Not looking to kick off a debate on weight limits or anything like that but I would welcome your opinions when answering the following questions:

1. Can you order an F550 chassis cab with a higher trim level than just Lariat? Personally I'd love to see an F550 King Ranch built to my specifications but I don't see the option to build it that way.

2. I've read that chassis cabs are "detuned" compared to the same model pickup. Can someone who actually knows tell me exactly how they're "detuned"? Maybe even point to some official documentation, cause from what I've found so far it looks like rumor? And if this is true, is it just the F350 and F450's that are detuned, since there is no F550 standard pickup?

3. Is ordering a chassis cab a similar experience to ordering a standard pickup? What are the differences, if any?

Here's my situation - I love my 2017 F350 6.2L DRW Lariat. I've got it setup and suspension tuned to handle our Host Mammoth TC fully loaded for camping and long trips. It's a beast of a TC but the truck handles it great! However, we're looking at also getting a couple of ATV's or a side-by-side. The additional tongue weight and towing would get me uncomfortably close or possibly over the axle and tire ratings. I know lots of guys do it with no problems but I'm not like lots of other guys.

The question on the trim levels is because we've really enjoyed the extra "creature comforts", even though our Lariat doesn't have the "ultimate package", it does have many of those niceties added in separately. Still, it's lacking the ultimate tow package, heated steering wheel, and some other things I'd really like. I don't see an F550 build in which one can build all that stuff, unless I'm missing something obvious. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read/answer.

 

I looked carefully at this too when I was getting mine. The engine is ultimately what turned me off. I really really wanted to go 550. I am super happy with my 450 pickup, though.
1. Lariat is the top trim. However, you can add most of the goodies into the Lariat.. No KR/Plat/Ltd. You're right - some of the goodies are missing, though (cameras, etc)
2. 6.7 - 330hp and 750ft-lb. It has a different turbo and other minor physical differences in the fuel delivery. There is no way to simply reflash to pickup power levels, as the hardware changes preclude it.
If you want to go with gas again, you're limited to the 6.8L V10. From 450HP to 330HP is quite a jump. All the CC models get the 330HP version (350/450/550).
3. Ordering similar - needs a little more homework to make sure you can insure and register it. And you would need to custom order, cause there aren't many fully loaded Lariat CCs out there.
4. You'll have to add a bed/body to the CC in order to haul a TC. A custom bed by Douglas Truck Body would be awesome, but they are another $10k to the cost (and months to build)

Personally, I think your rig will be just fine. If you are worried about real capability, you could consider the 450 pickup. (We've talked quite a bit about this and I've enjoyed our discussions). If it is paper capability, then the 550CC is the way to go. (Even though axles and tires are the same as the 450 PU)

What are your scale weights with the TC loaded? A little trailer rated to carry 2 ATV or 1 SxS will only weigh about 3,000lbs loaded. You don't have to haul a tandem axle flatbed. Using the superhitch magnum and supertruss extension (prob 48" to clear your overhang), you'll probably need a little weight distributing hitch. Overall, I'd bet 350lbs added to the rear axle and 100 to the front. Not really that much of an increase. Carry a little less water and you're back to the same weight on the truck as you have right now.
Comparing a 450PU to a 550 CC - the difference in capability (in the range we are talking - 13-16klb on the truck, 20klb combined) is really only on paper. The running gear, tires, axles, brakes, driveline, etc are all the same. Except there is less power in the 550CC. So, if you really sit back and consider your comfort level - the physical handling of the two are exactly the same, it is only the sticker that is any different. (well, longer wheelbase by a few inches, I guess). Doesn't really change anything going down the road.

 

I think the advantage of the derated engine is the longevity. I can't remember where I saw it, but I think the design-life was much longer. I'll try to look that up if nobody else has it at hand.

EDIT: Here is one article. equipment world article There may be other resources.

 

I've enjoyed the discussions as well. Last weigh-in with TC and everything, we were at 14,080 pounds total. They didn't give me separate axle weights - I need to find a scale that'll do that for me. I've since added a front hitch to carry the bikes so all told, we're probably 200-300 pounds heavier now. I've been running the airbags at 55 psi on driver, 60 psi on passenger, so we've room to stiffen that up if adding a few hundred pounds of tongue weight. We really like the extra bells and whistles and if I get a different truck, it will definitely have the ultimate tow package with the 360 cameras, as well as the factory upfitters.

Honestly, if we do upgrade in the future it'll probably be to a fully loaded F450 King Ranch. But if I'm going to take the plunge on a vehicle that expensive, I wanted to do my full due diligence and examine the chassis cabs. Thank you for providing your opinions and the info.

Thanks! I'll check out that article in a bit. Personally, I don't think I'd like a derated engine for only extra longevity. I buy my trucks with extended warranties/maintenance plans, and would rather have the extra power. Isn't that sorta the point with these beasts?

 

I know what you mean, but in all honesty I'd be quite happy with ~700 ft-lbs if it meant higher efficiency. I'd be thrilled if I could get 20-21 mpg cruising the highway at 75-mph. Unfortunately I haven't seen anything to suggest that is the case here.

 

 

 

So, you got a SRW pickup with box delete then (not a CC)?

 

 

 

 

 

His truck just has a bed delete.

C&C start with the 350 and up and the frame widths are different.

Yes they are detuned and have a different turbo set up.

My Max towing so far has been 48K with my 17 550.