Question What model do I buy?

[rcfox3]

I have had 1/2 ton trucks but never anything bigger. I will be purchasing a 3/4 or 1 ton truck very soon. I would like to buy a Ford and was told to stay in the year models 2005 to 2007. Is there a thread I missed when searching or could someone post and let me know if there are better years than others for the Super Duty trucks? I can't afford a new one so used is what I am looking for. I just want to make the best choice. I will be pulling a 30 foot 5th wheel camper and also driving daily to work.

Also I was only looking at F250 but have seen some good looking deals on F350. Is there a lot of difference?

Advice would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
Charles

 

[DaveBen]

The F-350 has more load carrying capacity. That is just about the difference. Bigger springs. Good luck in your hunt!

Dave

 

[ducky1402]

if your gonna be pulling a 30ft 5th wheel i would say go with the 350. Think that would be the better way to go and probably a dually. As for years i believe the later models if diesel of the 6.0 were better. I am not partial to the later years as I drive an 04 f250 for work everyday. This truck has been chipped and I as well as my boss drive it like it was stolen. 75k and still strong with relatively no maintenence work done on it but occassional oil change and i really mean occassional as that is down time from the service work, but I guess the later versions had the bugs worked out and were a lot better. I would also at least take a peak at new though as the new 2011's hit the lots ford will soon be offering big big rebates. When I bought mine MSRP was 44k and I got truck for 28k which is what the used were going for at the time. Just my 2 cents. Good luck

 

[rammertide07]

Those model 6.0s are said to have the bugs worked out, like previously mentioned. I'm not a big fan of the newer trucks because of emission controls, sensitive fuel systems, and the hole cab coming off the 6.0/6.4 for some repairs. I've always drived a 7.3, I have a 96 F250 2x4 that has 640,000 miles and is just now getting the new injectors replaced. My only problems out of my F350 is the drivetrain, rebuilt the tranny and replaced driver side axle. I'd like to trade mine for a 2x4 now because I hardly use the 4x4 and with all of the repairs I could have bought a winch bumper.

I'd go ahead and get a 350. You usually see better deals on them. IMO, I think its because more people want the F250 for fuel milage. Even though you wont break a F250 suspension, the 350 helps it ride better. Kinda like having a gun, I'd rather have it and not need it...than need it and not have it. Happy hunting.

 

[WD40]

Do you know what kind of and weight the fifth wheel will be. A 30 footer could go from 7800 LBS. all the way up to 13500 LBS. You can pull alot of trailer with a F-250 SRW truck. Don't rule out a F-350 SRW. If the fifthwheel you are pulling is over 12500, I would get DRW's. Good Luck.
Doug

 

[WD40]

Sorry I forgot to welcome you to SSD.com. Hope you come back often.
Doug

 

[dpantazis]

Main difference in 250 & 350 is going to be that little piece of paper that says what your LEGAL gcvw is ...

Rest of the trucks as essentialy identical.

/

 

[6.0PSD777]

I have a F350 SRW and it seems to hold trailers and other payload better than my buddies f250. Also seem to sit higher. As far as motors the 6.0's especially the later ones are a very good motor. The Cab only has to come off if you do head gaskets which aren't really an issue if the truck is left stock and is not a big deal. if you know what you are doing and have a lift you can have it off in an hour. They are designed to be worked on that way. I have been told you can do the heads without lifting the cab but the other way is alot easier. Welcome to SDD.com too

 

[rcfox3]

Thanks for the info from everyone. I never thought about having to take the cab off to have work done to the engine. I have worked on cars that I think it would have been easier to pull the engine out to work on so I understand if if makes it easier. I have done lots of research so now I just have to go out and find the right truck for me.

Thanks,
Charles