Does the f250 Super Duty make the f350 obsolete?

[ultrarunner]

Base curb weight from Dealer is 7106 as configured.... just shooting out his number because it is not from our truck being scaled.

Sent this also...

http://www.ford.com/trucks/superdut...24694&ef_id=Uzrz1gAAAXlZcyUr:20160301150752:s

In looking there is a 10,000 GVW option for the f350 vs the 9900 GVW we have.

 

[mojoinco]

The place to find any engineering details are the manufacturers commercial vehicle web pages. Look for 'uplifters' or 'outfitters'. Or similar. They list all kinds of details, including wiring changes and requirements, where to find pigtails, brakes, frame dimensions, springs, shocks, etc.

I'm not sure that 3/4 versus 1 ton classes are not simply created by manufacturers, excepting those places that have weight categories defined by these terms. Occasionally smog laws may defined these classes, but they will still be categorized by a given GVWR. I recall the 70's and the creation of the 150/1500/15 class of trucks (except IHC, which already made a heavy half ton 1100 series). Kalifornia set the GVWR limit for trucks (versus car level of smog controls) at 6000-6100# (I don't recall the exact number). So each manufacturer added the heavy spring options (a/c, long bed overloads, etc) to create a truck that was just over the limit.


In my past research of 250 v 350 SRW, brakes and springs were overwhelmingly the only obvious physical differences. I'm sure the firmware settings were slightly different for the ABS, etc.

So, unless there are issues like Kalifornia or Ontario exhibit (tax rates) it doesn't make enough difference to not buy a 1 ton. At least if you want a truck that can work well at pulling a load over the long haul. One feature that the 'real' 3/4+ trucks have versus 1/2 ton trucks is the floating rear axle. That is often forgotten in the ratings wars. Occasional pulling of a 7k# trailer is no big deal, nor regular pulling of a 5k# trailer. But above that and one should seriously consider what they are doing long term.

 

[brown40]

When I bought my 350 DRW there was a notable difference not only in the spring package, payload, and towing numbers... the steel used on the 350 frames appeared to be a gauge up from what they used on the 250. Don't know if they're still making them that way, but all things equal, I'd rather have the heavier frame for carrying the loads over the lifetime of the vehicle. If its a primary driver that occasionally works as an under-challenged hauler, the softer suspension, slightly better mileage and lighter curb weight might make sense.
I could have got by with a 250, but I've got nothing that will challenge the 350, and the DRW makes towing feel much more stable. I don't use it much unless towing or plowing, so I went with the most truck for the buck (creature comforts were not a factor).

 

[ultrarunner]

Most of the f series sold at the local dealer are now crew-cabs... I think they had one regular cab on the lot.

Ride can make a difference if 95% of the time it is used for transportation instead of hauling.

Saw the brochure for the 2017 Super Duty with aluminum body... shaves 300 off the weight if I recall.

Picked up a tire leak yesterday... the dash indicator doesn't specify tire... the Honda I drove does.

About the only thing that was mediocre is the steering feedback which is something the 2017 generation is suppose to have addressed.

The owner's manual is over 500 pages... with many pages about the Ford Sync and electronics... the Diesel Supplement is another 100 pages.

DEF is new to me... cautions about having the DEF tank too full in winter as it can freeze and do damage... the rate of usage varies a lot depending on load.

Did not know there are two cooling systems... a 7.5 gallon for the 440 hp motor and a smaller one for other things like the transmission...

This is not my father's ford... it's mr brothers!

Did opt for the $2400 100,000 mile extended warranty... no for the prepaid service contract.

 

[Bookemdanno]

Yup, I used my F350 DRW to plow about 1/8 mile of Highway 72 near Muscle Shoals, Alabama when the Uhaul car dolly (w/car) lost a wheel back to the axle stub. It was a shallow furrow until I noticed it was pulling and got it to plow the side of the road.

Lol :laughing:

 

[ultrarunner]

My one and only f250 picture so far... not the best angle as it was late in the day...

As mentioned the GVWR is derated to 9900

Front Axle is 5600 and Rear Axle is 6100 which totals 11,700 lbs

Tire Size LT275/65R20 Load Range E at 65 psi.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My one and only f250 picture so far... not the best angle as it was late in the day... As mentioned the GVWR is derated to 9900 Front Axle is 5600 and Rear Axle is 6100 which totals 11,700 lbs Tire Size LT275/65R20 Load Range E at 65 psi.

Nice.

Axle ratings are just that, ratings. It may have another weak point.

Chris

 

[ultrarunner]

I was hoping you would reply...

This is my first experience with the Ford derate option to 9900 and the Dealer said the only difference between the derated version and non-derated is the number on the weight sticker.

With the Axle combination at 11,700 and the Michelin Tires set at 15,000 my thinking is there is some wiggle room?

 

[EddieWalker]

Since the sticker price is just too much for me to even consider buying a new F250 or F350, I can only comment on older models. At one time, I had a 97 powerstroke F250 and my brother had a 96 powerstroke F350 with duel rear tires. Both trucks where almost identical except for the rear tires and of course, his had a higher rating for pulling.

I felt the F250 had a slightly better ride to it, but when towing or hauling a yard of gravel, the F350 was night and day better. Ever since then, I've wanted a duel rear tire farm truck for hauling stuff and pulling trailers. This is not a priority for me right now since my 2012 F150 gets the job done. It's more of a wish vehicle that I would love to have one of these days.

 

[ultrarunner]

I hear you...

The truck cost as much as what I paid for my first 3 homes in Oakland California combined!

My brother has owned two trucks in his life... both 4wd f250... his then 3 year old 1978 and this 2016.

The Dealer said the highest compliment is repeat business and referrals... I said we hope to be back in 38 years... which is the model year difference between the 2 f250 trucks and now my nephew has the 96... so maybe 20 years???

His wife was onboard as she was tired of using her Honda van as a ranch truck... thing is my brother won't let anyone with dirty boots in the new truck which hasn't set well with the wife...

440 hp and quiet... only been in it empty and seems ok for ride.

My ideal ranch truck from a practicality standpoint would be a regular or maybe extended cab 1 ton with duals and a stake flatbed.

The shop in San Leandro had one when I worked there... it was a 250ci 6cyl with a 4spd... heater, no radio.

That one ton was indestructible and had enough room under the hood for me to stand... easy to load anything from barrels, pallets to livestock.

The 2016 is a one huge mass under the hood with every square inch packed... 30 quart radiator and 12 quart secondary cooling for the transmission... 13 quart oil capacity and fuel filter change interval of 15k miles.

Plus the 5 gallon DEF tank.