how much difference, 250 x 350?

Physically, there is little difference between the two trucks. The 350 SRW and 250 share the same frame, brakes and power train. What differentiates them is the standard suspension and and wheel choices, a 2" taller axle block on the rear of the 350 and higher GVWR rating due tires and springs. GCWR and tow ratings are same on both models.

Buying new, there should no reason to get the F250 unless your state charges extra for that higher GVWR. You can outfit the F250 with the same options as the F350 SRW, but the sticker will show a lower GVWR due to marketing. So, if you are concerned about price and registration fees, get the properly configured F250. If you are concerned about the GVWR sticker, get the F350 SRW.

If you are really looking at the next step up, then check out the F350 DRW. It has better braking and larger axle gears than the SRW's.

About 20 percent of the fifth wheel weight will be on the pin. This is why it is important to have sufficient GVWR to haul your GCWR. If your FW is 12,000 lbs loaded, it will carry 2400 lbs in the bed of the truck. You will also need to add the weight of passengers and other items you carry in the truck to see if the GVWR is sufficient for what you want tow. In general I suggest using maximum weight ratings for your calculations to get the worst case scenarios.

The best approach is to choose the horse before the cart. Decide on the truck so you will know the capacities and then choose a trailer that will be safe to pull.

the bear II wrote:
The best approach is to choose the horse before the cart. Decide on the truck so you will know the capacities and then choose a trailer that will be safe to pull.

Altho I am certainly a newbie here, I disagree.....

I wanted a toy hauler that could handle two Harleys, in a partitioned off garage style 5th wheel. I also very much wanted to stay SRW as we will be using the TV to do touring on days we can't ride. A good friend deeply into RV's strongly suggested finding the trailer first, I did and as it turns out, loaded I'm at 16,400lbs... Now I do know the newer trucks (which I wasn't interested in for my first unit) are more capable, but I ended up with a dually, and it barely has the capacity. Just saying.... Oh, and if you don't already know, the manufacturers aren't very accurate with advertised weights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

go for the 350, better safe than