buying 2008 F 450 - 40 ft toyhauler, need help!

[georgefl7]

We are buying a 40ft toyhauler (18,000 #'s) and are trading in our F 350 for a 450. Was wondering if anyone out there that is towing with a 450 could suggest what options we should put on the truck? Should we go with the 4.88 or 4.30? 2 or 4 wheel drive? What about the alternators? single or double? What kind of gas mileage are you getting? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Any other suggestions? We are so glad we found this forum, we have learned so much!!

[RatherBNtheWoods]

I'm not a 450'er, but I recommend 4.30:1, 6 speed. Tow in 4th run empty in OD. Dual alternators and 4x4. Moving that much weight on wet grass, damp dirt, soft dirt gets tricky sometimes. I have used 2lo and 4lo several times with our 16K 5er as well as with my 30ft(22K gvr) gooseneck.

[SmokeyWren]

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We are buying a 40ft toyhauler (18,000 #'s) ... Should we go with the 4.88 or 4.30?

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GCWR with 4.30 axle is 26,000 pounds. If the GVWR of the trailer is 18k, then you will be fully loaded for the 4.30 rear axle.

GCWR with the 4.88 axle is 33,000 pounds. Overkill for your trailer.

If you will often be towing in lots of hills and mountains, then you'll like the 4.88 when towing. But the legs are too short for unloaded cruising.

The 4.30 will be much better for unloaded cruising, and just fine for grossing about 26k on the flats. If you don't plan to climb the rockies very often, then it should be a good compromise for you.

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2 or 4 wheel drive?

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I don't need 4x4. I get along just fine and dandy with 4x2. But I don't tow in mud or snow, either. However, one advantages of 4x4 with a manual transfer case (without ESOF) is the low range without locking the hubs for 4x4. That's great for backing a heavy trailer up a steep grade without cooking the automagic tranny. I wish I had that capability, but I'm not willing to pay the huge upfront and continuing cost for the 4x4 system.

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What about the alternators? single or double?

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You don't need more than the stock altenator for normal driving and towing. The extra power from the optional huge or dual altenators is for folks that hook up huge power sucking equipment such as off-road lightbars, electric winches, million-watt boom-boom sterios, etc. Or for running a big inverter with HD 120-volt tools plugged in, such as saws or drills or air compressors.

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Any other suggestions?

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If you order XLT trim, then be sure to also order the privacy glass. It's std on Lariat and King Ranch.

Part of the standard equipment with automagic tranny is the TowCommand system, including the integrated brake controller. If your trailer has ordinary electric brakes (and not electric over hydraulic brakes) then you'll want that brake controller and the rest of the TowCommand system. But if you order the stick shifter, I don't see an option to get the Towcommand brake controller. And of course the stick shifter doesn't have a "tow-haul" mode that's part of the TowCommand system.

[DesertSailor]

George,

Having just pulled a RAPTOR 3712 across the continent (WA to NS) I'd go with the 4.30....

A. Raptor GVWR is 15, 500 (GROSSLY under weighted at the factory!) so when "fully loaded" plus truck you're at 25,700 (assuming 4WD option).
Our Raptor has no toys in it other than one 20" bicycle. I hit the CAT scales prior to crossing the border...25,800lbs. Less than 1/3 FW, no Black or Gray water onboard, approx 2/3 gas in tank for gen. Granted we are packed a bit heavier due to moving rather than "normal" camping...still....KEYSTONE lies in their advertising re: Unloaded weight and cargo capacity. "11,500 dry weight" is a crock!!!

B. Our 4.88 pulled like a rocket....at a price though. 7-7.5mpg is the best you can hope for...period. I have 8700+ miles on her now. Unloaded, running with traffic 60-68 mph = 11 mpg. 50-55 mph = 13 mpg. Towing between 60-75 mph = 7 mpg overall. US fuel is less than CAN fuel....I'm facing $3.90+/gal here in Nova Scotia!!

C. The truck IS gorgeous!! Amenities are awesome. NAV system works beautiful. Power goodies seem to be right on. Sound system is un believable!

D. I absolutely LOVE the Tow Command/Integrated Brake System...tranny is far smarter than I on most occasions. If I had it to do over, I'd choose the 4.30...or the 4.10 rear simply for better mpg! this thing will tow the earth backwards!

[larry_minn]

Check out for sale section here. I saw a f-450 or 550 listed a few days ago. IIRC it had less then 10k miles, crew cab,etc.

[lincster]

The F450 with 4.30 gears has a GCWR of 29,000lbs.
Unless you tow all the time, I would go with the 4.30 gears if you will stay within the GCWR.
If you tow alot, go the 4.88 gears.