Buying new truck: ? about gears and cab configuration

For towing the weight your talking about either gears should be fine. If towing really heavy I'd want the lowest I could get.
A longer wheel base will tow and ride better than a shorter wheel base.
The reason for the lower GVWR packages is to get around certain DOT laws that kick in for GVWR over 10,000 pounds. If you're not using the truck for commercial purposes most of them shouldn't apply anyway so I'd just stick with the 11,400 GVWR package.
That's one of those things that makes it a little funny that some people get so bent out of shape about loading over the GVWR. My work truck is a Chevy 3500 which normally comes with an 11,500 GVWR but my boss ordered it with a 10,000 rating to avoid some DOT requirements. The truck is the same, it hauls 11,500 just fine.

Sheldon Cooper wrote:
Looking for input

I will tow a 33'5th Wheel with a UVW 9,195 & Hitch Weight 1,695

My truck to be is a 2017 F-350 diesel single wheel 4x4 short box

My questions:

1. Pluses and minuses of 3.55 or 3.73 gears. Not interested in 4:10.

2. Which cab configuration?
Crew Cab = 160" wheel base
Super (Extended) Cab = 148" wheel base

2a. Does the cab style affect driver comfort, handling, or fatigue while pulling?

2b. Does the wheel base affect driver comfort, handling, or fatigue while pulling?

2c. What about backing pluses and minuses with each cab?

3. Does selecting a different GVWR package make any difference for towing? I.E. There is an option for 10,000/9,900 and 11,400 GVWR package.

The 2017 F350 Super Cab Short Box 4x4 Diesel with 11,400 GVWR is on my wishlist for when I retire my Dodge. It's crazy to me that GM only offer their extended cab & short box combo in a 3/4 ton, and that Dodge no longer offer the Quad Cab (extended) anymore.

The extended cabs are a breeze to drive and park in town and on tight job sites, while the 6'8" "short" box on the Ford offers plenty of room and clearance for trailers. Unless you have rear passengers that will be with you on your long trips then get the extended and don't look back. It's plenty of room for shorter trips and a great place to put bags etc.

RE GVWR package, unless it's for commercial use, then stick to the max GVWR you can get so 11,400. The different in registration costs is minimal.

Yes, a longer wheelbase is even more stable for towing but a 148" wheelbase is still far longer than a Suburban and is plenty long enough to two a big 5er and arrive at your destination relaxed.

Sheldon Cooper wrote:
Looking for input

I will tow a 33'5th Wheel with a UVW 9,195 & Hitch Weight 1,695

My truck to be is a 2017 F-350 diesel single wheel 4x4 short box

My questions:

1. Pluses and minuses of 3.55 or 3.73 gears. Not interested in 4:10.

Since you are looking at a F-350 SRW with diesel, you only gearing choices are 3.31 or 3.55.

I thought the only options for a f350 srw in gearing were 3:31 and 3:55

Longer wheelbase is always going to ride better.

A 33' 9195 dry weight 5th wheel ?? Some one posted the other day with a 9xxx lb dry weight 5th wheel trailer but it had a 4600 lb CCC = 13k-14k gvwr trailer. Point being depending on actual weight pulled you may want the 3.55 gears. Your call there.

Cab configuration and 148" vs 160" ??
Choose the cab you like as there is little to no difference in ride/comfort in those length wheel base trucks. Ford used three different RAWR suspension and 4wd vs 2wd suspensions which can affect a trucks ride. You will be fine with the 148" wheel base.
The shorter wheelbase truck can cause the tail of the trailer to react a bit quicker...but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

10000 GVWR vs 11400 GVWR ??
These can be the same exact truck....however the forums weight cops will be all over you as the 10k GVWR truck has a lower payload number on the tire sticker.
Both trucks are the same mechanically....just a different GVWR number on the door sticker. If you don't need the 10000 gvwr for a cheaper registration costs or a cheaper insurance rate/etc go with the 11400 gvwr truck.

Sheldon Cooper wrote:

33'5th Wheel with a UVW 9,195 & Hitch Weight 1,695
2017 F-350 diesel SRW 4x4 short box

My questions:

1. 3.55 or 3.73 gears?

2. Which cab configuration?
Crew Cab = 160" wheel base
Super (Extended) Cab = 148" wheel base

2a. Does the cab style affect driver comfort, handling, or fatigue while pulling?

2b. Does the wheel base affect driver comfort, handling, or fatigue while pulling?

2c. What about backing pluses and minuses with each cab?

3. Does selecting a different GVWR package make any difference for towing? I.E. There is an option for 10,000/9,900 and 11,400 GVWR package.

Take a look at page 23 on the 2017 Ford Towing Guide

Are you dead set on a short bed pickup? When I was shopping I stumbled across my 8' bed, crew cab RAM. I wasn't looking for something that long but now that I have it I'm very happy. You definitely have to pay attention when parking but you learn the tricks. The nicest thing is with an 8' bed you don't need a slider 5th wheel hitch.

1) 3.31 or 3.55 are your gear options.

2) I prefer a crew cab because we're a family of 5 with 3 boys. You can get by with a Supercab. How many people will be riding in the truck on a regular basis? If you have frequent back seat passengers get the crew cab. But, if you only have someone every once in a great while, get a Supercab with an 8' bed.

2a) I like to feel I have plenty of room. The larger crew cab doesn't feel cramped on long runs.

2b) Wheel base definitely effects comfort. The longer it is the less you feel road joints and you 'float' more.

2c) I mostly use my side mirrors for backing, when looking over my shoulder I do like the visibility in a crew cab.

3) Get the higher GVWR. You'll regret it if you don't. It doesn't change the power of the truck but it does give you more capacity for pin weight.

Are you ordering this truck new? Without a doubt, if you're buying new be sure to get the Factory 5th wheel and gooseneck prep package. This makes installation and removal of the hitch a snap and leaves your bed clear when the hitch is out. I installed the package on my RAM after I bought it and I'm so glad this is an option.

KJ

I just went from a SRW F350 extended cab/8' bed to a crew SRW F350/8' bed... big difference in turning and parking. I would get the extended/8' bed.

Forget how often you are carrying passengers. If you got a Labador, the crew cab is a must.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. But it's true. :)

Resale tends to be quite a bit better on the crew cabs versus the super cabs because more people want them. Ditto 4wd versus 2wd, at least in my part of the country. Just something to think about.

Sheldon Cooper wrote:
Looking for input

I will tow a 33'5th Wheel with a UVW 9,195 & Hitch Weight 1,695

My truck to be is a 2017 F-350 diesel single wheel 4x4 short box. I will not have passengers.

My questions:

1. Pluses and minuses of 3.31 or 3.55 gears for towing this 5th Wheel.

2. Which cab configuration?
Crew Cab = 160" wheel base
Super (Extended) Cab = 148" wheel base

2a. Does the cab style affect driver comfort, handling, or fatigue while pulling? I.E. Am I going to be white knuckling the steering wheel with one or the other?

2b. Does the wheel base affect driver comfort, handling, or fatigue while daily driving and not towing?

2c. What about backing pluses and minuses with each cab? Does one have an advantage over the other?

3. Does selecting a different GVWR package make any difference for towing? I.E. There is an option for 10,000/9,900 and 11,400 GVWR package.
3a. Why select a higher GVMR?

With the ford 6.7 diesel SRW,the differences in gearing is mad eup with the tire choice.

3.31 - 20" tires
3.55 - 18" tires