2017 Ford F-450 vs 2017 F-350: It Comes Down to One Thing

Picking out a new Ford Super Duty is as easy and hard as you might think. It ultimately comes down to the owner’s needs.

Purveyor of all big-truck things on the popular YouTube channel Big Truck Big RV, JJ, traded in his 2016 F-450 dually for a new 2017 F-350 King Ranch dually. At that time, he waxed poetic about the many reasons why his new truck was light years better than the old one. But, the most interesting notes we took away from the switch were his reasons for “downgrading” from the F-450 to the F-350. Most importantly, the lack of pliable replacement tire options for 19.5-inch commercial rubber.

As happy as JJ was with his new truck, we were shocked to see him flirting with a Ruby Red 2017 F-450 dually just a couple of weeks later! The self-proclaimed heavy-duty truck man admits that he hadn’t yet had a chance to review the F-450 because they’re, well, hard to find on dealer lots. Once he got his hands on one, his review turned out to be both a blessing and a curse.

Despite the stiffer tires, the 2017 F-450 offers a more agreeable ride than the outgoing 2016 model. It’s still not as soft as the F-350, but the suspension soaks up the bumps and not the body and frame like his 2016. In addition, it sports larger brakes, a more leveled stance, and a significantly tighter turning radius.

As it turns out, that last difference was enough to change his mind and put him behind the wheel of an F-450 — again. The wide track front axle more than makes up for the lack of tire pressure monitor sensors (TPMS). Of course, it didn’t hurt that JJ’s favorite color is Ruby Red, especially in monotone King Ranch configuration. His local dealer was able to swing a deal that only cost him the difference in trim levels. Then, it was only a matter of signing on the dotted line.

At the end of the day, choosing between an F-350 and an F-450 boils down to one simple question: Do you prefer a sharper turning radius and ride quality over TPMS?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.