HD F-150 or 3/4 ton truck?

[gladehound]

Have to disagree IMHO the 1 ton would have a more harsh ride verses the 3/4 ton.Maybe being a little older now I feel it more.

I have not noticed a difference in ride between the 3/4 and 1 ton SRW trucks I've tested. I have noticed that diesels ride smoother than gas trucks, obviously the extra 1,000 pounds on the front improves the ride. I also thought the Rams before the front end redesign (2013 for 3500, 2014 for 2500) seem to have more vibration in the front than any Ford or newer Ram. Availability is the only reason I can see to go with a 3/4 ton given that I would actually use the payload of the 1 ton SRW if I had it.

 

[sdef]

I have not noticed a difference in ride between the 3/4 and 1 ton SRW trucks I've tested. I have noticed that diesels ride smoother than gas trucks, obviously the extra 1,000 pounds on the front improves the ride. I also thought the Rams before the front end redesign (2013 for 3500, 2014 for 2500) seem to have more vibration in the front than any Ford or newer Ram. Availability is the only reason I can see to go with a 3/4 ton given that I would actually use the payload of the 1 ton SRW if I had it.

I would not compromise on a 3/4 but understand the availability issue and it was the main reason I purchased new (same thing with the tractor and implements). My truck was purchased primarily as a tow vehicle and not a heavy cargo hauler. It will not carry its 350# bed box AND a 2200# pallet of sod (unexpectedly water soaked after a large rain) in its short bed very well due to the weight behind the rear axle, and had side to side sway. However, I have a 7k# utility trailer and a 10.4k# equip. trailer I use to carry the heavy loads once tried in the truck's bed so this combination works well for me.

Used Ford truck experience warning: The factory tow option was one of my mandatory must have items. Each of the two used Ford 3/4T diesel trucks having the factory tow package I tested using a trailer elec. load tester (simulates trailer lighting and brake loads) failed to operate in any manner.

 

[17 Oaks]

I would not compromise on a 3/4 but understand the availability issue and it was the main reason I purchased new (same thing with the tractor and implements). My truck was purchased primarily as a tow vehicle and not a heavy cargo hauler. It will not carry its 350# bed box AND a 2200# pallet of sod (unexpectedly water soaked after a large rain) in its short bed very well due to the weight behind the rear axle, and had side to side sway. However, I have a 7k# utility trailer and a 10.4k# equip. trailer I use to carry the heavy loads once tried in the truck's bed so this combination works well for me.

Used Ford truck experience warning: The factory tow option was one of my mandatory must have items. Each of the two used Ford 3/4T diesel trucks having the factory tow package I tested using a trailer elec. load tester (simulates trailer lighting and brake loads) failed to operate in any manner.

250 vs 350 optioned out the same the money delta is so slim as to be insignificant and at trade in or resale time you will come out ahead. Most buying at the 350/450 level used are buying for a working truck and they move fast.

I have had 4 F 350's with that option and never experienced...also on the largest Ford Truck forum and never heard anyone bringing that up, not trying to discount your exp but just have not come across it in almost 10 years...first I have heard.

 

[sdef]

250 vs 350 optioned out the same the money delta is so slim as to be insignificant and at trade in or resale time you will come out ahead. Most buying at the 350/450 level used are buying for a working truck and they move fast.

I have had 4 F 350's with that option and never experienced...also on the largest Ford Truck forum and never heard anyone bringing that up, not trying to discount your exp but just have not come across it in almost 10 years...first I have heard.

After I ran into this issue I started searching the Internet and found it is not an uncommon issue. Here is an example that just popped up in a search: Brake Controller Fault. Reading through this post and others, similar issues have been corrosion at the 7 pin, bad part in the master cylinder, bad ground wire, bad trailer control module.

 

[bdog]

One thing to consider with a F350 is the GVWR is usually around 11,500. For personal use it probably doesn't matter much but for commercial use a bunch of regs kick in when the GVWR is over 10,000. All 3/4 tons I have seen are 10,000 or less.

In Texas registration fees are based on weight brackets and 10,000 is a border line. To register a truck for 10,001 pounds will be almost double the cost of registering one for 10,000.

If you take a pickup with a GVWR over 10k across state lines for business purposes, even if completely empty, you have to follow all the DOT regulations that a semi does except no CDL needed, no IFTA, no IRP,. You need log books, med cards, dot numbers, UCR, etc it is a nightmare.

 

[downslope]

One thing to consider with a F350 is the GVWR is usually around 11,500. For personal use it probably doesn't matter much but for commercial use a bunch of regs kick in when the GVWR is over 10,000. All 3/4 tons I have seen are 10,000 or less.

In Texas registration fees are based on weight brackets and 10,000 is a border line. To register a truck for 10,001 pounds will be almost double the cost of registering one for 10,000.

If you take a pickup with a GVWR over 10k across state lines for business purposes, even if completely empty, you have to follow all the DOT regulations that a semi does except no CDL needed, no IFTA, no IRP,. You need log books, med cards, dot numbers, UCR, etc it is a nightmare.

If ordering new you can request a 10000/9900 rating tag on F350. I guess Ford has seen a demand for this because of the issues you mention.
More than half the states now require DOT registration for commercial use over 10,000 GVW rating. Best to avoid if you don't need it.

 

[downslope]

Actually no. The extra spring is a overload style that never comes into play unless loaded.

But what about the front suspension? I have a 3500 Chev with the plow package and it does give a rough ride when unloaded. And supposedly Chev has a softer ride than Ford? The plow package must add some heavy tortion bars.

Do the 350/3500's sit much higher in the rear (unloaded) than a 250/2500?

 

[Diamondpilot]

If ordering new you can request a 10000/9900 rating tag on F350. I guess Ford has seen a demand for this because of the issues you mention.
More than half the states now require DOT registration for commercial use over 10,000 GVW rating. Best to avoid if you don't need it.

Right, avoid living in those nanny states!

 

[Diamondpilot]

But what about the front suspension? I have a 3500 Chev with the plow package and it does give a rough ride when unloaded. And supposedly Chev has a softer ride than Ford? The plow package must add some heavy tortion bars.

Do the 350/3500's sit much higher in the rear (unloaded) than a 250/2500?

Only Chevy uses torsion bars and independent front suspension. Ram and Ford uses much tougher solid front axle with coil over springs.

 

[downslope]

Only Chevy uses torsion bars and independent front suspension. Ram and Ford uses much tougher solid front axle with coil over springs.

What I meant was, is the front suspension stiffer/harsher ride on a 1 ton than a 3/4??
I understand the rear may just be a "helper" spring added, but do they stiffen up the front on a 1 ton?