Why are F250s everywhere in America, but Canada is full of F350s?

Discussion
1

In Canada, it feels like F350s outnumber F250s by 50 to 1. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who owns a 3/4 ton truck. Most folks here say things like, ‘Why would I buy a 3/4 ton? Either you need a half-ton or you go straight to a 1-ton,’ or, ‘The 1-ton only costs a couple grand more, so why not get the extra capability?’

But when I visit the U.S., it seems like there are way more F250s, like a 3:2 ratio. I brought this up on another truck forum, and some people got heated, asking why I wouldn’t just get a dually if a 250 isn’t enough… hoping for more reasonable takes here.

2

In BC, there’s a luxury tax on vehicles over a certain price unless they’re classified as commercial, which 1-ton trucks are. That’s why I bought a 3500 instead of a 2500. I’d rather use that extra money to get upgrades like the HO motor and a better transmission than hand it over to the taxman.

3

@Sky
This is what I was looking for. A 3/4 ton might ride better and work for most people, but that tax makes it a bad deal to buy new.

4

@Sky
Makes sense. It’s like how F100s used to be popular in the U.S., and Tesla buyers make decisions based on incentives too.

5

@Sky
Yeah, people respond to incentives. This totally explains it.

6

@Sky
It’s the opposite in some U.S. states. In those places, 1-tons can get classified as commercial, which means higher registration fees, so people avoid them.

7

I think it comes down to a few things:

  1. Some people believe 3/4 tons ride smoother than 1-tons.
  2. A lot of folks don’t even realize single-rear-wheel (SRW) 1-tons exist. They think 1-ton means dually by default.
  3. 1-tons cost more to buy, register, and insure in some places.
  4. Many people who could get by with a half-ton think HD trucks last longer, so they jump to 3/4 tons instead.
8

@Tatum
Also, let’s be real, the Super Duty trucks just look cooler than F150s.

9

Clancy said:
@Tatum
Also, let’s be real, the Super Duty trucks just look cooler than F150s.

For sure. The 2008-2022 Super Duty models look so much better than any F150.

10

Adair said:

Clancy said:
@Tatum
Also, let’s be real, the Super Duty trucks just look cooler than F150s.

For sure. The 2008-2022 Super Duty models look so much better than any F150.

Totally agree. The 2019-2022 Super Duty is probably the best-looking truck Ford’s ever made. But that new 2024 F150 facelift? Yikes.

11

@Shan
Looks way too much like a Chevy. Not a fan.

12

@Shan
GMC is winning with the 2024 facelift. Curious to see what Ram does next with their HD trucks.

13

@Shan
I actually like the new F150 look. Not perfect, but I’m all for smaller grilles instead of the ‘bigger is better’ trend.

14

@Tatum
That’s a fair belief. I run an oilfield service company, and while we could use half-tons, the 3/4 ton diesels last 2-3 times longer.

15

Winter said:
@Tatum
That’s a fair belief. I run an oilfield service company, and while we could use half-tons, the 3/4 ton diesels last 2-3 times longer.

Well, yeah. If you’re hauling and towing all the time, the bigger frame and axles will last longer. That’s what they’re built for.

16

@Kim
It’s not just the frame. Diesel engines are way more durable—heavier pistons, rods, and cranks. They’re built to last.

17

Wren said:
@Kim
It’s not just the frame. Diesel engines are way more durable—heavier pistons, rods, and cranks. They’re built to last.

True, but emissions systems have nerfed that durability. Now they last just long enough to avoid lawsuits.

18

Winter said:
@Tatum
That’s a fair belief. I run an oilfield service company, and while we could use half-tons, the 3/4 ton diesels last 2-3 times longer.

Funny enough, I’m looking at a 2500 because it’s cheaper than a half-ton diesel.

19

@Tatum
Insurance can also be a factor. In some states, 1-tons automatically get classified as commercial, which bumps up the costs even if you’re not using them for work.

20

@Tatum
1-ton SRWs have been around forever. Without looking it up, I’d say at least 40 years.