Choosing between the Ford F-250 and F-350 is one of the most common dilemmas for truck buyers. Both are capable, powerful Super Duty trucks, but they serve different purposes and come with distinct trade-offs. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right decision.
Quick Overview: F-250 vs F-350
| Specification | Ford F-250 | Ford F-350 |
|---|---|---|
| GVWR | 10,000 lbs | 11,500 - 14,000 lbs |
| Max Towing (Conventional) | Up to 20,000 lbs | Up to 21,000 lbs |
| Max Towing (Gooseneck) | Up to 20,000 lbs | Up to 37,000 lbs |
| Max Payload | ~4,000 lbs | ~7,800 lbs |
| Ride Quality | Better (softer suspension) | Stiffer when unloaded |
| Base Price | Lower | $2,000-3,000 more |
| Insurance Cost | Lower | Higher |
| CDL Required? | No | Sometimes (if over 26,000 GCWR) |
Understanding the Key Differences
1. Towing Capacity
For conventional towing (bumper-pull trailers), the difference between F-250 and F-350 is minimal - about 1,000 lbs. However, the gap widens dramatically for gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing:
- F-250: Max ~20,000 lbs gooseneck
- F-350 SRW: Max ~24,000 lbs gooseneck
- F-350 DRW (Dually): Max ~37,000 lbs gooseneck
If you're towing heavy equipment, horse trailers, or large RVs over 12,000 lbs, the F-350 provides significantly more capability and stability.
2. Payload Capacity
This is where the F-350 really shines. With nearly double the payload capacity, the F-350 can handle:
- Heavy slide-in truck campers
- Landscaping materials (mulch, gravel, pavers)
- Construction equipment in the bed
- Service/utility body upfits
Pro Tip: Calculate Your Actual Needs
Add up your trailer weight, tongue weight, passengers, cargo, and any accessories. If your total exceeds 80% of the F-250's capacity, consider the F-350 for safety margin.
3. Ride Quality
The F-250's suspension is tuned for a lighter load, resulting in a more comfortable ride when driving empty or lightly loaded. The F-350's heavier-duty suspension can feel harsh and bouncy without a load.
Choose F-250 if: You drive unloaded frequently and prioritize daily comfort.
Choose F-350 if: You're usually loaded or towing and need maximum capability.
4. Single Rear Wheel vs Dual Rear Wheel
The F-350 is available as both SRW (single rear wheel) and DRW (dually). Duallies offer:
- Maximum stability when towing heavy loads
- Higher payload and towing ratings
- Better weight distribution
However, duallies are wider, harder to park, and have reduced fuel economy. Most buyers who don't regularly tow over 15,000 lbs prefer SRW.
5. Cost Considerations
The F-350 typically costs $2,000-$3,000 more than an equivalent F-250. Additional costs include:
- Higher insurance premiums
- More expensive tires (especially DRW - 6 tires vs 4)
- Slightly lower fuel economy
- Potentially higher registration fees in some states
When to Choose the F-250
The F-250 is the right choice if you:
- Tow trailers under 14,000 lbs
- Drive unloaded most of the time
- Want a more comfortable daily driver
- Need to fit in standard parking spaces
- Want lower operating costs
- Don't need maximum payload capacity
When to Choose the F-350
The F-350 makes more sense if you:
- Regularly tow over 14,000 lbs
- Need maximum fifth-wheel or gooseneck capacity
- Carry heavy payloads (truck campers, equipment)
- Want a commercial work truck
- Need to add a service body or utility bed
- Value capability over comfort
What About Resale Value?
Both trucks hold their value extremely well. The F-250 typically has a slightly larger buyer pool since more people can use it as a daily driver. However, F-350s (especially diesel duallies) are in high demand for commercial use and often sell quickly at premium prices.
Shop F-250 & F-350 Trucks in Tampa
We stock both F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks in diesel and gas configurations. Visit our Tampa showroom or browse online!
View Inventory Ask Our ExpertsOur Recommendation
For most buyers, the F-250 offers the best balance of capability, comfort, and value. It handles 90% of towing and hauling tasks with ease while being more pleasant to drive daily.
Choose the F-350 only if you have specific, regular needs that exceed the F-250's capabilities - particularly heavy fifth-wheel towing or commercial applications requiring maximum payload.
Still not sure? Contact our team at LR Wheels N Lifts. We've helped hundreds of Tampa Bay truck buyers choose between these two excellent trucks, and we're happy to discuss your specific needs.