boatfreak

I'm thinking it's time to trade for one of the '11 superdutys. I have an 06 350 srw. I really like the truck and have had nothing but srw 4x4s but I'm thinking about going with duals.I'm ok with my boat but some of the trailers I pull are way over the rating for a 350. If I'm going to go up to a dually I'm thinking a 450. The 450 has a 430 gear and the 350 has a 373. Anyone care to guess what the difference in mpgs would be?

t500hps

You can get the F350 in 4:10's (that's what my 07 has). I've always heard the 4:30's get terrible mileage but it can't be that much difference than the 3:73 to 4:10's.

BTW: I kinda wish my dually had 3:73's but I drive it so little it really doesn't matter.

Jassman

This is correct. I have had all duallys since 03, from the big hoss 4.30 to 3.73's. They all have been 350's, not 450's. The 2 Fords I have are 11 250 and 350, 3.73 and 3.55 gears, and pull 15k with out a problem.. I also have a 11 Duramax, 3.73's, same deal there, pulls great. You really will only be spending extra fuel, and there really is not that much more off the line pull. Besides when towing you will want to accelerate slowly with the new 11's, the power comes on real strong and the torque curve is flat that it pulls like a frieght train, and will spin the tires with even a 15k load back there. I say get the 3.73's, and if you think you really want the extra pull vs fuel mileage, get the 4.10's. You will really like these new Fords..the GM's not bad either.

Sydwayz

I would figure in your line of work Mike, you would want the heaviest available.

10,11,12 and 13 empty MPG with F-450 & 4.30 gears seems the norm across the diesel sites.

The 2011 F-450 dropped the 19.5" wheels/tires. I am told this is in effort to boost the fuel economy.

boatfreak

I'm not worried about how they pull as I'm quite happy with what I have But I'm thinking more from a legal standpoint. When I'm hauling a load of fat cattle in my gooseneck I can easily weigh 28,000. The ford info says the 450 is only available with 430s and a 350 daully is only available with 373s. I've heard all the horror stories about mileage with the 450s but i thought maybe that was with the old 488 gear they offered.

MILD THUNDER

Sounds like from a legal standpoint, you would need a F450 minimum. If you felt the 4.30 gears were to short, than you can always add a little taller tire. to drop the R's down a bit for freeway driving.

Dont know what the 2011 450 offers, but the prior 450's had nice features. The wide-track front axle provided a great turning radius (better than the F350), and the 19.5 wheels and commercial tires were a nice addition.

pookie

I have an '08 F450 and have been very happy with it. I only have 25,000 miles but have had no problems. It has a 4.88 rearend and it gets 12 mpg empty but this quickly decreases over 70 mph. I can't understand why they stopped putting the 19.5 commercial wheels/tires on them. It certainly wouldn't improve mileage or longevity.
I get just over 8mpg towing my 47 Fountain which is a lot better than I got on the big truck i used to use.
It is very quiet inside and overall has been an excellent vehicle. Despite many claims, I doubt a dual rear wheel vehicle with a gear ratio that will allow heavy towing will do much better, especially with modern emission regulations. Claims of 20 mpg on the 6.7 in a 450 are just ridiculous.

MILD THUNDER

If I'm not mistaken, isn't a F450 max trailer weight 24k with a fifth wheel setup, and 16k with a tag?

pookie

Correct!

BBB725

Your right, no way can am F450 get 20 mpg

My F350 SRW get 17mpg empty and 12mpg towing a 24ft enclosed cargo trailer and I have a 3.55 rearend