NRALIFR, I got my F450 for the tougher tires, too. Bonus was the turning radius and larger brakes. It’s hard for me to imagine that the 1181 puts him 1K over, but then, I have no idea what else he’s carrying. My year was the last one rated at 14,500 though. No idea why the GVWR went down when the capability went up. :D
But, I’d probably go 550/5500 if I went the nonpickup route. I figure why not go big, but I haven’t really looked at the differences between 450/4500 chassis vs 550/5500 seriously.
Otherwise, I think you can’t get a GVWR more than 14K in any brand pickup style now. The difference would be the weight of the rest of the truck. The F450 would weigh more than F350 pickup by at least a little with heavier tires and heavier suspension. I’ve heard the newer rear diffs are about the same if not the same on newer Fords. Even if not, the 4 rear tires on the F350 would be plenty for a higher GVWR.
Anyway, I like the stealth and practical nature of the F450 pickup model. Very capable, but doesn’t look like a flatbed. Also, allows me to have a bed cover when the TC is off and easy to put sides on for moving/hauling. That makes it pretty easy to convert from TC hauler to pickup. If I didn’t use it as a pickup, I’d like the chassis with a custom bed for more storage.
