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sean425's avatar
sean425
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015

2013+ f350 drw vs f450 for 18k towing

hi guys, new to the forum, but been lurking for quite some time getting some great answers. heres my situation.

im in the market for a raptor 365lev(Dry Weigh-14,383 lbs
Cargo Weigh-3,650 lbs) or the vengence 394 with a Gross Weight of 18043 lbs.

im traveling with my wife and 3 dogs which are around 125 a piece. 225 lb dirt bike and misc cargo.

i accept the fact that my current 2015 f350 SRW isnt ideal for this situation and im ready to bite the bullet for a dually. but my question is weather a used(2013+) f450 will really be that much of a difference compared to a 350 DRW also 2013+ and is the 350 more than enough for these trailers?

ive read the numbers and such, but just looking for some actual on road information and insight. i am not the type of person to half ass so i really want to make sure my rig is comfortable safe and practicable. any help is much appreciated.

thanks guys!
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  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2015
    FishOnOne wrote:
    An F350 DRW is more than enough for that trailer and will tow it like no ones business.


    Believe it or not....We're in agreement on this...F350 dually would more than do the job, no need for an F450...:)

    "im in the market for a raptor 365lev(Dry Weigh-14,383 lbs
    Cargo Weigh-3,650 lbs) or the vengence 394 with a Gross Weight of 18043 lbs."..

    I would say, ALWAYS go by the rv's GVW, The Vengence394 is 18043# as you stated, the Raptor 365's GVW 14,383 PLUS 3,650= GVW of 18,033...both could have a pin weight as high as approx, 3600#
  • taken's avatar
    taken
    Explorer II
    Jul 20, 2015
    I agree too. If going new, Ram is the way to go as Ford is way overdue for it's re-design. I'm not shopping until 2017 so my decision will be harder. However, the OP said 2013+ so I'm guessing he is looking at used?
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2015
    jerem0621 wrote:
    I'd go for a F350, 6.7psd, 4:30, Lariat, 4x4, dually... Should be good to go then.

    One more thing just to throw out there... The new Ram 3500 Dually is supposed to be significantly beefed up compared to previous models... I have heard it compared to MDT trucks... May be worth a peek if you are remotely open to a Ram.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah


    I will second that. My 15 3500 RAM Dually makes my 11 RAM Dually look like a girls truck.:B
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2015
    I'd go for a F350, 6.7psd, 4:30, Lariat, 4x4, dually... Should be good to go then.

    One more thing just to throw out there... The new Ram 3500 Dually is supposed to be significantly beefed up compared to previous models... I have heard it compared to MDT trucks... May be worth a peek if you are remotely open to a Ram.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • taken's avatar
    taken
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2015
    Mine is almost 29k loaded but again, not over axle,tire, or GVWR of the TV. It also tows like it's not back there. Sean, the Vengeance will be zero issue with your current TV. The 365 will get lighter with it's garage empty but still be a bit much for a SRW...
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2015
    When we bought our old Cyclone 370C back in 2011, I had an '09 F350 SRW. Then realized I was about 1000 lbs. overweight on the rear axle. So off to the dealership we went. Came home with a brand new F450.

    Loaded down to the maximum (quads, fuel, water, etc.), we were pushing 29,000 lbs.. The F450 pulled it with ease. In fact, it pulled it so easily, I often wished I had bought an F350.

    Why? I think the 4.30 rear end is complete overkill. Had I bought an F350 DRW, I could have possibly gotten a 3.73 and squeezed out a few more miles per gallon.

    Long story short, if the weights are within tolerances, the pulling part will be no problems with either truck.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Jul 19, 2015
    An F350 DRW is more than enough for that trailer and will tow it like no ones business.
  • sean425's avatar
    sean425
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2015
    thanks taken. hitch weight is 3617lbs on 365 and 2443lbs on the vengence.
  • taken's avatar
    taken
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2015
    I tow that weight with a 350 SRW regularly without issue. Pin weight is what get's you with a SRW. My trailer is WAY under my GVWR on my truck even when loaded well over 18k but XLR is known for light pin weight. As to the 350 vs. 450, unless you get a 2015+ they are identical other than the wide track front axle and 4:30 gears as opposed to 3:73's. Note that both of these 450 options can be had on a DRW 350 by ordering the HD Tow pkg. So, buy whatever you get the better deal on. Personally, I'd find out the actual pin weight of the trailer you're buying first though. You may very well be just fine with what you have.

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