Am I missing something? What incentive do you have to get the f450 over the f350 crew cab 8ft bed drw 4x4? The tow capacity for the 450 is only 1200lbs more as opposed to last year where is was like 5000lbs more(I think?) Payload from what I have seen has no real advantage ether. Why not go with the f350 and save almost 4k for an equal trim truck? or are they saying 1200lbs is worth 4 grand now? Are there some unseen advantages of the f450?

 

It's a 450

 

Wheels, tires and most important steering... F450 turns much tighter than F350 which makes parking our TH much easier..easier to park just the truck also.

 

Among other things heavier rear axle and larger brakes. 10 lug 19.5" wheels. 4.30 diff ratio. Are some of the mechanical features of the F450 over the F350. Plus the wide track front end

 

Wide track front is the main feature.......and it's a 7,000 lb vs a 6,000 lb of the whimpy 350.

 

I agree the wider track and wheel package is better. Don't get me wrong 350 is awesome too!

 

For me, the main benefit (and it's a big one) is the wide track axle. I'm sure the 19.5 tires are nice, but the 17" tires have many more choices and cost a lot less. If I end up with a dually, it will most likely be a F450. There are several down sides though

The other down sides are
1. 500# more weight, which means 500# less payload (on paper) and slightly slower acceleration and braking.
2. Much of that 500# weight gain is unsprung, which will likely degrade ride quality.
3. Ford's TPMS doesn't work with the 19.5" tire construction yet, so no TPMS for the truck.
4. The 19.5" tires need to be inflated in a cage or with a remote fill as they can be deadly if they fail.
5. Insurance is often more, sometimes, much more
6. Lower MPG due to the 4.30, though it is a great towing gear
7. It costs over (edit) $3k more

Well, I was set on a f450, but after making that list, I need to rethink the f350 if a dually is needed.

 

Just for the cool front fenders....period.

 

Why is the wide track so much better? The capacities are still what they are right? And doesn't the bigger wheel offset the lower gear ratios?

 

The wide track front axle offers a tighter turner radius. And of course, it looks cool

 

^^^ This is the most honest comment yet

 

Not quite sure why the 19.5" need to be inflated in a cage. They ARE NOT split rims. They were done away with years ago. Any tire can be dangerous.
After market TPMS work just fine on the 19.5" Most of us who will tow with our F450's have them for the truck and the trailer.

bigdon68

 

9' smaller turning circle is important when backing into a parking spot (most single-spots are tight for a 22' long 8' wide truck) and positioning a trailer. It let's you start turns later to help with trailer off-tracking, and allows more options for u-turns.

 

It's just a better tow rig all around. Sure it's numbers are limited by staying in the 16k GVWR but it's much more of a truck when you take the components piece by piece.

 

I thought it had a 14K GVWR on the pickup (unless they made it a class 4 and I haven't heard). The F450 pickup appears to be designed to handle well over its GVWR.

Frantz, if I want a platinum 6.7 4x4 and will have ~3650# total payload (passengers + pin with a 41' 14K fifth wheel - weekend use) and would like to drive it nearly every day, would you recommend a F350 SRW, F350 DRW or F450?