Ford F250 vs F350

The F-250 and F-350 are close in name, so it should not be surprising that the difference between these two is slight. These two popular F-series models represent Ford's Super Duty line, and though both are capable of hauling and towing, the F-350 is larger. Here are all the differences between these two models.

F-250 vs F-350: Exterior

There are plenty of options for the exterior and the interior of Ford Super Duty trucks, and all of them are shared between the F-250 and the F-350. They share the same cab, bed size, and trim options. Either of them can come in the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch Edition or Platinum trim level, and within these levels, they can either have a regular cab, a Super Cab or a Crew Cab, and two options for bed size, either short box (6’9”) or long box (8’) bed lengths. The only visible difference between the F-250 and the F-350 is that the F-350 comes with the option of dual rear wheels. Since the F-350 is intended for more heavy-duty towing, it is the first line of Super Duty trucks to support duallys.

F-250 vs F-350: Engines

There’s not too much difference here either! Both the F-250 and the F-350 have the same engine options. Either truck can come outfitted with a 6.2L Boss SOHC V8 engine, which sports 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, or the 6.7 Turbo-Diesel Power Stroke V8 which offers 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque. In terms of raw engine power, neither truck has a leg up on the other. Both trucks come with a six-speed automatic transmission as well, supporting both RWD and 4WD. The Super Crew and Super Cab models come with full-time 4WD as well. Additionally, both of these truck models can be converted to Bi-Fuel, allowing them to run on both gasoline and a secondary fuel source like propane or compressed natural gas (CNG).

F-250 vs F-350: Towing Capacity

The main difference between the F-250 and F-350 is towing capacity. The F-350 has a considerably higher maximum tow capacity. The absolute max for an F-350 is 32,000 lbs. while the F-250 maxes out at 18,500 lbs. Additionally, the F-350 has a higher average payload than the F-250 as well. The F-350 can have a maximum payload of 7,640 lbs. while the F-250 can have a maximum payload of 4,270 lbs. Both maximum payload and towing capacity do depend upon the engine, cab style, and bed size, so there are certain configurations of F-350s that can tow and hold less than an F-250. That being said, the F-350 has many more higher-power truck configurations than the F-250, being on average stronger and more prepared for heavy-duty work.

If these trucks are built on the same body and have the same engine, then what makes the difference in towing capacity? For one, the F-350 has a 4” rear block, an additional 1.5” compared to the F-250. Additionally, the F-350’s suspension is specially tuned for towing, with tighter rear spring and a reinforced midsection. Regardless of the model, new F-250s and F-350s will be equipped with Dana 60 front and rear axles, except in the case of duallys which come with a Dana 80 rear axle by default.

F-250 vs F-350: Which One Is Right For You?

While this could be a decision-maker for you, it’s important to consider that the upgraded towing capacity of the F-350 can require a commercial vehicle license in some states. While you can continue to drive your truck, the insurance rates and vehicle registrations costs will be significantly higher, possibly three times as high. Considering the relatively minor difference between the two models, the respective prices of both trucks are rather close, in some cases only differing by a few hundred dollars. If you are planning to use your truck for some heavy-duty lifting, then it doesn’t hurt to upgrade to the F-350, but if you are only towing specific items within the capabilities of the F-250, and you live in a state where F-350s would be classified as commercial vehicles, then the F-250 is the more economical option. Regardless of your decision, CJ Pony Parts will have the parts you need.