Community Forums

RVBulldog · 03-10-2012, 09:50 PM

Hello,

I am looking to trade in my 40' Diesel Pusher for a 41' Toy Hauler. The dry weight of the hauler is 13,000 and the GVWR is 17,000. I started looking at a F350 dulley, but I was concerned that it may not be enough.

I found an F550 that seems to fit all of my needs. But I have been told that a F550 is overkill and that the F350 would be fine. When I looked, it appeared that the F350 was rated to 16,000.

Any info would help.

Thank you in advance

IWillRVToo · 03-10-2012, 10:10 PM

You need to know the GCWR of a truck.
The towed weight, hitch weight and truck cargo all need to be taken into account.

CD · 03-10-2012, 10:38 PM

Sounds like a good match to me. If you ever have the tail wag the dog you won't ever want to just get by. I have had that happen with a 1Tdually and don't want it to happen again.

Mekanic · 03-10-2012, 10:44 PM

A 550 will pull (slightly lower gears) and stop(bigger Brakes+ stronger suspension) and therefore last longer better than a F350 or F450.
THe ONLY downside is that might use a tad bit more fuel per mile.

Arch Hoagland · 03-11-2012, 12:54 AM

Tim the Toolman would suggest bigger is better and in this case I'd agree.

I always look at the worse case scenario and that would be a panic stop or maneuver and that's when the bigger truck would prove it's worth.
Won't happen often, but it will happen sooner or later.

Bruce C · 03-11-2012, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekanic

A 550 will pull (slightly lower gears) and stop(bigger Brakes+ stronger suspension) and therefore last longer better than a F350 or F450.
THe ONLY downside is that might use a tad bit more fuel per mile.

Having owned a f350 dually. My advice is go with the f550 and you'll have all your bases covered. Getting by is not what you want to do. Good luck and post a picture of your set up when you get it. I'd love to see it. Good luck. Safe travels.

wingnut60 · 03-11-2012, 07:44 AM

If you would consider a used unit, then a 2010 F450 would be a great tow vehicle. Many of the nicer Ford options aren't available in the cab/chassis models (KR/Nav) and of course, you have to have a custom body for the rear.
Joe

jablair · 03-11-2012, 08:18 AM

You have to look at the F350 GCWR. Not sure it will cover a 16000# trailer plus the weight of F350. Know F550 will as I have one with a hauler bed. Pull a 19000# GVWR fifth wheel with no problems. Like others have already said don't want be without good brakes and enough tow vehicle size and weight to prevent the 'tail wagging the dog'.
Our trailer is a tri-axle with disc brakes. Have had to make an emergency stop one time and we did stop. Unfortunately had the brake controller adjusted one notch to high, locked up the trailer tires and flat spotted three of the six tires. Whole lot of smoke and scared the .... out the fool that pulled right out in front of me without looking both ways.

(I was testing some different settings when this occurred, stupid me should not have been testing when traveling)

Have pulled through the Colorado, Utah and Arizona mountains without any trouble going either up or down.

wandering1 · 03-11-2012, 10:34 AM

Yes. Look at the truck specs to determine what TV model you need. The manufacturer can provide the specs.

Cat320 · 03-11-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVBulldog

Hello,

When I looked, it appeared that the F350 was rated to 16,000.

Any info would help.

Thank you in advance

ACTUAL tow rating is the GCWR minus the weight of the truck when ready to tow (add the pin weight, etc)...do the numbers...can't go wrong with 'more truck.'

wingnut60 · 03-11-2012, 12:11 PM

Probably ought to mention that the 6.4L in the 550 is rated at 300hp/660tq; in the 350/450 it has 400hp/800tq. Whether that is a plus or minus for your needs, you will have to determine.
Joe

Grumpyyyy · 03-11-2012, 04:32 PM

If you have the money... I wouldn't think twice about it . As OP said bigger is better !!!

RVBulldog · 03-11-2012, 05:54 PM

Thank for your help. I am going to try and close the deal tomorrow on the truck (F550 "Fountaine" edition). We have an agreement with the RV dealership for the Toy Hauler.

*note: Anyone in the New Jersey area should check out Whitehorse RV in Williamstown. I am very happy with them so far. Looks like my RV will be ready next weekend.

SmokeyWren · 03-12-2012, 06:54 PM

The F-550 chassis cab has changed specs over the years. Asumming automagic tranny:

'99 thru 2004, GCWR was 26,000 pounds.

2005 thru 2010 GCWR was 26,000 but an optional high capacity tow pkg was available that raised the GCWR to 33,000 pounds. For 2011 and 2012 models, the base GCWR is still 26,000, but increased to 35,000 with the high capacity tow pkg.You'll probably gross more than 26,000, so be sure your truck has the high capacity tow pkg. Since it went thru Fontaine, it is probably not new but it probably has the high capacity tow pkg.

The wet andd loaded truck will weigh close to 10,000 pounds, so that leaves 16,000 if the truck is before 2005 or does not have the high capacity tow pkg. But if it's a 2005-up with the high capacity tow pkg, then you're good to go.