F250 4x4 CC SRW PSD 6.0 Towing Question

[Gary Swenson]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and trying to be a new (slightly used) Montana owner. My truck also came with LT 275/65R18 E tires if that helps. We want to buy a 2001 model 3280 RL unit. I know I will be over on pin wt, but I have done a lot of research and there does not seem to be any real difference between the F250 and the 350 exept a spacer /block on the rear springs. If this is correct, the GVWR on the F350 is 9800# and I should be fine. I'm looking for any input that can help with this decision. Thanks Gary

[NJ Hillbilly]

Many times the difference between the 3/4 and 1 ton SRW's is an overload or helper spring along with the spacer block.

John

[Gary Swenson]

Thanks, I just purchased my Montana today (2001 3280 RL). Will get a hitch install and see if I need to add a helper spring or maybe air bag.

[Coro from Maryland]

Hi Gary
You didn't mention what year your truck was, what engine it had, etc. (Do you really have 18 inch wheels, or was that a typo?)

Anyway, you are probably exceeding the GCWR for a F-250, but if your truck is a recent model you are right that the only difference between it and the F-350 is the rear spacer. So if you don't mind sticking your neck out a little bit, you are probably OK.

It is a good idea to know how close you are to the manufacturer's limits. Weigh your unit (when fully loaded for a trip) on a CAT scale. Many truck stops have them, and it only costs about 8 bucks if you tell them you want two weighings. The first weighing is with the separate truck axles on two of the three pads (with the two trailer axles on the third pad). Then move up for the second weighing putting the trailer axles on two of the three pads. This should give you info as to how much you are pushing your weight limits.

[faeb and genb]

I am not sure if I am correct but don't the F 350 have larger brakes on it.
Gene

[Coro from Maryland]

quote:Originally posted by faeb and genb .. don't the F 350 have larger brakes on it. - Gene

Hi Gene
That is the first I have heard this raised.
The differences between the F350 and F250, at least model years 2003 and after, have been discussed (argued?) a lot on the diesel forums, and the conclusion appears to be that the only difference is the 4" vs. 2" rear axle blocks. All other part numbers appear identical for trucks that have comparable engines, drive-trains, etc. The rational is that the higher block lets the spring travel 2 inches further, hence letting it can support more weight without bottoming out. (Ford does a similar thing - altering the block size - with the special Ford Lightning and Harly models, which are expected to carry less load than the standard and have shorter blocks or no blocks.)

[Gary Swenson]

Coro, faeb and NJ,
Thanks for the inputs. I installed my Pullright 16K SuperGlide hitch and did a 400 mile or so trip last Saturday. Both the truck and 3280RL did great. The truck just went down about 2" where the top helper spring is just touching the rear stop. The bed of the truck is maybe 1/2" below level. The trailer is within 1/2 " of level as best I can tell. The unit was not fully loaded but close. I may still install air bags just because. I plan to get the unit and truck weighed in the next couple of weeks and known where I stand for sure. I really liked the SuperGlide hitch. Had to do a little back out and recovery at a park and it worked like a dream.