F350 or F450

[Roadhunter]

Just thought I would get some feedback on your thoughts on either a F350 Platinum or an F450? I heard the F450 turns a lot better because of the wider axel at the front. Not too concerned about towing. Also tires are all season on the 450 vs all terrain.
Looking to upgrade from a 2019 F350 Lariat.
Thanks

[roper1]

Just so much dependant on how big a load to tow. I've owned 2 350 & now a 450. Pull a big horse trailer with living quarters, REALLY enjoy the 450. The 350 I had before pulled the trailer. but stopping, braking, crosswinds, every known menace to tow vehicle better with the 450. Lighter load stick with the 350, bit cheaper to buy & run. Good luck!

[Lefty]

The 450 is definitely built heavier. I seriously just about bought one a couple years ago. One thing that deterred me was a few places I drive sometimes have a one ton only size restriction, and I was worried about the dual tires and getting places I drive. If I was pulling a real heavy trailer then I would probably go that route.

[notlim]

Dig into the fine details. I did this just a few weeks ago. Diesel f350 dually 4x4 quad cab. Vs a f450 diesel 4x4 quad cab.

The surprising thing is the f350 has a gcwr

F350 has higher payload.

And f350 has a higher tow capacity.

Fords tow quide

This is for the 2020 model year. Don't know about others

[4thredneck]

If you spend any time at all bob tailin you probably don’t want the F450 because the gearing is way lower and way harder on fuel.

[notlim]

Here is the break down for the F350 vs F450

Both comparisons will be the 6.7L Diesel 4x4 DRW 176" WB Crew Cab

----------------------------- F350 -------------------- F450

GCWR -------------------- 43,400 lbs ------------ 43,500 lbs
Bumper pull -------------- 21,200 lbs ----------- 24,200 lbs
5th wheel/gooseneck ---- 34,700 lbs ----------- 32,600 lbs
Payload ------------------- 6,530 lbs ------------ 5,320 lbs

These numbers are taken right from fords towing guide and payload guide. Its interesting when comparing the trucks.

The only time the F450 wins is with:
GCWR has an additional 100 lbs
Bumper pull has an additional 3000 lbs
better turn radius as it has the wide track front end.

When considering the trucks, the F350 has higher payload and a higher tow capacity for 5th wheel/gooseneck.

The price differeence between the two trucks is reletively small when spec'd out simmilar options:

F350 Platinum --------- F450 Platinum

MSRP $86,805 --------- $88, 803


$2002 is all that seperates the trucks right now. Not a lot of coin. However Fuel economy and maintence is a different story.

The F350 has 4.10 gears whereas the F450 has 4.30. This will make a big difference on the hwy.

The F450 is build out of heavy components. Bigger tires, brakes etc and will cost more for those parts.

So in my opinion for 2020 where the dust settles is that the F350 all around is a better truck. Not only is it cheaper to buy, but its cheaper to maintain and operate.

The only real advantage I see to the F450 is the better turning radius, or if you are into bragging, saything that you have a bigger truck cause it says F450 on the side. Reality is, the F350 out performs the F450 in almost every way.

[Esox]

Been looking at the same thing so this is all good info. Im likely going to keep my current 2017 f350 for work seeing as its paid off and then buy a used dually to pull the fifth wheel and horse trailer. I was considering finding a used 450 but think I will just stick to the f350 dually after the above info.

[leeelmer]

You will get two or three times the miles out of the tires on the f450 as they are 19.5 rims and the tires are iron hard(we run dodge5500 at work)same tires.
The brakes are way better, not a little better, but way better for towing, they last 3 times as long, the pads are twice the size.
Rear diff is twice the size, everything is bigger on the 450, so if you want to keep it long term, the chassis is way stronger. But that is if you are actually using it.
Now all the manufactures tow guides are a load of crap. Period.
Go ahead and throw 30000lbs behind a 1ton and go down some big hills with corners and see how it is, down right scary, they did this because the big toy hauler trailers are getting bigger and bigger, but put a 25000lb telehandler on a big 5th wheel and hook it to your f350, and see how great it is.
If you tow get the 450 if not all the time get the 350

[notlim]

I agree with you 100% the F450 is a tougher truck, that will last longer if being worked hard all day everyday. It has a stronger frame, suspension, diffs, brakes etc. this is also the reason that the numbers for payload and towing are down.

In my opinion, if a F350 is to small for you, might aswell go to the F550. Much more of a truck. Payload is way higher than a 450.

Honestly I am not sure why the 450 even exists. On paper is less capable than a 350. That means when using it if you are commercial, pulled over, or in an accident. You could be faced with fines or charges. Its best to keep within the legal limit of what the vehicle is rated for.

The f550 has is much more of a truck. I believe its about a 12,000 lbs payload. thats double of the F450.

The cost of a 450 vs 550 is not all that much. So if a 350 is to small, go to the 550 and keep it legal.

[notlim]

Ford has also announced a f600 truck. New platform for this year. Still based on a pickup truck. but has a GVWR of about 22,000lbs. Same cab as the f250-550. Its a game changer in the commercial world.

I believe the wont take orders till the fall, with delivery next spring to summer.

[Roadhunter]

Well I decided to go with the F450, not a lot of choices out there right now but this one had everything I could want. I like the look of the wider front fenders due to 200mm wider front axel. Bigger brakes will be nice as I already had the rotors replaced at 52k under warranty and don’t do a lot of towing.

[Peace Meal Farm]

The fatboy front axle is super nice. Compared to the 3/4 and one tons they turn on a dime. Enjoy!

[sako1]

Originally Posted by Roadhunter

Well I decided to go with the F450, not a lot of choices out there right now but this one had everything I could want. I like the look of the wider front fenders due to 200mm wider front axel. Bigger brakes will be nice as I already had the rotors replaced at 52k under warranty and don’t do a lot of towing.

Smart choice. I work on those trucks regularly. I dont care what ford rates the tow ratings at. The f450 is leaps and bounds above an f350 in durability and overall toughness.