I expect to order a new 5th wheel soon and being a Ford only person, I wwould appreciate the experience\knowledge of others to determine the best superduty for me... The RV will have a GVWR of 13500#. I dončt have any 2000 model info yet,but the 1999 book says that if I order a supercab, with automatic, that I need an F-350 with a V-10 and a 4.30 axle ratio. What do you think.. Is there a lot of difference in mileage loss if I go to the 4.30 rear end versus the 3.73 and if I did get the 3.73 would it have the guts to pull my rv thru mountains..I have talked to some who say that I should go with the 3.73 4x2 and let the truck work a bit --- I just pulled a U-Haul across the country with a Windstar and that was not fun.... Any suggestions.. Oh yes, I would be getting a 4x2 (I think) -- as I see no need for a 4x4 in the midwest where I live.

 

After much research, I selected the F-250 SuperDuty. In 1999, both the F-250 and F-350 had the same GCVWR of 20,000 pounds. Since the F-250 weighs a bit less than the F-350, the F-250 will actually pull a heavier trailer (only a few hundred pounds difference). The F-350, of course, has a much greater pay-load capacity. However, on a 13,500 pound 5th wheel, it is unlikely that your hitch weight will exceed the F-250's payload capacity.
Check my "signature" for my truck's capabilities. Follow the link in my signature to see my truck and trailer.
Good luck!

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1999 F-250 XLT Super Duty Crew Cab Long Bed
V-10, Automatic 4R100, 4.30 Limited Slip.
GVW = 6700# Towing Capacity = 13,300#
4 Wheel ABS disks + Reese 15K hitch
Dark Hunter Green. Ford Running Boards.
Grey Rhino-Liner. Captain's Chairs. CD+Tape
Polished Stainless Steel Wheel-well Molding http://members.home.net/jchartier/jnctrk.html

 

Just a warning.

I have seen two Ford brochures that give conflicting GCWR and towing ratings for the V-10 F-250. As an example, consider J-C's truck (F-250 crew cab 4.30 axle 4x2). The 1999 F-series brochure I have lists GCWR as 20,000# and tow rating as 14,000#. Another Ford Towing brochure that I found a copy of on the internet lists GCWR as #18,000 and the tow rating is at #12,000.

As far as advice, I have not driven an SD, but I've read many posts from people who have, and based on that I would definitely go with the 4.30 if getting the V-10.

As far as F-250 vs. F-350, I guess that will depend on how heavy the hitch weight is and how much you're willing to sacrifice in ride quality.

But if you decide on the 250, definitely confirm what the real tow rating currently is.

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1997 F-150 Reg Cab 4x2 4.2L 5 spd. 3.08
White/Silver
SnugTop Cab-hi w/ oversized windows & BedRug matching headliner
BedRug
Alpine CD / 200W (50x4) Amp
JBL components up-front(50x2 W)
Rockford-Fosgate 8"sub(100 W)

 

go to www.buyerconnection.com
You can make your own F-250 Superduty. If I had the money I would get the powerstroke diesel.

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Fast46Triton

1999 Ford F150 XLT Supercab, Shortbed, 4x2, 4 wheel disc brakes/4 wheel Anti-Lock Brakes, Cloth Seats, Amazon green, 16" All season tires, Soft Tonneau Cover, CD Player, 4.6 liter Triton V8, 3:55 ls, towing package, 4 speed auto, K&N Airfilter
Future Mods:
1)Superchip
2)Airbox Mod
3)Gibson Exhaust

 

I spent a lot of time trying to decide on the V-10 or the PSD. An article in Trailer Life magazine did a really good job of comparing the costs - ongoing maintenance + initial cost + fuel cost and mileage.

I bought the V-10

If I planned to keep the truck more than 100,000 miles, I would have got the PSD.