Tow Vehicle Recommendations?

[JoyceJam]

We're still in the pre-purchasing stage. Will get either New Horizons, Excel or DRV 5er about 36-38' (looking for a good used one with a pass thru bath). We're going to purchase a F450 1-ton dually (my guy wants to be SURE we have enough power).

Is it important to have the 5th wheel prep package on the truck? Or is it better to do that after we get the 5er and the hitch?

JJ

Any other suggestions for options on the truck? Besides heated seats

[JohnBoyToo]

Actually cooled seats are more important to this chap

and although I LOVE the new 12 6.7 diesel,
if I had to do it over again I'd get the 5th wheel prep and long bed...

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by silverqueen

Is it important to have the 5th wheel prep package on the truck? Or is it better to do that after we get the 5er and the hitch?

For the new F-450, the 5er hitch prep option is a bargain. And the Reese Elite 25k 5er hitch that is optional is a bargain, too, compared to buying it aftermarket.

But only if you were going to buy and install the Reese Elite hitch as your 5er hitch of choice.

The only 5er hitch that will work great with the 5er hitch prep kit is the Reese Elite. So if that's the hitch you want, then for certain order both the prep kit and the hitch as part of your new truck order.

Note that in the Order Guide the 5er prep kit is a packaged option. But the actual 5er hitch is a "Custom Accessory" in a different part of the order guide. So don't let that confuse.

Here are the parts for the prep kit that you or someone would have to install if you don't order the prep kit installed by the factory:
Reese Elite Series Rail Kit 30126

Don't let their use of the words "rail kit" confuse you. Those rails go under the bed, not in the bed.

I asked my hitch installer how much trouble is the Elite hitch prep kit (installation kit) to install. He said it's fairly easy. First you remove the bed...! The invoice cost of the prep kit is less than $400 installed. So I'll just let the Ford assembly line do the work for a price less than just the aftermarket price for the install kit parts.

Your Ford dealer will probably sell you the options for your new truck at invoice cost - both the prep kit as well as the actual hitch. So compare that cost to the retail price charged by a discount hitch source such as this one For the Elite hitch for a 2012 F-450:
Trailer Hitches, Hitch Accessories, Hitch Wiring

One of the advantages of the Elite 5er hitch is you can remove it from the bed and nothing is still in the bed except a few flush plastic plugs.

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

...if I had to do it over again I'd get the 5th wheel prep and long bed...

Ford no longer offers a shorty dually, so her F-450 will have the 8' bed.

[jesilvas]

I might wait until the 2013s to get an F450-F550 diesel. Some weird turbo/lag issues with the '11s-'12s.

[TXiceman]

So far my 2012 F350 (July 2012 build date) has not had any weird turbo/lag issues. It runs like a scalded ape with or without the trailer.

Ken

[jesilvas]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

I might wait until the 2013s to get an F450-F550 diesel. Some weird turbo/lag issues with the '11s-'12s.

Originally Posted by TXiceman

So far my 2012 F350 (July 2012 build date) has not had any weird turbo/lag issues. It runs like a scalded ape with or without the trailer.

Ken

See quotes.
The 450s and 550s are detuned for the higher GVWRs and the idea that they are more likely to be worked harder since more would be commercial vehicles.

[2002dura]

I have had my 2012 F-350 for 10 months now and have had no turbo lag issue. Haven't heard anyone else mention this either.

The F-450 has a higher GCWR by 3000 lbs, but has less cargo capacity than the F-350. It now has the same tires and axle weight rating.

[jesilvas]

Originally Posted by 2007dura

I have had my 2012 F-350 for 10 months now and have had no turbo lag issue. Haven't heard anyone else mention this either.

The F-450 has a higher GCWR by 3000 lbs, but has less cargo capacity than the F-350. It now has the same tires and axle weight rating.

The 350s haven't, I said that. Mainly trans issues fixed by a software update.
That's for the pickup models though. Go to the C&C and the 450 has a Dana S110 instead of the D80.

So either way, power isn't an issue, but the "legality" of weights and such. Which is always so clear cut and fun

[BCooke]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

I might wait until the 2013s to get an F450-F550 diesel. Some weird turbo/lag issues with the '11s-'12s.

Not here on a 2011.
Remember the chassis trucks are detuned/derated to 300hp and think 660 ft/lb. So the 450 can come with 400hp but stock the 550 will not.

[jesilvas]

Yea I meant C&C.

[azdryheat]

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

I asked my hitch installer how much trouble is the Elite hitch prep kit (installation kit) to install. He said it's fairly easy. First you remove the bed.

Don't let this scare anyone, this is the way Ford's are now made. When working on the engine, the cab is designed to be lifted off the chassis. So is the bed.

[Kevinc2011]

Yes, and if it is not WARRANTY WORK it will cost you 4 hours at the published shop labor rate. At those numbers I will keep my Dodge.

[JohnBoyToo]

Many over @ the Ford deezle sites have gotten and like the B&W hitches... just food for thought...