Forum Discussion

KTMsc's avatar
KTMsc
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014

New TV Advice

I'm ordering a new Ford F-350 Super Duty and am stuck on a couple of issues. This will be a daily driver so I want a short bed super cab but can't decide if this is a mistake.
My toy hauler is 11k loaded and our future trailer will be in the 13-14k loaded range. We use the trailer about 5 times a year.
The payload and tow capacity are fine, 4k and 16k, just worried about stability and a sliding hitch.
Also choosing the axle ratio, 3.31 or 3.55? They both have the same tow rating.
Would love some feed back from those who have these ratios, and if your happy with them.
Tow Vehicles
  • KTMsc's avatar
    KTMsc
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    Thanks for the info.
    It is just the wife and I,so the supercab is enough space.
    Glad to hear I might not need a sliding hitch. I found a short bed to take some measurements, so hopefully I can find some answers.
    I have been on the Ford site doing the build and price, and it shows 18" wheels come with either ratio. I know the 20s are optional, I assume the overall size is similar?
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2014
    Need the Ford guys to chime in here but, afaik, if you get the 20" wheels you get the 3.55s standard, 18" wheels get the 3.31. End result is the same final drive ratio.
  • Winged_One's avatar
    Winged_One
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    Keep in mind your going to lose about 400lbs of payload from options, from the posted amounts. Mine did. My 5th weights about the same as your planned and it would eat up most of the payload on the SRW I wanted. Keep in mind anything else your going to put in the bed.

    Go with the 3.55 with that planned weight.

    I can just fit a SCAB and 8ft box in my garage. Get the biggest you can.
  • HawkTX's avatar
    HawkTX
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    I went from a long bed to short bed and haven't looked back. I hated the long bed for parking etc. I don't even have a slide hitch. I use a B&W companion hitch. I used to have a slide hitch and never once used it. Unless you tow a lot I would go with the short bed, but that's just my opinion.
  • kwlincoln's avatar
    kwlincoln
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    I have the F350 crew cab longbed. It took me about a day to realize that it doesn't drive much different than the shorter truck. Glad I have the space and wouldn't do it any different next time.
  • Lowsuv's avatar
    Lowsuv
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    3.55 axle.
    Supercab is good enough 90% of the time .
    4 door crew cab is more popular , but just long enough to keep one from parking downtown , parallel .
    6.5 foot bed allows you to park in your garage .
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2014
    If someone will actually be riding in the back seat I'd think hard on the Supercab choice. I prefer a SB for everyday driving. The axle ratio is a non issue IMO.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2014
    Not a mistake at all, order what you want, The long bed eliminates the need for s slider hitch but then you have to deal the extra 24 inches of bed length the other 46 weeks of the year.

    As to the axle ratio.. I would go with the deepest you can get.

    JMHO on that though.

    thanks!

    Jeremiah

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