Newer F550 and programming mod

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Apr 7, 2018 | 11:34 PM

toymaster

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Clark, WY

Newer F550 and programming mod

I have an '03 F550 that I use to tow my personal heavy equipment. The largest of which is a JD 650 dozer @ 20-21Klbs along with the trailer that weights ~6,500 lbs, this totals to ~27Klbs I'm towing.

I've thought about upgrading to a new F550 and was looking over the specs, noticed they are only at 750 ft lbs of torque versus what the consumer grade super duties are getting of 925 ft lbs. (at a lower RPM also). I guess I understand why they do this but as an owner/operator I'd like the higher levels of power. Also, I want a super cab so getting a 450 with box delete does not appear to be an option, this leave me with just the cab and chassis.

Will the aftermarket programmers work with no issues with the cab and chassis trucks? Or, do I need the whole program dumped in there.

Apr 8, 2018 | 12:16 AM

mrgrayaz

More Turbo

Joined: Sep 2016

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Why not a F-350 SuperCab DRW? They are rated at ~32000lbs 5th wheel/goosneck towing.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources...de_r6_Nov8.pdf
Page 24.

Apr 8, 2018 | 05:54 AM

1olddogtwo

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2018

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We have a couple 2017 550's. I've been as high as 44k doing trip from Florida to CA back to Chicago. I was extremely impressed how the truck handle the trip. This particular truck is rated at 18K with the 4.30 gear. The unload ride is great, loaded is excellent. I've got 45k on it since last May. Our other one rides like a tank, it's got the 19.5 GVW with the 4.88 gear. It's still better then our 15 550.

I've ordered a 450, it's the unicorn on so many levels. High HP, boxed frame, 19.5 tires, larger brakes, better turning and 360 cameras.....it only comes as a CCLB. Bed delete not possible is the downside....not a deal killer.

Back to the 18K truck, it's no race car, but happily accomplishes any thing asked of it. I use it as my daily driver even tho I had a 17 Platinum ultimate ( traded in) and just got my 18 in last week.

Apr 8, 2018 | 11:49 AM

toymaster

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Clark, WY

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrgrayaz

Why not a F-350 SuperCab DRW? They are rated at ~32000lbs 5th wheel/goosneck towing.....

I was asking about power but,since you bring it up, the F350 is too small. To keep my axles under their limit I place 7-8Klbs on the hitch weight. Also, I carry a transfer fuel tank, that is 900 - 1,000 lbs. You add in a little more for rigging I carry in the toolbox and you have 8-9K lbs for payload on the truck.

The DOT looks at the GVWR of the truck and trailer, then as long as you do not overload an axles your golden. 19,500 for the truck + 25,900 for the trailer gets me 45,400 lbs, minus the weight of the truck and trailer and you get ~30,000lbs of cargo.

Apr 8, 2018 | 12:05 PM

toymaster

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 902

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From: Clark, WY

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1olddogtwo

....I've ordered a 450, it's the unicorn on so many levels. High HP, boxed frame, 19.5 tires, larger brakes, better turning and 360 cameras.....it only comes as a CCLB. Bed delete not possible is the downside....not a deal killer..

I was looking at the 450 last night but the CC, factory bed, and XLT trim are the deal breakers for me. My current F550 is a short wheel base and an XL trim that I just use for a tractor to haul my heavy loads locally, comforts really are not needed. The "little" truck is awesome in the woods with tight turns and the weight distribution between the front and rear axles. The two upgrades that I really want are the super cab for the extra room for gear and more power.