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Old 03-12-2011, 09:45 AM   #1
bobsals
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Super Duty Question

Greetings, I am looking at a 2011 F-Series Super Duty brochure and I have a question. Comparing two identical vehicles, both 6.7 Diesel,crew cab, 6.5 ft. box, single rear wheel, and 4X4. The only difference is one is an F-250 and the other is the F-350. The F-250 has a fifth wheel tow rating of 15,700 lbs. The F-350 has a fifth wheel tow rating of 15,800 lbs. Can anyone here tell me why there is only a 100 pound tow rating difference between the two trucks? When going to the Ford Super Duty build your own page, with the basic truck shown above, there is a $1030 difference in price. The ONLY difference I can see when looking at the two vehicles side by side is the F-350 has rear overload springs. I find it hard to believe that this could be the only difference. Would appreciate anyones input on this and why anyone would go with the extra $ for a F-350.
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Old 03-12-2011, 11:31 AM   #2
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Try this, I did. Ask the dealer to add the overload spring package to a 250. I bet the cost is between $900 and $1000. All things being equal, wheels, tires, diff, etc the only differance is the one helper spring and of course the INFAMOUS door sticker.
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Old 03-12-2011, 11:49 AM   #3
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With a Montana, towing capacity is not the issue, it's the ability to carry the PW. The biggest difference in the two trucks should be in the cargo capacity...towing capacity should be close to the same. The 350 will handle the heavy PW that the 250 cannot.
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Old 03-12-2011, 12:17 PM   #4
bobsals
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Thanks for the replies guys, I did a little more investigation into the brochure and found that the F-350 does have an extra 1080 lb capacity over the rear axle. So, the F-350 would be the better choice for heavy pin weight. Currently I am right at my maximum rating (actually about 400 lbs under) with my F-250 SD. Although I am within my specs for the vehicle, I still added air bags to level up the ride. An F-350 may not require me to re-install them.
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Old 03-12-2011, 01:23 PM   #5
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I think you got it, in fact I know you got it. The only difference between F250 and a F350 is the springs. Every other part is exactly the same, except the F250 and F350 badges.
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Old 03-12-2011, 05:25 PM   #6
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Ya, it's the same with Dodge too. The only difference between my 2500 and a 3500 is the upper overload spring above the spring pack. I prefer airbags anyway for the adjustability the spring does not have. The brakes, drivetrain etc are the same...
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Old 03-12-2011, 09:02 PM   #7
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Actually, other things that can be different unless specifically requested is the differential and the wheels and tires. If you go through the trouble of ordering the better differential and the overload spring hardware (it's more than just a leaf) you may as well purchase the F-350. Typically the wheels and tires on the F-250 may be lesser capacity, but you can order F-350 sized tires. Again if you do this get the F-350.

From what I've gone through, if you decide to make these upgrades, then get the F-350 which not only has all the hardware, but has the Vin sticker that provides for a higher weight.

I have added the necessary hardware to successfully convert my F-250 to an F-350 but I have not recertified the truck to complete the upgrade because it is NOT required and I decided not to pay for the effort to do this. It will be pricey and is done by an independent certification place.

I have learned to recommend to others not to mess with it and get the F-350. It's not worth the accidental discovery that you are overweight at the pin or the rear axle which are the most common problem areas for an F-250.

Regarding the fifth wheel tow weight, you'll find that the 15,700 or 15,800 lb weights aren't something you are gonna be able to approach. Let's say the F-350 has a CGVWR of 23,500. If you subtract 15,800 from 23,500 you get 7,700 lbs left over for your truck. My truck's curb weight is 8,120, not counting gear or the hitch. That means my fifth wheel can't ever weigh that much in the first place. All these weights must be factored into each other. It starts becoming a real balancing act when sticking to a 3/4 or even 1 ton. But if you want to stick to Single Rear Wheels it's what you've got to do. Beware these new Montys' gross weights are higher than their predecessors.

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Old 03-13-2011, 04:43 AM   #8
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Just as a matter of interest. The Chev/GMC 2500-3500 SRW have an additional difference besides the tires and spring set. The bearings specified for the rear axle are not the same. This makes sense as the 350 carries 700-1000 lbs more payload capacity.
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