This is how it was explained to me by my State Police...

These weight issues are federal law, adminiatered by USDOT. The truck itself is a Class 6, 26,000 GVW or below, it is not necessary to have a CDL to operate it. However, you are limited to a trailer combined weight of 10,000 lbs. Over 10K requires a CDL even if the truck being under 26K does not.

There's no way the 450 will tow that boat safely. Not even close. That's before we even open the subject of the legalities and liabilities of towing with an under-rated vehicle.

That's lighter than I thought. Adding some weight- especially out back, will drastically improve your ride.

The 450 is a dog. I'd rather have my 3500 Chevy.

Depends on what you want and are willing to spend. If you have a gooseneck trailer the F450 will pull it LEGALLY. Contrary to what some have said that don't own one, the 450 is a great truck. It pulls and manuevers like a big truck, but gets around town better than a one ton, do to the size and turning radius. It also has plenty power. In STOCK form it runs as good as any dually, but the upgrades are just now coming out. The one down side is that it is thirsty and comes with a small tank so range is bad.

if it is sitting on a gooseneck trailer the 08 450 could be very legal, 33k gross, 24k trailer.... i am not sure i would want to do it, but legally you would be fine... i think it is 16k or something like that conv. tow...

Check out this site for optionswww.2Lcustomtrucks.com
The owner's name is Waylon. Tell him Tom from Fort Myers, FL told you to call.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...trp19Aug06.pdf

I was unaware that they offered a 4.88 gear in it. Can't say that I'd want to own one...

Do you think it is safer to use a medium or heavy duty truck, even if the ford f450 is legal?

There's absolutely no question. I've towed with just about everything that has a hitch and there's no substitute for brute force. I was involved in a crash several years back pulling a Top Gun with a highly uprated GM 3500 dually. It tossed me around like a rag doll. I pull my 41 with a Freightliner FL70 and it's almost like it's not there.

Nobody really wants to spring for an expensive truck they have to watch sit around most of the time. After way too many white knuckle experiences and one very close call, I got smart and got what I needed to get the job done. Now when I get where I'm going, I'm not exhausted from the trip. There's nothing like the experience of pulling a big boat with a small truck at interstate speeds on a wet, windy day with heavy traffic.