I love these videos, very informative. I like the way you record them, i feel like im in the passanger seat having a cruise chat with you sir. Keep them coming.
Thanks for the great, informative video. In March 2017, I bought a 2017 white gas F350 XL SRW CC LB FX4 with $3,500 in options from a dealer in Woodbridge, VA. It had the snow plow package, power equipment group, but not the value package, so it lacked cruise control, decent radio, chrome wheels, and the chrome bumpers. I added the cruise control aftermarket at the dealer. Including cruise control, tax, registration, and weight fees, I paid $41,200 out the door for the truck. MSRP was $45,090. I was nice to finish the transaction $3,890 below MSRP, fully registered and ready to drive. After just 7000 miles, and over 500 miles off road, I can say this is an outstanding truck!
Thanks for the video! I was researching this for over six weeks, and your videos helped me decide on a 2019 F350 Limited with maxed options which is actually $3K less than the F450 with the same options and the specs are very close. I am only towing an 10K lb. Airstream Classic, with an 1K lb. Amerideck with a 1K lb. Ultra Classic Harley onboard in the bed.
I understand your points. However for me I chose the F450 and here is why. Larger brakes, Wider front axel (I think you will regret this a bit more than you anticipate) I love the flares on the front big time. To me it adds a really nice look to the overall body profile. And I haven't had an F450 before like you so I wanted the biggest beast I could get so there would be no would of, could of or should haves. I too heard comments about fuel mileage and then I talked to others that said the 6.7 is so strong with the axel ratio that larger tires doesn't effect mileage. That it is a wash. I am not to worried about mileage. I tow in town anyway pulling construction trailers so I need break out power more than Highway economy. I will take seceral long trips at first but then probably use Fusion Hybrid. Yeah right. Gonna be AWESOME! Supposed to be in this week. I will post a video for sure. Thanks for your videos BTBRV!!! Just a thought You should edit clip in some drive byes as well so we can see your cool truck cruising.
My previous truck ('16 F-350 DRW PSD) had the 'max tow' package which came with the wide front axle and 4:30 gears. I DO miss that in my '17 F-350 DRW..
His videos are very informative, and the main reason I like watching him is he's not like the annoying ford fanboy he's more like the "Yeah I like my ford but you can buy what you personally want" kind of guy.
Like i said, 2011 F350 hauls 36400 GCW gross combined weight / with ease, 3:73 rear axle, pick your speed. One load, the trailer hydraulic brake line gave way, rusted out, no problem. I didn't know it till the next week hauling more fat cattle, 3 loads, 42 miles one way. I fixed them myself, with copper / stainless steel lines that won't rust out. 3 axle trailer. I tried to hire some one to do it, 2 different places, Fall harvest time for me, like i said, i did it my self. Load'n up boys.................................
As usual a nice report. But there is one other big reason I've read why Ford tweaked the F350, to haul almost as heavy, besides the Ram comparison issue. That was the top speed limiter on the 450, because of the speed ratting with the 19.5 wheels! So now you can use the F350 and be able to travel at higher speeds!
My uncle Shawn has an 350 6.0 2004 he had so many problems that thing put 5k dollars into it but still a ford fan. True ford fans understand that the truck will have problems any tuck will. I see all these comments saying that they had 3-5 problems with the truck and never buying that same truck again. Me personally would never get a ram or gm because the trans the numbers aren't as good and Chevy is always getting recalls and the biggest one of them all is that they just get government bailouts. Ford always handles their problems. Rarely do they ever get bailouts plus ford fixes their problems as much as they can if you put a ford, ram, and Chevy side by side which one is gonna last longer. The ford will if they all get taken care. Fords Ben in this for a long time they know everything their is to know you can't. Fords also a polite company they don't bash on other trucks when the others come out with something new. They test trucks with millions of miles. And they don't claim that their truck is longest lasting like gm or ram. They say it's the best selling. Most young people like Chevy because of the model and looks and they were told it's the best by some one and they believed it. Most of the older people i know and more educated people like my dad my grandpa and uncle all have fords and like them the most and all told me that they have the least problems and trust me I research all of this as thorough as I can not believing one thing. My dad, grandpa, and uncle don't give up on their trucks when they have problems they take it like a man and fix it. Their are some things ram and gm do better but ford does most things better. Ford is just more quality and most country folk use ford because they need at truck that takes a beating. Ford also has pure reputation that's why it's the best seller. Ram and gm are mostly city trucks. I see fords out in the country more than I do ram or gm. The smartest get fords the youngest get Chevys and the dumbest get Rams. But that's not entirely true you might see dumb ford owners but where I'm from the smartest get fords. I hope you reply your thoughts sir and have a nice day.
My dad went with the 17 duramax 3500 dually don't get me wrong it's a nice truck but I looooooooooove the look of the f350 and f450 especially the box shape nice truck you got there brother
gman italy I have a new 3.55 geared version and I can tell you while empty on the freeway I'm getting well over 20. In town, I'm guessing I only get 12-13. I haven't hooked up to our heavy toy hauler yet to compare to my 16 3500 HD. BTW - that beautiful High Country never struggled a bit with 18,000. Yes, it was weak on paper, but not in reality. It did however level down and sit on the relief spring which was concerning, but it didn't crouch. I upgraded primarily for the LEDs and the incredible electronics of the Platinum (hoping for 1-2 extra hauling fuel economy too, but not counting on it).
gman italy I don't understand what you're talking about with this boxy look of the Ford with the exception of all they did was copy GM because the Chevys and GMCs came out with the box look first just like with Ford when Dodge came out with that semi truck front end they then copied them so the way I see it all for did was copy somebody else's look once again and make a pile of shit around the bad drivetrain
James Patterson bad drivetrain you Must be talking about Gm and Ram. I've had all three ford is the only truck that I ran and didn't have to spend 1,500 to 3,000 every other year on drivetrain
Coming from a sports car guy, tires are a huge issue. Ride quality matters more in the long run, especially when it effects MPG. Sounds like Ford took Ram's challenge seriously which I think is refreshing: I like when an auto manufacturer says bring it.
At the end of the day I think Ford derates the F450 to keep it at 14,000 GVW. Less so in the 2017 but the 2016 derated for sure. Your theory is dead on about people saying you can't compare the F450 to the 3500. Excellent video. Be careful I am telling you your going to have to relearn that wider turning radius. Maybe some day Ford will add the wide track back to the F350. I get 13.5 mpg out of my house 2017 F450 with 4.30 its about the same as my 2007 F350 with 4.10
You had said you only had 15k miles on the 450. Why the huge anxiety about tire sizes? It seems like you get a flat every month the way you speak about them. Wouldn't it have been easier to just put different rims on the 450 and call it a day?
Tires. There are many manufacturers that make tires for that vehicle. They are E load rated for heavy loads. Also, the 4.30 gear ratio creates the GCVWR you need to tow heavy loads. You may have overthought yourself into towing over loaded with the set up you bought. F350 with lower axle ratio and different wheels/ tires might surprise you with how little they'll tow.
My F350 Dodge on paper is like buying a unicorn nothing but pure mythological numbers. The F450 and F350 more capable then on paper. At 14000 km the ram was reprogrammed to hide the fact that the emissions control system was completely plugged up and you could watch the fuel gauge go down along with the towing capability was Bull s
VERY VERY WELL DONE I WANT THE TRUCK I DROVE TODAY ( 2019 450 lariat) BUT I KNOW (now) THE 350 IS 4 MEm THANK YOU. i do wish u let us see it outside & do some basics turn radius parking off road at least a little
Now that you’ve owned both a f350 and f450 same model year. Can you share the typical fuel economy difference you’ve experienced between the two trucks. I’m looking to upgrade from a srw with 3.55 gears to a drw f350 or f450. I drive a lot of hwy miles at 75-85 mph. At 80 in my srw rpms are 1950. Rest drove a drw f350 with 4.10 at 80 it was about 2200 rpms and the f450 with 4.30 at 80 was about 2400 rpms. Any insight would be appreciated. Btw looking to upgrade to a dually because my 4200 lb truck camper currently overloads my srw rear axle and tires. Not had an issue. But want a bit of a safety margin. Thanks again
Another: I believe the F-350 has a higher rated payload than a similarly-equipped F-450, presumably because the higher weight of the 450. For those who care about staying within the MFR ratings (which are not that objective, but still, something to consider.) For me, wanting to tow and so considering tongue weight in addition to a fairly heavy truck bed camper...I think the F-350 is best in class for payload.
I know you addressed this issue in one of your previous videos. I feel that the stock fuel tanks are way too small in the Ford Diesels. I recently drove 4,500 miles pulling a 7,500 lb. camper across the country. I average about 10 mpg in my 2015 F-250 with the 6.7. I had to fill up 29 times in 2 weeks. Crazy!! I have just finish installing a Titan 50 Gallon tank and am looking forward to my next road trip.
F350 is common sense if you think about the tires, TPMS and MPG. I currently have 2020 F350 Dually Lariat with 3.55. I do not tow, but it is just for driving with little payload. 2k lbs at most. I have been thinking irrationally about getting 2022 or 2023 F450 Platinum when available, but rational side of tells me that going to 13 mpg from 17 mpg will make me unhappy. And having to pay all extra to install TPMS and extra costs on tire will also make me unhappy as well. I will think it over in about 18 months..
Great video as always. just ordered the F350 dually. It should be here next month. Ever tackle the subject of truck campers? My dually will probably never tow. But it will have 5150 pounds in the back wherever it goes. So air bags will be the first mod. Thanks.
Great video ! No bs, just straight to the point. Noticed you driving in Corpus, are you from the area? If so, you definitely have to worry about our streets and "ruts in the road" lol
i just subscribed because you inform us whit the most information possible ive seen your videos before and i like them i have a question would u get a front ranch hand bumper for your f350??
Love your'e video's, I thought you're F450 was a awesome truck, the reason's you gave for getting a F350 where small issue's that for me just doesn't justify getting a new truck. But hey it's you're money I'm still driving a 2001 F-250 7.3L but just can't afford the new truck's they are just way too expensive for me at this time. I'd rather of had a F-450 for the larger brakes and better turning radius, tire's I see you're point but you've commented on changing them anyway, and if you have a tire issue that's what the spare is for. The only valid point I think you made is that Chevy and Dodge complained about a F-450 showing up and them having 3500 series truck's.
There is no real benefit of going with an F-450 P/U if they are not using a Dana S130 axle, the bigger brakes will stop a little better but its not worth the extra price you pay for the truck. The 350 will do everything you need to do its not like you have the trailer hitched to the truck 24/7. Ya you will save some money when it comes to tires 6 17 inchers is 1400 dollars 6 19.5s are 2600 dollars. Yes 19.5 tires do rut steer it can be unnerving at times.
Graveltrucking: Agreed. The only reason the brakes are large on the F450 is because they can fit larger brakes in the larger wheels. The 17" wheels on the F450 are maxed out with the brake size in that truck .
Donovan here....Love your videos!! Quick question. I currenty have a 2017 Platinum f350 and tow a 15k pound fifth wheel. I want to move to a dually but trying to decide between 350 and 450. I think I know all the differences but two that I am not sure of. 1) does the 17 f450 not have TPMS for the truck tires? If I heard you correct. 2) with the 4.30 rear how bad is your fuel economy with your F450 vs your 350. It does have taller tires then the F350 and thought that might close that gap on the stock rear ratios. Thanks for any help you can lend!!
I buy my 2015 F450 tires at Les Schwab no problem ..... I pull a large 5th wheel and have a tire TPMS that also allows me to read the tire pressure AND temperature of the RV .... does the 2017 F350 TPMS have the capability to add and RV
My big factor on my 2016 350 over 450 was price and insurance price State Farm here in Oregon would only quote me "Commercial"price for the 450??Also I purchased my 2016 in Nov so they were getting few and far between and I wanted the KR trim. Im with you on the wheels the 450s are awesome looking!
GM always says that most people don't need the tow capacity. At least on the RV side, it makes sense to me. There is a lot going on in the RV world, especially the record sales. The younger people seem to go small. I like the idea of the big truck and the solid fiver, but it slowly dawned on me, somewhere on that Web Pricing Wizard, that's it just not practical. Too many quality issues with RV's. Not enough flexibility in where you can go, with a big RV. I don't know if the 40 foot multi-slide towable will move into the next generation. How much of this stuff can people juggle, mentally. The gear ratios and the mileage and the braking and the complexity and durability? If I could build the exact TT or 5er I wanted, I might be fine with 28 feet. But instead I get slide out seating and something that looks great, spacious, at the RV show. I mean gee, now I can tow 28,000 pounds? Of what, in the RV context?
Very informative videos ty for all you do. Doesn’t the truck benefit with the 19.5 on near max load doing commercial type work I’m studying that’s my knowledge of what I came across
It might have been interesting for you to have mentioned the cost/price MSRP difference between the 450 and the 350. There are a couple other issues between a MDT (450/4500) and a 350/3500 as least where I live. Some insurance companies will not insure larger than a 350/3500. AAA is one of them and AAA will also not tow a 450/4500 or larger. Coachnet will and so will some other providers but size can be a consideration at least in some states. I would have probably stayed with the 450 and perhaps looked for an aluminum flat bed from Highway Products in Medford Oregon or a service body. The storage in the service body would be very useful as you like to carry lots of tools and would be just fine for towing the fifth wheel. TPMS rarely, if ever, predicts a blowout so I am still not sold on how valuable it really is. And if you like to run lower pressures especially in the duals it can trigger the TPMS sensors with a dash warning even though you don't have a tire pressure problem. Where we live in Nevada, Discount Tires will not work with commercial service tires but many other tire shops do. It is not an issue finding commercial tire service. As always I enjoy the videos and keep them coming. If we all liked the same things the world would be boring. You do have a very nice truck!
Thanks for the video lot of good information I was wondering if you could review the safety hitch and what do you think about them do you actually think it could increase your tow capacity or is it something good for somebody that has a suburban and doesn't have a pickup truck what are your thoughts
I would really appreciate it if you show the frame thickness of the new F350 and F450 vs the outgoing F450 and the changes from the outgoing F450 vs the new F350 and F450 regarding the frame . Thanks
Isn't the towing capacity between the 2017+ F-350 and F-450 literally only a few hundred pounds difference? If so, than the F-450 seems pointless now, other than the few things you mentioned like the turning radius.
Excellent work. Those of us a step lower have wondered about the F250-350 difference in the srw version. A check at the dealer showed the gas truck differed by only 300# in gvwr and the f250 had the same axle weight ratings as the f350 when equipped with the snow/camper option. So why the $1k cost to buy a F350 over the f 250?
The F350 has three leaf springs in the back, where the F250 may not. The F350 has a number 3 in the badge, where the F250 does not. So you get an extra spring, and a 3 instead of a 2 in the badge with the upgrade, plus higher resale value. I don't think I spent much more than $500 additional on my F350 compared to the F250 I was also considering. I think there are some other differences too that I am not familiar with.
Great video are you gonna put the brush guard and rear bumper on the 2017 f350 love the truck that's my dream truck an Ford f350 crew cab dually kingranch that same color
when you had your 17 f350 did you have a problem losing air pressure witk the tpms. i got a new 17 f350 dually in jan. 2018. it has the alum. wheels. so far i had 6 flat tires with the alum. wheels 2 out side rear wheels and both fronts twice. i have 5468 miles on the truck. i got a hold of a ford rep. he said they would make a note of this. the ford garage said they can't replace the wheels they need to contact ford. went you pay 75,000.00 for a truck this is wrong. do you know of this problem. i read other people have the same thing with there alum. wheels. (thank you)
Thanks Big Rv for your 🎥 It helps me a lot over in Sweden!! Today my -17 F450 will arr to Sweden and later to dealership for Swedish number plates. I've been looking around for gooseneck trailers and it's a sea of them in your country . So far I'm been looking on PJ trailers. Do u have any experience on gooseneck trailers??
Boris Haid: PJ is an outstanding brand, as is BigTex and several others. It really depends on what you're planning on towing as well as the platform and loading needs.
goodfella21f I ordered it in Canada and then by boat to Sweden. It's a little market on the 450 series but the 250 and 150, dodge 1500/2500 are lots of.
As always a very good video with thorough analysis comparing the documented performance capabilities of both trucks. That said your videos are starting to get very repetitive mostly comparing Ford to Ford. Why not throw your subscribers a bomb by announcing your decision to come out of the Ford closet and buy a Duramax.😎
You'll notice that I do reviews on more RAMs and GM products than Ford. Also, I chose my Ford in 2017 because it was the most innovative and capable truck then and even now. In 2020 RAM and GM will introduce their new HD trucks and it might be time to switch. Switching to either a GM or RAM now would technically mean downgrading in terms of tow capacity, payload, hauling, technology, space, and refinement. 2020 will be the year to decide what I do
Great video! Thanks for clearing this issue up. As you said, many of us were wondering why you made the choice that you did. This helps me a great deal in deciding on which 2018 to order (350 vs 450). I still have one question that I can't seem to find the answer to and I was hoping that you could help. Both the F350 and 450 have the same GVWR (14,000#). I suspect that the reason for this is to keep them in a certain class because from what I have read over 14,000# GVWR puts them in a different class rating. I suspect that they could both handle more weight but Ford has selected this number to keep the class lower. But in an earlier post you had mentioned that the F350 had more payload capacity than the 450. I use mine to carry a 5,000# Lance truck camper and I am having trouble finding those numbers. Do you have them? Thanks
Todd Keller: Technically, the F350 will have a higher Camper rating and is generally recommended for higher weighing truck campers, however, that is only to keep the overall weight below the 14k GVWR. Either truck will be great for a truck camper. In 2017 both trucks have the exact same rear spring rate vs last years truck where the F450 had a slightly lower rear spring rate. The F350 will give you a little better ride and might be less jarring on the Camper since it runs 17" wheels and tires vs the 19.5" package on the F450. Either way though, the 17" tire combo on the F350 has a load handling of up to 19k lbs total. Here is the info you are looking for. www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/17RV&TT_Ford_SuperDtyPU_r2_Sep29.pdf Page 8 shows Camper rating.
I can't speak for Ford, but the 14,000 pound GVWR is a significant threshold from a regulatory perspective. Ratings over 14,000 is considered commercial. Depending on your jurisdiction, it can get complicated driving a commercially rated truck. The cost of insurance is typically considerably more on a commercially rated truck as well. And Ford and other manufacturers will sell more truck if buyers can get cheaper insurance and avoid complicated licensing requirements. You can go to Dana's website and research the specs on the axles as to how they rate them. However, that is not to say you should ignore the truck manufacture's rating. If you purchase insurance for a class 3 rated truck, your insured for class 3 weight and if your hauling class 4 weight, you just gave your insurance a reason not to pay a claim if you are at fault in an accident. I see a lot of remarks about people arguing that lighter duty trucks are capable of more work. If they were at fault in an accident and had to spend just 30 minutes on a witness stand being berated by an experienced trial lawyer in court, they would be cured! I doubt they would drive anything less than a dually, ever again! From an engineering perspective, if you put an axle that was built to carry 14,000 pounds under a truck, and downrate that axle to a lesser weight, that axle never "works" at capacity and therefore should provide longer life. So I see the ratings being two-fold. Smart engineering, and wrestling with regulations and insurance costs for the buyer. Makes for complicated stuff. Can you imagine being a pickup truck manufacturer nowadays?
With the F350 and F450 being so close what purpose does the F450 serve now? I see Ford phasing out the F450 SuperDuty. There just is no reason for one now that the numbers are so close. If the F450 dose not have 3000 Ibs or more TC or 3000 Ibs more cargo capacity over the F350 what is the purpose for it?
Hi! Love your videos. I am trying to decide between the F350 or the F450... mostly ride quality is what I’m wondering. I LOVE the look of the 450 and all the benefits you speak of but since you now have owned both, I’m wondering if the ride is much harsher in the 450 vs. the 350?
Big Truck Big RV , I felt your choice for the f450 was overkill, but at that price difference, it's about as functionally important as choosing a color.
Karl Sault , Basically, you lose payload capacity. the extra tires give you more road contact for stability and braking power as well. Brake system itself might be a bit better. the f350 doesn't rake up as much as the SRW which I think is good for helping to keep a 5th wheel level rather than putting more weight on the rest trailer axle.
I got news 4 ya. I drove an 97’ f350 for 20 yrs. The 1st damages ever caused was from a tire shop putting a full circle gouge n my rims. Beware of moron @ tire shops. They’re everywhere.
i went with the 450 ..turning radius.. i suck so much at backing up a trailer i need all the help i can get.. i did get the rear camera setup for the trailer that ties into the trucks head unit/monitor.. butttt i found it useless everytime i had change from reverse to forward i would lose the video feed.. having to go thru menus to find the trailer back camera while I'm plugging up the lane.. just added to the stress of backing up the rv instead of helping.. I've gone to having a secondary screen with wifi camera to be more effective.. my other 2015 ford van has tpms it gives so many faulty warnings I've asked ford to remove it.. my fathers chev suv does the same... its in the same boat as back up sensors.. peep peep peep peep
goodfella21 well the difference is the cummins won't leave you stranded the powerstroke will and I'm not saying you will have problems with the powerstroke in the first two or three years but after that 100k Mark they start to fall apart
Yes the ford has more hp and torque. Not only that I got the 2500 that doesn't have the high output engine. But what I like is the engine has been around for 10yr (?) Also the price difference was greater. I got a truck that suited my needs. Not saying ford is bad.
Come on man, tell the truth you got tired riding in a bucking bronco and want a better ride!!! Lmfao j/k !! Nice truck is Texas still making people get a CDL cause of gcvw cause it is over 26,001( was what I was told don't know if that is true just asking)
Thisisurcapt: great question. In many cases the F350 is an easier truck to sell than an F450 due to its lower cost of insurance as well as ownership (not really much lower). So they retain value better. The dealer actually told me that they could have given me even more on my trade had it been an F350. F450s are great trucks, but apparently sit on the lot longer.
I love the tpms but in my ford it just says low pressure. In my Chevy and Dodge it actually gives me psi. I hope Ford changed their system to numbers instead of dummy lights.
When Ford put their 450 against Rams 3500 in a towing contest on tfl truck the Ford sponsor driving was caught hitting the breaks in the ram when the ram was going to pass it
HillBilly Steve: I honestly don't see the need. I don't care to have the truck go any fast and it has beyond ample towing and pulling power. I can see why owners of older generation Diesels would want to improve their numbers, but with such good HP and TQ that all these trucks come with, it's hard to justify tuning the truck and risking warranty issues later. Who knows though.
I keep seeing all the Ram fan "Watch the dyno video" comments and I harken back to the same channel's Ike Gauntlet pull and watch the weakest one on paper, the Chevy 3500HD, absolutely destroy that same Ram and Ram engine in a real world pull of 22K. And again this year for the 17's even heavier. So enough already with that dyno test and but-ifs. Your dyno doesn't appear to translate too well to reality. Truth said, your a much rougher ride than all and even that much more WAY SLOWER unhooked.
Big Truck Big RV Found it and yes know I remember it know. The stx. Did you have a review with the 6.2 towing? I was looking through and yes you have many I might have missed it. Thanks
Big Truck Big RV Please explain the need, please. My 20K 5th wheel doesn't even pull me down to level, so please educate me on how it could help us with this or smaller loads.
IBTJC 4Life: The larger bags offers the same leveling with a far lower PSI need. Thus improving the ride. Also, for hauling our Fifth Wheel, i wouldn't need to use he airbags, however, I hope our family out at the ranch and we haul some pretty large loads from time to time. They will help out there. I think people need to see some ranch videos.
Can you get a wide front axle on a 2017 f350?? I recently found out that you can get a 2016 f350 model with the wide front axle haha! F450s usually have the wide front axle so from a distance I always said "that's a f450" but that could've been a f350 lol! I learned something new haha!
Ray Robles: No the 2017 F350 DRW is no longer offered with the Tow Boss package, which included the wide track front axle and a higher towing capacity (hopefully they will bring it back soon). The 2011-2016 F350 had that option which was awesome.
Why don't you mention the carrying capacity between a 450 and a 350. While towing a 5th wheel or a large trailer is probably what many people do when they vacation, how about the people who only carry a large 6500 lb truck camper, instead of a large trailer behind the truck....
Cameron Garcia: a camper at 6500lbs would be well over the rated capacity for both an F450 and F350 crew cab pickup. You would have to go with a regular cab truck or outfit a Chassis Cab truck with a bed. The max weight these trucks can carry is closure to 5500lbs.
