From 250 to 450 Dually...any tips

[KRIEGER]

Hello,

New to the community. Wanted to ask if anybody as any tips on towing a 28' Eclipse Travel trailer with a dually? I recently upgraded from a F250 to an F450, wondering specifically about backing, turning etc and if there are any tricks or "be awares" before I go out? Thanks

[Cat320]

Just watch the fenders! You'll love the way it tows.

[mhs4771]

Agreed on the fenders. If you find your self with cars on both sides in a parking lot, make sure you pull way out before starting your turn. Almost took off my fender first time I drove it to work. I also agree that you will love the way a Dually tows, be it TT or 5er.

[wingnut60]

The 450 will turn in a much shorter radius the the 250 did...

[bullheaded]

Just try to keep that under control!

[TEX-CTD]

If the mirrors will fit the hips will fit. Really not much diff after a month or two of driving

[KRIEGER]

Thanks....to all....great tips....and spot on. The 450 sure sucks a lot of gas....but it was obviously made for this type of work...makes me want to run out and jump on a 5er....lol....one thing at a time though. I noticed the turning radius reduction immediately...which makes me hope I'll have better luck in "backing" into a site...always a nightmare...and always an audience....lol...Thanks again to all...as I said...just joined and have received lots of good tips, already.

[K-Star]

another helpful note.

If the mirrors fit thru a tight spot, the rear fender wells will. When I go thru a tight spot, I extend the mirrors about half way. Gives me a heads up whether the fender wells will hit. Of course that only works going forwards.

But yes, it loves to tow heavy trailers.

[Tide Guy]

Just don't forget you have a trailer back there. You will love the Truck.

Tide Guy
Ford F550 PSDCC
(Roll Tide)
40' Travel Supreme

[Cat320]

Re the fenders and mirrors. I had a similar truck only a Chevy...the mirrors were 3" wider on each side...so, as stated earlier, if the mirrors fit, the back end will.

[tnd2]

When your out in the truck practice parking by backing into the parking spots, before long you will not even notice how small the parking spots are, but instead notice the nice white lines somebody painted to aid in your positioning.

Backing in really makes it easy to see your wheel placement, just add a spot mirror if needed, I position one in the corner of my stock mirrors so I can see my rear tires.

Also the spot mirrors aid when your using the drive thru at the bank too.

[TXiceman]

As noted....it does have wide in the rear. Yes it will use more fuel than a typical 3/4 ton, due to the rear axle gearing. It is a truck meant to work, so enjoy it and GO RVING.

Ken

[Ray,IN]

My truck has a fat butt too. I was very cautious at first because my truckbed is one-piece fiberglass fenders. I still watch tight spots and even DW has noticed when I drive her car I swing-wide in tight places to make sure the "butt" follows without hitting. It becomes second-nature after a while.
Measure the distance between your mirrors, use two 2x4's standing vertical against the outside edge of your mirrors, measure the distance between the boards. Do the same for the rear fenders. Now you know if the mirrors fit the rear fenders will - or won't.

[Biken201]

Learned my lesson the hard way backing the PU into my side yard... Forgot how wide the wheel wells are and bought myself the opportunity to purchase a little touch-up paint to fix the scratch caused by rubbing against the RV gate.. I chalk it up to a little bit of (mostly) inexpensive experience. It's my first DRW truck, and I love it! We look forward to towing our new camper when we take delivery next month.. Enjoy the truck and Happy Camping!