What are the Differences Between an F-250 and an F-350

Stacked side-by-side, finding the difference between the F-250 and F-350 can be downright impossible if the badges weren’t present. Both trucks are nearly identical in every sense of the word except for the badging - in terms of the appearance of course. Both trucks arrive with three cab configurations: single, extended, and crew. Both trucks also arrive with only two bed options: 7 foot and 8 foot; neither of which is dependent on the cab length. Both trucks are also available in the same exact trim levels.

Under the hood, these trucks are also identical. Both trucks are available with either a gasoline V8 or Powerstroke diesel under the hood. The gas engine may feel out of place, but it is no slouch. The 6.2-liter gasoline engine has the potential to push out 385 horsepower and 430 lb-fts of torque; this is the highest torque output for a gasoline engine in its class. The 6.7 Powerstroke diesel also pushes out best in class power with 450 horsepower and 985 lbs-ft of torque. The heart of the Superduty is a major contributing factor to its reputation as one of the greatest work trucks in the world.

6.2L V8

• 385 Horsepower
• 430 lb-ft of Torque

6.7 Powerstroke Diesel

• 450 Horsepower
• 935 lb-ft of Torque

Both the F-250 and F-350 are designed with excessive workloads in mind. This leaves no room for weak or subpar links in the chain. Both trucks, with either engine option, are built with a heavy duty 6-speed automatic transmission. This does not help increase fuel economy but is put in place to withstand the stresses of hauling while keeping driving on the highway at reasonable speeds possible.

There has been little to separate the F-250 and F-350 up to this point. The most defining difference in terms of appearance and drivetrain is the addition of dual rear wheels on the F-350. Both trucks are offered with a single rear wheel axle, but the F-350 is the first in the Superduty lineup to offer the optional dual rear wheels. This is not just in place for aesthetic appeal but for a mechanical advantage when it comes time to haul or tow heavy loads.

Different towing is what truly classifies these as two different vehicles. Despite the F-250 coming up on the lower end, this truck is rated to pull up to 15,000 lbs. This number is very respectable but there are some jobs that simply require more. The F-350 delivers for those with the heaviest of loads to pull as this truck is rated to pull up to 18,000 lbs. When you’re talking numbers as large as these, 3,000 lbs. may seem small but keep in mind that the average small car weighs right around 3,000 lbs.

The impressive pulling power of the F-350 doesn’t mean everything. We have to keep payload - the weight capacity of the bed - in mind. The F-250 can carry a payload weighing in at an impressive 4,300 lbs. This is more than enough for most people who need to load up the bed of their truck. The F-350 does answer to those few bold enough to haul more. The F-350 has the potential to carry just north of 7,000 lbs., which is about half the weight of what the F-250 can tow.

Unlike choosing between a ½ ton and ¾ ton truck, picking between Superduty trucks is extremely simple. These are work trucks and work trucks need to be viewed as tools. If you need to lift four tons, you wouldn’t choose a two-ton jack for the job. if you need to tow north of 15,000 lbs., you need the F-350 and nothing less. The same is true if you need to put more than 4,300 lbs. of weight on the vehicle.

It’s better to play it safe than sorry. If you are towing just under 15,000 lbs. or carrying just south of 4,300 lbs. of equipment, moving to the F-350 is warranted. The added strength only translates to better safety. Sure, some fuel economy will be sacrificed but neither truck is rated for more than 15 miles to the gallon on the highway anyway.

For contractors or fleet purposes, the F-350 is an excellent option for cab and chassis configurations. The high payload capacity makes them an excellent candidate as a flatbed weilding truck, a small dump truck, or even a tool truck. If you are setting up as a mobile tech or any other sort of business which requires you to move the number of tools you would keep in a shop around with you, the F-350 is the better option than the F-250. Though, you will need to make sure you are purchasing the dual rear wheel model equipped with a Powerstroke Diesel for the maximum payload.