how much difference, 250 x 350?

[coon_creekers]

we have not yet deciced on a trailer length, but it def will be a fifth wheel. my be, knowing dh, tow vehicle will be a diesel ford super duty, but both of us are kind of uncertain if we really will need a 350? allowing for empty vs stuffed full trailer weight, how would one really know what you are pulling without packing it up and weighing? ..........and there is the problem..... is the 350 really that much different in capacity?? would a 250 be adequate? I know we would not be over a 35footer. please throw in your opinions

[Winged_One]

dave17352 wrote:
Really, is that all it is a sticker? Interesting I thought maybe different tires and rims.

No they are not right, there are suspension differences.

[dave17352]

Really, is that all it is a sticker? Interesting I thought maybe different tires and rims.

[JIMNLIN]

Here's an interesting question on that. Does anyone know the difference between a SRW 350 with the 10k GVWR package vs. a SRW 350 with the 11400 GVWR package? Is it just a sticker to get past the CA regs or is there a physical difference?

Sure we can find any difference in the 10k GVWR and the 11.4K F350 SRW. Their both the same truck when we look at Fords https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/techspec.html.
As shelbyj says its just a number that the truck manufacturer may choose to stickered on their truck. Feds tell us they can use any GVWR up to the sum of the GAWRs.

Much speculation why Ford would offer the 10k package. A few states charge more for registration above the 10k level. And other states like mine have no registered weights for a private use truck.

I assume the OP isn't interested in a one ton DRW. Different animal and much more payload capacity potential.

[shelbyj]

I don't think there is a physical difference. Its just a "rating"

[DavinD]

JIMNLIN wrote:
F350 SRW trucks come with a 10000 lb GVWR up to a 11500 lb GVWR.
One new poster had a question about his F350 SRW having a very low payload number. The reason was he had a F350 SRW with a 10k GVWR instead of the higher 11xxx GVWR.
Now my point here is pay close attention to the trucks numbers your buying.

Example from Fleet Ford specs:
'14 F350 SRW 4x4 CC 172.4" 6.7 diesel with a 11200 GVWR has a 3560 lb payload.

'14 F350 SRW 4x4 CC 172.4" 6.7 diesel with a 10000 GVWR has a 2360 lb payload.

The same configured truck in a 10000 GVWR F250 has a 2410 lb payload.

So saying a F350 SRW has more payload potential isn't always true as the poor poster I mentioned above found out. 'Course he was educated about GVWR not determining how much a load a truck can carry.

I've always bought the size truck I wanted and simply matched the weight of the trailer to the truck axle/tire load ratings...... using it as a max load if needed.

Here's an interesting question on that. Does anyone know the difference between a SRW 350 with the 10k GVWR package vs. a SRW 350 with the 11400 GVWR package? Is it just a sticker to get past the CA regs or is there a physical difference?

[sandpiper1]

The main reason the F250 may not be enough truck is in the GVWR. The F250 has a max GVWR of 10000. The truck with the diesel engine, 4x4, and crew cab weighs around 7500. 4 people could weigh up to 500 pounds. Add the hitch and a few other things in the bed and the truck can weigh over 8000 easy. Now add more than 2000 for the pin weight of a 5th wheel, mine is about 2300, and you have exceeded the GVWR. Now is when some people will chime in and say it doesn't matter and you will be ok. So I recommend doing the math and you will find you need at least the SRW F350 with a 11500 GVWR and never worry. My F350 dually weighs 8080. Add 600 for passengers and dogs. Then 2300 for pin weight and I come up with 10980. Subtract that from the 11800 GVWR and I come up with 820 to spare. I probably use up some of that depending on the trip and what I carry in the bed. Good luck.

[stickdog]

We brought the horse before the cart. We did plan on a big cart so our 350 DRW had plenty of capacity and we still have room for more in the future. Sometimes you just want a bigger cart.

[kennethwooster]

I started with F250 in 03. Then bought a f350 SRW, which carried the load much better then the F250. 2011 I had to get a F250 as I was in a bind and there was not much of a choice. Pulled fine once I got air bags. Traded in for a F350 DRW with all carrying capacity possible. Cannot believe how the dRW is so much better then the SRW. Even going down the road without a load the DRw is sweet to drive. I should have done this years ago.

[cream_peach]

go for the 350, better safe than

[JIMNLIN]

F350 SRW trucks come with a 10000 lb GVWR up to a 11500 lb GVWR.
One new poster had a question about his F350 SRW having a very low payload number. The reason was he had a F350 SRW with a 10k GVWR instead of the higher 11xxx GVWR.
Now my point here is pay close attention to the trucks numbers your buying.

Example from Fleet Ford specs:
'14 F350 SRW 4x4 CC 172.4" 6.7 diesel with a 11200 GVWR has a 3560 lb payload.

'14 F350 SRW 4x4 CC 172.4" 6.7 diesel with a 10000 GVWR has a 2360 lb payload.

The same configured truck in a 10000 GVWR F250 has a 2410 lb payload.

So saying a F350 SRW has more payload potential isn't always true as the poor poster I mentioned above found out. 'Course he was educated about GVWR not determining how much a load a truck can carry.

I've always bought the size truck I wanted and simply matched the weight of the trailer to the truck axle/tire load ratings...... using it as a max load if needed.

[Winged_One]

Last time I looked, the difference in cost was about $900. That is 1.5% of a $60k truck. Pay a little more and don't worry about it.

Also, when I bought my 13, it cost $500 for a DRW versus a SRW. Total upgrade cost, $1,400. 2.3%

Some people won't think twice about $1100 for a sunroof, but want to cheap out on chassis.

[dave17352]

I would agree with most here. Getting a F350 is the way to go. You probably would get around 1000 pounds more payload and when you get in the fifth wheel hauling business that's a good thing. Also you may want to go bigger on your next 5th wheel. I went from a 3/4 to a 1 ton and I am very happy I did. Now what about the short box long box issue! I say long box.

[sljkansas]

My buddy went from a F350 1 ton dually to a 250 single wheel. he had a problem with a vibration when pulling. it turned out that the 5th wheel was dropping the rear down far enough that the drive shaft angle was too much and was binding the u-joints. he added the F350 extra spring and all was well.

[APT]

The majority of single rear wheel 1-tons ride the same as 3/4 tons. There are few difference historically over the years. What is clear is the rear axle/spring rate is significantly higher for the 1-ton at a marginally small extra cost. The 2014 Ram HD is an exception.

If you are considering a 5th wheel RV, I highly recommend at least a SRW 1-ton. The 3/4 tons tend to run out of payload (especially the diesel equipped ones) at even 10k RV weight.

I disagree with the bear. You have an advantage of planning the purchase/selection of both the TV and RV. This way you can learn the compromises and limitations of both markets and make the best choice for you.

If you want a travel trailer, pretty much any late model 3/4 ton will do very well.

[ReneeG]

The best approach is to buy more truck than you think you will need, within reason. In this case, get the F350. We had an F250 SRW and upgraded to an F350 DRW Diesel. Never looking back. We have ample towing power and stability with towing room to upgrade to a bigger 5W if we want, but we are very happy with the unit we have. I know this is a little off track, but we had a tire blowout on our 5W last week. DH's driving skills combined with the DRW and sway control feature on the truck, we had no problems as a result.