Truck with enough payload to pull a Reflection 278bh

[Wileykid]

One other thing to look at, is the difference in price between the 350 and 250. It is usually less than $2,000, and at times only $1,000. The size of the two are identical, and for the most part the Ford and Chevy have the same ride between the two, the RAM has a spring setup in the 2500, and a leaf spring in the 3500, so there will be a difference.

[Ynot4me2]

Well, a few points to consider.

Diesel reduces the CCC more than gas. The heavier motor accounts for that.

4x4 reduces the CCC by somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 lbs.

The higher the trim package, the lower the CCC, and that amount varies.

Crew cabs have lower CCC than extended cabs, she extend cage have lower CCC than regular cabs.

You can order the truck, and if the CCC doesn't meet what you need, you don't have to actually buy it, regardless of what the dealer tells you.

I have a 2019 crew cab, 4x4, Lariat, long bed, F350. My CCC is 3273 lbs.

With my 5ver and truck fully loaded, we are about 50-100 lbs over my CCC. That's a number I'm willing to live with. I did add Sumo Sorings to both the trailer and the truck to help with handling a little bit.

These are all great points. Another to add is the price difference between a 3/4 vs a similar equipped 1 ton is very minimal. Under $1,000. Where the big difference is in cost might be in licensing depending on where you live. In most places, if it's for personal use then there's not much difference there also. I recently price out a F250 Lariat and similar F350 Lariat and there was a $725 difference.

[Hokitect]

I have a 2020 290BH, which is a slightly longer version of the 278BH. We started out with a GMC 2500 Duramax and it pulled fine; had a bit more sag and soft rear end feel when loaded than I liked . Made the switch to a GMC 3500 Duramax and I will say the difference is ride has been a significant improvement when towing. Unloaded and around town the ride is the same as the 2500. However, when fully loaded and towing throughout the southeast, the 3500 feels much more solid and competent. The larger rear differential and larger spring pack seem to make a big difference. I know it’s not a Ford, but having had both a 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck, I’d recommend a 1 ton.

[Grandstander]

I have a 2020 290BH, which is a slightly longer version of the 278BH. We started out with a GMC 2500 Duramax and it pulled fine; had a bit more sag and soft rear end feel when loaded than I liked . Made the switch to a GMC 3500 Duramax and I will say the difference is ride has been a significant improvement when towing. Unloaded and around town the ride is the same as the 2500. However, when fully loaded and towing throughout the southeast, the 3500 feels much more solid and competent. The larger rear differential and larger spring pack seem to make a big difference. I know it’s not a Ford, but having had both a 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck, I’d recommend a 1 ton.

Makes perfect sense, thank you. Better to have more now since most likely the TT will change, but the truck would be ready! Honestly I am not partial to Ford so I will look at the the big three and see how I like them.

[jkwilson]

Not true, the F350 and F450 MIGHT be derated. The F250 usually is not.

The F250 is always derated. Part for part identical to an F350 the 250 may have a GVWR 1500 lbs lighter but the same axle ratings. I have the Ford service manuals, and can tell you there is nothing different until you start beefing up the 350 with axles that aren’t available on the 250.

The F250 exists only to allow small business to avoid needing CDLs and for people to avoid having to pay commercial insurance rates. If you want, you can order a special version of the F250 with a 9900lb GVWR. That’s for states that require you to be below 10,000lb to avoid the commercial rates. It is simply derated further.

Most service companies run F250s with 16,000lb GVWR trailers. One pound less than the CDL requirement.

[ardvark16]

I have the 278BH and originally towed it with a 2019 Ram 2500 gas. I ordered a new truck and went with an F-350 7.3 gas. I have just over 4000lb payload and the truck pulls like a dream. It has a 10 speed transmission and the Godzilla engine (7.3) is insanely powerful. You don’t need a diesel if you don’t want one. I personally avoided one due to upfront costs and the cost of maintenance and fuel being higher. I have no regrets with this setup. As far as a 1/2 ton truck to pull a 5th wheel. I wouldn’t ever do it. Even if you get a maxed out payload those trucks just aren’t meant for that kind of towing. They make different models for a reason. The super duty trucks are a totally different towing experience. None of the 1/2 ton trucks are going to tow a 5th wheel as well as a 3/4 or 1 ton.

[acoleman43]

I'm late to this, but....I have a 2020 F250 diesel crew cab with 3166# payload. If you get the "high capacity towing package" it adds 800# to the GVWR (from 10,000# to 10,800#). However this means the GCVWR is 30,000# which puts it over the 26,000# magic number. You will hae to check with state laws to see if this requires a non0standard drivers license.

I know GM does the same with their 3/4 ton trucks. You can get a 3/4 ton with 11,350# GVWR which can get you over 3000# payload. I've seen a couple with over 3000# payload.

[Grandstander]

I have the 278BH and originally towed it with a 2019 Ram 2500 gas. I ordered a new truck and went with an F-350 7.3 gas. I have just over 4000lb payload and the truck pulls like a dream. It has a 10 speed transmission and the Godzilla engine (7.3) is insanely powerful. You don’t need a diesel if you don’t want one. I personally avoided one due to upfront costs and the cost of maintenance and fuel being higher. I have no regrets with this setup. As far as a 1/2 ton truck to pull a 5th wheel. I wouldn’t ever do it. Even if you get a maxed out payload those trucks just aren’t meant for that kind of towing. They make different models for a reason. The super duty trucks are a totally different towing experience. None of the 1/2 ton trucks are going to tow a 5th wheel as well as a 3/4 or 1 ton.

What cab do you have? I would be looking at a crew cab 4x4 and 8’ bed.

[ardvark16]

What cab do you have? I would be looking at a crew cab 4x4 and 8’ bed.

I have a crew cab with the 6 3/4 foot bed.

[Grandstander]

I have a crew cab with the 6 3/4 foot bed.

Thank you. I may loose a little payload with the long bed right? I would have 862 pounds in people alone! I am thinking anything 3600 or higher pounds of payload is a win.