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
mkirsch wrote:Just Jeff wrote:mkirsch wrote:
Why fixated on the brakes? I've never not once seen anyone mention "beefing up" the brakes for a TC.
Only "beef up" the suspension if you need it. An F350 dually will carry a dang big camper all by itself with no need for gadgets, doodads, widgets, wingdings, gadspackers, or mucktinkles.
Really? Look around - it's out there. Carrying heavy loads is harder on the brakes, so there's a reason heavier duty trucks come with heavier brakes. Not saying they're absolutely required, but it gives more control and the brakes don't wear out as fast b/c they're not being used near their max capacity.
There's a difference between a truck having heavier (i.e. "beefed up") brakes vs. the lighter-duty model, and actually swapping out brake parts on the truck.
I've been on this forum since 2004 and I have yet to read of anyone having taken the factory brakes off their F250, F350, or any other HD pickup and replacing them with "Brembo" or other performance brake parts.
Suspension, yeah. I don't agree with what a lot of people do because they go out and buy the truck then throw $$$thousands$$$ more at their BRAND NEW truck to upgrade it to handle the camper. But yeah, I'm well aware of the suspension mods.
Never seen anyone even consider BRAKES, however. Stock brakes on the F250 are apparently fine even if you've got a 4000lb camper and 19.5" wheels.
Really, if you think about it, the brakes should be at least adequate. The HD brakes on these trucks are designed to stop the truck loaded to GVWR, plus presumably another 3000lbs of trailer (3000lb is the limit in many states where trailer brakes become a requirement).
FWIW, I'm considering putting the SSBC "Tri-Power" calipers and some "big bite" rotors on my Sierra 3500HD ... not sure if it would be worth it, and I'd love to know if anyone's tried it and can attest to its worth (or worthlessness, as the case may be.)
I plan in the long run to go the Dodge 5500 route, but I've got a decent '07.5 GMC 3500HD that I plan to load up with one of the big triple-slides in the near future.
If I were starting from scratch though I wouldn't even consider getting a light duty truck and modding it - it's just that we already have the truck (plus it's our daily driver, which would get even more ridiculous with a 5500!)
