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Old 07-14-2010, 07:15 AM   #11
keithandpenne
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 292
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.
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Keith and Penne
Fulltimers - 2005
2005 36TK3 #1855
2008 F450 CC Lariat
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