow, but because I wanted more payload. The truck was a stump puller, but you couldn't load much in it. Unless the OP is looking to move to a heavy fiver, the Crew Cab short bed gasser makes a lot of sense. With the contoured front caps on the fivers today, they work fine with most short bed trucks, and the SB is certainly a lot easier to get around in for town driving. I bought the XLT because I could add the options I wanted cheaper than buying them as part of expensive packages that also had equipment I didn't care about. I added fog lights, a back up camera, clearance lights, and a retractable bed cover.

[Winged_One]

Based on where you live, I would recommend: Lariat interior package, Tailgate step (greatest invention), Tough bed (or get it aftermarket), Upfitter switches (cheap and handy). If you want more, order more. Ford has the best build it page of the big three.

The 6.7 is really nice.

[skyhammer]

Here are a few options that I am glad I have.
As mentioned the tail gate step. Block heater, rapid supplemental heat, nothing like having heat on start up.Dual alternators, I draw over 200 amps on start up in the Winter.Mud flaps. Remote start, heated/cooled seats. Upfitter switches if you think that you will be installing some electrical devices.

[Jarlaxle]

breeno wrote:
So I'm considering upgrading my TV to get some breathing room on my payload. As much as I love my Tundra, after hitching up and loading up the family, I have no more capacity to toss motorcycle/scooter/generators/firewood in the bed. Standard 1/2 ton woes, really. When we bought the Tundra, a TT wasn't even a consideration (we had a popup) --but, alas, here we are, with our new 32' TT...

I shopped F250s initially at first, but the payload (via yellow door stickers) numbers are underwhelming (2k-ish). As the F350 isn't a bunch more $$ -- and I've been seeing yellow sticker reported payload numbers of 3200-3400# it looks like the F350 is right choice for our needs.

Anyway -- I've located a nice candidate locally:
2013 F350 SRW PSD 6.7 w/ 8' bed Lariat w/ 3.55

Ordering is certainly an option, although I have a long summer trip in the mountains planned and I'd love to have the new TV for that trip.

My use:
- Current TT is around 6.5k ready-to-camp
- Anticipated bed load of motorcycle, scooter, generator, firewood, etc around 1.5k or so

Clearly I'm not going to be using much of this truck, but I really don't want to have to deal with buying a new TV for sometime, so I'm thinking now is the time to buy "enough" truck for the future and be done with it. I'm not keen on a DRW vehicle, as my wife would never EVER drive that thing, and I do like swapping cars with her on occasion.

So my question for folks who know F350s -- are there any "must consider" options that I should look for?
I've been pouring over threads on various forums, but I'm trying to avoid a forehead-slapping "Doh! I should have gotten one with that feature!" moments after plunking down a massive stack of $ for one of these things. Any feedback much appreciated!

Yes: the 6.2 gas engine. Run away from the 6.7 Ford diesel as fast as you can!

[MFL]

4x4ord, The B&W Companion OEM for Ford fits Fords prep kit. You have to use Ford's ball (Reese) in their kit.

Good set up,

Jerry

[agesilaus]

That I don't know, probably not.

[4x4ord]

agesilaus wrote:

4x4ord wrote:
I might have a hard time borrowing money for such options as leather, sunroof, nav, 20" wheels, the chrome package, outfitter switches and FX4 package. If your paying cash, get it all. I really like the B&W hitch so I didn't want the 5th wheel prep package.

B&W has modified their Companion to use the prep package. They call it the Companion OEM. Pullrite also has a prep package compatible hitch.

That is interesting. I haven't seen the Ford system....do you get the turnover ball?

[agesilaus]

4x4ord wrote:
I might have a hard time borrowing money for such options as leather, sunroof, nav, 20" wheels, the chrome package, outfitter switches and FX4 package. If your paying cash, get it all. I really like the B&W hitch so I didn't want the 5th wheel prep package.

B&W has modified their Companion to use the prep package. They call it the Companion OEM. Pullrite also has a prep package compatible hitch.

[rightyouareken]

BeerCan wrote:
Tailgate step is one of my favorite features.

X2. My F150 has one and its terrifically handy.

[4x4ord]

I might have a hard time borrowing money for such options as leather, sunroof, nav, 20" wheels, the chrome package, outfitter switches and FX4 package. If your paying cash, get it all. I really like the B&W hitch so I didn't want the 5th wheel prep package.

[BeerCan]

Tailgate step is one of my favorite features. Also suggest the 5th wheel prep, dual alternators, wheel well liners and bodyside moulding. Lariat package gets you a nice interior. Cable lock for your toys, I use mine all the time.

After market I suggest weathertech mats