I finally got to drive a 2017 F450 (XLT) and F350 Crew Long bed (loaded Platinum) tonight. A few observations:

Long Bed SRW (F: 6000, R: 7230, GVWR: 11,500, payload: 2910) - as expected, it rode much better than the short bed and the DRW. The massive 59' turning circle was very noticeable though It didn't ride as nice as the 2016 long bed I tested, but the 2017 had the plow package, which degrades the ride quite a bit. I suspect the 2017 long without the plow package (5200# or 5600# front springs) will ride better than the 2016.

F450 (F: 6000, R: 9900, GVWR: 14,000, payload: 4851) - Surprised at the ride - Rode just as well as the F350 DRW, and that was with 100 PSI in the front tires. The wide track turning was great. It was easier to drive in traffic and through the parking lot than the long bed SRW due to the wide-track axle.

Other observations:
- LED lights were great
- You can make a SRW really, really heavy. It was a platinum, fully loaded (even the PTO, ramps, and hitch). This resulted in a lame 2910# payload (8590# truck). With 900# of people and dog and a 2400# pin, I'd be almost 400# over the GVWR without anything else in the truck. The sum of the axle ratings was 12,230 though!
- The outside mirrors don't dim - didn't expect that. Even my '09 F150 drivers mirror dims
- The middle seat in the back is too high for a 6' person to sit there with the moon roof. Much less give than the outboard seats that settle 1.5" lower or so.
- I read somewhere on this forum that you cannot get both 5th wheel prep and ramps. The platinum I test drove had the hitch prep, 5th wheel, and ramps.

 

Test drove them again yesterday with my family... more observations:
1. Wife & kids were OK with the ride of the F450, although the SRW 350 was smoother (naturally)
2. The F450 was easier for my wife to enter as it is lower.
- F450 roof height (XLT) = 79"
- F350 roof height (18" tires, lariat) = 82" (82.5" with 20" tires)
3. The F450 rails are lower, so it will work with my 5th wheel better
- F450 rail height at wheel well = 57.25"
- F350 rail height at wheel well = 58.75" (59.25" with 20" tires)
4. Seat comfort - more surprising results...
- Platinum seats not comfortable for my wife (much thinner and less padding)
- Platinum seats not comfortable in middle of back seat (arm rest more pronounced than lariat)
- XLT seats were the most comfortable for my wife and kid in middle seat (no in-seat arm rest with the XLT), but the Lariat was a close 2nd. We will get the Lariat as there are many options we want that you cannot get with a Lariat.
5. Turning Radius - After a short while, I got used to the width of the F450, but did not get used to the 59'+ turning radius of the F350 crew long bed. It seems almost comical how sharp the F450 front can swing. It was easier to me to back into a single-wide space with the F450 than the F350 single (Really, it was!)

Still undecided on the SRW vs F450 decision, but the am now leaning towards the F450. I like the ride of the SRW better, but the F450 is WAY more maneuverable and gives plenty of margin for towing.

 

Bill, from reading all your posts over the last few months, other than the wandering issue with the 19.5's, I think you'll be much happier with a 450. I think deep down it's what you know you want and your just going through the paces to make sure you don't make a mistake.... but really.... you already know....

 

Rodney, I'm getting there. Before taking my family for a Platinum test drive, I was set on a Platinum. Now, it will be a Lariat. I need to have my mind settled on this for at least a few weeks without any more flip flopping.

Are you fully settled on the srw short bed?

 

Yes, I'm locked and loaded for a January order. SRW, SB, CC. I've already ordered most of my accessories which helps prevent further flip flopping...LOL. I bought a new Curt hitch which is 1.5" shorter than my now sold Reese Elite to help deal with height increase. (I came out $200 ahead on that deal!) I bought a new Extang Trifecta tonneau. (I have the same model on my 2012 and love it.) I bought a DZ rubber bedmat. (Again, same as my current truck.) Lastly, I got a set of Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus 20" tires that my dealer will mount up when the truck lands. I'm going to use the dealer credit for the stock tires towards having them mount and balance my new tires, install the sway bar (not available with 20's), and spray my extended running boards with Rhino Liner which will be color matched to my lower Magnetic two tone paint. Now I'm just waiting for Weigh Safe to release their 3" hitch. I'm going to grab the 10" drop for the most flexibility. The only other thing I'll do when the truck lands is upgrade the audio but I'll wait until the truck lands to buy anything for that...

 

I have 450 miles on my F350 SRW long bed, I don't really notice the length or turning radius, its been rare that I can't make a turn in one shot, drive throughs, parking lots, whatever. Goes like a bat out of hell, 4x4 locking rear 3.55 FX4 so I'm ready for winter, I have the 20" tires. No issue getting in/out I have the power deploying running boards which deploy lower and extend further out than fixed boards.

 

I believe I have said this in another thread but here it goes lol
I'm going from a f-350 dually to a f-450 and the main reason is the wide trac front end I went to my dealer to order a 2017 350 drw and He said I should look at the 450 and that I could take a 2016 450 that he had on the lot for a test drive the truck turns like my 250 regular cab. Got back to dealer and ordered my new 450 it's that much better

 

You mention the height 79" vs 82" 350/450, did either of them have the FX4 package?

 

FX4 doesn't affect ride height.

 

I don't think it matters, but both had it. Here are the window stickers for each...

F450: http://www.windowsticker.forddirect....8W4DTXHEB61077

F350: http://www.windowsticker.forddirect....8W3BT3HEB98789

I can post photos of the measurements if needed.

Talking this over with my wife tonight, she wants the F450. We have towed near the limits of my truck for years, and it really isn't very relaxing. Hopefully they will have TPMS for Job #2.

 

There you go Bill. Put the weight on the wife. Done deal...

 

Actually, as you have seen, I have been slowly leaning towards the F450. I was concerned about it being too rough on my wife and kids. If they want the beast truck, then it makes the decision much easier. Hopefully the flip flopping is almost done, but I've thought that before.

 

As I said earlier, it's clearly what you want. I don't see how you could loose going that route.

 

I had a Lariat with my 2015 F350 dually and now Platinum F450 and I would say the seats are more comfortable with the Platinum but to each their own I guess. I too find the F450 much easier to maneuver than the F350 was.

 

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