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JIMNLIN · 09-15-2015, 07:56 PM

Makes no sense to me either why Ford does this however it generates lots of opinions why.
One is a states registration which may cost more above 10000 GVWR.

Or lower GVWR can keep a hauler out of CDL range.

Or maybe insurance costs above that numbers.

I guess reasons/opinions can be endless.

caissiel · 09-16-2015, 12:22 AM

They are different, the F350 has higher blocks on the rear axle to allow more spring travel while keeping the drive shaft alignment in spec.
I opted to add a spring ply to keep mine in line with more weight. Kept the rear height lower and the drive less choppy. The F350 and Ram 3500 SRW are very uncomfortable to work with. My son has the 3500 and his tailgate is about 5 inches higher then my F250.

Gordon Dewald · 09-16-2015, 08:11 AM

It makes no sense or need for a manufacturer would build several lines exactly the same and then rebadge them depending upon what the next order was. Nowdays with computer controlled assemby they can mix and match components to produce whatever the next order requires.

Our 5er dealer made an interesting mistake when we bought our unit. We told him we were pulling with a 450. He assumed that the 450 was just a beefed up 350 and ordered the mounting kit for a 350. When the installers started working there was no similarity between the frames. A new kit had to be ordered. I spoke with the installers when they finally installed the 5 wheel. They said the frame was way heavier on the 450 than any 350 they had ever seen.

fvstringpicker · 09-18-2015, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

He assumed that the 450 was just a beefed up 350 and ordered the mounting kit for a 350.

If its like GMC, the 450 and 550 have similar frames (like the 2500 and 3500 GMCs)

SmokeyWren · 09-18-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

Maybe some folks know we can get say a F350 SRW with a 10000 GVWR or a 11200 GVWR in the exact same truck specs. So why would a truck maker put two different GVWR on the same truck. ... One is a states registration which may cost more above 10000 GVWR.

Yep, you answered your own question. Customer demand, the result of taxes in some states.

The Ford F-350 SRW diesel with 8' bed, for example, has GVWR of 11,500. But some states tax a truck with over 10,000 pounds GVWR a lot more than one with 10,000 pounds GVWR. Some customers need the higher actual payload capacity of the F-350 SRW, but they want to pay the taxes of an F-250. So Ford has an option of 10,000 pounds GVWR for the F-350 SRW. That option changes nothing but the GVWR sticker, so it actually has the same actual payload capacity as a "real" F-350 SRW that has a GVWR sticker that says 11,500 pounds.

taken · 09-18-2015, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

You do ask an interesting question.

It may be just that the manufacturers are out to confuse us. The only question I would have is are you sure that every spec is exactly the same? Like is everything exactly the same throughout the entire body, frame and drive train on both vehicles? Yes they share many common components but if everything is the same why would they debrand a unit (calling a 350 unit a 250 and selling it for less)?

It would make no sense for the manufacturer to have two different stickers for the same truck. Given the competition and marketing drive they are under why would they seriously understate a vehicles capacity.

And yet, that is exactly the scenario with the 250 vs. the SRW 350. The 2015 and up 250's are coming with the 4" blocks and they can have the SRW 350's overload spring by simply ordering the camper pkg. So, bottom line is yes, a 250 with the camper package has a 100% identical physical build to a SRW 350. However it is de-rated to fill a different market segment. In other words, the GVWR and RAWR of a 250 are completely fabricated and mean nothing.

caissiel · 09-18-2015, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taken

And yet, that is exactly the scenario with the 250 vs. the SRW 350. The 2015 and up 250's are coming with the 4" blocks and they can have the SRW 350's overload spring by simply ordering the camper pkg. So, bottom line is yes, a 250 with the camper package has a 100% identical physical build to a SRW 350. However it is de-rated to fill a different market segment. In other words, the GVWR and RAWR of a 250 are completely fabricated and mean nothing.

Well said. 2nd this. My F250 has the camper package and has more spring pack then most.

FastEagle · 09-18-2015, 11:34 PM

A document to ponder and then maybe draft questions for answers?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Gordon Dewald · 09-19-2015, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

Yep, you answered your own question. Customer demand, the result of taxes in some states.

The Ford F-350 SRW diesel with 8' bed, for example, has GVWR of 11,500. But some states tax a truck with over 10,000 pounds GVWR a lot more than one with 10,000 pounds GVWR. Some customers need the higher actual payload capacity of the F-350 SRW, but they want to pay the taxes of an F-250. So Ford has an option of 10,000 pounds GVWR for the F-350 SRW. That option changes nothing but the GVWR sticker, so it actually has the same actual payload capacity as a "real" F-350 SRW that has a GVWR sticker that says 11,500 pounds.

Very interesting. So if the GVWR is changed does the GAWR remain the same or are they reduced as well?

taken · 09-19-2015, 08:52 AM

The 250's axle rating is also de-rated despite it being the same axle with the same part number. I'm not sure if the do the same on the de-rated 350SRW.

Gordon Dewald · 09-20-2015, 11:15 AM

It is most interesting that the governments would let the manufacturers derate the specifications. Generally they take a dim view of measures that circumvent the payment of taxes.

FastEagle · 09-20-2015, 12:42 PM

The DOT provides all the needed safety requirements for vehicle manufactures/sub-contractors to manufacture vehicles and their equipment so they will be safe when they enter the market place.

This thread seems to be all about circumventing safety.

taken · 09-20-2015, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastEagle

The DOT provides all the needed safety requirements for vehicle manufactures/sub-contractors to manufacture vehicles and their equipment so they will be safe when they enter the market place.

This thread seems to be all about circumventing safety.

How is having the identical truck with a different badge circumventing safety?

FastEagle · 09-20-2015, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taken

How is having the identical truck with a different badge circumventing safety?

Actually I was addressing the thread as a whole, not any single post or poster.

Somewhere in the thousands of words of DOT wisdom there are statements that allow vehicle manufacturers to manipulate various certifiable items such as GVWR, GAWR and cargo capacity to produce a vehicle that is 100% within the safety parameters the DOT specifies as minimum.