Modding an F-350 up or an F-550 down for TC
Given that you can get the same engine in an F-350 and F-550, which do you think would be better - beefing up the suspension and brakes on an F-350 so you don't need a custom bed, or buying an F-550 a...
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At least as of 2013 the frames on the GM and Ram 1-tons are a good deal stronger than those on the Ford trucks. If I was going to go with a Ford for a 5,000 lb. or greater camper load and taking it on bad roads I would get the F-550 and a kidney belt.
I think you are correct in ignoring the F-450 which adds to the towing capacity of the F-350 but not the payload capacity.
Important to look at fuel tank capacity in terms of driving range as many towns have stations with gas but not diesel. The commercial trucks usually have smaller fuel tanks but there are aftermarket ones availble for specific trucks and truck configurations. Worth the effort to research this carefully before buying a truck.
You mentioned going on forest service roads and that is where I have trucked many a mile in the Western USA and why I bought a shortbed SRW truck with its much smaller turning radius. Many places where we camp in the sierra would be a royal pain to get into with a F-550 with a 12 foot long camper in the bed. Might as well have a trailer.
Trailers are worth at least considering. I see more people pulling trailers and with ATV's in the pickup bed than I do people with campers in the "backcountry". A trailer leaves the bed free for carrying all manner of personal recreational vehicles and this includes bikes, kayaks, boats, etc. with lot more options and flexibility than a slide-in camper affords.
I think you are correct in ignoring the F-450 which adds to the towing capacity of the F-350 but not the payload capacity.
Important to look at fuel tank capacity in terms of driving range as many towns have stations with gas but not diesel. The commercial trucks usually have smaller fuel tanks but there are aftermarket ones availble for specific trucks and truck configurations. Worth the effort to research this carefully before buying a truck.
You mentioned going on forest service roads and that is where I have trucked many a mile in the Western USA and why I bought a shortbed SRW truck with its much smaller turning radius. Many places where we camp in the sierra would be a royal pain to get into with a F-550 with a 12 foot long camper in the bed. Might as well have a trailer.
Trailers are worth at least considering. I see more people pulling trailers and with ATV's in the pickup bed than I do people with campers in the "backcountry". A trailer leaves the bed free for carrying all manner of personal recreational vehicles and this includes bikes, kayaks, boats, etc. with lot more options and flexibility than a slide-in camper affords.
