[terry and jo]

Regarding the Ford F450 and F550, with the 2009 models, the F550 rating for fifth wheel towing has a little, although minor, smaller rating than the F450.

Both have a GCVW rating of 33,000 pounds. The F450 2 wheel drive with the 6.4 liter engine and 4:30 rear end will tow 24,600 pounds. The F550 with 2 wheel drive, 6.4 liter engine and 4:88 rear end will tow 23,900 pounds. The F550 with that configeration also needs to have the High Capacity Trailer Tow Package to pull the specified weight.

700 pounds may not be much, but sometimes on mountain passes, it can make a difference. To some degree, creature comforts between the two models may make all the difference.