Currently I have a 2011 GMC sierra 2500hd lml duramax with airbags on it. I have a big tex 25gn flat bed and haul a bobcat e63 excavator 2-3 times a week and 12k skid steer. Truck handles fine just have to give it ALOT of gas to go. I am going to be ordering a new superduty soon. The debate is a f350 srw longbed lariat, becuase I don't like duallies as they are harder to manipulate in tight jobs, fenders can hit brush, wider in general for tight spots on washboard roads, etc. Eventually I might upgrade to a bobcat e85, which weighs 19k and my trailer is 6700lbs for a total of basically 26000lbs. My truck tows the current weight approx 20000lbs great as far as stability goes. If I put 12 ply tires on the f350 srw will I be ok, or do I just need to go with the f450 lariat.

 

The 450 can out maneuver a short bed 250!

 

The SRW wont do that much. You can try it but you probably wouldn’t be happy.

 

Dually - 450 if you like

 

You say you don't like duallies because they are so big and wide in the rear and hard to maneuver on a tight job sight, but then you are considering a F450 that is even bigger and wider than a regular dually???

 

I wouldn’t want the 4.30 gear ratio of the F-450 so I’d go to a 3.55 rear end in a F350 dually for a 25k gooseneck.

 

Just sold my 2020 450 and ordered a 350 SRW. 450 was absolutely ideal for pulling 20k lbs especially in the Rocky Mountains. Brakes were impressive and the bigger front axle made tight parking lots and mountain road switchbacks a breeze. But, sold the RV and wanted to have more space in the garage. I’m sure I will miss the 450’s capabilities, but looking forward to more room. Hope that helps - good luck with your decision.

 

If you plan on towing 26K you should be looking at a 350 or 450 dually.

 

Test-drive them, if you can find them - even better in a tight parking lot, and I bet you'll know exactly what you want. I did the same. I have a 450 on order. The steering is amazing. You'll be able to easily steer that fat butt around many things the SRW would hit.

 

The F-450 is no bigger and no wider in the rear than the F-350 dually. Both trucks are in fact the exact same width in the rear, and use the exact same beds and rear fenders.

The F-450 is easier to maneuver in tight job sites due to the slightly wider FRONT axle that enables more wheel cut angle, which enables a tighter turning radius that is significantly better than all other Super Duty pickups with the same style cab.

 

Me too with the F450

 

I've had an Excursion (for 18 years and loved it), F350 DRW and an F450. The 450 is by far the most maneuverable of those three. It turns so much tighter it is amazing. I can make u-turns where I couldn't even get close with the excursion. And maneuvering a trailer in tight quarters is much easier as well. Then there is the additional braking capacity which would be noticeable with the kind of weights you are towing.

I've towed extensively all my life (horse trailers, boats, toy haulers, etc.) and I resisted duallies for a very long time. Turns out they drive much better than I expected, and tow heavy weights profoundly better. I won't go willingly back to SRW's. Hard to get me out of a 450 now, too.

Go test drive one. I think it will surprise you. Tow heavy with one if at all possible.

 

F450, love mine and had to due a U-turn on a four lane road yesterday (two lanes each direction) at a stop light. No backing up and making it a three point turn required. turns like a car.

The GN25 is worth 26K, so you may need a bigger trailer soon. so you also need to consider the gooseneck ball. May need that upgraded too. MIne is good for 27.5K in 2 5/8 size. I have a 3" ball that goes to 34K I think it is.
So you may need to work with Big Tex on converting the gooseneck or ordering one a 3" capable coupler.

 

He should do a DRW and install a flatbed to avoid damage to sheetmetal if that is an issue.

 

Go with the F450 if you're considering going with a heavier load. Tighter turning radius because of the wider front axle, higher load capacities and pulling than just about everything else, and with the 4.30 gear (are the 4.88's still an option?) you won't even really notice the weight back there. My in-laws have a '19, he puts down about 17 mpg combined city/highway, and pulls a 43' toy hauler all over the country with no issues whatsoever. Well, he DID. They just sold the setup complete and are getting into a motorhome. Still, the point remains that the F450 will do much better for you.