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Old 09-23-2018, 07:28 PM   #1
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Ford F-350 Limited or F-450 Limited?

Lifelong tent camper and I just ordered a 2019 Classic 30' which will be ready in late February or early March. Along with towing the Airstream(10,00lbs.), in the bed of the truck I will have an Amerideck with a Superdeck III(600lbs.) to haul a Limited Edition Ultra Classic Electra Glide CVO (1000lbs.). The motorcycle lift & motorcycle will be about 2,000lbs. Along with generators, and other camping gear. I know I will be using an AIRSAFE Class VI receiver hitch with weigh distribution, and equalizer sway control. I know I want a Ford truck with DRW. The Limited version of each truck fully loaded with every option available amounts to $3K difference in price betweek the F-350 Limited and the F-450 Limited. The 350 is more in line with standard vehicles such as 17" wheels, and the 450 is more commercial with 19.5" wheels. The front axle is wider on the 450. I can use some experienced input, becuase I am new to this towing life, other than a few dual axle u-hauls with my Grand Cherokee Jeep. Has anyone had any experience with either truck towing an Airstream?
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Old 09-23-2018, 07:53 PM   #2
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450 without a doubt. Much better turning radius(that’s why the wider front axle), much better rear diff, much stiffer springs. Yes, harsher ride when empty but you know that if you are looking at dually’s. Watch Big Truck Big Rv on youtube.
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Old 09-23-2018, 09:30 PM   #3
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I checked the payloads, and both can do the job you require. The F450 appears to have an edge in my book based on upgrades of the frame, suspension and build quality. Yes, if I remember right, the F450 and F550 assembly line is considered a commercial assembly line and has tighter quality controls than the F350 lines. Your payload will be towed and hauled with more confidence using an F450. Wow....2000lbs of equipment to lift and haul the Harley bike is an awesome challenge. I cannot ever remember seeing an Airstreamer in any RV park bringing a Harley along with them. You will be very unique with your setup. Yep. The F450 should do the job with confidence.
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Old 09-24-2018, 04:32 AM   #4
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At this point, I think I might consider finding a box truck that can handle the tow load, this way you can keep the Harley out of the weather and you potentially get a lower deck and just need a reinforced ramp.
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Old 09-24-2018, 08:48 AM   #5
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We use a SRW 2017 F350, and I think you'd be fine with either. The 350 does well for us with an 8 ft. bed and a cap. We take along lots of stuff as we're snowbirds, and as a former HOG, I know your bike well. I'd probably err on the side of caution and go with the 450. I can tell you that the 350 pulls our 30 ft. serenity like it wasn't there! Happy motoring!
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Old 09-24-2018, 08:59 AM   #6
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Make sure to be aware of insurance options before to pull the trigger.

I almost purchased an F450 DRW until I found out that I would have to insure it as a commercial vehicle in Arizona. Not so with an F350. Different states have different rules - just be aware as the price difference was substantial.
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:15 AM   #7
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We use a F350 to pull our 28ft International and carry a CanAm 800 Outlander Max 4-wheeler and Two 12ft Hobie Kayak along withe two gens and lots of gear.You will not need a F450.


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Old 09-24-2018, 09:49 AM   #8
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350 vs 450

For $3k you can upgrade to 450? No question, 450 all the way. You can get the 350 and it might do the job, but you will really kick yourself later if after fully loading all your gear in your are close to maxed out. Get the 450.
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:51 AM   #9
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I can't really help with your decision, however, I pull my '18 27FB Tommy with an '08 F-350, Harley-Davidson edition, short-bed, stock 6.4L diesel, loaded down with a month's worth of camping goodies with absolutely no concerns. If I had a 'do-over', I would stick with an F-350...

Happy trails!
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:54 AM   #10
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F-450 is not needed for what you're hauling/towing

Expensive and less common 19.5 wheels
Really stiff unloaded ride
Stiffer towing ride
Higher/less available insurance

I tow a 30' FC bunk with a 2017 F350 SRW with absolutely no issue, including quads in the bed of the truck.

You're on the border between even needing the F350 Dually for the load capacity, definitely don't need it for the towing capacity.

Now all that said, I love the look of the F450's! Big polished Alcoas and the factory front fender flares, it just looks like a beast.

Either way - F350 SRW, F350 DRW, or F450, you'll love it.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:11 AM   #11
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Trikdacy,

I am looking to do something similar to what you’re doing in a few years. I would appreciate any “lessons learned” you are willing to share regarding the Harley carriage/loading equipment. As there aren’t any Airstream Panamericas readily available, your project is gonna be my blueprint. Thx so much for your informative post.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:35 AM   #12
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What a great plan, just shift to a RAM 3500 SRW (~4k payload) and Pro Pride Hitch and you'll be cruising and wonder if you left the trailer and load somewhere!

Might want to peruse the "unofficial Pro Pride" thread for some history and context for the hitch. My rig ('16 RAM MegaCab, SRW, 3500) pulls like a dream, solid as if on rails, and while not towing, is a great daily drive. The non-Mega cabs have the eight foot bed.
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Old 09-24-2018, 11:13 AM   #13
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I use a RAM Cummins 2500 for my current 26 Airstream TV with factory rear air. Honestly it does not know it’s there. I have pulled the AS with two different F-250 Powerstrokes too. I am a farmer so also have DRW one toners too. Personally a dually is such an overkill for what you are wanting to do. Yes, great pulling but anything else and it will severely limit your mobility. I have driven the F-450 quite a bit. It’s a dedicated tow vehicle. Where a one ton dually can be used for both. The F-450 will rattle your bones painfully while empty on anything other than a perfect road.
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Old 09-24-2018, 11:35 AM   #14
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Ford F-350 Limited or F-450 Limited?

Ditto on Ram 2500 Cummins. Beautiful beautiful machine. Added air and she‘s the perfect “truck” mate to our 23AS. We don’t use a sway or WD - Air-ride all the way.

However if I were to ever trade her, I would purchase a Van to buddy-up. Pfft - who am I kidding ... I’ll never trade her!
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:42 PM   #15
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What a great rig you'll be getting...and I believe bigger is always better...i.e., the 450. On the other hand, I'd be worried where to park this huge rig in Brooklyn (on the other hand, ANY rig is huge in Brooklyn) during the winter. Hope you have an old warehouse somewhere...but safe travels and enjoy, when you get it. jon
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:55 PM   #16
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Asaultlife above nailed it.
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Old 09-24-2018, 04:08 PM   #17
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I've NEVER heard anyone complain that they have TOO much truck. An F-450 is the entry level to Class-4 MDTs. I know quite a few people who have gone all the way up to a Class-8 HDT to haul their trailers and gear and, they all LOVE their HDTs and would NEVER go back to a pick up.
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Old 09-24-2018, 05:28 PM   #18
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A 450 will do a great job tearing up your new Airstream. That suspension is so stiff you'll regret it.
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Old 09-24-2018, 07:46 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NOAZRK2690 View Post
A 450 will do a great job tearing up your new Airstream. That suspension is so stiff you'll regret it.
He said he is going to use an AirSafe
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Old 09-24-2018, 08:10 PM   #20
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F350

I pull with the F3 50 diesel turbo charged 6 1/2 foot bed with a 30 foot classic airstream It handles it like it’s not even there. Since mine is not the Dooley I can bring mine through auto car washes, It does have the 17 inch wheels and can go through car washes that allow 6’2”and keep it salt free during the winter time which is a big deal in the north
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