nihilus

So I decided to use the new build site for the 2015 super duties. I was puzzled to see that the f-350 DRW actually had better payload than the f-450. Both trucks have something like 5500 lbs payload with the edge going to the F-350. If this is the case, the F-450 would not be able to pull a bigger 5th wheel than the f-350 since both would be payload limited to 25,000 or so if using a 20% pin. This was further confirmed when I saw that that the f-450 actually had a RAWR that is a couple hundred pounds LESS the the DRW f-350 in similiar configuration. So.... what is the point of the f-450??

dieselhunter44

The 350 was 2wd and the 450 was 4x4?? That's the only thing I could think of

nihilus

Nope, just check the payload selector specs. F-450 and F-350 DRW are both 14000 GVWR. This must be for insurance or something. Since the F-450 DRW is heavier, overall payload is actually less and to make things worse, RAWR is actually less. The F-450 reall should have a 16,000 lb GVWR if they really wanted it to tow a 31 lb 5th wheel.

nihilus

Went back on the Ford website and I see that GVWR of the DRW F-350 is 14000 lbs for the Super Duty and the Chassis Cab. The F-450 is 14000 lbs for the Super Duty BUT a whopping 16,500 lbs for the Chassis Cab.
So what is the difference between the chassis cab and super duty for the F-450? I am guessing nothing, but they simply kept it under that rating to abide by certain laws, insurance, lower registration, etc.
A fully loaded F-350/3500 will come to AT LEAST 9000 lbs loaded with hitch and gear. With a GVWR of 14,000 lbs, that leaves 5000 lbs payload. That seems alot just 20% pin weight, the biggest 5th wheel/ gooseneck would be 25,000 lbs.
With a "hidden" 16,500 lb GVWR, the F-450 would still have 7000 lbs payload even if you were to weigh it in at 9,500 lbs for the extra hardware. With the 20% pin weight, the F-450 could handle 35,000 lbs.
Sorry I was bored. Just food for thought for people wanting to tow a frickin bulldozer. :p

Edit: some 5th wheels/goosenecks that size are up to 25% pin weight. That would bring the F-350 down to 20,000 lbs and the F-450 still at 28,000 lbs. Quite a big difference.

jcain

Wider front end, and frame.

nihilus

I guess the GVWR is a moot point when you have a total of 36,000 lbs. like this guy. The guy in the video has a 2011 F-450 (8-lug), which is basically an F-350 is disguise. His biggest problem, other than government regulations, is being on his 4th differential, and going through tires every 20,000 miles to prevent "death wobble." The new 10 lug F-450 with it's monster differential would have come in handy for this guy. He even mentions the 6.4L F-450, which is 10-lug, but he was worried about the motor. It actually would have been a better choice, cheaper up front, and probably lower maintenance cost even with the older 6.4L