I've read lots of forums comparing Fords Chevys and Dodges, but still can't make my mind what would be better for car hauling business. Three average cars plus truck and trailer shouldn't be more than 32k(stay safe with app plates at 32k). I am looking @ f-350 with towboss package, f-550 and several Chevy Silverado 3500. Any ideas what would make more sense? F-350s and Chevy 3500 would give great mpg, but F-550 with a 4.88 rear ratio would handle the weight better.
Thanks for your wise inputs
B.T.W What would be the difference in MPG between F-350 loaded and F-550?
Skip the 1-tons. You would need an F450 at the bare minimum, both due to combined weight and pin weight on the rear axle. That rules out Chevy, and would from Dodge would require a 4500 cab/chassis. If the trailer alone will be 32k, then F550 or even better would a Medium Duty class 6 truck.
PS - if you can swing it, try to find a cab/chassis with a long enough frame to fit a small sleeper cab on it. DOT is cracking down on in-cab beds it sounds.
In the long run, you'd be better off with an International or some other class 6 truck. Better brakes and stronger drivetrain componets than the smaller trucks...
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John
04 Explorer Limited
06 F-450 4x4 CC Lariat
85 Ford 4610 tractor
08 Polaris RZR
I do realize that and it is much cheaper, but the pickup can go places where the BIGone wouldn't. Any thoughts on 06GMC Sierra Duramax/Alisson ?
Not enough rear axle capacity or GCWR.
No reason a properly maintained F450/550 won't last. (to ensure long life on the 6.0 PSD that means updated EGR cooler, coolant filter, and head bolts).
I do realize that and it is much cheaper, but the pickup can go places where the BIGone wouldn't. Any thoughts on 06GMC Sierra Duramax/Alisson ?
If you mean turning radius, wrong. Business class trucks are available with increased kingpin turning, will beat a pickup anyday in turning with a trailer.
I pull 16,000 to 18,000 pounds with a 11,000 pound F450. I am shopping around for a class 6 truck, maybe a Peterbilt or Freightliner. This should tell you something about using F350's or F450's for towing.
And yes, DOT is revising their thinking about pickups hauling for hire, too many guys are jumping scales and not following the rules. Rumor here in the Pacific NW is DOT (Federal Level) is thinking about going down to 10,000 GVW for required DOT registration, numbers on the truck, and stopping at all scales. This means full CDL and medical required! This will get all the F350's and 3500's.
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1999 7.3 F450 Cabriolet Crew Cab with Aluminum hauler bed (love the side storage!), Banks Power Pac, Donaldson Air Filter, Set up for Fifth Wheel, Gooseneck and bumper pull. ATS Billet Transmission, ATS Five Star Torque Converter, ATS Co-Pilot. Pulling a 34 ft. Silverado Aluminum Horse Trailer with Living Quarters.
This F450 will be replaced with a heavier truck, maybe a Freightliner or a Peterbilt around 25,000 GVW. AND with a big manual transmission.
As far as fuel mileage with the 4.88 gears goes. It isn't good I get 9 mpg towing a 48' enclosed car trailer 33,000 combined weight.
But the rig stops without a problem. Tows the trailer like it's not even there.
You just can't go fast with it but I wouldn't want to anyway.
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2000 F550, Auto, Fontaine body 114000 miles.
Use tow 48' race car trailer
If you mean turning radius, wrong. Business class trucks are available with increased kingpin turning, will beat a pickup anyday in turning with a trailer.
I pull 16,000 to 18,000 pounds with a 11,000 pound F450. I am shopping around for a class 6 truck, maybe a Peterbilt or Freightliner. This should tell you something about using F350's or F450's for towing.
And yes, DOT is revising their thinking about pickups hauling for hire, too many guys are jumping scales and not following the rules. Rumor here in the Pacific NW is DOT (Federal Level) is thinking about going down to 10,000 GVW for required DOT registration, numbers on the truck, and stopping at all scales. This means full CDL and medical required! This will get all the F350's and 3500's.
I have nothing else to say. FIW the Sport Chassis trucks are worth every penny.
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Evan-
2003 Ford F-350 Crew Cab L/B/Dually XLT FX4 7.3L/Auto- Gooseneck Hitch Fifth Wheel Rails, Firestone Air Bags/ Toolbox
Hey dorlia2, HERE is some good info regarding choices of trucks for towing. It may be more than you're looking for, but good info regardless of your tow vehicle choice. It's RV focused, but towing is towing. Have fun choosing.
__________________ 1994 F350 4dr SRW 2WD w/32" sleeper - 1 owner, ZF5, 410, Stock inj, SC1705 tuner, 3" BD dp, Isspro pyro & boost gauges, LUK flywheel & clutch, ebay clutch push rod mod, Kelderman air suspension(rear), converted YORK air compressor, DIY Ex Brake & AIC, 368k (on my way back to 300K!!! LOL)
And yes, DOT is revising their thinking about pickups hauling for hire, too many guys are jumping scales and not following the rules. Rumor here in the Pacific NW is DOT (Federal Level) is thinking about going down to 10,000 GVW for required DOT registration, numbers on the truck, and stopping at all scales. This means full CDL and medical required! This will get all the F350's and 3500's.
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