I am an over the road truck driver. I have been driving semi's since 1996. So I am familiar with diesels. I am looking to hang up the big rig and get a smaller vehicle and a trailer to haul rv's, cars, and anything else that will go on the flatbed. My question is I'm going to be putting on some serious miles a year. A good quality vehicle is a must. I have been a Ford person for a very long time. Pre 2011 superduty pickups don't have a good record. From what I have found the 2011 and later seem to be better. Should I get a Ford superduty and do you recommend F-350 dually or F-450. I want to stay under the 26,001 gvwr. Dodge from I have read is the suggested pickup but I want to stay with Ford. But I must go with something that has decent maintenance over the long haul and isn't going to be a money sink.

 

i like the f450 or the f550

 

You could get the pickup truck version of the F450. This one is my favoritehttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-F-450-Lariat-4X4-/180877264731?_trksid=p4506.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI %26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D1%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clki d%3D8370153024385170958
Or you could get the cab and chassis F450 or 550. Any of these trucks would do what you want. Me personally, I would take the one on eBay and swap in a Cummins 5.9. I know it would not be cheap its just a dream for now.

 

Sorry, I don't know why the link is not working.

 

there is a difference in the f450 pickup version though, Fords listened to a small bunch of peopleand they decreased the new F450's. The new ones have smaller F350 axles and suspension. I forget what years are the original super duty F450 but someone will chime in soon for you

 

I believe the '08's and '09s we.re the good ones before they were neutered.

 

If you are going to stay under 26,000 lb GCWR, then the F350 pickup will do nicely, IMO.
(1) The F-450 goes up to 34,000 lbs GCWR - you don't need it.
(2) The F-450 has 4.30 rear ends, the F-350 has 3.73. Better mileage with the F-350.
(3) The Pickup has more power than the cab 'n chassis.
(4) Most of the major problems reported have been with the reduced power 6.7 in the cab 'n chassis.

I chose the F-450 for the some extra weight padding. Good thing too - my new 2011 HitchHiker Champagne goes 21,120 lbs loaded for living, GCW is over 30,000. If I hadn't been looking at this new trailer, I would have stayed with the F-350.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am leaning towards the f350 but was wondering with the possibility of 75k+ miles a year the f450 pickup version would be better in the long run for maintenance. I.E. the 450 carrying the same weight wouldn't be working as hard as a 350would be.

 

Look at the weight ratings. The 2011/12 F450 is basically the equivalent of the 2006-2010 F-350 with a Tow Boss package. Or, to look at it another way, Ford neutered the F-450 in 2011. Smaller tires, weaker springs, better ride compared to a 2010 F450.

 

I've been doing some heavy hauling with my F450 and only wish the truck had one gear over 6th. Don't know who design the gearing on those trucks, but I can take 7% grade with total weight of 15,000 lb on the highest gear just fine, what cost me in higher fuel consumption and higher noise from engine running at high rpm with no need for it.
Something doesn't seem right in this topic >>> semi truck driver putting lot of mileage every month would have pretty good picture what is hauling gooseneck trailers on US roads?