Towing weights - Diesel Forum

dennis1946 · 08-14-2007, 01:20 PM

I have a 97 F250 7.3L PSD. I use it to tow a fifth wheel, which I have recently upgraded to a heavier model (appros. 10500 lbs loaded).
My owners manual shows that (in 97 at least) the GCWR for the F250 and F350 are the same. I probably need a bigger truck, but looks like there is no advantage to getting the F350. Is there a difference in the F250 and F350 SRW as far as GVWR? Otherwise, I don't see any point in getting the F350. Any towing info helpful.

STurbo90 · 08-14-2007, 01:32 PM

The gcvw is the same(20K with 4.10), just the gvw is different between the 250 and 350,

the only difference is legal weight on your door sticker. You are probably overweight on gvw but not gcvw.

"I think" until the "NEW NEW SD('08s)" the axles were the same, so technically the 250 is as capable as the 350 mechanically, just not legally.

Leader · 08-14-2007, 04:40 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The gcvw is the same(20K with 4.10), just the gvw is different between the 250 and 350,

the only difference is legal weight on your door sticker. You are probably overweight on gvw but not gcvw.

"I think" until the "NEW NEW SD('08s)" the axles were the same, so technically the 250 is as capable as the 350 mechanically, just not legally.

[/ QUOTE ]

The GVW recommended by Ford is different between the F250 & the F350 but you are right, the GCVWR is the same.
LEGALLY the GVW suggested by Ford has NO standing. How you have your truck registered with the state does. The GCVWR also has NO legal standing. It is a performance rating.
NO ONE has ever gotten a ticket for being properly registered & being over the GVW suggested by Ford.
Your truck should haul that trailer just fine. If the driver is capable, you will also be safe.

STurbo90 · 08-14-2007, 04:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The gcvw is the same(20K with 4.10), just the gvw is different between the 250 and 350,

the only difference is legal weight on your door sticker. You are probably overweight on gvw but not gcvw.

"I think" until the "NEW NEW SD('08s)" the axles were the same, so technically the 250 is as capable as the 350 mechanically, just not legally.

[/ QUOTE ]

The GVW recommended by Ford is different between the F250 & the F350 but you are right, the GCVWR is the same.
LEGALLY the GVW suggested by Ford has NO standing. How you have your truck registered with the state does. The GCVWR also has NO legal standing. It is a performance rating.
NO ONE has ever gotten a ticket for being properly registered & being over the GVW suggested by Ford.
Your truck should haul that trailer just fine. If the driver is capable, you will also be safe.

[/ QUOTE ]

He is correct that you have to have your truck registered properly,

and if they were going to give you a ticket, it would not be for over gcvwr, but gawr instead. As long as you do not exceed you rated axle capacity, (which combined is higher then the gvwr) they you should be okay.