F450 maneuverability question

[hedgehog48]

I am interested in upgrading my tow vehicle and had a question, is the 176” wheelbase crew cab longbed f450 more maneuverable than a 156” wheelbase crewcab shortbed f350? I have a concrete pad in my yard that was originally made for a class a motorhome. It isn’t as easy to maneuver a fifthwheel onto it as it was the class a that’s why I am asking this question. I am towing a 2016 montana 3160rl with my 2016 f350 6.2 gas with 4.30 gears. While it does the job, I’m tired of the crappy fuel range and feeling like my tow vehicle is just enough. Any input would be appreciated

[buc1980]

I know that 2017 F350 got a horrible turning radials .I don't know why Ford change that.The 2011 F350 was ok.

[Bedlam]

My Ford F250 extended cab short bed had a turning radius of 47.5' with a 141.8" wheelbase

My Ram 5500 crew cab 60" CCA has a turning radius of 49.2' with a 173.4" wheelbase

[Threebigfords]

I've grown to love the turning radius of my F450 so much, I'm not sure I could go back to an F350 even if I didn't need the extra capacity of the F450. . It's a shame they took that wide track front axle option away from the Max Tow F350 DRW trucks.

[blt2ski]

My 188" WB Navistar out turnes my 155" GM 3500's. Both the dw rwd, and SW 4wd IFS suspension. Don't ask how bad the 05 170 something WB max duly crew cab is in comparison.
The 450 and my Navistar have 50-54 degree front axle wheel cuts. Hence why they will turn sharper and better than a typical 35 series with 45 degree wheel cuts.

Marty

[PA12DRVR]

FWIW, my 2013 F550 DRW with crew cab and 9' bed (can't recall the WB specifically) will turn tighter than my 2009 Chev 2500HD with crew cab and 6.75' bed.

Also FWIW, I'd think an F350 w/diesel and the 6.75' bed would be a significant improvement in towing over the gas version....not sure what the premium is for an F450 or what the (likely) tighter turning radius is worth to you, but something to consider.

[Groover]

NRALIFR wrote:
That’s what I thought. I know I can be sitting on the shoulder of a two-lane road, and do a u-turn without running onto the shoulder on the other side of the road. The turning radius of the F450 pickup is very car like.

:):)

My class A with a 208" wheelbase is nearly as maneuverable as my F150 with a 157" wheelbase. There are benefits to a wide front end.

[NRALIFR]

That’s what I thought. I know I can be sitting on the shoulder of a two-lane road, and do a u-turn without running onto the shoulder on the other side of the road. The turning radius of the F450 pickup is very car like.

:):)

[Groover]

I found this on a Ford chat. It is a couple of years old but I doubt that it has changed much:

The 57.8 ft. (Curb-to-Curb) and 59.7ft. (Wall-to-Wall) is exclusive to the 176" SRW and DRW; this is the 8' box.
Shelby says:
The 53.0 ft (Curb-to-Curb) and 54.9 ft. (Wall-to-Wall) is unique to the 160" WB; this is the 6.75' box.
Shelby says:
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Bill says:
OK. since you asked... F450 pickup turning circle?
Shelby says:
The F-450 Pickup is unique to DRW and the 176" WB. This model has a turning diameter of 50.4 ft. (Curb-to-Curb) and 52.5 ft. (Wall-to-Wall).

So the 450 (only available in long bed) has a 2.4ft smaller turning circle than the short bed 350.

[rjstractor]

I would think that the extra 20" of wheelbase would negate any advantage gained by a tighter cramp angle on the front wheels. If your truck's performance and fuel economy are not up to your liking, an F350 SRW SB with the 6.7 diesel should cure that.

[FishOnOne]

While I can't answer your question directly I can say some people purchase a F450 over a F350 simply because of the improved turning radius the wide track front suspension provides.

[NRALIFR]

If the F450 pickups still come with the wide-track front axle, then it will have a turning radius of right at 50 ft, curb to curb. Not sure what the short bed F350 TR is, but I do know my 450 beats the heck out of my old long bed CC F350.

:):)

[hedgehog48]

I’m looking at the difference in turning radius between the two because I have a retaining wall approx.22’ in front of the fifthwheel.