? for F 250 owners - options mods etc on custom ordered 2019 or 2020

[LosAngeles]

Been having fun doing all this research. Thanks everyone for all the great info!!!

So a couple things I am wondering about….

-—> Is the GVWR only a sticker - that relates to a statement for commercial trucking that it’ll never carry more? and nothing else is different about the truck? I have conflicting info from a variety of places. Can anyone clarify as to why Ford would put different GVWR stickers on the exact same truck?

-—> I have yet to order truck, or order the ATC/FWC, so if I go ATC I can get the camper to be whatever length I want. I could have it hang a bit over the bumper, or I could get it so I could close the tailgate.

If I am able to close the tailgate with the F-350 with the ATC pop up camper on it…. if I close the tailgate and lock it… it is an extra layer of security? (when I am not in the camper) although if they want in, they could just break a window….

If we were in the camper, could I get locked in the pop up camper if someone raised the tailgate while we were inside? Yes I know there would be an emergency exit window but still… :-/
With the tail gate off is it easier to enter and exit the camper?

-—> Should I bother to get the $150 Ford rubber floor? for the truck bed.
Could they slide in the ACT or FWC with the rubber floor in place?

-—> Many people recommend that I get the 4.30 gears.

I dont plan on towing (I hate towing) and no super serious off roading i dont think. (but yes FSR and desert washes and rough roads.

Will likely get gasser F350 4x4. SRW for sure. (better for rocks, i am told)

Yes will get Electronic Locking Rear Axle for sure.

Will likely get the biggest tires available from Ford…. 18” wheels… to avoid spending $$$ on new rims and new tires from the start.

-—> What is the advantage of the 4.30 gears (or 4.10) when always hauling an 8’ ATC or FWC pop up camper?

I dont understand how the different ratios changes how it would behave with different ratios…

-—> What are the advantages of getting slightly taller tires? I can see why *wider* would be good for off road, but taller?

-—> Someone suggested that I skip the FX4 package as the shocks are lousy for my situation, but to get Fox 2.0 shocks instead. If I bought the shocks for about $700 for a set, approx how much would it cost me to have someone install them for me? (well above my skill set)

-—> What skid plates would be best to install? cost? Again - not heavy off roading.

-—> Is anyone driving a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?

I know the Ford has more advanced bells and whistles, and the Chevy is an older design, but many people like it’s “strong acceleration, good towing manners, top fuel economy and overall livability.” and the Chevy may be a little better value than the F 350.

Thanks!
J.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Get an XL with the STX package. It has cruise control, bluetooth, and android auto/apple car play. It also included the bucket seats with the large center console.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

Shocks probably cost 200 bucks for install my guess. Its an easy job in the driveway for a complete novice probably 1.5 hours for all 4 shocks total on these trucks.

 

[Buliwyf]

The tailgate offers no security. Even with the ALL of the after market locks, I can get it out quickly. I'm not going to say how. Yes, it's easier getting in and out with the tailgate off.

Yes you could get locked in, if someone closes the tailgate. You key remote will unlock the tailgate, but you's still have to reach the handle to open it. The higher end models have gates that can open and close by themselves, but they all have herpies and will open and close all day long while you're driving.

4.30 gear is always an advantage. The 6.2L will have much more pep in 1st gear. After that, it doesn't matter much. But you always want as much gear as possible. I have 3.73 because I bought a dusty truck of off a lot. I plan on going up to 4.88 with 37" tires.

Taller tires are the only thing that offers a truck more ground clearance.

For light off road use, the FX4 skid plates are fine. They are there for a minor oops though, you can't drag the truck on them.

I Rhino lined my floor, then I use a rubber bed mat under campers to keep them from sliding around.

18" wheels are fine, avoid the 20's.


Yeah, our GM 3500's suck bad. No locker. Slower gas engine. Worse interior. Inoperable cruise control. Less legroom. No upfitter switches. And we've already wasted 2 front ends. But my boss likes them because we lost a few Ford 6.2's a few years ago, that a competent dealer likely could have fixed. I'm going to be pissed if my next work truck is a chevy. Chevy people are chevy people, I haven't heard any of them make a credible argument why their favorite is better. I'd take those reviews with a grain of salt. Our GM work trucks suck so bad, I can't understand why anyone would like them.

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

The optional GVWR ratings are for licensing. Different states will have fees based on GVWR and the optional rating is to keep it under certain thresholds in order to keep license costs down. Obviously meant for the private owner, not commercial use.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

The optional GVWR ratings are for licensing. Different states will have fees based on GVWR and the optional rating is to keep it under certain thresholds in order to keep license costs down. Obviously meant for the private owner, not commercial use.

Yes and no, they have multiple spring configurations, and they also adjust gvwr based on the options you add to the truck. Xl has a higher gvwr that a similiar lariat.

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

Yes, options will dictate the GVWR, but they do also have an option that will provide a nameplate with a rating that doesn't excede certain thresholds for licensing (assuming it would have otherwise)

 

[LosAngeles]

The optional GVWR ratings are for licensing. Different states will have fees based on GVWR and the optional rating is to keep it under certain thresholds in order to keep license costs down. Obviously meant for the private owner, not commercial use.

Aha - thanks. Very helpful. It seems that if the GVWR is 10,000 or above I have to pay an extra $322 in fees in California, per year. Ouch.

 

[Buliwyf]

I haven't seen a 250 rated over 10,000 yet. I expect your bed capacity to be around 3200#. You can order a 250 with 350 springs, and still have that 10,000# limit. My F350 is rated less, everywhere across the board, than my F250 for some reason.

The real sticker doesn't get applied until the truck crosses the scales at the factory IIRC. So don't cut it too close.

 

[LosAngeles]

I haven't seen a 250 rated over 10,000 yet. I expect your bed capacity to be around 3200#.

You can order a 250 with 350 springs, and still have that 10,000# limit.

Oh sorry for not being clear... i'm now leaning towards an F350.

 

[Buliwyf]

That's a good idea if your camper is going to be close to maxxing the truck out. The extra tax sucks though.

 

[LosAngeles]

The tailgate offers no security. Even with the ALL of the after market locks, I can get it out quickly. I'm not going to say how. Yes, it's easier getting in and out with the tailgate off.

Yes you could get locked in, if someone closes the tailgate. You key remote will unlock the tailgate, but you's still have to reach the handle to open it. The higher end models have gates that can open and close by themselves, but they all have herpies and will open and close all day long while you're driving.

4.30 gear is always an advantage. The 6.2L will have much more pep in 1st gear. After that, it doesn't matter much. But you always want as much gear as possible. I have 3.73 because I bought a dusty truck of off a lot. I plan on going up to 4.88 with 37" tires.

Taller tires are the only thing that offers a truck more ground clearance.

For light off road use, the FX4 skid plates are fine. They are there for a minor oops though, you can't drag the truck on them.

I Rhino lined my floor, then I use a rubber bed mat under campers to keep them from sliding around.

18" wheels are fine, avoid the 20's.


Yeah, our GM 3500's suck bad. No locker. Slower gas engine. Worse interior. Inoperable cruise control. Less legroom. No upfitter switches. And we've already wasted 2 front ends. But my boss likes them because we lost a few Ford 6.2's a few years ago, that a competent dealer likely could have fixed. I'm going to be pissed if my next work truck is a chevy. Chevy people are chevy people, I haven't heard any of them make a credible argument why their favorite is better. I'd take those reviews with a grain of salt. Our GM work trucks suck so bad, I can't understand why anyone would like them.

thanks so much for all the info. super helpful.

 

[tatanka48]

i might suggest you spend some time comparing what you think you'd like to end up with on an F-250 and a stock F-350

i think you may be quite surprised that many features you are wishing for come stock on the F-350

at least that's the way it was back in '02 when i got my F-350

the HD coolers & HD alternator came stock on the 350 along w/ better brakes

i was told (i can't prove it) by a Ford Factory Service Rep that they came on the same frame and that the increased load cap was managed by a different/heavier overload spring and a jump from 265's to 285's on the ground

the added cost of add ons on a 250 was greater than the stock price of the 350 (w/ all else being the same)

you might specifically check the differential offerings between the 2 if that could become a tie breaker for you

since i was repalcing a 250 at the time my friend's advice saved me some money in the long run and i'd not consider going back to a 250 at this time IF that F-350 ANVIL i'm driving got totaled

granted that was 17 years ago butt it might be worth your personal investigation ( knot just listening to "they says" ) since in the OP you indicated this is a future event

T

 

[LosAngeles]

i might suggest you spend some time comparing what you think you'd like to end up with on an F-250 and a stock F-350

i think you may be quite surprised that many features you are wishing for come stock on the F-350

at least that's the way it was back in '02 when i got my F-350

the HD coolers & HD alternator came stock on the 350 along w/ better brakes

i was told (i can't prove it) by a Ford Factory Service Rep that they came on the same frame and that the increased load cap was managed by a different/heavier overload spring and a jump from 265's to 285's on the ground

the added cost of add ons on a 250 was greater than the stock price of the 350 (w/ all else being the same)

you might specifically check the differential offerings between the 2 if that could become a tie breaker for you

since i was repalcing a 250 at the time my friend's advice saved me some money in the long run and i'd not consider going back to a 250 at this time IF that F-350 ANVIL i'm driving got totaled

granted that was 17 years ago butt it might be worth your personal investigation ( knot just listening to "they says" ) since in the OP you indicated this is a future event

T

Thanks. Yes indeed this is still basically correct.

The F350 has slightly better brakes, Springs, etc. But similar to f250. The same size overall.

I will get a f350, if I can convince my better 1/2

 

[Buliwyf]

Not so fast. The heavy duty "max load" F250 is a debadged F350. For insurance and licensing stuff.

The brakes should be the same. I haven't noticed any difference. In the past we had vacuum assist, and hydraulic assist mixed and matched with certain packages. I don't think that's the case anymore. Not that it ever really mattered anyway.

The F350 may have different coolers stock, that are optional in some F250 packages. I haven't seen any real evidence of this.

The F250 has a better transmission for the gas engine. The F350 has the same trans (mostly) as the diesel. Who knows anymore, if the G trans isn't available in the F350.

The F250 has softer rear springs. The F350 springs are optional. Front springs are the same, depending on package.

Rear blocks should be the same. The 17's at least, were.