Jim, I used to feel the same about a 550/5500 truck making the ideal TC hauler, but I’ve changed my mind in recent years, for my uses anyways. I’ve come to believe that contrary to the conventional wisdom that “you can never have too much truck”, you actually can over-truck your combination to the point that you’ll be unhappy with the ride.
A truck that’s loaded to 90-100% of its gvwr is going to ride better than a truck that’s loaded to 75% or less. Since I don’t tow anything while hauling the TC, and the gear we haul now is about all I need, replacing my truck with anything more than one of the lower rated F450 cab and chassis models just wouldn’t make much sense FOR ME. If I had different needs related to hauling a TC that resulted in a much higher payload, I’d be looking at putting some type of custom bed on a cab and chassis. But, and I think this is key, I would try to buy the appropriate truck such that I was loading it to at least 90% of gvwr.
You may not remember, but I used to have a 2010 F450 pickup myself. I loved everything about that truck except the pre-DEF Diesel engine that needed a DPF. Rather than delete all that stuff, I replaced the truck. As far as I can tell, the axles, suspension, brakes, tires and wheels are identical on the 2008-2010’s and the 2015-2016 F450 pickups. There are numerous differences with the engine, transmission, exhaust, and fuel systems though. Nothing that would affect the truck’s payload capability, though.
My experience-based conclusion is that for long trips, I would rather drive a fully loaded truck than a lightly loaded one. As always, ymmv. :W
:):)
