To super duty or not super duty....that is my question..

[daddyusmaximus]

I love my Super Duty. I need the payload of a larger truck, but that does come with side affects. Her weight is a factor in muddy conditions. This is a pain in the midwest as we get lots of mud. Still, with the modifications I've done she gets me most anywhere I want to go as long as she fits between the trees. Diesels are more expensive, as has been noted. I prefer my 7.3 over the newer ones. The only engine I feel is better is the 12 valve Cummins. IMHO an old Super Duty with a 12 valve in the rig of dreams.

 

[Mountainhound]

I love my super duty's had an 04 f350 with the 6.0l loved it and would still own if it didn't burn. Now I own an 11 f250 with the 6.7l 100# higher gvw than the 350. Anyway when I was looking after 350 burnt on a whim I test drove the 6.7 don't make the same mistake if your are looking at the older trucks. For me after driving the 6.7 there was now way I wanted anything else just to awesome. Now having said all that 2.5 years and 73,000 miles (sitting at 81,000) I am getting real worried about the cost of these things once things start needing to be done out of pocket (not that I have had to do anything yet) but it will need things at some point. So for me I have been considering very seriously about going back to a 7.3 ( had one in my 550) just because it is cheaper and easier. But then I also consider trading in on a new one with warranty just because like I said their awesome. If I do go back to a 7.3 I like the obs but would more than likely go with 01 to 03 with the 7.3. either way you go though their tough trucks.

 

[Rovertrader]

As I commented earlier, let me expand a bit, having been there too many times.

I have a nice '14 F-150, even went 5' bed as it is a HD car. If we are traveling like we are now, staying in hotels/condos, it is unbeatable. Right at 20 mpg with a bed cover and the 5.0. I chose to go with a left over '14 XLT with Lariat upgrades- console, leather, rear camera, etc, and got an honest $14k savings as the '15s went to alum body, etc.

Then I looked for ever for a nice solid rust free 7.3 F-350 CCSB, and finally found one with 170k on the clock. No mods, XLT in need of a seat recover and ball joints. I did the seat, new ball joints, base lined all fluids, new filters, etc and have in it what I saved in the 150.

The 150 got a leveling puck, 35 A/T's and a CanBak cover. The 350 got the guts: 4" lift, 37's, etc, etc for exploring/camping/traveling longer more remote destinations. I vacillated back and forth and have built both platforms too many times, so for me, this has been a near perfect solution. And the 7.3 truck cost initially what the new 6.7 diesel option alone cost. I have had a 6.7, and loved it, but has been said, would hate to have it out of warranty- sooooo many sensors and integrated electronics.
The SDs are bigger, heavier, stouter and ride more truck like. The 150 actually has more leg room in the rear seat (we have kids as well). I also tried a 350 with the 6.2, and it is a good solid gasser choice, albeit a bit thirsty.

I am an old fart, but this solution is working and even solving my vehicular ADD for once!! To each his own, but for the cost of a new truck, there are many many solutions/options- most all good ones. Enjoy the hunt, the build, and especially the travels!

 

[Jollyrogers]

Not a Ford guy, but I understand. I ended up going CTD in a 2500 last year… I was planning on towing. However, I found out quickly I do not like trailer parks or organized campgrounds. So went FWC. I have actually contemplated going to a RAM 3500 SRW with the 6.4 gasser. I think that states my opinion.

 

[rcintx]

I'm considering the Ram 2500 with 6.4. Anything you hate about it?

 

[Regcabguy]

And on the other side of that argument, you will probably get a better deal on the current model ('15 or '16) because there is a new model coming out.

I have a '12 F350 with the 6.7. It is a great truck, a joy to drive on road trips. Barely even knows the our Hallmark K2 pop-up is on it. The diesel is just starting to work when we're fully loaded.

That being said, I do have concerns over the complexity of these modern diesels. The emission controls are complex and and minor failures (i.e. an exhaust temp sensor) can cause a partial shutdown. (of course there's ways around the emissions if you're so inclined, but is getting more expensive and difficult). Moisture in the fuel is the biggest worry. The ULSD fuel isn't as good as a lubricant and any water in the fuel will worsen the problem. The HPFP (high pressure fuel pump - ~25-30,000 psi) is very sensitive to this. If it goes, you have to replace the entire fuel system at $12-$15k. If it happens while still under warranty, Ford will open it up and let it dry out looking for ANY signs of corrosion. Warranty void, out of your pocket. While it's not very common, bad fuel can do that. Maintenance is more (~$120 oil change, but they rotate the tires too).

If it's being used more as a daily driver, you're better off with the gasser, then suffering through the times you're carrying a camper or towing. My $.02

I rode in a 2012 F-250 6.2 gasser. Coming out of a manual diesel, a 6.2 gasser slushbox is subdued to say the least. Nice build quality and devoid of a camper it would be my pick of a replacement truck. This one had a Carli 2.5 pintop suspension with full leafs and handled better than any pickup I've ever ridden in. My present truck will be my last diesel.

 

[nick325i]

I'm considering the Ram 2500 with 6.4. Anything you hate about it?

I have about 3000 miles on my 15' with the 6.4. I wouldn't say I hate anything about it. It has the obvious 3/4 ton gasser drawbacks of a firm ride and stiff suspension but that is expected and understood. The only brand specific issue I have is the engine makes a lot of noises. It seems like it's mostly valvetrain related but I'm keeping my ears open for anything more serious. The dealer says they are normal and it's got a good warranty so for now I'm not worrying too much about it.

 

[pawleyk]

I'm glad it sounds like there are a few guys out there still running good ol' American V8s in HD trucks to haul campers.. I've got a 2005 Silverado 2500HD RCLB with the 6.0L in it. It's been a great daily driver and can hold it's own towing and hauling. Not as fast as a diesel, and with a good load I get about 6mpg, but I didn't really think the extra $8k for the Duramax and Allison would be worth it without being loaded heavy all the time. I also like to keep the overall weight down to make it a bit more nimble in the dirt. The low weight also seems to help things last longer.. a truck with a 9200lb GVRW that weighs under 6k just doesn't wear out drive train parts as quickly. I'm still on my original break pads at 150k miles...

I'm planning to pick up a Hallmark UTE this winter and have been considering making the jump to diesel, but my truck's been so easy and cheap to work on I feel like it's hard to justify the move.

 

[b9ev]

I drive an 08 F350 with a 6.4 and I absolutely love it, I don't know if I will ever buy another gasoline powered truck again. It does cost more to maintain but it is well worth it.

 

[FordGuy1]

A SuperDuty with a 6.2 is a pig with any weight, add 35" and it is no fun whatsoever to drive.

 

[pawleyk]

I put 35x12.5's on my truck and I definitely plan to re-gear to 4.56 or 4.88's now..

 

[smlobx]

Lions, Tigers and Diesels oh my!!!!,!

Most people who comment negatively about diesels haven't owned one... Being in construction I have had a diesel pick up (and several other diesel vehicles) in one variant or another for 20 years. I currently have an F-350 CC LWB SRW with 135K on the clock that I am in the process of upgrading to take it overlanding with a FWC in a year or two.

Yes diesels are more expensive to maintain
Yes they CAN be expensive to repair

However,
If you properly maintain them they will be relatively trouble free
They do get better mileage when loaded or towing
The ride is firm but I actually prefer it and so does my wife

A Super Duty is a much heavier/better built truck than an F-150. If you look at the payload capacity of an F-150 CC 4x4 you find yourself overweight when you take the family to the grocery store (well not actually but close...).

Get the SD diesel and enjoy your trips!

 

[east_tn_81]

Lions, Tigers and Diesels oh my!!!!,!

Most people who comment negatively about diesels haven't owned one... Being in construction I have had a diesel pick up (and several other diesel vehicles) in one variant or another for 20 years. I currently have an F-350 CC LWB SRW with 135K on the clock that I am in the process of upgrading to take it overlanding with a FWC in a year or two.

Yes diesels are more expensive to maintain
Yes they CAN be expensive to repair

However,
If you properly maintain them they will be relatively trouble free
They do get better mileage when loaded or towing
The ride is firm but I actually prefer it and so does my wife

A Super Duty is a much heavier/better built truck than an F-150. If you look at the payload capacity of an F-150 CC 4x4 you find yourself overweight when you take the family to the grocery store (well not actually but close...).

Get the SD diesel and enjoy your trips!

That better be a big family. I wouldn't say a super duty is built better but it is heavier and stronger. Though a brand new f150 has gain a lot of payload and towing capacity.

 

[nick325i]

Lions, Tigers and Diesels oh my!!!!,!

Most people who comment negatively about diesels haven't owned one... Being in construction I have had a diesel pick up (and several other diesel vehicles) in one variant or another for 20 years. I currently have an F-350 CC LWB SRW with 135K on the clock that I am in the process of upgrading to take it overlanding with a FWC in a year or two.

Yes diesels are more expensive to maintain
Yes they CAN be expensive to repair

However,
If you properly maintain them they will be relatively trouble free
They do get better mileage when loaded or towing
The ride is firm but I actually prefer it and so does my wife

A Super Duty is a much heavier/better built truck than an F-150. If you look at the payload capacity of an F-150 CC 4x4 you find yourself overweight when you take the family to the grocery store (well not actually but close...).

Get the SD diesel and enjoy your trips!

Not to argue for the argument sake, but if you read the comments above most of the opinions do represent current and former diesel owners. I agree that diesels have their place and not are not "bad" but the extra ownership expense is black and white. A diesel does cost more to maintain, purchase and repair and that fact has gotten more and more true in the past few years.

Simply put, decide if you NEED a diesel because you are continuously towing very heavy loads or etc and if you WANT a diesel because the torque makes it a more enjoyable driving experience. The expense is worth it to a lot of people. That has included myself in the past and it would again if my towing needs increase so I'm not passing judgement.

If you get a gas truck, get the lowest gear option they offer and keep the tire size diameter close to stock (most newer trucks come with 32 - 34" tires from the factory, so putting an all terrain 33" usually works just fine) and it will get the job done for a lot of people.

Anyway, not trying to start anything but I just don't want people new to the heavy duty truck market to think they are required to spend the additional $6-8k in initial expense.

 

[TXscout]

I love my 2005 F350 CCLB, but I also work at a diesel performance shop so repairs are no issue for me. I have been looking for a F250 CCSB, but every time I think of giving up my 350, I stop looking. I can fit a lifetime of supplies in the bed if i wanted and never have to worry about payload. With that said, I lust after my buddy's raptor every time I see it.