2017 F-450

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

1jeep wrote:
the only gain I saw with the 450 (on paper) would be the bigger rear axle and wheels, ratings were the same 14k gvwr. So for me that's all I cared about.

The 14K is just a number for licensing and insurance purposes. I weigh over 15K loaded and I am at or within axle ratings.

You can't run RAWR plus unloaded front axle without being over 14K.

The F450 also has larger brake calipers on the front end than a F350.

I would hope so!

Cummins12V98 wrote:

1jeep wrote:
the only gain I saw with the 450 (on paper) would be the bigger rear axle and wheels, ratings were the same 14k gvwr. So for me that's all I cared about.

The 14K is just a number for licensing and insurance purposes. I weigh over 15K loaded and I am at or within axle ratings.

You can't run RAWR plus unloaded front axle without being over 14K.

The F450 also has larger brake calipers on the front end than a F350.

1jeep wrote:
the only gain I saw with the 450 (on paper) would be the bigger rear axle and wheels, ratings were the same 14k gvwr. So for me that's all I cared about.

The 14K is just a number for licensing and insurance purposes. I weigh over 15K loaded and I am at or within axle ratings.

You can't run RAWR plus unloaded front axle without being over 14K.

1jeep wrote:
4:30 gears were not part of the HD tow package, that was an additional $350 on the 2016 models and so far I have not regretted getting either option!

BTW....believe it or not I didn't opt for the 450 because I didn't want the 19.5" wheels, maybe I will regret that someday ...that day hasn't arrived yet.

You will never overload the 17's on your truck. I tow at RAWR 9.750# with 65psi and have lots of tire capacity left.

The F450 on paper has slightly higher ratings than the F350, but we all know why it's understated. Look at it this way, it's designed with more margin.

Towing just got easier! :B

There really is no reason for Ford to hold the GVWR down to 14,000 lbs on the F450 pickup.

DOT-wise, there is no difference between a truck with 14,000 GVWR, versus a truck with 15,000 GVWR. It is when you cross the 15,000 lb mark, to 15,001 lbs or more, that there is a difference in registration, regarding the DOT. The next difference occurs at 18,001 lbs, and the next after that occurs at 26,001 lbs.

Ford should put some heavier duty rear springs in the F450 pickup and give it a 15,000 GVWR, which it rightly deserves.

I give up. Whatever you say...

taken wrote:

1jeep wrote:
4:30 gears were not part of the HD tow package, that was an additional $350 on the 2016 models and so far I have not regretted getting either option!

BTW....believe it or not I didn't opt for the 450 because I didn't want the 19.5" wheels, maybe I will regret that someday ...that day hasn't arrived yet.

That is incorrect. The DRW 350 got the 4.30 gears and wide track as part of the High Capacity tow package from 2011-2016. Either option could not be ordered as a stand alone option. You got them in the package or you didn't get them at all.

That is incorrect. The high capacity package wasn't available until 2015 on the F-350. Here is the KBB announcement of the 2015 release:
The F-350 gets upgraded as well: its maximum towing capacity is 26,500 pounds, up from 23,200, and the GCWR increases by 4,500 pounds to 35,000. This comes courtesy of a new high-capacity towing package with new front springs and a wide track axle.
KBB link

Here is the 2014 Superduty brochure and no 4.30 gearing available for a F-350 diesel engine. Also, no high capacity tow package shown as it didn't come out until 2015.

The 2015/16 450 front end is much beefier too as well as the brakes. The frame is also different/heavier duty on the 450 too from 2015-16. The reason they have the same GVWR is the 450 is derated on paper to stay class 3. The rear axle (Dana S130) is rated to 16k by itself.

Interestingly, before the 450 got it's upgrades in 2015, the DRW 350 w/HC tow pkg. and the 450 were 100% identical physically. Only in 2015 did the 450 start being a completely different animal once again like it was in 2008-2010.

the only gain I saw with the 450 (on paper) would be the bigger rear axle and wheels, ratings were the same 14k gvwr. So for me that's all I cared about.