Community Forums

M&S Norrell · 09-12-2007, 01:57 PM

DeepDoc1 -
Our rig is the 35MKE which weighed out at 14,104 (no water in tanks). The F-350 Tow Boss DUALLY (4.30 gears) will handle 18,700# in 2wheel drive and 18,200# in 4 wheel drive. We have estimated that we load another 1500# with food, clothing, ice chests, etc. when we go for a trip. Some full timers haul more. If you add a rack on the back or the motorcycle you have added additional weight, but can't see how you would exceed capacities.

DeepDoc1 · 09-12-2007, 03:00 PM

Thanks! I have a habit of thinking in terms of worst case, like the 33TKE having max GVWR of 17500, 20% hitch weight at 3500, both of which fall under the 350 Tow Boss dually tow capacity. The 3500 hitch weight leaves a nominal 1500 in the truck for extra fuel and a bucket of chicken. What I don't know is how a fully loaded rig like that feels to the driver. I see several folks here with similar configurations, so I reckon it works well and feels right to them.

Highgturn · 09-13-2007, 05:36 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DeepDoc1:
Thanks! I have a habit of thinking in terms of worst case, like the 33TKE having max GVWR of 17500, 20% hitch weight at 3500, both of which fall under the 350 Tow Boss dually tow capacity. The 3500 hitch weight leaves a nominal 1500 in the truck for extra fuel and a bucket of chicken. What I don't know is how a fully loaded rig like that feels to the driver. I see several folks here with similar configurations, so I reckon it works well and feels right to them. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

JimB,

We are using a f350 TowBoss 4x4 crew cab to tow our 35MKO and so far, I have never thought it was unsafe. Our coach weight is 16700# pin weight 3700# (no black, no gray, and 15 gallons of fresh water) with all our junk. The only number we are even close on is GCWR which still has just over 900#s to spare. I really think the only place for concern is a panic stop or steep grade descents. I can tell you that the Torqshift will control this load with no problems on a 6% grade. I can also tell you that my next truck will be the new F450 which will have an even grater margin on the weight numbers. If you had the disc brakes now available on the excel you would be able to deal with a Panic stop and not worry about it. MTCW

Bob

motojavaphil · 09-13-2007, 02:48 PM

I upgraded to to an F450 from an 07 Dodge 3500 due to the weight of my MKO. My Dodge did pull and I felt safe enough but numbers are numbers and I was just too heavy. The lawsuit issues really raise some concern and then towing in the West and mountains it just makes sense to be very careful. I believe an F350 with the Tow Boss can haul 18,000lbs. Hope this helps....Phil

maverik/gypsy · 09-13-2007, 05:58 PM

Also traded up to an 08 F450, DRW, 4x4 Super cab. Have you had an opportunity to use your f450 on downgrades with the TOW Hauler? Does it work as advertised to gear down the truck> Have not had a chance to really test it as of yet. Thanks, maverik

george25 · 09-14-2007, 04:48 AM

Yes the tow /haul works great on dn hills. Just a slight tap on the breaks starts the down shifting of the tranny You will see some high rpm's when it shifts to lower gears Drops to third at a speed of 45 to 50 mph and holds that speed even at a 6% grade. Hit the brakes again it will shift to 2nd Its not as good as an exhaust brake but it will do the job for you. I use t/h mode all the time pulling or not because it reduces the wear & tear on the breaks. IMHO You should a aftermarket gauge to monitor the tranny temps as the factory gauge lets you know when its already too late and cooked
George

maverik/gypsy · 09-14-2007, 05:13 PM

George. Many thanks for the info. I was ready to install an exhaust brake on my F350 just before I decided to go F450. Was wondering if the exhaust brake would be needed on the F450. Sincerely, Maverik

george25 · 09-15-2007, 04:12 AM

Maverik/Gypsy
I would love to have a exhust brake to but ,doing so would void the warranty by ford. Their reasoning is it puts too much back pressure (38lbs) on the motor. Funny International(Navstar) the maker of the motor uses a exhust brake yet ford says no. With 15k on the trk I'am not ready to void the warranty yet. For now the t/h mode is it,which works really well on the different grades that I have been on with trailer in tow (16,700) and with good maintaince on the tranny, fluid changes, monitor the temps, we should be alright. keep our fingers crossed

What kind of mileage are you getting on the 450 with trailer in tow?
George