Offshoreonly.com

Offshoreonly.com (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/)
-   Trucks, Trailers and Transportation (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/trucks-trailers-transportation-159/)
-   -   heavy towing with f450 (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/trucks-trailers-transportation/167596-heavy-towing-f450.html)

Jassman 10-04-2007 08:01 PM


Originally Posted by bbraun (Post 2295373)
I'm new to this thread. I read the forums alot but rarely post. I was on here reading everyones comments in search of an answer....I recently towed a 2008 Sunsation 43 on a steel trailer from Lake Cumberland, KY to Norfolk, Va. (Thats about 11hrs) I used a f350 dually 4x4 with tow boss package(rare option)(comes with upgraded suspension to F450, with 2.5" reciever , 4.30 gears, and a 26,000lb GVWR) The truck handled the weight just fine. No sway, No problem braking, or anything. However, it just didn't seem to have enough power?? Started reading this thread looking to see what everyone else thinks since basically I have the same thing as an f450.Does anyone have any suggestions?Also maybe this will help someone else. Sorry for the long post.


Another problem with the F450 with the 4.30 and 4.88 gears the hp/tq is dropped to 325/600 vs the 350/650 which is available on the F250 and 350. Why Ford does this I dont know.

Chris Sunkin 10-04-2007 08:14 PM


Originally Posted by Jassman (Post 2295644)
Another problem with the F450 with the 4.30 and 4.88 gears the hp/tq is dropped to 325/600 vs the 350/650 which is available on the F250 and 350. Why Ford does this I dont know.

There's a limit to what the driveline will take. Again, my point about tow rating inflation being driven by the marketing department.

bbraun 10-05-2007 08:38 AM


Originally Posted by Jassman (Post 2295644)
Another problem with the F450 with the 4.30 and 4.88 gears the hp/tq is dropped to 325/600 vs the 350/650 which is available on the F250 and 350. Why Ford does this I dont know.

Thanks, Jassman. I had no idea ford did that. I guess that means my 350 is like that as well since it has the 4.30 gears and 450 suspension. That could be part of my problem. How can you tell if that has been done? I don't see it anywhere on the window sticker about hp/tq. Is that done by computer settings? Can the dealer adjust that?

Chris Sunkin 10-05-2007 08:58 AM


Originally Posted by bbraun (Post 2296157)
Thanks, Jassman. I had no idea ford did that. I guess that means my 350 is like that as well since it has the 4.30 gears and 450 suspension. That could be part of my problem. How can you tell if that has been done? I don't see it anywhere on the window sticker about hp/tq. Is that done by computer settings? Can the dealer adjust that?

Have you had your rig on a scale?

bbraun 10-05-2007 10:14 AM


Originally Posted by Chris Sunkin (Post 2296184)
Have you had your rig on a scale?

No I have not. The boat weighs 13,500 and I imagine the trailer weighs atleast 5500 and the truck at 6000 or so?So it puts me right at that 26000lb GCWR. I'm sure I'm right at the limit of the truck thou...And I know this. I took my time and was very cautious. However, for the few times I do tow a year it is hard to justify a 100,000 dedicated tow rig. I,m able to drive the 350 around town with no problem.

Chris Sunkin 10-05-2007 11:27 AM


Originally Posted by bbraun (Post 2296300)
No I have not. The boat weighs 13,500 and I imagine the trailer weighs atleast 5500 and the truck at 6000 or so?So it puts me right at that 26000lb GCWR. I'm sure I'm right at the limit of the truck thou...And I know this. I took my time and was very cautious. However, for the few times I do tow a year it is hard to justify a 100,000 dedicated tow rig. I,m able to drive the 350 around town with no problem.

Have it weighed- I think you'd be surprised. It's tough to make informed decisions without all the facts

Your package isn't going to glide up hills even with a 330HP medium. You're asking a whole lot out of an F350. Things it's not capable of. I'll stay off the soapbox this afternoon.

I have a friend who just bought an ambulace-bodied International 4300Lo-Pro. 58K/mi and paid $17,000 for it. Some paint and a little interior work for additional seats and toolboxes and he's got one hell of a tow vehicle. You don't need a $100K custom hauler.

bbraun 10-05-2007 12:05 PM


Originally Posted by Chris Sunkin (Post 2296395)
Have it weighed- I think you'd be surprised. It's tough to make informed decisions without all the facts

Your package isn't going to glide up hills even with a 330HP medium. You're asking a whole lot out of an F350. Things it's not capable of. I'll stay off the soapbox this afternoon.

I have a friend who just bought an ambulace-bodied International 4300Lo-Pro. 58K/mi and paid $17,000 for it. Some paint and a little interior work for additional seats and toolboxes and he's got one hell of a tow vehicle. You don't need a $100K custom hauler.

Chris, I agree I'm asking alot. Just surprised! The truck handled the boat great all in all for what it is.....just disappointed in the power especially up hill. appreciate the comments!

fountain 47 sc 10-05-2007 02:14 PM

If you are over 26K, you also need a CDL. In certain states, if you license the truck as an RV and it meets criteria, you can avoid a CDL, but you usually still have to take a written, skills, and road test for such combinations.

FROGMAN524 10-05-2007 04:42 PM

You can always steal a $100,000 tow rig and then you're not out the 100k. Don't try this at home though. :D

Jassman 10-08-2007 06:50 AM


Originally Posted by bbraun (Post 2296157)
Thanks, Jassman. I had no idea ford did that. I guess that means my 350 is like that as well since it has the 4.30 gears and 450 suspension. That could be part of my problem. How can you tell if that has been done? I don't see it anywhere on the window sticker about hp/tq. Is that done by computer settings? Can the dealer adjust that?

I was told this is only on the F450, not F350...the info came from the dealerships mechanic. I do not believe it can be adjusted.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:04 AM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.