acadianbob

Usable doesn't make it a good idea.

PerryB

That was a good call on your part. My Stepfather made the same choice about the same time that you got your truck. The other thing I don't like about the 17's is that Ford had to play "keep up with the Jones' " and stretch an already ample back seat (on the CC). Now the CCLB is 4" longer on the wheelbase, 176" vs 172. I wish they'd purge the marketing department and re-staff it with actual truck owners who actually tow the things that these trucks are supposed to be so good at.

Don't get me started on the aluminum body issue......

AricsFX

iTrader: (3)

“Ample” back seat? The back seat in my super duty is half the size of the f150. They needed to get a bigger interior. Wouldn’t a longer wheelbase be beneficial for towing?

PerryB

I think your fractions are a little off.... half??
The rear seat area in my '11-350 is plenty "ample". As far as wheelbase, 172" is already a maneuvering challenge around town, I don't want any more. Stability was never an issue. Now they've gone and jacked them up a few more inches and the newer trucks (350's anyway) are just about useless for 5ers and GN's. In my never humble opinion, Ford really screwed the pooch on this. By the time you lift the typical big 5th RV to tow level behind one of these trucks, you're over 13 feet to the A/C. It becomes a magnet for tree branches and low hanging wires. Once again, marketing is allowed to design the truck instead of engineering. This is my opinion, you don't have to like it and I'm not seeking validation.

AricsFX

iTrader: (3)

But four inches makes it useless?

I see 17+ f250/350s towing gns and 5fh wheels all the time.. they’re definitely not losing market share.

PerryB

Whatever....

arnmcrmn

When I see guys buying a HD or Superduty or whatever Dodge sells and then immediately lift it and throw huge tires on it to drive around town, it screams "I need attention". I tow a lot and my 17 is already high enough. Why in the world would I want to jack it up more, throw mpg killing huge tires on it? What is the actual purpose other than to say hey, I like to blow money on my truck.

PerryB

I love the looks of a jacked up Superduty, but I routinely use my 350 to pull a big 5th wheel. The pre-17 trucks are already at the upper height limit for usefulness in this regard without having to lift the trailer. My trailer already has its axles under the springs and slight taller (than original) tires. The hitch is as low as I am comfortable with. I have 6" bed clearance. If the truck were as tall as the new 350's I'd have to lift the trailer and install a 4-step entry. I'd also be that much more into the branches/wires, and more top heavy. Not interested. I usually get a new tow rig every 5-6 years, but I think I'm keeping the '11 for the forseeable future.

5.0GN tow

Yeah, I put my GN and a couple other GN horse trailers on the ball in a 16 and a 17 when looking for mine and even with a buddy on mine and a new 17 this year as he was looking. Its amazing the difference a few inches make. On a horse trailer you end up with rear axle bearing issues and blown tires when heavily loaded with a nose high trailer. Our trainer had been fighting this issue with his Ram, until this summer when he had the trailer lifted. He blew 4 rear tires in 3 seasons, all were newer less than 2yr old tires too.

I agree the back seat was plenty big in 16. Also check out 15 and 16 trucks if you are looking to upgrade. The bigger turbo on them really helped with the exhaust braking.

PerryB

We have a big dealer that caters to the farm/ranch market, and I've been buying there for the last 15-16 years. Last time I looked he still had some unsold 16 - 350's left and I'm tempted. That being said, my '11 has 72,000 mi. and is perfect. Also have one son in state college and the other going next fall, so..... Probably not going to happen.