F150, 250 or 350?

[invincible569]

I have been pricing used Ford trucks. White trucks for the professional landscaper. I want a crew cab for sure.. but wasnt sure if a 350 would be overkill for my first truck even though I can find a great price just like a 250. Not only that, a 350 woudl probably eat up more gas. I dont want to make the mistake of buying a more weak truck now and regret my decision. I do plan to get into masonry which will mean I will carry a lot of weight at times. What is your take on my situation? How about a lift gate for the 350? too much?

Something like this for a 250:

[Stephen M.]

Go with the "most truck" that you can afford. Gas mileage, while important, is not your only consideration, especially in moving heavier loads.

I have used mostly F150s, of which I just happened to luck out thru "dumb-luck" in having 2 1999 HD models. My next purchase will be in the HD F350/450 range with a dump bed, and a powerful engine.

If you can, anticipate where you want to be by the time its paid off, and then grow into your truck. That's better than buying low, and wishing you had purchased a better truck.

[1Chavez]

If that is an '03 diesel, I would be skeptical about it. Many of the '03 were bought back by the dealer for various problems (first production year of the 6.0 bugs). The difference in the 99-04 f250 and f350 is the weight rating of the vehicle. The waqy ford decided to upgrade the weght rating was to put a bigger spacer block in the spring area (2" 250 and 4" 350). Any more questions about these trucks, just ask.
By the way, I have an '04 F250 diesel cerw cab and love it.
-Rich

[1Chavez]

Late edit:
Dual rear wheels are only optional on 350's, and duals get a sterling rear axle. The front axle is a difference of a Dana 50 and a Dana 60 on the 4x4's.
-Rich

[work it]

I would go with the most truck you can afford. Not only that but I would steer clear of the Ford. Even though the Ford truck plant is located here in Louisville I'm not impressed with their transmissions. The powerstroke is a good engine but that doesn't mean much when the truck is in the mechanics shop getting the tranny rebuilt. Just like Dodge; the Cummings deisel is the best motor to have in a 1 ton truck, but the tranny is crap. The Chevy Durimax deisel is having some injector problems, but I've talked with a couple guys that have them and absolutely swear by 'em. Plus, the Allison transmission is the best on the market....hands down.

[Woody]

Work It:

You're obviously a Chevy fan. Want to hear the story about my Chevy needing its transmission rebuilt? I agree Allison builds a good one, but unles you have the statistics to track a trend with Ford transmissions, it is pretty much just another "Chevy vs Ford" story. With drivetrain warrantees what they are today, NO company can afford to build a lemon. Although I have heard stories about the Dodge trucks and transmission woes, when I talked to my transmission rebuilder (in business for more than 70 years, family run, the best in a 100 mile radius), he stated flat-out that he hasn't seen a trend in ANY brand in the past decade or so. He said satistically, they all have a nearly identical failure rate. Those are his words anyhow.

Before I bought a truck larger than a 3/4 ton, personally I would consider a Mitsubishi Fuso. Ask Scaper about them.

Woody

[knowltondata]

Work It:

You're obviously a Chevy fan. Want to hear the story about my Chevy needing its transmission rebuilt? I agree Allison builds a good one, but unles you have the statistics to track a trend with Ford transmissions, it is pretty much just another "Chevy vs Ford" story. With drivetrain warrantees what they are today, NO company can afford to build a lemon. Although I have heard stories about the Dodge trucks and transmission woes, when I talked to my transmission rebuilder (in business for more than 70 years, family run, the best in a 100 mile radius), he stated flat-out that he hasn't seen a trend in ANY brand in the past decade or so. He said satistically, they all have a nearly identical failure rate. Those are his words anyhow.
Woody

I take it you're only talking about Dodge trucks and not Dodge minivans....

[invincible569]

Thanks guys for the help. its always good to hear from others who are in the business.

[Allan]

I would have to disagree with most others here.

This is your first truck. I assume that you are just getting into the business. You say that you plan to haul heavy loads later on but you really don't know for sure what you will be doing. Plans have a tendency to change.

My advise is to buy what you need for today. A common problem in this industry is working for your equipment rather than having it work for you. What will you need for this year? Will you have 2 employees? An F-150 regular cab (or similar) will do. Later on, as necessary, you can upgrade.

Here is a good plan for mowing. You might provide other services but I think that you will get the idea.

You start out and have 3 properties - 21" pushmower and trimmer, edger, blower.
You get 20 properties - add a 36" WB and maybe a trailer
50 properties - add a 48" mower
75 properties - hire an employee
110 properties - hire another employee
Start servicing larger commercial properties - another employee, a 60" mower, a larger trailer and an appropriate truck.




Will an F-350 make you more money this year than an F-150? If not, upgrade when you need to.

[ohreallythanks]

Work It:

(in business for more than 70 years, family run, the best in a 100 mile radius), he stated flat-out that he hasn't seen a trend in ANY brand in the past decade or so. He said satistically, they all have a nearly identical failure rate. Those are his words anyhow.

that leaves the common demoninator the driver.....does he change his filter/fluid?....does he pull loads that he shouldn't?....doesn't drive smart......
:
dude...sounds likes you have the money already to buy the big truck...go ahead man....pimp yo ride dukes...put da lifts(not to high though) and da hole nine.....cd/dvd/game station/laptop/internet....jus don't forget to run your business..hahahah.....but if you don't have the money to pay out a lot of cash i would conserve and do what allan said