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I thought that I would share my impressions of the first real tow with my new 450. I pulled our 40' triple slide toyhauler (17k lbs/ 3700 lbs pin weight) approximately 45 miles each way this weekend to go camping at Desoto State Park in northeast AL. The route had a good mix of flat 4 lane, hilly 2 lane, and fairly steep ascent/descent up Lookout Mtn on Hwy 35. I had the tire pressures at 80 front and 70 rear, tow haul engaged, and the exhaust brake in auto for the duration of the drives. I was really pleased with the available power while cruising at 65 mph on the slightly rolling 4 lanes. The truck never seemed to struggle at all. I came from a 2006 F350 cab & chassis which would downshift a lot more on the rolling hills. Stability may have been a bit better than my old truck, but it wasn't by much. Both the 2006 and the 450 ride much better with some weight on them. I like how it will get up to highway speeds without really slamming your foot in it too. The real test was the climb up the mtn. It is a right turn onto the highway and the climb begins almost immediately. I would say that it is 6% or greater in spots. I climbed it at 55 mph in 4th gear without going to WOT. Again, the truck did not feel taxed at all by 17k lbs. The final leg has some pretty steep rolling hills on a 55 mph 2 lane. It just ate this hills up in 6th and never downshifted. On the return trip I started down the mtn at 50 mph. The transmission and exhaust brake held at 49 mph for the entire descent. I did have to apply the brakes once when a car in front slowed down too much.
Altogether I could not be happier with the new truck. Having the available power, adaptive cruise, better tow haul and exhaust brake really make the drive more relaxing than the older truck. I feel like I can put in miles while towing that would be about like running empty. These new trucks are MUCH more expensive that a decade ago, but they are also way more capable.
I have the same opinion with mine. Every time I tow, it just makes it so relaxing. I've pulled many huge hills in 6th weighing 26k, and only one or two needs 5th gear. The user Brandon4 reports a lack of power with his; I'm pretty sure something is wrong with his. Mine is a beast.
I have the same opinion with mine. Every time I tow, it just makes it so relaxing. I've pulled many huge hills in 6th weighing 26k, and only one or two needs 5th gear. The user Brandon4 reports a lack of power with his; I'm pretty sure something is wrong with his. Mine is a beast.
I agree. I can't imagine what the next decade will bring.
I'm curious what the yellow sticker on your driver side door jamb lists your payload as. Mine is only 3950 lbs, most likely due to all the options and the factory hitch that came with the truck. Your fiver would put me over weight if I add in cargo and passengers.
Originally Posted by motocamper
Hello all,
I thought that I would share my impressions of the first real tow with my new 450. I pulled our 40' triple slide toyhauler (17k lbs/ 3700 lbs pin weight) approximately 45 miles each way this weekend to go camping at Desoto State Park in northeast AL. The route had a good mix of flat 4 lane, hilly 2 lane, and fairly steep ascent/descent up Lookout Mtn on Hwy 35. I had the tire pressures at 80 front and 70 rear, tow haul engaged, and the exhaust brake in auto for the duration of the drives. I was really pleased with the available power while cruising at 65 mph on the slightly rolling 4 lanes. The truck never seemed to struggle at all. I came from a 2006 F350 cab & chassis which would downshift a lot more on the rolling hills. Stability may have been a bit better than my old truck, but it wasn't by much. Both the 2006 and the 450 ride much better with some weight on them. I like how it will get up to highway speeds without really slamming your foot in it too. The real test was the climb up the mtn. It is a right turn onto the highway and the climb begins almost immediately. I would say that it is 6% or greater in spots. I climbed it at 55 mph in 4th gear without going to WOT. Again, the truck did not feel taxed at all by 17k lbs. The final leg has some pretty steep rolling hills on a 55 mph 2 lane. It just ate this hills up in 6th and never downshifted. On the return trip I started down the mtn at 50 mph. The transmission and exhaust brake held at 49 mph for the entire descent. I did have to apply the brakes once when a car in front slowed down too much.
Altogether I could not be happier with the new truck. Having the available power, adaptive cruise, better tow haul and exhaust brake really make the drive more relaxing than the older truck. I feel like I can put in miles while towing that would be about like running empty. These new trucks are MUCH more expensive that a decade ago, but they are also way more capable.
I'm curious what the yellow sticker on your driver side door jamb lists your payload as. Mine is only 3950 lbs, most likely due to all the options and the factory hitch that came with the truck. Your fiver would put me over weight if I add in cargo and passengers.
You have a f450? You should have a minimum of ~4700lbs because that's what the heaviest version (the platinum) has. More if you have a lower trim.
You have a f450? You should have a minimum of ~4700lbs because that's what the heaviest version (the platinum) has. More if you have a lower trim.
I could swear my sticker Saya 3950. I'll double check. I always thought it was because of all the optional equipment - even the Ford/Reese Elite hitch.
I'm curious what the yellow sticker on your driver side door jamb lists your payload as. Mine is only 3950 lbs, most likely due to all the options and the factory hitch that came with the truck. Your fiver would put me over weight if I add in cargo and passengers.
Mine is a King Ranch with most every option. Payload is 4753. With my family of 5, dog, 300# of firewood, and a 15,500 fifth wheel, I'm at 26K GCW.
With everyone on board, extra food, extra wood, 67 gallons of fresh water, 10 gallons in both black tanks, about five gallons in all three grey tanks, i was at 13,480# on the truck. 520# less than my GVWR, and 2420# below my axle ratings. This was a worst case test, which is well above my normal weight. Good thing too, as my license caps out at 26k.
My pin is about 2800#, maybe 3000# during this max load test. I'd be over my GVWR by a few hundred pounds if my pin was 3700#. The F450 (like the F250) has a payload limited by the vehicle class, so I'd be less concerned about being a little over than on trucks that aren't limited by their class (e.g. F350 SRW).
07-30-2018, 04:12 PM
