Used Ford F‑350 for Sale: Workhorse or Overkill? Let’s Break It Down
Thinking about buying a used Ford F‑350? Whether you’re running loads, hauling campers, or dragging fifth-wheels through the Rockies, this heavy-duty rig’s been a go-to for decades. It’s no surprise truckers say things like, “F350 SRW will tow just about anything,” or “20+ mpg on highway pulls ain’t bad for this kind of weight.”
So, should you buy a Ford F350? Let’s dig into what makes it worth your coin—and what to watch out for.
Why the F‑350 Pulls Its Weight (and Then Some)
This truck’s built for big jobs. You’re talking up to 21,000 lbs of towing capacity when set up right—and even more with the right gooseneck setup. It’s not just about raw muscle either. The PowerStroke 6.7L diesel is a beast with serious longevity. Many drivers say these things easily break 250,000 miles with regular maintenance.
One hotshot hauler chimed in on the forums:
“My 2021 F‑350’s pushing 240K—same engine, same turbo. Just keep the fluids fresh and she keeps pulling.”
Used Pricing: From Bargain Beaters to Decked-Out Duallys
Used F-350s come in all flavors—fleet survivors, weekend warriors, and pampered pullers. You’ll find everything from $4,000 farm-duty gas models to $180K luxury DRW beasts with leather and tech for days. This used truck pricing and inspection guide shows how to sniff out the right deal, no matter your budget.
The resale market’s strong, too. Kelley Blue Book pegs a 2022 F‑350’s value at around $38,000, depending on trim and mileage. That’s solid holding power for a work truck.
Gas vs Diesel? SRW vs DRW? Here’s the Rundown
Option | Best For |
6.7L Diesel | Long hauls, fuel efficiency, engine longevity |
6.2L Gas | Local towing, lower upfront cost |
Single Rear Wheel | Better turning, good for trailers under 14K lbs |
Dual Rear Wheel | Fifth-wheels, commercial hauling, maximum payload |
And don’t forget transmission. Since 2020, Ford’s 10-speed automatic has impressed a lot of drivers with smoother shifting and improved towing response.
One driver put it like this:
“New 10-speed climbs the passes better than my old Ram 3500… it just keeps finding the gear.”
Comfort, Tech & Everyday Use
This ain’t the spartan farm truck of the ‘90s anymore. Even base models pack solid infotainment setups. Higher trims? Heated seats, backup cameras, adaptive cruise—it’s basically a living room with tow mirrors.
That said, as one owner admitted:
“The infotainment’s nice, not as slick as a Ram, but it does the job. I’m more interested in what’s under the hood anyway.”
Fair enough.
Watch Before You Buy: Key Considerations
- Check engine type: Diesel costs more up front, but lasts longer and hauls harder.
- Inspect DEF systems: Some post-2015 trucks have sensor gremlins after 150K mi.
- Look for 4WD setups if you’re hauling through snow, mud, or gravel jobsites.
- Don’t skip maintenance logs—if it’s pushing 200K miles, you better see a thick binder of records.
And legally, you might need a CDL if your F‑350 + trailer pushes over 26,000 lbs combined. One forum vet warned:
“Very unlikely you will get away with not needing a CDL… most F-350s alone are 13K+.”
Buy Ford F350 and Haul Without Hesitation
Buy if you want:
- Trusted durability over 250K+ miles
- Serious towing performance
- Flexible layouts for every kind of work or play
Be cautious if:
- You’re not ready for heavy-duty maintenance costs
- You don’t fully understand CDL/towing laws
- The truck’s been worked hard and comes with zero service history
Final Take
A used Ford F‑350 ain’t for every driver—but if you’re running hotshot loads, moving gear cross-country, or just need a tough daily workhorse, it’s hard to beat. Do your homework, check the VINs, look under the body—and when you’re ready, buy Ford F350 on ShareRig —filter and find a deal that’s ready to haul.