What is the difference between the Ford F-250 and F-350?

The F-350 has a higher GVWR (14,000 lbs vs 10,000 lbs), higher max towing (35,750 vs 22,000 lbs), and greater payload capacity (7,850 vs 4,260 lbs). The F-350 is also available in dual rear wheel (DRW) configuration and as a chassis cab for commercial upfits like service bodies and flatbeds.

Is the F-350 worth the extra cost over the F-250?

For light-duty commercial work under 15,000 lbs towing and 3,500 lbs payload, the F-250 is sufficient and costs less. For contractors needing service bodies, flatbeds, or heavy equipment hauling, the F-350 is essential and the price difference is justified by capability.

Can an F-250 tow a gooseneck trailer?

Yes, the F-250 can tow a gooseneck trailer up to 18,500 lbs (diesel). However, for loads over 22,000 lbs or for regular heavy gooseneck use, the F-350 is strongly recommended for its higher GVWR and dual rear wheel stability option.

Which Ford Super Duty is best for a service body upfit?

The F-350 or F-450 chassis cab is the standard platform for Knapheide and other commercial service bodies. The F-250 can accommodate lighter service bodies but has payload limitations. Most plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors spec an F-350 SRW or DRW chassis cab.

What engines are available on the F-250 and F-350?

Both models offer the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel (475 hp, 1,050 lb-ft torque) and the 7.3L V8 gas engine (430 hp). The diesel delivers better towing capacity and fuel economy under load; the gas engine has lower upfront cost and simpler maintenance.

Ford F-250 vs F-350 Super Duty

The most common upgrade decision in commercial trucks. Here's exactly how to choose — based on your payload, towing, and upfit requirements.

Towing capacity Payload ratings GVWR comparison Upfit compatibility Cab configurations Pricing

F-250 Super Duty

Light-medium commercial · From $46,495

F-350 Super Duty

Medium-heavy commercial · From $49,885

Side-by-side specs

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	F-250 Super Duty	F-350 Super Duty SRW	F-350 Super Duty DRW
GVWR	10,000 lbs	14,000 lbs	14,000 lbs
Max conventional tow	18,000 lbs (gas) / 22,000 lbs (diesel)	21,200 lbs (gas) / 26,000 lbs (diesel)	21,200 lbs (gas) / 26,000 lbs (diesel)
Max 5th wheel / gooseneck tow	15,000 lbs (gas) / 18,500 lbs (diesel)	27,500 lbs (gas) / 35,750 lbs (diesel)	27,500 lbs (gas) / 35,750 lbs (diesel)
Max payload	3,240 lbs (gas) / 4,260 lbs (diesel)	4,460 lbs (gas) / 7,850 lbs (diesel)	4,460 lbs / 7,850 lbs
Cab configurations	Regular, SuperCab, Crew	Regular, SuperCab, Crew	Crew Cab standard
Chassis cab available	No	Yes — ideal for upfits	Yes — ideal for upfits
Dual rear wheels	No	No (single rear)	Yes — stability + payload
6.7L Power Stroke diesel	Yes (475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft)	Yes (475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft)	Yes (475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft)
7.3L V8 gas engine	Yes (430 hp / 475 lb-ft)	Yes (430 hp / 475 lb-ft)	Yes (430 hp / 475 lb-ft)
Service body / flatbed upfit	Light service bodies only	Full commercial upfits	Full commercial upfits
Starting MSRP (XL trim)	$46,495	$49,885	~$52,000
Fleet / commercial pricing	Available through Peoria Ford · Call (844) 877-9033

Choose the right truck

Which Super Duty Fits Your Business?

Choose the F-250 if…

✓Your heaviest tow is under 18,000 lbs (or under 22,000 lbs diesel)
✓Payload stays under 3,500 lbs most days
✓You need crew cab + short bed for job site versatility
✓Your work is landscaping, light electrical, or general contracting
✓Budget is a priority and lighter-duty spec meets your needs
✓You're a solo operator or small crew with a tool bed or ladder rack

Starting from $46,495 · Inventory available now at Peoria Ford

Choose the F-350 if…

✓You tow equipment trailers over 18,000 lbs regularly
✓You need a gooseneck or 5th wheel rated above 20,000 lbs
✓You're upfitting with a Knapheide service body, flatbed, or dump bed
✓Your payload exceeds 4,000 lbs (materials, equipment, or crew + tools)
✓You need a chassis cab configuration for a commercial body
✓You're in construction, plumbing, HVAC, or agriculture hauling

Starting from $49,885 · Chassis cab from ~$51,000

By trade and industry

Who Buys Each Truck

F-250

Electrician

Crew cab for 2–3 techs, ladder rack, and tool boxes. Light towing of equipment trailers under 12,000 lbs. F-250 with Transit shelving alternative.

F-350

Plumber / HVAC

Knapheide service body on F-350 chassis cab is the industry standard. Payload for pipe, fittings, and equipment. Towing mini excavators for site work.

F-350

General Contractor

Flatbed or service body for materials and tools. Gooseneck capability for equipment trailers. F-350 DRW chassis cab is the most common commercial spec.

F-250

Landscaper

F-250 with 16–18K trailer covers most landscaping rigs. Steps up to F-350 when hauling heavy skid steers or multiple machines daily.

F-350

Agriculture / Ranch

F-350 DRW for livestock trailers and gooseneck loads. Payload for feed, equipment. Chassis cab for flatbed or stake bed for hay hauling.

Either

Government / Municipal

F-250 for light utility and patrol. F-350 for public works, utility body, and equipment transport. Fleet pricing available through Peoria Ford BPN.

Common questions

F-250 vs F-350 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real-world difference between F-250 and F-350 towing? +

The F-350 significantly outpaces the F-250 for gooseneck and 5th wheel towing — up to 35,750 lbs vs 18,500 lbs with a diesel engine. For conventional trailer towing, the gap is narrower: 22,000 lbs (F-250 diesel) vs 26,000 lbs (F-350 diesel). If you're regularly pulling equipment trailers over 18,000 lbs, the F-350 is the right choice. For lighter trailers under 15,000 lbs, an F-250 diesel handles it comfortably.

Can I put a service body on an F-250? +

Yes, but with limitations. The F-250 can accommodate lighter Knapheide and Reading service bodies on a standard pickup frame. However, the F-250 is not available as a chassis cab — so the service body mounts on the existing frame rather than a dedicated commercial chassis. Most professional trades choose the F-350 chassis cab for a full-size commercial service body because it offers more payload capacity, a longer chassis, and a dedicated flat frame designed for commercial upfits.

Is the F-350 DRW worth it over the SRW? +

The dual rear wheel (DRW) F-350 adds stability, higher payload capacity, and more predictable handling when fully loaded or towing near the limit. The trade-off is wider stance (harder to park in tight spaces) and higher tire cost at replacement. For contractors who run heavy service bodies, dump beds, or large gooseneck loads daily, DRW is the professional choice. For moderate commercial use where you're occasionally near the payload limit, SRW is often sufficient.

What is the price difference between F-250 and F-350? +

At the XL base trim, the F-350 starts roughly $3,000–$4,000 higher than the equivalent F-250 ($49,885 vs $46,495). In practice, the upfit package (service body, flatbed, etc.) is a much larger cost variable than the chassis upgrade. Commercial and fleet buyers through Peoria Ford's Ford Pro BPN program can access fleet pricing that narrows the gap further. Call (844) 877-9033 for current fleet pricing.

Which engine — 6.7L diesel or 7.3L gas — is better for commercial work? +

The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel (475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft) is the commercial workhorse — higher towing capacity, better fuel economy under load, and longer service intervals. It costs approximately $10,000–$12,000 more upfront and has higher maintenance costs but delivers a lower cost-per-mile over a high-mileage commercial lifetime. The 7.3L V8 gas is ideal for lighter-duty commercial use, lower initial investment, or operations where gasoline is more practical. Most serious commercial operators choose diesel.

Still Not Sure? Let AI Match You.

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