C4500
 

We are looking into getting a new "race truck" to pull the race boat. Does the 4500 pull any better than the 3500?
We have had 4500s in the past but never a 3500.
Thanks,Johnny

Re: C4500
 

Had a conversation with a professional CDL driver who has pulled the same loads with the GM C-4500 and the Ford F-650.

Straight from experience, he stated the F-650 is twice the truck of the GM.

Re: C4500
 

The owner/driver of the raceboat owns a GMC/Subaru dealership. So that counts out ford. :D

Re: C4500
 

how can you compare a f650 to a c4500 ? The c4500 is the same gvw as a 450 superduty. I just changed from a f450 to c4500.I had very good luck with f450's but didn't want to chance ford new diesil. Ihave to tell the c4500 puts the f450 to shame. it pulls my 92 top gun or my 40' motorcycle trailer with ease, so far no regrets to swapping to chevy...

Re: C4500
 

Its not me that compares them; I know the difference. BUT, many think that since the C4500 and the F-650 trucks are the first jumps for both manufacturers to "larger" trucks, that they are of the same caliber.

I should have qualified my response better.

Re: C4500
 

I would be VERY interested in this info..

JH

Re: C4500
 

Cat power upgrades are unbelievably expensive. At a minimum, the lower-end bumps (like from 200 to 250) require turbos and injectors along with a reflash. The bigger one's require pistons, dampers, fans, radiators and intercoolers and I think the biggest require cranks. Then you have gearing changes to address. Basically, if you are looking at a truck and think you need more HP, call Cat first.

Re: C4500
 

The new style 4500 is completely different truck than a 3500 which is based off the light duty pick ups. The 4500 is a medium duty and 16,000+ lb loads are where they shine. The Duramax has a lot of torque which is what counts. The F650 as stated compares with the C6500, different animal.

The 4500 is very nice for a Medium duty truck, and comfortable.

Wannabe

Re: C4500
 

http://www.f650pickups.com/page0009.html


this truck with cat power....yes please.

Honestly, I wouldnt have any prob pulling with either medium duty truck. However I might be a bit bummed if the guy in his 2500HD has the same duramax as my 4500.

Re: C4500
 

One downside of the Cat is they're loud- much louder than an Int'l or MBZ. Upside is they have thousands of 24-hour service shops across the country.

Re: C4500
 

Our older 4500 had a duramax and it had plenty of balls.

Re: C4500
 

pulling boats in lauch ramps...Are those 4500 2WD or 4WD ??? I'd be worry to use a 2WD in launch ramp.

So you guys are using 4x4, right?

Re: C4500
 

we bought a new 5500 crew cab for our raceboat. had 350. 650's. i like the 5500 better. you do need to remove spring though.
43,000.00 compared to 60,000 (ford)
gm with 12 foot box custom made 45,000.00 otd

Re: C4500
 

2WD or 4WD ???

Re: C4500
 

Basically if your looking for hp.....buy a d max...forget the cat:evilb: :eek:

Re: C4500
 

I have had the c4500 for 3 years now, NO Problems pulling out, Our's is 2wd, no need for 4wd, it is a heavy truck. The only thing we do is make sure fuel is full if it is raining or LATE in season when water level is down.

Re: C4500
 

if you're pulling a 40 foot baja with a 2WD... Man I'm surprised you never got stuck... Not sure I'd take the chance... Anybody else on 2WD and no problem ?

Re: C4500
 

Has never been a problem @ all, of course we are putting in on "good ramps". We boat LOTO 95% of the time. They are steep but paved.

4wd Is not necessary, the truck is heavy. How many semi's do you see that are 4wd and they pull LOTS heavier things all the time. I could see a smaller truck needing the 4wd, but the weight to pull ratio is substantially smaller.

If you drive the 4500 (for pulling) you would never gt back to a smaller truck.

Re: C4500
 

If you have the proper tougue weight then you dont need a 4x4 truck

Re: C4500
 

1200lbs tongue weight. enough?

This one was a 4x4

I looked at F-650's and the fact that the 4WD upgrade cost $25,000 was the main reason why I didn't go in that direction. One guy said you can adjust the tongue weight by using the rear airbag suspension if you get stuck on the ramp, but I think by then it would be too late... The Cat engine is unbelievable.

4WD 4500s are much cheaper, but are harder to find.