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Old 11-29-2010, 01:01 PM   #41
jmi
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Since I'm buying one or the other I did ask my local dealer a couple of relevant questions. Story from the dealer is looking pretty consistent.

1) How much stiffer is the ride of the F350?

The ride is similar. You would need to drive both to see if there is a difference in the ride.



2) Are there heavier springs? How does the truck move from 3/4 to 1 ton?

They are not heavier springs, but there is an extra leaf spring in the F350. This does change the rear axle rating. F250 rear axle rating: 6,200 lbs. F350 rear axle rating: 7,280 lbs.

The front suspensions for both trucks are set up the same as well.



3) Loaded Weight is expected to be 15,850

King Pin weight of this 5th wheel will range 15-25% of that so about 2378 - 3963 worst case. Will either truck handle this weight?

F250 payload: 2,650 lbs

F350 payload: 3,790 lbs



4) Are there any other differences such as braking systems?

Both the F250 and the F350 have front and rear disc brakes with ABS. The front and rear rotors on both trucks are the same size.



Here are some other differences.

Height: F250 – 79.7; F350 – 80.8

Load floor height: F250 – 35.1; F350 – 37.8

Ground clearance: F250 – 8.1; F350 – 8.2

 
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Old 11-29-2010, 01:35 PM   #42
mlh
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Every part in the rear end, the housing. gears, axles, bearings, seals, vented cover, are identical.The gear ratios may be different. The 08 F250 came standard with 3.73 gears the F350 came with 4.10s. The newer trucks come with higher ratio gears 3.55 I think. The axels are exactly the same. Its like the front suspension. the front suspension was designed for the F550, and is used in in the F250 350 450 and F550. So why do that? Its cheaper to have one part than design and stock 4 parts. Like the rear end its cheaper to make and stock one. To Ford its a question of how can we make the most money. The axles in your 350 are the same axes as in my 250.
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Old 11-29-2010, 02:27 PM   #43
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Jeff,
If you intend on loading the RV close to it's max then you should be looking at the max combined weight rating of your vehicle. I don't think a SRW 350 can handle that kind of total weight. The 2011 has increased some over the 9 and 10.
Mike
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Old 11-29-2010, 04:01 PM   #44
CamillaMichael
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mlh

Every part in the rear end, the housing. gears, axles, bearings, seals, vented cover, are identical.The gear ratios may be different. The 08 F250 came standard with 3.73 gears the F350 came with 4.10s. The newer trucks come with higher ratio gears 3.55 I think. The axels are exactly the same. Its like the front suspension. the front suspension was designed for the F550, and is used in in the F250 350 450 and F550. So why do that? Its cheaper to have one part than design and stock 4 parts. Like the rear end its cheaper to make and stock one. To Ford its a question of how can we make the most money. The axles in your 350 are the same axes as in my 250.
Aha! I finally saw your qualifier..."08."
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Old 11-30-2010, 02:14 AM   #45
pineranch
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I think this can has been kicked about as far down the road as possible. If I had it to do over again I would opt for a F350 but it was hard to pass on a demo at the price I was given. Perhaps my lotto numbers will be drawn and I can get a Mack. Thanks to all who participated in the thread, it was very informative and fun.
Mike
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Old 11-30-2010, 03:22 AM   #46
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Thanks Mike I hope this topic helped somebody. You are wright there is no reason to keep beatings a dead horse.
Lynwood
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Old 12-14-2010, 05:38 AM   #47
jim mccaskill
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I purchased the 2011 F350 DRW Lariat in July and I am extremely pleased. Pulls my 324RLQ very well. It is far better in milage with the 6.7 diesel. Very pleased with it and a pleasure to drive & worth the investment. There is a big difference in hauling with it than my 2005 F250.
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Old 12-15-2010, 01:50 PM   #48
jmi
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Well decision has been made, not the acquisition yet. Turns out the advice here and a bunch of my camping friends was critical information for the decision.

We've decided on at 2011 Ford F-350 4x4 DRW (Dual Rear Wheel). Dealers are basically full of crap was one of my discoveries along the way (I guess I really knew that, but its been proven once again). Turns out the King Pin weight of the 5er I bought exceeds what a F250 can handle. Matter of fact I was barely within specs with the F-350, although several run their rigs this way. No, I do not intend to load it to this point but I am a worse case planner. What sent me to the DRW was just safety in general. I had a buddy basically pose this question:
"What is gonna happen if one of those single rear tires blows out at 65MPH with 8 Tons of 5th Wheel on your back?" It is not gonna be pretty!! Matter of fact someone even mentioned a roll over with fatality. Since the $$ is pretty much minimal difference, it really turned into a easy decision. Now I have extra capacity and don't have to worry about it.

My intent is not to start a controversy about what is better. As several have posted, its what is right for you. Just wanted to point out what I learned and thank everyone for your contributions.
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Old 12-16-2010, 02:22 AM   #49
CamillaMichael
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jmi, good choice with the Ford F350 DRW...post a picture when you do make your purchase. Michael
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Old 12-16-2010, 07:01 AM   #50
mlh
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Whats gonna to happen when one of the front tires blow out?
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Old 12-16-2010, 07:21 AM   #51
jmi
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Both my wife and I are able to handle a front blowout I believe. The incident I heard about was a rear, with the weight of the 5er on there is my biggest concern. Besides not many choices for the front wheels.

The other thing that really swayed me is looking at a Class C motoring down the road. See any of them with SRW?

Right choice for me ... Jeff
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Old 12-16-2010, 07:38 AM   #52
richfaa
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You listened, did your homework and made the proper choice.Good for you.
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Old 12-16-2010, 01:23 PM   #53
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Great truck. I have had the opportunity to drive a 2011 Ford and Chevy. WOW what great trucks. Both are quiet and strong, comfortable, every thing but cheap.
Lynwood
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