[seahunter]

From what the ordering guide says, the brakes are still larger on the 450's. Some have said the calipers are still the same as the 350's to fit the 17" rims though. Question is, and I'm not very smart with vehicles, but if the calipers are the same size you're not getting any additional braking if just the rotor is larger - correct? Because you would still only have the same surface area braking as the 350. I'm still stuck on the "whats the difference between the 350 and 450" discussion because i'm ready to order. So if the brakes are the same, it really does just leave the slightly wider front end and the 430 gears which is a hard justification for $4,000. Is it really only these two differences then? Thanks for all comments, much appreciated.

 

[edinning]

Don't forget the 450 has frt fender flares.

The 450 is rated to tow more if that means anything to you. The turning radius was worth the extra cost of the 450 to me. Mine turns better than most cars. The ride also feels the same as the 350 I drove.
The down side is the insurance. I had State Farm but they raised my rate to over $800 for 6 months. I just changed to an RV plan and a stated value policy for my camper and truck cost under $1300 for the year.

I bought my 450 just to tow my 14000 5th wheel. I paid the extra money for the better turning radius. I would like to change out the wheels and tires to something better like the old 450 had.

 

[LSchicago2]

By getting a 2011 F450, you are basically getting the old tow boss 350 underneath. (4.30 gears with wide front axle) They should have kept the F450 as it was in 08-10, and even that was weaker than a Cab & chassis F450 of the same year.....

 

[seahunter]

Don't forget the 450 has frt fender flares.

The 450 is rated to tow more if that means anything to you. The turning radius was worth the extra cost of the 450 to me. Mine turns better than most cars. The ride also feels the same as the 350 I drove.
The down side is the insurance. I had State Farm but they raised my rate to over $800 for 6 months. I just changed to an RV plan and a stated value policy for my camper and truck cost under $1300 for the year.

I bought my 450 just to tow my 14000 5th wheel. I paid the extra money for the better turning radius. I would like to change out the wheels and tires to something better like the old 450 had.

Thanks edinning,

Sounds like you're just like me. Fifth wheel I'm looking at is only about 16,000 pounds, but I just want the maximum towing capacity so it is not working too hard. The turning radius would really help just even at the house because I have a tight hard back-in from the right to do everytime I park it.

I just called my insurance company, Liberty Mutual, and they quoted me $855 per year. I haven't heard of an RV plan you mention. Is that just a combined policy for the both the tow vehicle and trailer? Thanks for your input!

 

[seahunter]

By getting a 2011 F450, you are basically getting the old tow boss 350 underneath. (4.30 gears with wide front axle) .....

Thats sure what it sounds like. I really want the better turning radius, but $4000 is hard to justify for just that and 3k more towing capacity.... oh, and those cool badges. :lol:

 

[Sportscraft]

Actually after job 2 the 350s now tow only 1800 pounds less then the 450.

 

[edinning]

The RV policy is a combined policy. I looked into getting a Freightliner and the RV policy was the best way to insure it. I have farm and city.

I also have 2 hard turns to back my camper into the parking pad.the turning radius really helps. It would take a 2 point turn to get my 250 backed in the driveway empty.

 

[seahunter]

Actually after job 2 the 350s now tow only 1800 pounds less then the 450.

I forgot its even closer with the regular cab, I am looking at the crew.

Sportscraft, are you keeping the 2011 450? Just wondering if you're switching to the 2012 350 for some reason, or keeping both. What type of mileage are you getting on the 450? I have heard I'll lose 3 to 3.5 mpg going with the 4.30 gears and was wondering if that might be why you're were switching to a 350. Noticed you're in Portland, I'm right over in Vancouver.... thanks for any input.

 

[Sportscraft]

Oh yeah, I always forget they get the max tow ratings with the standard cab 2wds.

What originally really turned me off on the 450 was all the insurance problems I had which I know seemed to have resolved. Also I have the 2 tone interior that I don't really care for. I could swap it out for about a 1000, but I figured if I add that to the 4000 or so less that a 350 costs then I could just roll over into a 350 exactly the way I want it for basically the same payment. It will go for a year longer, but that will off set the years wear and tear I have on my current rig. Plus it will be a lot easier to bolt on the running boards from my 2004 with out the over sized front fender flare. The 450 is great though, you won't be disappointed. I am hoping for a bit better mpg but that a lone wouldn't be worth trading. If I was maxing out the tow rating and had to maneuver a long trailer constantly I would for sure stick with a 450. I'm already kinda dreading parking at my friends apartments with out the nice cut of the 450 wide track!