I have a 2004.5 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad cab with upgrades and the truck does a fine job, but it is time to swap.
I am now thinking rather than upgrade a 3500, I'll go to a Dodge 4500 or Ford 450. Chevy and GMC are out because they no longer make a 4500 series.
Any opinion on options or has anyone had one of these with a large TC?
My hope is not to do airbags or suspension upgrades, but would like to increase tow capacity. I am,also wondering,how these trucks hold up for TC'ers?
Thanks,
Mike
I have a 2008 Ford F450 with 26,000 trouble free miles on it.
The frame is like the F350 in that it is not the straight rail used in the cab/chassis version. The GVWR is 14,500 lbs. The rear axle is a Dana110 rated at 11,000 lbs. Ford rates the F450 rear at 9500 with springs and tires it has. The steer axle is a Dana Super 60 rated at 6000 to 7000 lbs depending on springs. It is about 6 inches wider than the F-350 standard axle, which allows for more wheel angle so it has a shorter turning radius. The wheels are 19.5” ten bolt with G rated tires. Mine has the snow plow package with HD front springs and a 200 amp alternator. On a CAT scale the truck empty weighed 9100 lbs. With a large Truck Camper and lots of stuff it, 3 people, and 65 gallons of fuel it weighed 14,400lbs. The fuel tank is a 60 gallon Transfer Flow replacement tank
The F450 has bigger brakes that are much better for the big loads. The brakes are a wonder to use in a hard stop
It is the best camper carrier I have owned since 1966.
That being said, if you are looking to the 2011 models, I would consider the Ram 4500 because Ford is going to ruin the F450 pickup by de-rating the 450 pickup.
People who want a real F450 better buy one before the 2011 Ford pickups come out. Ford will no longer have a real medium–duty F450 in the lineup. Ford has put a 450 badge on a light–duty F350. The change from a Dana 110 to a Dana 80 version drive axle is not acceptable. The change from 19.5 to 17 inch wheels further diminishes the truck. This means they have reduced the swept area of the brakes. The wide steer axle seems to be gone.
Did Ford have Jaguar spec out the new F450? Or, maybe it was the freaks at the EPA
No thanks, I’ll be grateful for the 2008 F450 that I have, fuel mileage is not that big a deal.
Clattertruck
2008 SD F450 PSD 6.4L CC 4X4 DRW, Lariat Auto trans 4.30 LS, 2008 Snowriver 108 truck camper. Jeep Unlimited Rubicon as toad.
Offline
