I’m looking at purchasing a bigger truck. Not sure if I need a 3/4 or 1 ton yet. Looking through the Auto Trader , there appears to be far more 1 ton trucks available in my area (Alberta). The price difference the 3/4 and 1 ton vehicles isn’t a great deal. Apart from the weight, is there much difference between the two ? Is the ride better in the 3/4 ton ? I’m leaning towards a 3-4 year old used 1 ton due to more availability and choices . I’m also not sure if I need to go the gas or diesel route. We are wanting to upgrade to a fifth wheel in the 10,000-12,000 GVWR range, and we do a lot of mountain driving.

Depends on the year and brand. These days the differences are greater than in the past.On my truck for instance, the difference is an overload spring, lights on the cab and a sticker.

10,000 lb is the upper end for an F-250/2500, if you want to go bigger then you need to look seriously at a 1 ton. A fifth wheel puts about 20% of the weight on the pin so maximum payload becomes a factor. For your intended use you will also be a lot happier with diesel, you will pay a premium up front but it will even out in the long run.

Mr. Biggles - recommend 350/3500 series. Our Alberta doesn’t have any registration restrictions around gross weight ratings for private trucks. My dually is 33000lbs gvwr and registered as a private truck.Our neighbours in BC will check the your door sticker for gvwr and may ask you to scale if your pickup has a case of the squats and waddles due to apparent overloading.I'm told by snowmobilers / 5th wheel owners a single wheel 2500 truck towing is favourite target of BC MOT. AB Trans enforcement takes a dim view of overloading tires.Good hunting

Given that you live in the Alberta area, I would be cautious and check who the previous owners were of any truck. Lots of trucks used on the Alberta oil patch that may have seen rough service and possibly a lot of hours on the engine (idling) that wouldn't show on the odometer. Think some may have an hour meter, but I'm not sure, that might provide a better picture of hours running.

There is very little difference in price between the two because there is very little difference in the actual trucks. They share nearly all the same parts, the Ram 2500/3500 trucks being the exception with completely different rear suspensions. The new gas Ford F250 uses a different transmission. Having said all that, since the price difference is negligible, get the 350/3500.

Differences between 3/4 and 1 ton trucks ? | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Mar 24, 2018
Depends on the year and brand. These days the differences are greater than in the past.
On my truck for instance, the difference is an overload spring, lights on the cab and a sticker.
romore
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2018
10,000 lb is the upper end for an F-250/2500, if you want to go bigger then you need to look seriously at a 1 ton. A fifth wheel puts about 20% of the weight on the pin so maximum payload becomes a factor. For your intended use you will also be a lot happier with diesel, you will pay a premium up front but it will even out in the long run.
noteven
Explorer III
Mar 24, 2018
Mr. Biggles - recommend 350/3500 series. Our Alberta doesn’t have any registration restrictions around gross weight ratings for private trucks. My dually is 33000lbs gvwr and registered as a private truck.

Our neighbours in BC will check the your door sticker for gvwr and may ask you to scale if your pickup has a case of the squats and waddles due to apparent overloading.

I'm told by snowmobilers / 5th wheel owners a single wheel 2500 truck towing is favourite target of BC MOT.

AB Trans enforcement takes a dim view of overloading tires.

Good hunting
Lessmore
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2018
Given that you live in the Alberta area, I would be cautious and check who the previous owners were of any truck. Lots of trucks used on the Alberta oil patch that may have seen rough service and possibly a lot of hours on the engine (idling) that wouldn't show on the odometer. Think some may have an hour meter, but I'm not sure, that might provide a better picture of hours running.
rjstractor
Nomad
Mar 24, 2018
There is very little difference in price between the two because there is very little difference in the actual trucks. They share nearly all the same parts, the Ram 2500/3500 trucks being the exception with completely different rear suspensions. The new gas Ford F250 uses a different transmission. Having said all that, since the price difference is negligible, get the 350/3500.
2oldman
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2018
..
Mr_Biggles
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
Thank you for the replies. I’m leery of the oil patch trucks. Many are modified and abused. I’m taking my time looking for a lightly used , un-modified, well maintained truck. After reading the replies, I think a 1 ton is the way to go. Now to decide on diesel or gas....
rhagfo
Explorer III
Mar 24, 2018
rjstractor wrote:
There is very little difference in price between the two because there is very little difference in the actual trucks. They share nearly all the same parts, the Ram 2500/3500 trucks being the exception with completely different rear suspensions. The new gas Ford F250 uses a different transmission. Having said all that, since the price difference is negligible, get the 350/3500.

^^^^^^ This is the best reason, and the major difference is the GVWR on the VIN sticker!
When looking at a SRW F350 make sure you get the largest GVWR as the F350 can have a GVWR as low as 10,000.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Mar 24, 2018
Mr Biggles wrote:
Thank you for the replies. I’m leery of the oil patch trucks. Many are modified and abused. I’m taking my time looking for a lightly used , un-modified, well maintained truck. After reading the replies, I think a 1 ton is the way to go. Now to decide on diesel or gas....

What trim level are you looking for? I know this one is mint. and very close to you.
Mr_Biggles
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
4x4ord wrote:
Mr Biggles wrote:
Thank you for the replies. I’m leery of the oil patch trucks. Many are modified and abused. I’m taking my time looking for a lightly used , un-modified, well maintained truck. After reading the replies, I think a 1 ton is the way to go. Now to decide on diesel or gas....

What trim level are you looking for? I know this one is mint. and very close to you.

I’m looking for a Lariat. That’s a nice truck,but a bit above my budget.