heavy towing with f450
10-08-2007 | 03:56 PM
#151
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I have now owned 2 different medium duty trucks. The 2005 Cehvy 4500 kodiak I had was a regency conversion and that truck was a pile of junk. I hated it. Having that truck almost kept me from getting the FL because I didn't want to go down a path like that again. They are 2 completely different trucks. Where my 4500 would spin at thr ramp towing out 15k, the FL on the same exact ramp pulling out 23k has zero slip.
Whatever you do, try to demo both of them. Try to tow with a FL and also with the F450. Either decision is a big one, so make sure you choose what you feel is the best based off of actually driving them.
Whatever you do, try to demo both of them. Try to tow with a FL and also with the F450. Either decision is a big one, so make sure you choose what you feel is the best based off of actually driving them.
10-08-2007 | 11:56 PM
#154
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I took your advice and drove a sportchassis. I was surprised they let me tow with it. The dealer is only a few miles from one of the main ramps I use. It rode great but had trouble pulling the boat on the trailer out. There was some gravel but not much and it was DRY. It may be the way the trailer is set up.
put 2k in the bed of the sportchassis and it should grip the ramp fine.
10-12-2007 | 08:12 AM
#155
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I just towed with the f450 yesterday. It tows GREAT. Smooth, quiet, well controlled, and 4 low on the ramp so no trouble or slipping whatsoever. I also towed up a long, steep hill and it didn't seem to have any problem. I didn't, however, get to take it on the freeway and I think some of the reservations a lot of the guys with big boats and mediums have is control at speed.
10-12-2007 | 09:05 AM
#156
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From: Southern California
According to a Ford PDF Brochure the F450 is rated to tow:
a 5th Wheel...
24,500lbs
a conventional trailer...
16,000lbs
I would say properly equipped... F450 can handle the 21,000lbs.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...TTgdeOct07.pdf
a 5th Wheel...
24,500lbs
a conventional trailer...
16,000lbs
I would say properly equipped... F450 can handle the 21,000lbs.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...TTgdeOct07.pdf
10-12-2007 | 12:37 PM
#157
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From: Lone Star State
It is my understanding the hp/tq reduction is only on 450's and 550's with the 4.88 rear end. The 450 with 4.30 rear end is still rated at 350/650.
10-12-2007 | 04:06 PM
#159
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From: Lone Star State
I have not heard an explanation from Ford. The general consensus is too much torque created with the combination of 650 ft/lbs and the extremely low gearing, which could equal stuff breaking when taking off from a stop with a full load.
10-12-2007 | 05:12 PM
#160
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Ive driven both today 4.30 and 4.88 tday at the dealership. I couldnt tell the difference just driving around except when on freeway, the rpms sounded slghtly higher at the same speed on the 4.88's. I wish they offered the 4.10 like I have in my 07, that would help the gas mileage delima....I believe Im going to get the 350 with the turning radius option as in the 450 and possibly 3.73 gears. I drive that Saturday. Jeff
