Just went from a 2016 F250 to a 2021 F450 last week. I notice the brakes take a heck of a lot more pressure to operate. They can stop the truck no problem but the amount of brake pedal pressure is easily double the F250. Not even sure the DW would have enough strength to hit them in a panic stop. Is this normal/expected? Yes they are bigger brakes, more vehicle weight, and DRW but would have thought brake pedal pressure would be similar. Thanks!

 

I have not noticed a difference in brake pedal effort on my 2021 450 vs 2013 350 DRW. Perhaps yours has an issue?? The 450 absolutely does stop better when towing heavy compared to to 350 DRW which did very well.

 

I noticed that when I drove my dads 2014 F250 it was very easy to work the brakes - on account of the vacuum assist. The vacuum booster feels more like a standard car or SUV, with a very light pedal feel.
Your F450 has hydraulic assist brake booster (hydroboost) which has a much more firm feel to it. It takes getting used to - but in a panic it will stop faster with a heavy load than the vacuum assist does.

 

Something else to note - on the platinum trim truck (like yours) you will have the emergency assist braking available. It uses a camera and radar sensor to determine if an emergency brake application is needed, and it will precharge the brake system. I found that out on my truck when a car pulled out in front of us in heavy traffic on 101 in Newport OR. By the time I went to hit the brakes, it was like they were already on. Took almost no pedal effort to have full braking. Was pretty cool. I usually don't care for all the nannies and such, but it saved my bacon once - and for that I am grateful

 

Learned something today! I didn’t realize they are hydroboost. Explains a lot……… thinking the operation is normal then and nothing out of sorts. I agree, don’t want to be in that panic stop but good to know they will do the job. Thanks for the response. Cheers