xcntrk

I’m considering replacing my F150 for a 3/4 or full 1-ton pickup. Primarily because the towing/hauling I do exceeds the realistic limits of a half-ton pickup. I thought I was buying enough truck in the F150 with Max-Tow package, but like many out there was not fully educated on payload limitations and was mislead by Fords tow ratings.

So I’m looking for more truck to meet my needs but a second concern I have is reliability and longevity. My F150 is less than a year old and only has 15k miles. During that time it’s been in the shop a handful of times for diagnostics & repairs for two primary issues; one the rear axle clicking/popping, and two a transmission moaning. As I write this it’s getting the shift solenoid assembly in the transmission replaced, and there’s still no real fix for the rear axle clicking. A dozen tows at full capacity and 15k miles later the rig is falling apart. Needless to say my confidence in Ford reliability is plummeting.

So are these issues unique to the F150 platform? Do the F250/F350 owners suffer from community wide issues plaguing those platforms too? I’m a Ford guy and have been all my life, but common sense is telling me to look elsewhere.

CitizenMTB

Recently upgraded from an F150 (2013 model year) to a 2014 F250 6.7 Powerstroke. The Superduty is built as the name describes and tows very well. No issues so far but have one complaint. The rear sags too much if you attach a heavy trailer well within the payload limits. I actually put taller F350 blocks on the rear so I don't look nose high when towing. Long term I will add air bags to address this. Besides that, tranny, body, drive shaft, engine, all seem to be rock solid. If you have never owned a diesel just do some homework as correct and timely maintenance are key to longevity on these engines.

OilFieldCash

I don't own one, but I have had every year of F250 since around '06. The 6.7 is a beast.... It's amazing. Look for a truck stop near by that has DEF at the pump, you usually have to go to Big Truck pumps. These are bigger and faster pumps anyway haha. I haven't had good luck with them idling for long periods of time. We are on well sites for long periods of time and hate not leaving the A/C on. That May or may not be a concern of yours. We have had some issues with different sensors going out and putting them into limp mode, radiators busting, and A/C issues. But our trucks are up and down the road 24hrs a day and the only thing our company will do is get the oil changed. They all have 150k+ miles on them and pulled goosenecks majority of those miles. I would bet money with drivers that took care of them, and did proper steps to keep it maintained, a lot of the issues out trucks have wouldn't happen. I have a free F250, so I bought a F150 for myself. If I didn't have one at work, I would have bought the F250. This '13 I have now is the best one I've ever had. Depending on incentives, sometimes the super crew F350 is cheaper. Not much difference at all. Edit: I have also had F250's with the 5.4 and 6.2 gas engines.... I don't care what the numbers from ford said, They don't compare to the 6.7. The 6.2 got about 8 miles a gallon with any trailer I put behind it. From a little 12' bumper pull for a lawn mower, to a 30' gooseneck. Didn't pull worth a crap, seemed like the shift points were all jacked up. It was even worse if I put it in two haul mode. I have also tried several Cummins and Duramax. They both did fine too. I suggest sitting in one of all 3, for a long period of time to see if they're comfortable. I was only comfortable in the newest fords. Maybe ask some buddies if possible to tow some stuff or ride with some guys towing in those trucks to see if they meet your expectations.

xcntrk

Thanks for the input fellas!

I am targeting the 6.7 Powerstroke diesel motor for sure. Specifically I’m leaning towards 2015 to get the motor refresh – although I could probably find better deals on some 14’s sitting on dealer lots. Also I’m considering skipping the F250 and going straight to F350 SRW. Honestly there’s not much difference in price and overall size, and in my state I have to move to private (not for hire) truck plate with either, so why not? The F350 SRW bumps the GVWR from 10k to 11.5k for just a couple thousand more. I can’t find any drawbacks going to the F350 over F250. Am I missing something with going over 10k GVWR?

The only downside with both models is in the 6.75’ bed model only comes with a 26gal fuel tank with no option for larger! That really sucks. I mean my F150 with a 5.5’ box has 36gal capacity. I suppose on the F250/350 the extra space underneath must be occupied by the DEF tank(?).

jcain

The motors are the same, 11-15. Only difference is the 15s got a more reliable gt37 turbo. 250 vs 350 srw, exactly the same sans rear springs. So the 350 will ride more rough day to day. But with the 350 you'll get a steeper gear choice. Registration costs a lot more for 350 where im from so that was my deciding factor. Also, titan and transfer flow make replacement tanks that are 50gallons, I have one.

FXDWG Rider

I would agree with the above poster about how bad they can sag. My brother in law has a '12 with the 6.7. Pulls great but is nose up anytime you put any weight on the hitch. He put airbags on and no longer has the issue. He also bought a 50 gallon tank and installed it, he can get close to 1,000 miles per tank when empty.

white08gt

friend of mines F250, first mod, changing out the fuel tank to a bigger one.

stronger800

I'll agree with everything they said. I always buy 150s for myself, but drive 250/350s at work. New one every other year or so. 350 super screw 6.7, you'll like it.