So, Sorry for the same stupid topic again, but.. F350 vs 450

Bedlam wrote:
The F450 pickup has better towing capacity than the F350 but the payload is eaten up by the heavier running gear. The cab chassis version of the F450 has up to 16.5k lb GVW but expect 10k lbs plus for an empty fully outfitted truck.

This was the reason I jumped to the F550 and 5500 which have 19.5k lb GVWR yet don't weigh much more than the F450. I plan on a 6k lb TC, 500-1000 lbs of batteries, 500 lb front bumper with winch and close to 1000 lbs of tongue weight. I'm sure I could have scaled back to get within 16.5k lbs, but I wanted as many options available to me as possible in a compact chassis that still offered 4wd and crew seating.

This has also been my understanding. Tow heavy ~ F450. Haul heavy ~ F550.

The F450 pickup has better towing capacity than the F350 but the payload is eaten up by the heavier running gear. The cab chassis version of the F450 has up to 16.5k lb GVW but expect 10k lbs plus for an empty fully outfitted truck.

This was the reason I jumped to the F550 and 5500 which have 19.5k lb GVWR yet don't weigh much more than the F450. I plan on a 6k lb TC, 500-1000 lbs of batteries, 500 lb front bumper with winch and close to 1000 lbs of tongue weight. I'm sure I could have scaled back to get within 16.5k lbs, but I wanted as many options available to me as possible in a compact chassis that still offered 4wd and crew seating.

They're for different purposes...

Just as the p/u and the chassis versions are different.

The brakes are a HUGE difference...despite what people want to talk themselves into.

But for carrying, between the p/u versions (350/450) very little.

Just FYI...you can have a 'bed' put on a 450/550 chassis if it's carrying capacity you are shooting for.

I think F450s are about 500 lbs heavier and has different rear springs to haul a fiver better from all I've heard if it has a pickup bed. As you know, I'm also in WA, and my F450 is 14500 GVWR. The previous owner had a farm and registered it commercial. I had that changed since I don't use mine commercially. You can get a 16000 GVWR if you get one without a bed. I assume most of that is the spring pack.

I went with a F450 because they turn super tight, have better brakes, wanted the 19.5s, and I thought I might get a fiver in the future.

I had 1999 F450 with Dana 80.
The door sticker was 15k, while I had it at over 20k quite few times.
Some interest when you load steam roller on pickup truck
Anyway, my F350 is having stronger suspension than older F450
Probably partly due new trucks build stronger, partly due that my truck was sold as extended wheelbase chassis.
Bottom line, even in the same year those trucks come with different suspensions, so good luck doing your homework.
Last time I check, diesel F350 were coming with $70K price tag?
Additionally, my observations is that till F450 trucks are build as grocery getter with short wheelbase, unless you get special order.
I had constant problem on F450 with weight distribution.
Short forklift at 10,000 lb was fine with counterweight behind the cabin, but 6000lb tractor would have center of gravity behind the axle and even air helper bags would not be enough for rear sag.
You want to get truck design for heavy weight, you need to go F550.

I honestly think you'd be vastly disappointed in a 2016 F 450. I checked one out locally (more below) and I was indeed disappointed.

Yes, the 19.5 tires are a major plus, considering they should outlast anything we buy for the normal 17 inch tires we run on our current rigs (yours and mine both).

But Ford's got the F 450 made for pulling things with their 4:30 rear axle ratio.

It's NOT made for hauling a truck camper.

Local dealer has a 2016 on their lot, and I checked it out a few weeks back.

GVWR 2016 F 450: 14,000 lbs.

GVWR my Ram: 14,000 lbs.

Observations: comparing versus my current 2014 Ram 3500 dually:

Rear spring pack: I've got more on my Ram than the F 450 has. Very small spring pack on the F 450. If memory serves, at least one if not two springs less on the F 450 than I have on my Ram. I've got standard suspension on my Ram, no air bags assistance.

Rear axle weight rating: 9,000 lbs F 450. 9,750 my Ram.

Front axle: believe it said 5700 something. 6,000 lbs on my Ram.

Mind you, this F 450 had camper package AND snow plow package installed, and glove box DID recommend a truck camper.

But the weight given on that paper said max weight truck camper of 4,038 pounds.

Inside the driver's door, the max payload of the vehicle was given at 4,900 some odd pounds.

For my Ram, the glove box truck camper paper: 4,500 some odd pounds and total payload (driver's door) 5,380 pounds.

So, there's got to be a better choice than an F 450 out there. I haven't been able to find a new F 350 to check numbers on yet. But I suspect for TC hauling it is gonna beat an F 450.