F250/F350 or F350DRW

[tsmith2012]

New to hauling. Just purchased a 2013 365LEV and trying to determine the best truck to buy. I don't expect I will be doing trips more than 500 miles around the southeast. I am trying to decide what truck will be best suited for the application. I recently purchased a F150 that I really enjoy for everyday driving so trying to decide between F250/F350 SRW for everyday use or buying a used F350 DRW to haul with. Really don't like the idea of having a truck sitting around other than a few times a year. If SRW is there really much difference between F250 and F350?

The 365LEV is rated around 13,800 with a pin weight of about 3200lbs.

[fla-gypsy]

That is 350 DRW territory

[KanTC]

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your new Raptor.

The weights you're quoting are for an empty/dry trailer (base model, as shipped from the manufacturer).
And, since no one camps with an empty RV, you'll need to account for the weight of towing a 'loaded' trailer.

It appears Keystone probably made some changes to that model after mid-2012... the current weights are
different (heavier) than previously listed. Either way, that's one BIG toy hauler and when loaded & ready to
camp, odds are you'll need a 350/3500 DRW to handle the heavy pin weight. Also keep in mind that truck towing
capacities can vary from year to year (within the same brand) - do your homework carefully if you're buying 'used'.

(Current) Specs for 365LEV
GVWR 18,000 lbs
Shipping Weight 14,365
Carrying Capacity 3,635
Hitch 3,650
Length 40' 6"

2012 Specs for 365LEV
GVWR 18,000 lbs
Shipping Weight 13,915
Carrying Capacity 4,085
Hitch 3,220
Length 40' 6"


Travel safely & happy trails,
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot

[aburns20]

I have a Keystone Fuzion 375 with specs close to yours. I tow it with a 2012 F350 DRW and am very happy with the performance of the truck when towing my toy hauler.
Whatever you decide, just be sure careful to look at all the ratings and specs to help you make an informed decision.

Good Luck and Happy shopping!

[crash]

Our is rated just alittle heavier than your 5th wheel and we have a 08 f350 that pulls it with no problem,Just my 2 cents I would get the f350 or f450 drw,We have pulled our Raptor over 9,000 mile and have enjoy the heck out of it

[tsmith2012]

Thanks for the responses. I am looking at a F350 SRW so I can use it for everyday driving. Really don't want to drive a dually everyday. If I am reading the spec correctly the F350 Super Crew 4x4 should be ok.
http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...tions/payload/

I have found a couple of F350 DRW from 2008-2011 I would consider but really don't want to have sitting around 90% of time.

I am thinking we will tow about 6-8 times a year. Will be leaving it at a tailgating park for 3 months for football season.

[jerseyphil]

You asked for advice, and I think you got a lot of it.... All pointing to DRW. With that kind of weight, DRW is definitely that way to go.

[Hansel]

IMHO with me having a smaller camper than yours I wish I had DRW not that I don't love my F-250 CC 7.3L diesel but the idea of wanting a larger camper someday and not having the DRW limits me too my choices.

Also ounce you pick your truck put some gauges in it, EGT,Transmission,etc... and also a chip wouldn't hurt either.

[jje1960]

Well, going to jump on the DRW bandwagon, that rig is huge, much larger than my humble TH and I would not/not wish to have less truck than I have. Just my perspective.

[LittleJoe]

Daily driving a DRW is not a big deal. You learn to adapt and also get a little more exercise. If you ever get into less than ideal road conditions, that little extra stability can make the difference.

[Montana Don]

Just came from a 3670RL Bighorm and now to a Montana 3100RL. I have a F350 Diesel SRW. If I did over again I would absolutely go DRW for 37-40' Fifth Wheel pull.

[ocbms]

Yes I'm a dually fan for the extra security of a blown tire plus the ease of stopping.
I bought a used 2011 and after doing lots of looking it boiled down to do I want a black F350 with a extended cab & 8 foot bed or a lighter color F350 with Crew Cab and 8 foot bed. I bought a White Crew Cab with 8 foot bed. ( I dislike slide hitches thus no short beds considered.)
The disadvantage to the Crew cab is 2 feet longer which is harder to find a parking place when empty and likewise more difficult backing into a short spot due to the larger turn radius..

I still own a older F350 Dually 8 foot bed and extended cab. Both trucks are same width getting the Crew cab parked at a angle is OK but perpendicular get tight and takes 2-3 spots

[tsmith2012]

Thanks again for everyone's responses

[C130]

I tow a 35 foot Fuzion 322 toy hauler with a 2011 F250. My next truck will absolutely be a dually for sure and would like to trade now but had planned on keeping this truck until my son turns 16 and giving it to him. My F250 pulls it great but I don't like the stopping power of the F250 and occasionally if I'm on a road with lots of joints in the road it will start bouncing and porpoising.

Also, how much of a difference does a dually make in stopping power? I've never driven one so don't know the comparisons between SRW and DRW trucks. I've thought about replacing the king pin box with a Trailair or something similar to see if it would help with the bouncing. I have air bags on truck and trailer sits level or maybe slightly high in front. It barely sagged before the air bags but had them installed to make it perfectly level. It almost seems to bounce worse since air bags installed.

[tsmith2012]

I found a 2008 F350 DRW that is within my budget but If I am looking at max capacity correct it seems that it is less than the 2014 SRW. Is the 350 DRW ok for this Raptor?

[C130]

Personally, I'd try and go with a 2011 or newer. The previous motor (ended in 2010) was fine I think but forgot what year it started. Here in Texas used F250's and 350's sell crazy high and there are tons of them on the road. I looked for months for a good used one and gave up as I could buy a new one for not that much more.

[crash]

Yes it will be ok for your Raptor ,ours is alittle heavier and alittle longer and we havent had any problems in the 9,000 miles we have been

[tsmith2012]

Thanks for everyone's input. Purchased a 2008 F350 DRW linke brand new. Ready to hit the road.

[SAABDOCTOR]

you can justify towing it with anything you want ie i only tow 50 miles only empty only 40 mph but in the end what you bought is drw! i thought driving a dauly would be a p.i.t.a. just isn't so! getting in and out of parking spots is not that bad. it is only two extra tires. Be safe go with a daully you'll get used to it and you'll really come to like it. on the plus side it will tow better no sway,stop better and having fun and being safe is what this is all about. enjoy the rig!

[SAABDOCTOR]

so many interuptions i finished after your last post. great choice i'll shut up and go back to work!!!!!