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Please do not repost, forward or otherwise publish messages contained in these archives without consent from the respective author(s). These archives may not, in whole or part, be stored on any public retrieval system (FTP, web, gopher, newsgroup, etc.) by individuals or companies, without consent of the respective authors. Received: with LISTAR (v0.128a; list 97up-list); Sat, 13 May 2000 23:46:40 -0400 (EDT) Date: Sat, 13 May 2000 23:46:40 -0400 (EDT) From: Ford Truck Enthusiasts List Server To: 97up-list digest users Reply-to: 97up-list  ford-trucks.com Subject: 97up-list Digest V2000 #74 Precedence: bulk ========================================================== Ford Truck Enthusiasts 1997 and Newer Truck Mailing List(Use the Small Chassis List for Rangers, Explorers, Aerostars and Bronco IIs. Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com To unsubscribe, send email to: listar ford-trucks.com with the words "unsubscribe 97up-list" in the subject of the message. ========================================================== ------------------------------------ 97up-list Digest Fri, 12 May 2000 Volume: 2000 Issue: 074 In This Issue: Re: Payloads again Payload & Dually questions, Part 2 Re: Payload & Dually questions, Part 2 Re: Payload & Dually questions, Part 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Harald Stenger" Subject: Re: Payloads again Date: Fri, 12 May 2000 20:07:02 -0700 Unless you are carrying the camper full time, I would pass on the added leaf springs and put air bags on instead. I have Firestone Ride-rite springs on my y2k F350 CC DRW truck. I carry a 4000 lb loaded weight camper. The air springs level the truck and stabilize it. They are rated for up to 5000 lbs extra weight capacity, although they do not legally increase your GVWR (neither will the leaf springs). The beauty of the springs is that when the camper is not on the truck, I drop the air pressure down to 5 psi and my ride is completely unaffected. With the added leafs, you end up with a very harsh ride unloaded. Harald "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." -Ben Franklin ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 May 2000 17:11:09 +0100 From: SCA Subject: Payload & Dually questions, Part 2 I'm the guy that posted the original question awhile ago regarding payloads, duallys and campers. It's a good thing that this forum exists for such questions. I've not been able to get ANY information elsewhere. The only bad thing is that the answers here have been very disappointing as far as the 350 goes. I'm stunned that such an expensive truck can only legitimately carry something a little less than 1/4 it's own weight. Boy, was I stoopid. It makes me feel especially bad because, apart from it's apparent lack of ability to actually carry a load, I really have enjoyed it and it's been very reliable. The enormous truck bed it had certainly LOOKED like it could carry more than a chihuahua puppy. So I'm now in the market for a 450 or a 550. I'm trying to do my homework and not make any such errors this time around. Unfortunately, the same cloud of general ignorance that surrounded the F350 seems even denser with 450s and 550s. I'm asking what I'd consider to be the most basic set of questions and not getting any answers. So here I am back at this forum, which seems to be the only place with information. My general plan is to get a 450 or 550 PowerStroke crewcab 4X4 automatic dually with a standard truck bed. When I talk to most of the Ford dealers and the subject turns to 450s & 550s with a regular truck bed, what I get is: "Gee. I don't know." "We've never done that before." "I don't know if truck beds are available for 450s & 550s." "We don't sell many 450s or 550's" My personal favorite is: "Why would you want so much truck? Just get a 350. It can carry the biggest camper made with payload to spare, and we've got several here on the lot. Why don't you come down here and look at one?" Which is when I usually hang up. I believe I have a line on a dealer that at least knows how to put a standard truck bed on a 450 & 550, but they're not helping me on which one to buy. Based on the tiny amount of information I can actually dig up, I can't find out why anyone would ever buy a 450. The difference in price between a 450 and a 550 is only around $700 on $40000 (when all is said and done) worth of truck, and the 550 can carry a ton and a quarter more. Clearly, if you're looking past the 350s to the 450s and 550s, you're doing it because of payload requirements (after all, the basic engine is the same, ain't it?), and why on earth would you ever buy a 450 when you can get 1.25 ton greater payload for $700? So, like, what am I missing this time? Is there something about the 550 that would tend to push one back down to the 450 for some reason? Like: Is the ride so stiff it beats you to death, more so than the 450? Is there some kind of higher tax? Does the 550 get significantly worse mileage? Are there some options on the 450 that aren't available in the 550? Is there some hidden issue I don't know to ask that'll make me wish I'd gotten a 450? I'm beginning to feel like the proverbial Polish mine detector. (No offense to anyone.) Lastly, where would be the best place to advertise my 350 for sale? I was going to post the particulars about my truck with this message, but I wasn't sure if for-sale stuff was allowed here. SCA ------------------------------ From: "George Passidakis" Subject: Re: Payload & Dually questions, Part 2 Date: Sat, 13 May 2000 17:44:57 -0700 SCA, One place to check on standard beds for 450/550 truck is: http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.centurionvehicles.com/fbox.htm They might be able to get you some better info and guidance. I'm not sure if they only sell the whole vehicle or will take a truck and add the std bed. Let us know what you find out. They are in MI but have dealers elsewhere. George F-350 SWR ------------------------------ From: CERESJohnG aol.com Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 00:45:59 EDT Subject: Re: Payload & Dually questions, Part 2 I wouldn't feel particularly "stoopid", And I'm not sure the 350 is out of the question yet. First, you need to really get a handle on what the options lists are for that vehicle regarding load capacity. The problem is the plate rating on the vehicle. Second it's the dealer. They want to sell you what's in stock and 450's and 550's are not nor are heavy rated 350's. All three of the majors have extensive option list for the 250 and 350 class vehicles. You have to first find a truck oriented dealer. Generally these guys are more commercial oriented. Then possibly you can get some clear headed answers. Most dealers don't have anyone that really knows trucks nor do they think you are serious when you start looking for something a little off the wall. They want to sell stuff thats floating around on their floor plan. There are also folks out there that will do the mods to beef up the load capacity and can certify that it's been done. Generally these are folks that do custom bodies like work bodies or small wreckers or flat beds for 350's . The normal 350 is sprung for ride and towing, say a 5th wheel. Most knowledgable slide in owners boosted capacity to get the handling they needed by aftermarket mods at the camper dealer or some independant shop. It's only recent law enforcement emphasis in some areas that has suddenly created this issue. It's a pain, but perhaps justified. A lot of Rec Vehicle dealers are like car dealers. They sell what's on the floor plan and the hell with what's legal. They probaly couldnt read a rating plate. If it fits it's going to be great. The cop that stops you 1000 miles away from home isn't his problem. Sorry for being so windy. John G ------------------------------ End of 97up-list Digest V2000 #74 ********************************* ---------------------------------------------------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts 1997 and Newer Truck List Send posts to 97up-list ....To access the rest of this feature you must be a logged in Registered User Of Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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