Forum Discussion

stew47's avatar
stew47
Explorer
Apr 10, 2016

2001 f550

Hi all. Those that have been following my previous post know that im about to get a 35 ft crossroads with dry weight of 8500 and gvw o12000. I've simply found some nice 3/4 tons that are great trucks but are right at the limit as far as weight. Sounds like the v10 or 6.0 will be equally fine. The one tons in my price range are rusted and well used.
So to throw something different into the mix is a 2001 f550 with the 7.3 crew cab, 180000 miles, no rust never run in winter for 9500. At that price it could really not be a daily driver. Which would be nice cause I've read empty it's rough. I've also read the 4.88 gears means it's not a speed demon. Seriously though has anyone here used a f550?

Ps yes I have considered saying heck with it and buying a one ton dodge with Cummins new but I'm just trying to be responsible lol.
Tow Vehicles
  • transferred's avatar
    transferred
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    Can never have too much truck, especially given the Class 5 rigs are no bigger than duallies and still a pickup body. Only downside with the 01 F-550 is no wide track front axle and it's 8 vs 10 lug iirc, but the rest of the frame is the same as with the new one.

    I'd say buy it then change all fluids: diff, automatic, power steering, brake and oil plus filters.

    Get the auto checked out but if you can get it for 9 even then it's a decent deal.

    Agreed re 3/4 tons, not much payload there.
  • stew47's avatar
    stew47
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    Thanks everyone. I drove it today and it's was good except when I put in reverse it stalled. It's an automatic. I'm not sure what to think about that.
  • musicman54's avatar
    musicman54
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2016
    my 2002 ford 7.3 pulled my 14000 5er all over with no problems a f350 is what you need a 450 550 will cost you more in fuel and ins
  • Craig_A's avatar
    Craig_A
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2016
    Check with you insurance company first. A friend of ours went from a F350 to F450 and USAA would not insure him because it was a commercial truck. It's a very nice capable truck but considerably more expensive to run than a similar F350 due to insurance cost, 19.5" tires, and a 4:86 rear end that keeps his mileage around 13 in town.
  • brirene's avatar
    brirene
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2016
    Sounds like a great match. You should have no concerns about payload, and the 7.3 is a good match for that weight. Sounds like a great find.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2016
    As an owner of a 2000 F350 Supercab 4X4 with the 7.3 I can offer an opinion. It should work OK for you.

    Just got back from a 1200 mile trip hauling my 9300 GVW, got pretty good mileage, very little freeway travel. Couple of time in second gear going up hills.

    Does this truck have the push button overdrive lockout like mine does? What's the transmission?

    You might want to look at various fifth wheel pins, there isn't going to be much give in the truck, but a fifth wheel pin with some give in it might help too.

    There are lots of larger rigs hauled by F550's. At 35 feet and 12,000 pounds, you will be well matched with extras in the club cab seats too.

    The 7.3 is a great engine. Go for it!

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