F-350 Short Bed, F-350 DRW, F-450???

[GynormousMellon]

I've lurked on the Forum and others for some time. My first post. Buying a truck in 2018 then DRV the following year.

Did my research on 5ers and I really liked the DRV. Wife and I went to the Hershey RV show, she fell in love with the DRV floor plans, me the build quality. We are trying to stay under 40' in length. Even considering the Aire.

Prior to the DRV, I was set on a 1 ton SRW, Crew, short bed. It will be my daily commuter so maneuverability and MPG (for a large truck) are important. My area is horrible for traffic and very congested. (MD/DC area).

As I've read this forum, I look at everyone's signature blocks and it looks like DRW is the way to go. The factory rep at the Hershey show said the same thing.

I really like the Fords, have owned a few F-250s and F-350s.

Now my dilemma, (Going with a Crew Cab)

The F-350 has several rear gear options, leaning toward the 355, which would mean better MPG when not towing. F-450 only has the 430 rear but taller tires so maybe that will get the MPG closer to the F-350 with 355 gears?

F-350 wheels (17.5") are more readily available and not as harsh of a ride as the commercial tires (19.5" wheels) on the F-450. Maybe less air in the tires when not towing will offset the harsh ride?

The F-450 has the wide track axle...way better turning radius and a big factor. This will be great in parking lots etc but also huge in maneuvering the 5er.

At this point I need perspectives from others. Can you give me your experience or what you've found while towing? Am I over thinking this.......

[wingnut60]

Have had 2 450s previous, and now a 17 450--don't be concerned too much about the diameter of the wheels/tires, the 4:30 gears don't do any better because of the height--unsprung weight is higher. Guarantee you they ride harder, but last much longer.
The '15 & '16 350s had the wide track option on some, maybe it will show back up on the '18s.
The 350s will do the job with a 4.10 or 3.73--would not opt for 3.55 with that much weight.
Once I used the shorter turn radius of the 450s, I would never go back to the regular front ends, even not towing. You are correct in maneuvering into campsites, especially the backing.
I do think both Ram and GM 3500s will get better mileage...

[Cummins12V98]

At least look at a RAM, Cummins, AISIN, 4.10's with factory rear ride. I tow a combined 33-35K with zero issues and rock solid handling. Oh look under both hoods if planning to keep past the 100K warranty.

[Littlebaler]

If you can't get the new F-350 with the wide front, 4:30 gears , I would just get the f-450. In fact I would just get the F-450.

[Bob Denman]

Shorter gearing equals less strain on the driveline...
Take the 4.30:1 setup!

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

At least look at a RAM, Cummins, AISIN, 4.10's with factory rear ride. I tow a combined 33-35K with zero issues and rock solid handling. Oh look under both hoods if planning to keep past the 100K warranty.

I totally agree, but just my UNBIASED opinion. Don't know about the Ram firsthand, but I do know the GM will ride better & get better mpg. Mine has 3.73 gears & tows my 16.5k 5er like it's not there, averaging 9.5-10 mpg at 68-70 mph.
With the DRV you can completely rule out any SRW truck of any brand.

[mtntrek]

Originally Posted by GynormousMellon

I've lurked on the Forum and others for some time. My first post. Buying a truck in 2018 then DRV the following year.
Did my research on 5ers and I really liked the DRV. Wife and I went to the Hershey RV show, she fell in love with the DRV floor plans, me the build quality. We are trying to stay under 40' in length. Even considering the Aire.
At this point I need perspectives from others. Can you give me your experience or what you've found while towing? Am I over thinking this.......

So, remember that there are significant variances in model weights and capacities.
If you like FOMOCO I'd stick with the brand(s) you like and are comfortable with driving and looking at. All the major trucks are capable. There appears to be merit to the wide axle turning radius although how usable it proves in real life I can't testify to. We've learned to compensate for a long pinbox and clearance issues so there is no shame to using points on a star while maneuvering. You just get-er-done.
It seems we're all faced with compromise's in regard to towing heavy and other requirements and preferences. For us the longest wheelbase and DRW have been a good choice as well as the factory recommended H-D tow package(s) & drivetrain.
We have zero complaints or regrets with our choices thus far. Sure a long, wide in the hips truck is a hassle in close quarters, such is life on the road.
Be well.

[Cummins12V98]

"With the DRV you can completely rule out any SRW truck of any brand."

There are a few that defy the unspoken rule. But hey it tows just fine!!!

[Porkchop]

I have a 2016 F350 w/6.7 diesel and 3.70 rears towing a 44' Santa Fe weighing 24,000 lbs. It's a big cab, long box dually. It pulls great anywhere you want to go. Mountains or prairie. I average 9.6 mpg year round. I keep it under 65 always, usually less. I quit hurrying years ago. Don't take long to go 250-300 miles anyway. Turning radius in the real world means nothing. 350 will make you feel a lot better end of day than a 450. Good luck on your choice.
Almost forgot=make sure you do take a look at ram and chevy. Will make you feel a lot better about the ford.

Bill

[rynosback]

I looked at the big three.
I narrowed it down to the Ram and GMC. I bought a Ram because I thought it was the best looking DRW and it had a Cummins.
I would also go with an 8 foot bed vs a short bed.
A 3500 DRW should be enough truck for you. I also think if you buy a 4500 it is more expensive to insure as I think it classifies as a commercial vehicle.
I know the traffic where you are as I grew up in Bethesda, MD.

[wingnut60]

There may some issue in insuring a 450/4500 with some insurance companies, but not all of them--most of the available data for them to use to quote stop at the 350/3500s, so you have to get into the details and use, explaining it is not a commercial unit. Minor hassle, but Amica would not quote on my 450.
Be aware that in the 450/4500 cab and chassis units, both Ford and Ram detune the motors, the idea being companies buy them for reliability not quickness, and they also may have many different drivers. Not sure that GM builds a 4500 any longer. Friend of mine used to buy C/C but the employees complained enough that he went back to pickup versions and removed the beds and put the hauler bed on them.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by rynosback

. I also think if you buy a 4500 it is more expensive to insure as I think it classifies as a commercial vehicle.
.

This issue may depend more upon your State, your insurance company, and your underwriter. If you explain that the larger truck is used for towing an RV: they should be able to add the truck to a personal auto policy without problems.
At least my Companies always have...

[wingnut60]

I don't doubt your statement, but I have found it quite a lot harder (even here in Texas, Pickup Central) to just add a 450 to a personal auto policy. Farmers balked, State Farm did not find it in the books, TX Farm Bureau (who uses a 450 more than a farmer/rancher?) could not insure it without going to their underwriters. Got it done, but just saying, it wasn't a slam-dunk for me. Solved it all by going thru Good Sam for Suites/450/MKX---they did it without a question, tho they also had to find it outside of their VIN data...not too costly, either, compared with previous policies.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

I have a 2016 F350 w/6.7 diesel and 3.70 rears towing a 44' Santa Fe weighing 24,000 lbs. It's a big cab, long box dually. It pulls great anywhere you want to go. Mountains or prairie. I average 9.6 mpg year round. I keep it under 65 always, usually less. I quit hurrying years ago. Don't take long to go 250-300 miles anyway. Turning radius in the real world means nothing. 350 will make you feel a lot better end of day than a 450. Good luck on your choice.
Almost forgot=make sure you do take a look at ram and chevy. Will make you feel a lot better about the ford.

Bill

I am curious with your rig at 24K and being a triple axle what is your trucks rear axle weight loaded?

[Cummins12V98]

GVWR F350 and F450 are BOTH 14K. Why????? because of insurance and licensing. But on brand X forum I was scolded for posting the above and eventually booted for such posts.

[GynormousMellon]

Thanks everyone for all the replies and suggestions. I'm pretty sure the single wheel was a no go but wanted to be sure. I like how the dual wheel was referred to as "wide in the hips". I'll be using that in the future!!

The F-450 vs F-350 insuring them isn't an issue with my company, luckily for me. Guess it's going to come down to test driving before I order. Sounds like I can't go wrong with either when it comes to towing. I like the Chevy and Dodges however I absolutely love the look and build of the Ford's. No disrespect to the others.

The wife and I can't wait to get this show on the road!!!! Truck in 2018 then 5th wheel (fingers crossed for DRV) in 2019.

[rynosback]

Originally Posted by GynormousMellon

Thanks everyone for all the replies and suggestions. I'm pretty sure the single wheel was a no go but wanted to be sure. I like how the dual wheel was referred to as "wide in the hips". I'll be using that in the future!!

The F-450 vs F-350 insuring them isn't an issue with my company, luckily for me. Guess it's going to come down to test driving before I order. Sounds like I can't go wrong with either when it comes to towing. I like the Chevy and Dodges however I absolutely love the look and build of the Ford's. No disrespect to the others.

The wife and I can't wait to get this show on the road!!!! Truck in 2018 then 5th wheel (fingers crossed for DRV) in 2019.

Buy what you like and what suits your needs. If we all liked the same trucks the other 2 would stop making them.

[Porkchop]

Rear truck axle loaded=8,720
I can't believe they booted you!

Bill

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

Rear truck axle loaded=8,720
I can't believe they booted you!

Bill

WELL.... ya know some don't like people with opinions with fact to back them up as I am sure you know!

Thanks for the info!

Amazing the pin percentage between two and three axle units. My RAW comes in around 9,750# with RV grossing 23K.

[cloud william]

One suggestion that we found useful: get the 2" risers installed on your coach. I fretted about this when we ordered ours but eventually decided on getting them and I'm sure glad we did. We have the RAM 3500 DRW 4X4 and it sits pretty high in back, so the addition of the risers gives us good clearance. If we sat 2 inches lower I think it would be to close for comfort.