Howdy,

I have a tired f-250 6.9l auto. And I need to pull around 20k on a gooseneck. I just started looking and got blown away real quick. I would like to figure out the differences in the f350, f450,f550, etc..

I also want to use it for fighting fires as I live in Montana and the next year does not look promising.

If anyone has any suggestions and or websites, I would greatly appreciate them.

Paul

 

Just the trailer weighs 20,000 lbs? With that much weight, you need at least a F-550 to even come close to legally tow it. The frames, axles, tires, brakes and springs are different on the three trucks. Just the ratings on the rear springs can range from 6,830 lbs on a F-350 SRW to 13,500 lbs on a F-550. How much detail are you looking for?

 

Well,first of all,there is no law that says you can't tow 100,000 pounds with a pickup,at least not in Tennessee/Kentucky.Now,under "Ford law" if you will,there is a limit but if you don't tell them then they don't know.An F-550 would be a wise choice though,I wish I could get one.I would've bought an F-450 instead of my F-250 if it hadn't had 200,000 miles and the 7.3 IDI non-turbo diesel.

 

for the weight that you will be pulling i think the f550 is the way to go. as for wildland firefighting it depends on how much water and gear(pump,tools,saws,foam)and all of the other junk we tend to stuff on patrols. the department i work for just bought 2 f550, haven't had them out yet though, we had to use the older ones last season. one of the nearby departments used a dodge 1ton and ended up trashing it in idaho. anyway i highly suggest that you get the f550 if you are going to be carrying more that 250 galions of water. also what are you guys predicting for the season up there. az has had some pretty good moisture this year so we will see what happens

 

 

For that kind of towing, what about a new Ford Super CrewZer? They are an awesome vehicle; and sounds perfect for your purposes!

 

If it were me, I would go with the F650. Hauling that much weight, you're more likely going to exceed the GVWR before you exceed the GCWR on an F550. When you add the wet but empty weight of the truck, all the tools, water, men, and pin weight of the trailer together, you will be very close if not over the GVWR of an F550. You can generally figure 15% - 20% weight of the trailer is going to be your pin weight. When you add all of these numbers together, you will more than likely be over weight with an F550.

Rich