Forum Discussion

wfoote's avatar
wfoote
Explorer
Aug 07, 2016

Newbie questions

My wife and I are getting set to start RVing. The plan is to work full time for four more years, part time for another four and the full time on the road for a couple of years. We have no prior RV experience.

We have a dog and will have two grandchildren for a couple of weeks each year. We are looking for a towed RV to park in a lakeside campground near us (Maine) most summers with trips on vacations. Campground use will be a few days each week except when grandkids are here on vacation. Longest trips will be a month for the first four years and then maybe two or three (worst of winters) for the next four.

We are violating the rule about buying the RV before the truck for tax reasons. We have been looking at the 2017 F250 SD diesel 4x4 with most of high tech. Reading here suggests that truck will be insufficient for most FW but ok for most TT. We are also considering the 350 SRW to boost those numbers for FW. They issue with the 350 is it has fewer creature comforts than the 250. Prices are close enough to be inconsequential.

We know very little about the various brand qualities. I have some understanding of payloads and vehicle/axle weights. So we have lots of questions. We welcome all answers - they best way to learn (next to the experience of doing it wrong) is to ask.

So---

Which brands of TT and FW have generally better quality?

Is the payload/GVWR/rear axle weight difference between 250 and 350 really a big difference? I don't see it in the specs.

Are there any other comments you want to make.

Wayne from Maine
  • pyoung47's avatar
    pyoung47
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2016
    Wayne, the specifications page for the fifth wheel will give the "Pin Weight" for each of the models. This can range from 800 pounds up to over 3000. You need to be concerned with the pin weight (which will add to the "Payload" of your truck) and then the total weight of the trailer, which will be the amount your truck is rated to pull. The 250 and 350 with diesel are both rated at 15,000.

    This should answer your questions:

    http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/Ford_Linc_16RVTTgde_r3_Nov12.pdf
  • wfoote's avatar
    wfoote
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2016
    pyoung47 wrote:
    Be sure to note the difference in height for the F-350 and F-250. If you can make the 350 work with your fifth wheel, by all means opt for it. I believe that all of the options are available on the 350 that are available on the 250.

    By height, I mean: the tailgate on the 350 is at 59 inches and the bed is at about 38 inches. The 250 is at 56 and 36 respectively. The higher value can put your fiver significantly nose high, especially with one using 15 inch tires. Payload on the 250 is sufficient for many fivers, but if you are thinking of moving to one of the larger, more luxurious versions, the 350 is the way to go. Just be aware of the issues.

    You should also be aware that the payload ratings given on the Ford tables that I have seen list those with the gasoline engine, which are significantly different than those with the diesel which is much heavier. To find the diesel payload ratings, you will need to find the Gross Vehicle weight of the vehicle (10,000 for a 250) and subtract the vehicle weight (about 7600 for a diesel truck). Add in your weight and the wife's weight, plus the hitch weight, fuel etc. and you can determine the "book" weight for a fiver pin weight rating. about 1500 pounds for the 250.

    Personally, I am looking at the 250, since I have a fiver with only a dry pin weight of 950 pounds, plus it will not accept the height of the 350 without modification.


    Thank you. I hadn't considered the height issue.

    I am still confused about the weight issue.

    If you add me, the wife the dog, fuel etc. I get about 1400 lbs payload left over. I am told to expect a pin weight of 20% to 25% of the FW GVW. That limits me to a FW with a gross weight of 5600 lbs, no?

    For a TT that wouldn't that be 15% giving me a gross TT weight of 9300 lbs?

    The only difference I see between the 250 and 350 is the max rear axle weight. The 350 is about 1000 lbs greater than the 250. The listed payload is the 10,000 with the heavy tow package.

    And then Ford puts in a FW tow number of 15,900 for both. But that is tow, not load, no?

    My head is buzzing and it isn't even cocktail time.

    Wayne from Maine
  • diazr2's avatar
    diazr2
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2016
    The problem with buying a new TT or FW and letting it sit is that your warranty will run out before you know if anything is wrong with it. As far as quality on TT and FW that,s just a **** shoot, in my opinion. I know fellas that have bought top of the line and had nothing but problems I also know folks that bought bottom of the line rigs and have had trouble free driving so that's just the name of the game. There are no perfect RVs there is always something you wish wasn't there or wish it was there. Look around find one you like and buy it. It could be a lemon or it could be a Jewel. Ether way there is something on it that will have to be fixed changed or added. That's kind of the name of the hobby. That truck you are looking at should be able to handle a pretty substantial FW if set up right. The 350 can be purchased with the same amenities as the 250 but the price gets up there in a hurry. Hope this helps a little and have fun setting up your rig.
  • pyoung47's avatar
    pyoung47
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2016
    Be sure to note the difference in height for the F-350 and F-250. If you can make the 350 work with your fifth wheel, by all means opt for it. I believe that all of the options are available on the 350 that are available on the 250.

    By height, I mean: the tailgate on the 350 is at 59 inches and the bed is at about 38 inches. The 250 is at 56 and 36 respectively. The higher value can put your fiver significantly nose high, especially with one using 15 inch tires. Payload on the 250 is sufficient for many fivers, but if you are thinking of moving to one of the larger, more luxurious versions, the 350 is the way to go. Just be aware of the issues.

    You should also be aware that the payload ratings given on the Ford tables that I have seen list those with the gasoline engine, which are significantly different than those with the diesel which is much heavier. To find the diesel payload ratings, you will need to find the Gross Vehicle weight of the vehicle (10,000 for a 250) and subtract the vehicle weight (about 7600 for a diesel truck). Add in your weight and the wife's weight, plus the hitch weight, fuel etc. and you can determine the "book" weight for a fiver pin weight rating. about 1500 pounds for the 250.

    Personally, I am looking at the 250, since I have a fiver with only a dry pin weight of 950 pounds, plus it will not accept the height of the 350 without modification.

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