Pulling with an F450?

[The Spices]

Hi Folks,
I would be interested in hearing from folks that have the new F450. How do you like it? How is the power? Most importantly, what are you getting for fuel mileage towing and solo?
Thanks in advance.

[wingnut60]

Retirementbound...
Did you get a 450? I know this was over a year ago--just wondering how it worked out if you got one?
I just got an '09 about 3 months ago--tows very well, but mileage could be a little higher.

Joe

[The Spices]

Wingnut60,
Thanks for the reply. I did not purchase one (the fuel mileage killed it for me). I am staying with the 06 6.0 PSD for now and will wait until the new Super Duty with the Ford 6.7 has been out for at least a year. It is supposed to have more power and better fuel mileage - we'll see! The dodges are supposed to very good though!?
Thanks!

[wingnut60]

Even tho I am a Ford guy, they have promised better mileage EVERY time they bring out a new engine, and have yet to deliver on that promise.
Dodge is coming right along and they have a good engine w/best mileage, I hear. Getting a 450/4500 in a Dodge is one thing, getting the interior upgraded may be lagging Ford. My son has a 1500 Hemi that is pretty nice, will see how it holds up.
Joe

[wingnut60]

Retirementbound,
I just noticed your sig--you have a DRW SHORTBED? That is a rare bird--I think Ford just quit making them.
Joe

[The Spices]

Yup - I hear ya! I'm a Ford guy too but if Ford can't get it done maybe it's time to take a look at the Dodge!!

Yes, it is a short bed. I planned to use the truck more around town, etc. and didn't want the long overall length. I haven't done so. The next one will be the long bed - more room, better ride and less hassle with hitches.

[Ready2Retire]

just got thru pulling home my new 2010 Mobile Suites 36RSSB3 with my 2010 F450 DRW.

The total weight of truck and trailer was 25,580 lbs and it pulled it like the trailer wasn"t even there...no problems accelerating or braking and the MS tracked right behind the truck...never swayed a bit

Very impressed with the 450's capacity and handling

I've still got around 8400 lbs before I hit the rated capacity of the F450

I averaged 8.2 MPG for the trip home

[wingnut60]

David,
Congratulations on both the new truck and the trailer. My '09 has done everything I have asked of it--except pass a fuel stop. I usually average 7.5-8.0 when towing, but I gross at 27,400. Unfortunately, it is also my daily driver, and I struggle to get 12 in town.
It will be interesting to see where the 2011 models rate after being on the road for a year.
Joe

[cptxguys]

We just turned over 20,000 miles on our 2010 F-450 (purchased in Aug 2009). We get 8-9 MPG towing and 12-13 MPG solo. It's also my daily driver.

It's done everything I've asked and more. I found a bleeder valve open on the Elite Suite and had no trailer brakes. I noticed longer stopping distances, but never felt unsafe.

It has also done very well in the snow/ice in Oklahoma this past winter.

I've been a 'GM guy' most of my life, but have to say that I've been very pleased with the Ford.

[gypsybill]

We haul ours around and pretty much echo what cptxguys stated... only have 9100 miles on ours as we have just begun full-timing.. extremely pleased with the truck (and MS).

[keithandpenne]

We have an 08 F450 CC Lariat that now has 33k on it. It is set up with 4.88 gears for the 33K GVW rating.

I just weighed the other day and and after 5 years, we now weigh 28100. Only gained 275lbs since we started. The truck alone weighs 10140 so the trailer is 17960 with a pin of 4380.

Our mileage varies, dependent on what part of the country we are in. It is very sensitive to the certain rating of the fuel. I get the worst mileage in south Texas and have gotten the best in Ill. I use a certain booster additive as suggested by my Ford service manager.

We usually only run 60-62 and our mileage pulling is 8.2-9.5. Empty will run 10.4-14.5. The 14.5 was in Chicago last summer where we daily drove 40 miles one way to our daughters, mostly on I-55.

We had looked at the GM but did not like the 26K GVW limit, likewise with the Dodge 4500. The GM does not have the interior room of the F450 but the Fords do not have as many amenities as the GM. I had looked at the Dodge 4500 but they did not have a pick-up option, only cab-chassis and their price was the same as the F450 with GM being about 10K more than the Ford. Both Dodge and GM are cab-chassis which would require a toater bed of an additional $5-10K after purchase.

After I ran the numbers, I decided that the gain of 1-2 miles/gal did not offset the benefit of the F450 over the GM-Dodge 4500's. Also, it is my understanding GM is going to/has quit making the 4500-5500 trucks. Would I like better mileage, yes, but trading to get it would not be cost effective. If you have an older truck or a 250 or 350 and want the GVW and brakes of the 450, go for an 2011 and hope the milage and engine are as good as advertised. The Ford body has by far the most room.

[AbleSmith]

Overall average for F450 is approximetely 15-15.5 per gallon, plus it seems like the fuel economy improves after trucks warms up and gets onto cruise mode and that is the best mileage i have seen out of 450

[Pat L.]

Mileage depends a lot on what gears and how far your foot is into the floor board. Having driven over the road for a few years and owner many big trucks, 8 to 9 miles per gallon is all any one will probably get. I pull my 36TKSB4 with my F350 and 4:11 gears. It pulls hills in north Florida with no problem and maintains around 2200 RPM @ 70 MPH. I can't see driving in the slow lane poking along just to say you got better fuel mileage. We had rather go a longer distance and then stop and play. But the reason for this is that we still work and do not have a lot of time but when we do, well look out for the lazy guy.

[wingnut60]

Well, there you go--I thought the highest thing in Florida was a big sand dune, or a high-rise in Miami. Gotta get out more...
Joe

[Pat L.]

wingnut60 - Yes you are right on about getting out. We are going to the Rally in Severville and then on to Missouri and Louisiana so I will have a good test. I do not feel warm and fuzzy about this '05 F350 6.0 as I have several problems. New motor @ 37750 and oil cooler plus EGR cooler bath @ 57500. 28th Ford truck in the fleet and the worst one. Just waiting for the 2012 to come out. When I looked at new trucks a few weeks ago the F350 & F450 had the same ratings @ 13300#s. No perfect truck with out going into the truck building business. Might look at a used toater or road tractor.