F350 SRW

[Cispook]

I have read the majority of the debates etc and am going with the F350 SRW diesel as I opine it offers me the best payload and value for the money.
That being said I’m asking current F350 owners what specs and packages do you recommend?
Currently I’m leaning towards the Lariat in a Super Cab with 6.5’ bed and 4x4.
Thanks in advance for any input.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Cispook

I have read the majority of the debates etc and am going with the F350 SRW diesel as I opine it offers me the best payload and value for the money.
That being said I’m asking current F350 owners what specs and packages do you recommend?
Currently I’m leaning towards the Lariat in a Super Cab with 6.5’ bed and 4x4.
Thanks in advance for any input.

I had the Lariat, wouldn’t go with anything less. Great truck. I had the gas model, the diesel would be even better!

[Thomas31]

I have had several Fords and love my latest set up. I prefer the XLT and added neoprene seat covers as opposed to the Lariat and leather seats. I recently had the 4 door and 6.5' bed, and originally chose that due to the wheelbase length. I got tired of crawling up into the bed for minor equipment or tools, even with a bed slide which made it better but I was not satisfied. I did not really need the 4 doors and decided with new truck to go with the access cab, door and a half. That let me go back to an 8' bed and keep the shorter wheelbase that helps with backing the AS. As you can see in the pictures I chose an 8' low profile utility body. It has a full 4'x8' center section and is covered and lockable. I added the ladder rack for the water toys. We travel about 4 months out of the year and I like to carry a lot of tools and parts for most repairs that I can do in the remote locations we travel. Not the set up for everyone, but I have had A LOT of positive comments of this combination. I surprisingly found out it was cheaper to order the Ford truck with the 8' bed, which I had removed for the utility body, and sold to a repair yard than to order a cab/chassis from the factory. There are lots of ideas out there so keep looking, this was just what I have now.

[CRH]

Ultimate Trailer camera towing system, BLIS, tailgate step, upfitter switches, LED bed lights, carpet delete, and fifth wheel attachment points for just in case. I like the electric locking axle that comes with the FX4 package. You should also look at the snowplow/camper prep package.


I prefer a CCLB.

I

[majorairhead]

I went through the order process on a new F250 not too long ago. I chose the XLT and built it up the way I wanted.

I'd recommend you go through the same process and just order the truck the way YOU want it.

Just pay close attention to the packages, and make sure your salesman orders it the way you tell him/her.

[Moflash]

I have had a 2012,2015 and now a 2017.Resale is much better on a SuperCrew.Make sure to order supplemental heater or you will have no heat for 20 mins.Ultimate camera package and Navigation are a must.11400 gvw package.Rear step.LED headlights are wonderful.FX4

Platinum package is the best value
I just check all the boxes as I trade every 3 years and it works out great for me.

[CRH]

I agree with ordering what you want the way you want it.

[Paratus]

Current 2017 F350 owner (albeit dually) I like the 8' bed (with a cap) but recognize the personal preference.

The one addition I would strongly advocate (and believe it to be more need and less of the personal preference or conviction); that would be upgraded alternator for increased amp output.

We prefer the Lariat package for the leather seats due to heated/cooled option; my bride runs cold and I run hot. Not atypical for her to be running heated and my spot perennially on cooling, LOL.

[RandyNH]

I went XLT, as I detest leather seats. I have the 8ft bed for 2 reasons, 48 gallon fuel tank and full size 2 up quad in the back with the tailgate closed (also a full sheet of plywood/sheetrock)
I agree on the supplemental heater and alternator. I don't need led headlights for +$1000. I added some nice Westin aluminum running boards (I prefer that they snug directly against the body and don't stick down with a large gap like stock) got a bedrug and roll-up aluminum tonneau cover (which I've slept in a few times when without the trailer. I also have Ford's ramp system, for the quad, works great. I have GPS on my phone, 1 for the quad and a large screen RV model, so no need for navigation in the truck.
I have backup cameras in all my vehicles and still turn my head, so 360 camera would be wasted money, I do like the backup for connecting though. I suppose the only extra that might be nice would be the power extend/folding mirrors, but I move them so infrequently I guess it doesn't really matter and it gives me one more chance to do a walk around to check everything..

[perryg114]

I would consider a longer bed of you plan on using the bed. Seems like buying a dump truck with a wheel barrow for a bed.



Perry

[Countryboy59]

The options will add resale, even if you don’t ise them. The cameras are important for safety and I wouldn’t delete them to try to save money.

[RandyNH]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

The options will add resale, even if you don’t ise them. The cameras are important for safety and I wouldn’t delete them to try to save money.

Ha. They may add resale, if it's a deciding factor of what someone may be looking for. But options I don't want or need are repair costs I will never have to pay if I don't have them, if/when they don't work.
Just like all my sensor gauges are analog gauges, not one big LCD screen, that thing is expensive to replace

[kpm]

We went with a 4x4 CCSB 6.2L gasser with 4.3 axle ratio. 4k payload and it has plenty of power for our relatively tiny 7.3k trailer. The Lariate Ultimate package gives all of the creature comforts and the Tow Technology package gives adaptive steering and 360 camera system, great for squeezing into small spaces with or without the trailer hitched. We threw in a moon roof, the snow plow/camper package, roof marker lamps and upfitter switches. I don't think BLIS offers much since the tow mirrors are so well designed. If we had to do it again we might consider adaptive cruise but that's a maybe.

[kpm]

Originally Posted by Thomas31

I have had several Fords and love my latest set up. I prefer the XLT and added neoprene seat covers as opposed to the Lariat and leather seats. I recently had the 4 door and 6.5' bed, and originally chose that due to the wheelbase length. I got tired of crawling up into the bed for minor equipment or tools, even with a bed slide which made it better but I was not satisfied. I did not really need the 4 doors and decided with new truck to go with the access cab, door and a half. That let me go back to an 8' bed and keep the shorter wheelbase that helps with backing the AS. As you can see in the pictures I chose an 8' low profile utility body. It has a full 4'x8' center section and is covered and lockable. I added the ladder rack for the water toys. We travel about 4 months out of the year and I like to carry a lot of tools and parts for most repairs that I can do in the remote locations we travel. Not the set up for everyone, but I have had A LOT of positive comments of this combination. I surprisingly found out it was cheaper to order the Ford truck with the 8' bed, which I had removed for the utility body, and sold to a repair yard than to order a cab/chassis from the factory. There are lots of ideas out there so keep looking, this was just what I have now.

That is one sweet rig! The truck and trailer both.

[Wanna EB]

The power running boards are awesome! Unlike fixed running boards which I find to always be in the way and not all that helpful, the power running boards extend low with a wide platform. And then, they disappear leaving an attractive look for the truck.

I use the cameras all the time, with a cap it is almost necessary. I also like the LED lights.

The adaptive cruise is great for two lane roads.

[kpm]

Originally Posted by Wanna EB

The power running boards are awesome! Unlike fixed running boards which I find to always be in the way and not all that helpful, the power running boards extend low with a wide platform. And then, they disappear leaving an attractive look for the truck.
[...]

Any problem with them freezing in your Michigan winters?

[pjshier]

Our 2017 F350 Platinum was my own fault because I let my bride talk me into an F150 Platinum a while ago - and she loves it. My first truck since we were first married over 36 years ago - an F100 straight six.

We have used every option on these trucks, except the trailer back-up knob. The stowing running boards, backup camera with zoom, 360 view (we call the grand-child and dog saver view) heated/cooled seats, sun roof, nav and even the adaptive cruise are commonly used. The lock-up rear axle has come in handy a few times. Also like the trailer info and truck info displays. I am tracking mileage on three different trailers. Folding mirrors are a "must" for fitting in the skinny side of the garage.

Admittedly I am a gadget guy, and have extended warranties for the inevitable. Not always so - I used to drive a Studebaker manual everything truck tractor or the corn-binder with the dual manual boxes as low man on the pole. But this new stuff is just fun.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by RandyNH

Ha. They may add resale, if it's a deciding factor of what someone may be looking for. But options I don't want or need are repair costs I will never have to pay if I don't have them, if/when they don't work.
Just like all my sensor gauges are analog gauges, not one big LCD screen, that thing is expensive to replace

Those analog gauges are not really analog, just so you know.

[Cispook]

All the input greatly appreciated. Anyone have change of heart on rear ends or tire size?

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by Cispook

All the input greatly appreciated. Anyone have change of heart on rear ends or tire size?

Love the 20”, went with lower gears than standard, not necessary!