Help choosing new 3/4 ton truck

[Shazam]

I went for a second look at a F250 XL gas model and brought the Mrs along. She noticed two important omissions; no sliding rear window but most importantly, no a/c vents in the rear. That was a deal breaker. Especially in the 100 degree Georgia heat. For kicks we looked at upper trim lines which have rear vents, but we lose the middle front seat, gain carpet, and other bling which we are not interested in. More importantly, the bling costs us 900# of payload.
Then went to GMC dealer who only had upper trim line diesels on the lot. Even these $60k+ trucks did not have rear a/c vents. We looked at a 2018 Ram 2500 Larame with 25k miles on the lot which had small rear vents, 2 12V outlets, a 150W 115V plug, and no tow mirror (as well as more chrome than I like.) The seats were not as comfortable as the Ford.
We would buy the F250 XL if it had the rear vents. Any reason why manufacturers of these full size trucks with crew cabs can not provide cooling similar to what we have in our Yukon?

[mikeinca]

The Lariat trim level will get you the A/C vents and sliding window you're looking for, plus you can opt for front bench seats instead of buckets at no cost additional cost and can delete the carpet for a $50 credit. I'd be surprised if a stripped F250 Lariat actually gave up 900 pounds to a base F250 XL but I guess it's possible. If you're comparing load stickers on the lot do keep in mind that dealers hardly ever order stripped models so the upper trim levels are liable to have additional options on them which you don't want and are affecting payload. If you can wait and order exactly what you want you may be able to shrink that 900 pound difference.

Some of the Lariat features are actually pretty nice and I wouldn't consider them "bling" but that's a matter of personal taste. Good luck with your search.

[JMynes]

I got a Lariat, very happy with it.
Not sure how you’re going to get rear cooling and a front bench. Rear vents travel through the center console.

[JonDNC]

FWIW we ended up going with a F350 Platinum as it was only slightly more than the 250 version and have all the goodies including massaging seats [emoji41]. Payload is not an issue and the ride is about the same (we couldn’t tell the difference)

[majorairhead]

I say order up an XLT the way you want it. That's what I did, it's turned out to be a really nice truck.

[wulfraat]

Your GMC dealer showed you the 2019 model.

The all new 2020 gmc 2500 has rear vents now. They are just hitting / in transit to the lots, your dealer probably didn’t have one for sale yet.

11k+ GVWR on the new 3/4 ton truck (one ton GVWR in a 3/4 ton package). Same L5P diesel as 2017-2019 but with larger radiator / fan / oil cooler for even heavier towing. 10spd transmission.

[mikeinca]

Originally Posted by JMynes

I got a Lariat, very happy with it.
Not sure how you’re going to get rear cooling and a front bench. Rear vents travel through the center console.

Good point...

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by mikeinca

Good point...

My F150 XLT has rear vents. I’d bet the F250 XLT would as well.

[Shazam]

I am concerned about the decreased payload of the upper trim lines. If you do not mind, what is the Lariat payload?
Thank you

[majorairhead]

Originally Posted by Shazam

I am concerned about the decreased payload of the upper trim lines. If you do not mind, what is the Lariat payload?
Thank you

No Lariat here.....XLT is what I have.

3,111 pound payload.

F250 Crew Cab 6.2 Liter gas, 4x4, sliding rear window, 400watt outlets, heavy duty alternator, camper package, ford bedliner, backup camera, powerfold mirrors, skid plates, and navigation.

[CRH]

As posted earlier, order a truck equipped exactly like you want. You can spec a XLT with the things you want and probably nothing that you don't

[DKB_SATX]

You may pay a buck or two extra for a custom order. If that matters more to you than getting exactly the truck you want, you should be looking at lightly-used trucks over new. I'm not without bias in this... after a long process got me to "mostly what I wanted" for my first (used) Airstream tow vehicle, I am very, VERY satisfied that I ordered my current TV right down to the bed-side steps. I'm going to keep it 8-10 years (my car I bought brand new is 15 now) so getting just what I want for the next decade is worth not getting the cheapest truck that'll tow my trailer on the front end.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The real answer is to shop around. There are a *lot* more options that matter in a TV than the A/C vents. On the 250, you want the camper option ( = add the anti-sway bar), the towing option ( = you *need* the brake controller), max payload option ( = most springs you can get). The value / need for 4x4 is often debated. I would go for the locking rear axle, regardless 4x4 or not.

With all that "stuff" our 250 (Platinum) still is just under 3,000 lb payload on the sticker.

Bob

[Shazam]

This shopping process has taught me that most people selling trucks at dealerships have no idea about their vehicle's features or capabilities. It is also important to visit multiple dealers to view a variety of trim lines. My local dealer had only one gas F250 and a variety of diesels. I am also looking at Carmax and Carvana. Airforums and other such sites have proven invaluable.

[CRH]

FWIW, with a gas Super Duty I would be looking for the 4.30 gears. They are hard to find on the lot, though.

[Starlight Mike]

The 2020 GMC 2500 Diesel sounds great to me.

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

The real answer is to shop around. There are a *lot* more options that matter in a TV than the A/C vents.

Bob

Uncle Bob is right. Braking is equally important, see thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...le-197526.html

[palerider]

I got tired of looking on Ford dealer lots at basically nothing but diesel trucks. I don’t put enough miles a year (50,000 min. a year) to warrant the extra cost of a diesel. I got on the Ford site, built the gas(V10) dually, 4:30 rear gear, XLT package. Got the MSRP and started dealing with a number of dealers some 200 miles away. All on line. I got one to order the truck I wanted, the color I wanted at 20percent below MSRP. It’s probably the best truck I have ever owned. Pulled a 5th wheel from coast to coast with no problems and passed a number of diesels

[djbar]

Hmmmm. Do the majority of 250/2500 owners feel that exhaust braking is necessary, or that its only another level of "insurance" against brake system failure on long steep inclines? (thinking western Rockies vs Blue Ridge Pkwy)

[ghaynes755]

It's not just the long down hills. Having a tow haul mode with an exhaust brake assists in any type of braking condition.