Ford 450 vs Ram 3500

[Lindstrom1950]

Looking for a new truck to pull a 18,000lb fifth wheel


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[jbeletti]

Both good choices John. You'll get a lot of replies here from those who own one or the other. You may also want to give Tom Martin a call at Classy Chassis to see which he might suggest to you as he builds with all the big 3.

 

[billk263]

Drive them all and choose the one you like the best. They all will do the job.


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[For20hunter]

I sure do love my F450!! But Bill is right, drive them both and pick which one suites your likes.

Rod

 

[ILH]

Remember... all other technical specifications aside, make sure you like the seats. I know it sounds superficial, but when you're driving those long trips, if you're not comfortable, it makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Bones]

I have the Ram 3500 but would consider the F450 because I understand you can get a better turning radius in the 450.

 

[jbeletti]

I have the Ram 3500 but would consider the F450 because I understand you can get a better turning radius in the 450.

Ah the turning radius... Amazing with the 450 - love it!

 

[BouseBill]

What I love best about our F-450, it's paid for LOL Really you can't go wrong with a "small" MDT, other than insurance can be a problem with some companies.

 

[jbeletti]

What I love best about our F-450, it's paid for LOL Really you can't go wrong with a "small" MDT, other than insurance can be a problem with some companies.

I've heard that before and it's good that you brought it up as the OP will want to check with their carrier now before they get too far in the purchasing process.

We use Liberty Mutual for insuring ours.

 

[Bones]

I've heard that before and it's good that you brought it up as the OP will want to check with their carrier now before they get too far in the purchasing process.

We use Liberty Mutual for insuring ours.

Is the 450 considered a medium duty truck?

 

[LBR]

Is the 450 considered a medium duty truck?

Yes, the 4 and 5 series trucks are MDT...3 series and smaller are LDT.

We have National General Insurance on both the F-450 and trailer.

 

[jbeletti]

From Wikipedia (link):

Class 4

Medium truck

14,001–16,000 pounds (6,351–7,257 kg)

Ram 4500, GMC 4500, Ford E-450, Ford F-450 [SUP][9][/SUP], HINO 155 COE[SUP][10][/SUP]

 

[Bones]

Yes, the 4 and 5 series trucks are MDT...3 series and smaller are LDT.

We have National General Insurance on both the F-450 and trailer.

Thanks. I would still get it but the DW would kill me because I would want Kelderman suspension on it. I couldn't give up my auto level on my current truck

- - - Updated - - -

From Wikipedia (link):

Class 4

Medium truck

14,001–16,000 pounds (6,351–7,257 kg)

Ram 4500, GMC 4500, Ford E-450, Ford F-450 [SUP][9][/SUP], HINO 155 COE[SUP][10][/SUP]

I squeak by with 1 lb to spare

 

[SNOKING]

Is the 450 considered a medium duty truck?

In name only. It has the same GVWR of 14K as the F350. That makes both class 3 trucks, similar to the RAM 3500 and GM 3500 duallies.

Table of US GVWR classifications

US truck class	Duty classification	Weight limit
Class 1	Light truck	0–6,000 pounds (0–2,722 kg)
Class 2	Light truck	6,001–10,000 pounds (2,722–4,536 kg)
Class 3	Light truck	10,001–14,000 pounds (4,536–6,350 kg)
Class 4	Medium truck	14,001–16,000 pounds (6,351–7,257 kg)

Making insurance writer aware of this may save on insurance.

Chris

 

[LBR]

Thanks. I would still get it but the DW would kill me because I would want Kelderman suspension on it. I couldn't give up my auto level on my current truck

I can relate to what you mean....

We got our 2003 F-550 in 2005 and it has the Ride Rite self-leveling rear air ride suspension...many times we have put 4 tons of flagstone in the bed and the level is 2" lower, if that!

I thought I would REALLY miss that feature with our new F-450....nope, nada....

 

[BouseBill]

"In name only. It has the same GVWR of 14K as the F350."

Sorry, but even our 2008 has a GVWR of 14.5K (488 gears)

 

[Bones]

I can relate to what you mean....

We got our 2003 F-550 in 2005 and it has the Ride Rite self-leveling rear air ride suspension...many times we have put 4 tons of flagstone in the bed and the level is 2" lower, if that!

I thought I would REALLY miss that feature with our new F-450....nope, nada....

Mine rides at the same level no matter the load if within specs.

 

[SNOKING]

"In name only. It has the same GVWR of 14K as the F350."

Sorry, but even our 2008 has a GVWR of 14.5K (488 gears)

Not true for the new ones. Chris

 

[BouseBill]

I stand corrected Chris, you are correct
Don't quite understand having a F350 with a higher GVWR than a F-450, paper pushers can do screwy things

 

[Nabo]

Looking for a new truck to pull a 18,000lb fifth wheel

Sounds like you have narrowed down in your camper search. Ya staying in the HL family???