F-550 as a daily driver - Diesel Forum

CaptSkup · 09-06-2005, 02:35 PM

I am having to move up to a more capable truck due to purchase of a much longer and heavier fifth wheel travel trailer. It's GVWR is 24k, right near the limit of the 550 with Torqueshift/4:88 gears. I have contemplated buying a MDT or retired/converted HDT, but those would be single purpose vehicles that would sit idle 95% of the time. With the 550, I can still use it as a pickup(will have pickup bed installed). My question is to other owners with 4:88's, highway fuel mileage/ride loaded and unloaded. I love Ford's Superduty, build quality and looks, don't want to get something else if possible. I am holding out to see what the '07s will look like and hp/torque#s from the 6.4, towing capability.

ritschner · 09-06-2005, 03:20 PM

I test drove the F450 and F550 and even considered the M2 Freightliner since I also have a fairly heavy 5th wheel. The ride is fairly rough on both. The difference between the two is supposed to be the spring packs. Mileage on the F550 was showing about 13.8 highway. That truck was a 4X4 with the Bannon conversion that uses the modified ford bed. Fortunately my fifth wheel only has a GVWR of 17,500 and the Tow Boss package on the F350 turned out to be perfect.

FHAREN · 09-06-2005, 03:45 PM

You can bet towing capactities will go up for 07.
We are in the middle of a numbers game with weight ratings and power between Dodge, Chevy, and Ford.

ADDA · 09-06-2005, 08:22 PM

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I am having to move up to a more capable truck due to purchase of a much longer and heavier fifth wheel travel trailer. It's GVWR is 24k, right near the limit of the 550 with Torqueshift/4:88 gears. I have contemplated buying a MDT or retired/converted HDT, but those would be single purpose vehicles that would sit idle 95% of the time. With the 550, I can still use it as a pickup(will have pickup bed installed). My question is to other owners with 4:88's, highway fuel mileage/ride loaded and unloaded. I love Ford's Superduty, build quality and looks, don't want to get something else if possible. I am holding out to see what the '07s will look like and hp/torque#s from the 6.4, towing capability.

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I have an F550 that is used for work and play. I have a 3000pound dump box on it with a 4.88rr, so my MPG is aver at 8!mixed cityhighway. I love the ride of this thing. I added leafs on both sidea to caryy an extra ton. I regularly haul 5-7 ton on the truck and it handles that beautifully. Brakes are strong for the weight. The most I pulled was 15t, on the truck and tagging behing(non-fith wheel). The ride unloaded is a bit rough.
I also Just put on an SCMT and the truck really comes to life. I mainly use tow mode. My MPG already went up 3-4!

ALCO44 · 09-06-2005, 10:11 PM

I drive my 550 as a dailey driver, hauling my equipment, 12000lb excavator etc. also carry my northern lite camper and tow stock trailers, and dump trailer. I like it very much.

CaptSkup · 09-07-2005, 07:46 AM

Thanks for the replies. I think I will look into the 550 instead of larger units. Just seems much more practicle for us than a HDT. If we were able to full time on the road most of the year I can understand going the big truck route but for our 2-week vacations I think the 550 should be fine. Now another problem is the trailer we are in the process of having built has electric over hydraulic disc brakes. I have read Ford's Tow Commmand does not interface with this brake set-up. Hopefully that will be corrected for '07.

**SmokeyWren** · 09-07-2005, 10:00 AM

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F-550 as a daily driver

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You won't like the fuel mileage or the ride of the empty F-550 unless you do a couple of mods.

To help the fuel mileage and road noise when unloaded, you'll need to add a double-overdrive unit from U.S.Gear or Gear Vendors. That will result in the equivalent rear end ratio of around 3.80, which is reasonable for unloaded cruising. But the 4.88 rear end is still available for towing that heavy 5er. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

And to help the unloaded ride, you'll need to either add some weight in the bed, or install an airlift suspension system. The airlift is expensive, but worth it. But if you don't have quiet that much loose cash lying around, then throw about 1,000 pounds of sandbags in the bed when you're "empty". [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

jonrjen · 09-07-2005, 03:35 PM

For what it is worth, I have a F-450 Crew cab 4x4 with a ranch bed. I don't believe the ride is much different from what my F-250 short bed 4x4 was. Now the difference from the 3:73 to the 4:30 rear end did change mile fuel mileage. If I keep the F-450 around 65 MPH I see around 15.5 to 16 MPG. As for the ride, I like it. Now mine is an 03 year truck.
And as for your other consideration, I sold a Kenworth T-300 that was converted in the sleeper, with a leather sofa/bed, micro-wave, running water sink, heat/A/C, TV with VCP, cabinets, porta-pottie, pull out table, ect and replaced it with my F-450. The KW was about the same length and a ball to drive, but for my needs the F-450 simply made more versatility. It doubles as a ranch truck for the Longhorn ranch and a great 5er puller.
As for the tow rating going up on the F-550, I wouldn't look for that to happen. The 26,000 pound rating has to do with the need for a commercial or DOT endorcment on a drivers license. Once the figure hits 26,001 the rules change.

millwrightdude · 09-07-2005, 05:42 PM

Hey Jon long time no hear

jonrjen · 09-07-2005, 06:27 PM

Has been awhile, been busy praying for rain down at the ranch. Seems the only clouds we have seen this year have been dust clouds.
Hope Everything is doing well with you and your family.