heavy towing with f450
10-04-2007 | 08:01 PM
#141
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Joined: Oct 2000
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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.
10-04-2007 | 08:14 PM
#142
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
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There's a limit to what the driveline will take. Again, my point about tow rating inflation being driven by the marketing department.
10-05-2007 | 08:38 AM
#143
Commercial Member 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 84
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From: Norfolk, Va
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?
10-05-2007 | 08:58 AM
#144
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,495
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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?
10-05-2007 | 10:14 AM
#145
Commercial Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 84
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From: Norfolk, Va
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.
10-05-2007 | 11:27 AM
#146
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,495
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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.
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.
10-05-2007 | 12:05 PM
#147
Commercial Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 84
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From: Norfolk, Va
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.
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.
10-05-2007 | 02:14 PM
#148
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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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.
10-08-2007 | 06:50 AM
#150
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 9,398
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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?
