Forum Discussion
larry barnhart wrote:
It looks to me the Ram 3500 is really a 4500. Both heavy duty.
chevman
I cannot believe there is still this confusion about the semantics on how the OEM's name their trucks. Reminds me of the joke what is heavier, a ton of feathers or a ton of bricks? Now insert 3500 and 450 in this analogy, which is heavier?- The Dodge 4500 is a cab/chassis only truck, not a pickup. The 3500 is available as a pickup, or as a cab/chassis truck, as is the F350.
- Since I don't tow that much I could give a rats a$$ about it.
- It looks to me the Ram 3500 is really a 4500. Both heavy duty.
chevman Cummins12V98 wrote:
"even though the F450 is in a league of it's own"
Ok then why does Ford compare it to the RAM 3500? If they actually placed the GVWR at 16K and hit Class 4 then yes it would be "in a league of it's own".
Would you prefer they compare it to a ram 2500! The ram 3500 is the closest competition and you know Ford is not going to classify the F450 as a Class 4.
The F450 is a true medium duty truck! :B And the video from the OP shows where the bar has been raised.- The cab/chassis F450 is the true F450. The pickup F450 is still a compromise. It is getting better though.
- "even though the F450 is in a league of it's own"
Ok then why does Ford compare it to the RAM 3500? If they actually placed the GVWR at 16K and hit Class 4 then yes it would be "in a league of it's own". Threebigfords wrote:
jus2shy wrote:
OK, has nobody noticed that in the night vision shots, you can see a glow emanating from the engine bay through the wheel well? I almost wonder if the pipes are glowing red with the tow test they're putting down. I wouldn't be surprised, but they certainly are wringing her out. It also shows that They're meeting the SAE J standard for towing. The truck slowed down by the top of the hill, but it maintained above the minimum 35mph speed it needed to. But it did slowdown at max GCWR.
Good on Ford. The 450 is finally the monster it should be.
?? FINALLY ??
I beg to differ. The F450 has been a monster again since 2015 when they went back to the 10 lug axles. Sure there was a hiatus from 2011-2014 when it was a glorified F350, but that ended a couple model years ago. Anyone who thinks the 2015+ F450's are not the true towing kings for any 5th wheel RV out there, have either never driven one, or never looked under one.
I was actually a little disappointed that they dropped the S130 axle in 2017, but I guess I can understand why with the new aluminum M300 weight savings, but I'd rather have the 12.2" Dia gears from the S130 personally.
And for those saying the F450 may have a stout rear axle but is still limited by the tires/springs?....Really? Where is this supposed weak link? Is it the G-rated 19.5" tires that come stock rated for 15000lbs on the rear?? Or the extra thick leaf springs unique to the F450?? Oh I know, it must be the massive brakes that come on the F450 right??
All the naysayers should just be happy that Ford continues to push the technology/capabilities forward on these trucks, it will eventually be adopted by the competition providing better trucks no matter which brand you choose.
Not to pop your bubble but every single F450 I have seen has air bags towing a DRV because the AZZ would be dragging otherwise. The low 9,100# RAWR explains it.
Just look at any 450 side by side with a RAM 3500 you will be surprised that they are very similar. The rear axle was larger in the 450 but many components are smaller on the 450.
Nice they have improved their ratings.- If you are going to tow 30,000 lbs wouldn't a medium duty truck be a better bet ? I just don't get pulling that much with a pickup even though the F450 is in a league of it's own. Where will it stop ? Had to have it floored to make the climb at 40 mph and 2.3 mpg. Hardly seems worth it to me.
Threebigfords wrote:
jus2shy wrote:
OK, has nobody noticed that in the night vision shots, you can see a glow emanating from the engine bay through the wheel well? I almost wonder if the pipes are glowing red with the tow test they're putting down. I wouldn't be surprised, but they certainly are wringing her out. It also shows that They're meeting the SAE J standard for towing. The truck slowed down by the top of the hill, but it maintained above the minimum 35mph speed it needed to. But it did slowdown at max GCWR.
Good on Ford. The 450 is finally the monster it should be.
?? FINALLY ??
I beg to differ. The F450 has been a monster again since 2015 when they went back to the 10 lug axles. Sure there was a hiatus from 2011-2014 when it was a glorified F350, but that ended a couple model years ago. Anyone who thinks the 2015+ F450's are not the true towing kings for any 5th wheel RV out there, have either never driven one, or never looked under one.
I was actually a little disappointed that they dropped the S130 axle in 2017, but I guess I can understand why with the new aluminum M300 weight savings, but I'd rather have the 12.2" Dia gears from the S130 personally.
And for those saying the F450 may have a stout rear axle but is still limited by the tires/springs?....Really? Where is this supposed weak link? Is it the G-rated 19.5" tires that come stock rated for 15000lbs on the rear?? Or the extra thick leaf springs unique to the F450?? Oh I know, it must be the massive brakes that come on the F450 right??
All the naysayers should just be happy that Ford continues to push the technology/capabilities forward on these trucks, it will eventually be adopted by the competition providing better trucks no matter which brand you choose.
Well said... the F450 has and continues to be the king of trucks. I'm sure the others will be forced to step up to the plate.
