Questions on F-350 options

[orbsah]

Regarding the alternator options for the F-350, here are the choices:
1. Dual (standard)
2. Dual extra heavy duty for $115
3. Extra Extra heavy duty for $85

Although not a big price difference, I really don't know what the differences are in practical terms for towing. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[DaveMatthewsBand]

Regarding the alternator options for the F-350, here are the choices:
1. Dual (standard)
2. Dual extra heavy duty for $115
3. Extra Extra heavy duty for $85

Although not a big price difference, I really don't know what the differences are in practical terms for towing. Any thoughts or suggestions?

My understanding is the main reason folks opt for dual alternators (besides redundancy) is to power things like snow plows, winches, and off-road lights (before LEDs) etc.


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[jlspence99]

Regarding the alternator options for the F-350, here are the choices:
1. Dual (standard)
2. Dual extra heavy duty for $115
3. Extra Extra heavy duty for $85

Although not a big price difference, I really don't know what the differences are in practical terms for towing. Any thoughts or suggestions?

What’s standard depends on what trim line you buy. I have 2019 XLT so standard was something like a single 160 amp alternator. I got the engine block heater, 120 V cabin plug, snow plow prep package and XLT Premium package so somewhere in there was included the alternator upgrade. I don’t recall off the top of my head whether it was the extra heavy duty or dual. As DMB stated, it’s all about what loads you are putting on the system.


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[bertschb]

My truck came with the Snow Plow Package option ($185). The window sticker then shows Dual Extra Heavy Duty alternators - No charge.

 

[orbsah]

Thanks for the comments; I'm focusing on the Lariat trim package and Ford.com indicates the "dual" as standard. I have no intentions for snow plow (and didn't select that option). Really just planning to tow a big 5er and I don't know what to expect as far as alternator needs. Cost for the upgrades is negligible - just trying to make an informed decision. Thanks!

1. Dual (standard)
2. Dual extra heavy duty for $115
3. Extra Extra heavy duty for $85

 

[bertschb]

I have no plans to use a snow plow either. I think many people who opt for the snow plow package do so to get the heavier front axle rating and the dual extra heavy duty alternators rather than actually wanting to use a snow plow. The $185 cost is pretty reasonable.

 

[CoChris-MGRV]

I have no plans to use a snow plow either. I think many people who opt for the snow plow package do so to get the heavier front axle rating and the dual extra heavy duty alternators rather than actually wanting to use a snow plow. The $185 cost is pretty reasonable.

For 2017 (I do not know about other model years) either the snow plow or the heavy duty front suspension was required to get the 3.55 locking rear end and 18" tires that I wanted. The snow plow prep was the cheaper of the two. I find the ride is very nice with the heavier (5,990# rated) front end on my long bed crew cab, even empty.

Chris

 

[orbsah]

Ford says this about the snowplow package:

Optional on Super Duty® 4x4. Includes computer selected springs* for snowplow application and Extra Heavy-Duty Alternator.

*Higher spring rates will degrade ride quality when operated without additional equipment.



Should I really expect a degrade in ride quality?

 

[orbsah]

Looks like the Extra Extra Heavy-Duty option is for gas engines. So it seems my options are:

1. Stick w/ the Dual Alternators (standard for Lariat)
2. Dual extra heavy duty option for $115
3. Snowplow package which includes the dual extra heavy duty alternators + heavy front springs for $185

Cost is not an issue. I'm just wondering if I need the extra alternator power and heavy springs for towing a Solitude.

 

[JColeman]

Looks like the Extra Extra Heavy-Duty option is for gas engines. So it seems my options are:

1. Stick w/ the Dual Alternators (standard for Lariat)
2. Dual extra heavy duty option for $115
3. Snowplow package which includes the dual extra heavy duty alternators + heavy front springs for $185

Cost is not an issue. I'm just wondering if I need the extra alternator power and heavy springs for towing a Solitude.

More alternator for $115 has virtually no downside. Heavy springs for the front end (and the aforementioned warning) has me thinking about ride quality for the majority of time the truck isn't pulling.

 

[CoChris-MGRV]

Should I really expect a degrade in ride quality?

I would suggest test driving both back-to-back and see if it is objectionable to you.

I personally lower the rear tire pressure to 65 PSI (SRW) when empty and notice a much better ride compared to running 80 PSI towing pressure when empty.

Chris

 

[jlspence99]

I love the way my F-350 rides, both when towing and not.


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[Jerryr]

I’ve owned 2 recent F350s Diesel SRW with 18” tires. Here are my personal observations. I special ordered my 2019 and traded in my purchased off the lot 2017.

The HD Dual alternators are a bargain

The HD Front springs cause a slightly but noticeable harsher ride.

My current 2019 F350 SRW has 18” tires, standard front springs and 3.31 rear E-Locker axle. To me this is the best factory available combo if you want 18” tires and tow a 14,000 lb 5th wheel.

The only thing I might do differently would be to order HD front springs so I could get 3.55 Axle and the replace the front springs with standard rate springs on my own. I don’t know why Ford doesn’t offer 3.55 with standard springs when ordering 18” wheels and standard front springs. Saying that, the 3.31 is very adequate with 18” tires but another 100 rpm (1600 vs 1500) at 65 mph would be nice.

Bottom line the F350 has a very nice ride for a truck either loaded or unloaded.

 

[jlspence99]

I’ve owned 2 recent F350s Diesel SRW with 18” tires. Here are my personal observations. I special ordered my 2019 and traded in my purchased off the lot 2017.

The HD Dual alternators are a bargain

The HD Front springs cause a slightly but noticeable harsher ride.

My current 2019 F350 SRW has 18” tires, standard front springs and 3.31 rear E-Locker axle. To me this is the best factory available combo if you want 18” tires and tow a 14,000 lb 5th wheel.

The only thing I might do differently would be to order HD front springs so I could get 3.55 Axle and the replace the front springs with standard rate springs on my own. I don’t know why Ford doesn’t offer 3.55 with standard springs when ordering 18” wheels and standard front springs. Saying that, the 3.31 is very adequate with 18” tires but another 100 rpm (1600 vs 1500) at 65 mph would be nice.

This is the setup I have without changing out the HD front springs.


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[orbsah]

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the comments!