Modding an F-350 up or an F-550 down for TC
Given that you can get the same engine in an F-350 and F-550, which do you think would be better - beefing up the suspension and brakes on an F-350 so you don't need a custom bed, or buying an F-550 a...
Forum Discussion
I am kind of interested in this subject because I considered it heavily myself, had the camper and flat bed all designed, etc.
A couple of random thoughts:
The new F350 pickups are close to the spec of a low end 550 of yesteryear. Yeah the new 550s are also better.
It would be some extensive mods to get the frame up to the same spec. The channels are bigger on the 550. You could box the 350 frame but that is a lot of work. If you really need the GVWR you would need to swap the axle as well.
Cutting wheel wells in the bed will help with height, but the frame rails themselves are higher on the CC, upon which you must put a bed. Usually there are some longitudinal rails first, then the cross members. I think you could get by with some very heavy 2" cross members right on the frame, but you are still above a pickup bed and not building the bed according to Hoyle. On a pickup bed, the cross members over the kickup are pretty skinny keeping it very low.
If there is any consideration of resale value, the beefed up 350 will bring more than the 550 I think.
Depending on the state you are driving through, a flat bed has to stop at scales. You would probably get away with passing them with a camper loaded, but for example in California a flat bed or a Ute bed by law has to stop, even on a 1/2 ton, no matter what's loaded on it. A pickup bed on the other hand, is not allowed to stop at the scales.
You can find all the dimensions and information for Ford here.
A couple of random thoughts:
The new F350 pickups are close to the spec of a low end 550 of yesteryear. Yeah the new 550s are also better.
It would be some extensive mods to get the frame up to the same spec. The channels are bigger on the 550. You could box the 350 frame but that is a lot of work. If you really need the GVWR you would need to swap the axle as well.
Cutting wheel wells in the bed will help with height, but the frame rails themselves are higher on the CC, upon which you must put a bed. Usually there are some longitudinal rails first, then the cross members. I think you could get by with some very heavy 2" cross members right on the frame, but you are still above a pickup bed and not building the bed according to Hoyle. On a pickup bed, the cross members over the kickup are pretty skinny keeping it very low.
If there is any consideration of resale value, the beefed up 350 will bring more than the 550 I think.
Depending on the state you are driving through, a flat bed has to stop at scales. You would probably get away with passing them with a camper loaded, but for example in California a flat bed or a Ute bed by law has to stop, even on a 1/2 ton, no matter what's loaded on it. A pickup bed on the other hand, is not allowed to stop at the scales.
You can find all the dimensions and information for Ford here.
