F250 vs F350

[2horses]

I'm looking at buying a diesel for the first time, because I need more towing power than my 5.4 Triton powered F150 can deliver. I'm pulling (for now) a three horse aluminum trailer, with tack room, bumper pull, usually with one or two horses in it. But in the future I hope to upgrade the trailer to a three horse gooseneck with living quarters, so here (finally) is the question - how much difference is there in the way a 250 would pull that as opposed to a 350? Will a 250 do the job, or will I be wishing I'd bought the 350 when I get the new trailer?

I live in Central Texas, on the edge of the famed Hill Country, and so depending on which direction I go I can hit some pretty steep inclines. I just dont want to deal with a boggy engine, like I do now with my 150. I have to say my gut wants to go with the 350, but it will also be my daily driver (most hauling on the weekends, but averaging only one or two trips per month, couple hours each way), so economy is also a concern. Don't really want to be "over-trucked," if there is such a thing! But don't want to be under-trucked either, like I am now.

[75K30]

If you are buying a Super duty, then your concerns are regarding the engine and transmission combo, and not whether the truck is a 250 or 350. Believe it or not they are almost identical. You can get a 350 in a SRW configuration, and you can get a V-10. You can also get a 250 with a singe rear wheel and you can get this with a diesel. The diesel will have a greater capacity even though it is a 250. yes it gets a little strange.
The differences are minimal, but a single wheel truck should handle you trailer configuration. The choice now is whether or not you go diesel or stay with a gas engine.
For what it is worth, I dont believe you will be dissapointed with a diesel. The gas engine might leave you feeling like you need more.

[mrjohnwayne]

I agree. There are small difference between the 250 and 350. The only problem you might have down the road when you upgrade to the bigger trailer could be the rear of the truck sagging. If it does you can easily upgrade to some f350 rear blocks or a set of good air bags.

[Steve g.]

the 350 will have a higher GVWR than the 250 (don't wanna get ticketed for being overwieght). Also the rear springs are heavier (as stated before). The frame is bigger, the front axle is usually different, engine and tranny are the same (i'm pretty sure - correct me if im wrong about the tranny). The 350 will have a bouncier ride when not loaded, the 250 will have a softer ride when not loaded. Gearing can be lower in the 350 but is usually 3:55, 3:73, 4:10 or 4:30 in the 250 and 350 - I would suggest you get either 4:10 or 4:30 for your situation. I would go with diesel for your situation, towing takes torque... that's what diesels have. About the years of trucks, 94.5 and before uses an IDI diesel wich I would not suggest you get due to it's lack of using a turbo like the 94.5 and after models do. It has a noticeable difference in power between the turbo and non-turbo 7.3 liter diesal engine. There are options to put turbos on those engine but they cost just under 4k. in part of 94 they made a factory turbo on the IDI (not powerstroke yet)... those are ok. The 95 to 99 engines are good but I would suggest that you get a 99.5 - 2003 7.3 liter powerstroke. THOSE ENGINES ARE THE BEST ENGINES FORD (navistar actually) HAS EVER MADE - THEY ARE BULLET PROOF! the 04 - 07 are by far the most troublesome engines ford has made (actually navistar mde them - that's why ford is not using navistar engines anymore, they are making there own called the scorpian in 2010). They are more powerful but very troublesome. Stay away from those engines. i don't know enough to comment on the new 6.4 liter diesel engine that ford is using now.

Having said all that I would get a 350 if I were you. Btw, how much does your trailer wiegh?

[75K30]

I have to re-state a couple of things to make sure we dont confuse the OP.

The 250 and 350 use the same identical frame, No difference. They have spring options that actually make them the same, and they share the same front and rear axles. After 2002 all 4x4 Sd trucks came with the D60 front and all SD trucks have a Sterling/Visteon 10.5" rear axle. The later trucks upped the 35 spline rear axle to 37 spline, only exception is the dually that had a Dana 80.
Compare front spring rates, and you can actually get a 250 truck that has more spring rate than a comparable F350. They are no longer 3/4 ton rated nor are they 1 ton rated like they once were. This is all one truck with different weight ratings after the 99 SD was introduced.
An F250 with a diesel and better than V code springs can have a larger capacity than a V10 F-350 with less spring than a V code. (this code is just an example.
Prior to the SD truck, there were giant differences in springs, and even the front axle. Then the TTB Dana 50 was only available in the F250 and one would have to buy an F-350 to get a solid axle front end.

Currene transmsissions are the same regardless of which series truck one purchases. The same trans is available in the 250 and 350 alike.

Gear ratios will be dependant upon the engine used. 4:30 gears will be a bit much for a diesel with stock tires.

[Steve g.]

Originally Posted by 75K30

I have to re-state a couple of things to make sure we dont confuse the OP.

The 250 and 350 use the same identical frame, No difference. They have spring options that actually make them the same, and they share the same front and rear axles. After 2002 all 4x4 Sd trucks came with the D60 front and all SD trucks have a Sterling/Visteon 10.5" rear axle. The later trucks upped the 35 spline rear axle to 37 spline, only exception is the dually that had a Dana 80.
Compare front spring rates, and you can actually get a 250 truck that has more spring rate than a comparable F350. They are no longer 3/4 ton rated nor are they 1 ton rated like they once were. This is all one truck with different weight ratings after the 99 SD was introduced.
An F250 with a diesel and better than V code springs can have a larger capacity than a V10 F-350 with less spring than a V code. (this code is just an example.
Prior to the SD truck, there were giant differences in springs, and even the front axle. Then the TTB Dana 50 was only available in the F250 and one would have to buy an F-350 to get a solid axle front end.

Currene transmsissions are the same regardless of which series truck one purchases. The same trans is available in the 250 and 350 alike.

Gear ratios will be dependant upon the engine used. 4:30 gears will be a bit much for a diesel with stock tires.

About the axles, your right, I should have mentioned that the axles were different before 2000.

[2horses]

So, can someone please critique this truck for me? Thanks!

06 Ford F-350 Lariat 4X4 FX4 OFF ROAD Crew Cab 6.0L Diesel 80k 1Owner

[leolkfrm]

looks nice, appears to be a shortbed, so there may be conflicts when you decide to go to a 5th wheel setup

[mrjohnwayne]

Looks like a real nice ride. it is a short bed. might cause a problem like leo said if you ever run a 5th wheel but a gooseneck you should not have any problems. I know the add says no leaks but if you do go look at it in person pay attention to the degas/overflow bottle, and see if there is any trace of it leaking around the cap.

[leolkfrm]

You mentioned about daily driver, I've always found it better to have a truck to meet all my needs, present and future. then have something else as a daily driver!