F-350 vs F-450/550

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NikatKimber

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Hoping to sell the house later this year or early next year, and current plan is to live in an RV while building on our ten acres. I would probably just get the smallest trailer that had bunks but my wife wants something bigger and with a W/D. Most of the fifth wheels are in the 14-15k range loaded that fit what she likes.

I’ve started shopping trucks so I am aware of pricing, and keep seeing the 450/550 trucks. What are the positives and negatives to going to a heavier truck vs a 350?

thanks!
 

trekrok

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Hoping to sell the house later this year or early next year, and current plan is to live in an RV while building on our ten acres. I would probably just get the smallest trailer that had bunks but my wife wants something bigger and with a W/D. Most of the fifth wheels are in the 14-15k range loaded that fit what she likes.

I’ve started shopping trucks so I am aware of pricing, and keep seeing the 450/550 trucks. What are the positives and negatives to going to a heavier truck vs a 350?

thanks!

No knowledge, but wouldn't the 450/550 beat you to death if it wasn't loaded?
 

Sted-E Ed-E

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No knowledge, but wouldn't the 450/550 beat you to death if it wasn't loaded?
I agree with your assumption. The heavier the truck the harder the suspension will be. Unless it’s got air ride. Not to mention the gearing wouldn’t be helpful for fuel economy..
 

Okie4570

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450/550 will only be offered as a dually with 19.5" tires, that equals expensive replacements and rough ride. All of our fire service brush rigs are 550 4x4, the ride is terrible until we lift them and put 40" super singles on them. That load you described doesn't require a dually even imo, especially just to haul it to one location, unhook and live in it. There's no difference in a single rear wheel f350 and an f250 other than the badge that says f250 or f350 and the height of the spring perch block on the rear axle.
 

retrieverman

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I’ve got a F250, F350, and F550 (all gas burners), and I can tell you that a F450/550 would be a horrible idea for a cross country trip. I also think a commercial drivers license would more than likely be required for a 450/550.

I’ve had great service out of my 6.2l gas trucks (185k on my 250, and 152k on my 350), but if I were buying a new truck today, I would follow Dennis’s lead and go with the 7.3 gas motor.:thumb:
 

dennishoddy

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Had issues with the pic in the post above. Hopefully this works better.
 

NikatKimber

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Thanks for the feedback guys!

Let me add some to my question. I’m not looking at new for the truck or trailer, not even close. I’d like to be under $15k for the truck. That puts me in the first gen super duty age, 99-07. From what I found, 15k pounds puts me at the upper end or over on rated towing capacity for those years. Hence the question.
 

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