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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> New (to us) Tow Vehicle
Post Info TOPIC: New (to us) Tow Vehicle
TheHarveys


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New (to us) Tow Vehicle
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I have traded in our 2000 Ford F550 for a 2008 Ford F450 4 X 4 with the 4:88 rear-end. The only option it does not have is a moon roof. 

Needless to say, I know the 2008 F450's have had reported problems with the cooling system, but I am hoping I will not have some of the problems I have read about. And in the event I do, I plan to replace the radiator with an aftermarket one, (or a Ford Job 2 radiator) that will hold up much better than the original one.

The truck is in beautiful shape and only has 19,500 miles on it. I have driven it to work and back a couple times and am averaging 13 miles per gallon, so far. I have not had a chance to tow the trailer yet. However, i did hitch up the trailer and made adjustments to the hitch to get the trailer towing level.

I read numerous reviews about how harsh the ride is in the F450. But, until you have ridden in my F550, you don't know nuthin' about rough. Compared to our old F550, the 2008 F450 rides like a Cadillac. smile



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Cindy and Jeff Harvey
2007 International 4400 Hauler (The Big Boss)
2010 Carriage Carri-Lite MAX1

"There are seven days in the week...and none of them are called someday".
Workinrvers


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congrats on the new truck, bet it looks great hooked up to your 5er. Enjoy!

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Phil and Rudee
http://workinrvers.blogspot.com
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
2007 Dodge Dakota
2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
Terry and Jo


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Our Ford F450 is also a 2008 equipped about the same as yours.  Maybe we are spoiled, but we don't think the ride is bad in ours.  However, we live in Oklahoma and Oklahoma's roads are less than good, with some areas outright rough.

When we were researching for a tow truck for an 18,500 lb fifth wheel, the books showed the F450 as actually having more capabiltiy than the F550's as far as weight was concerned.  We've not towed much with ours, but when we do, it amazes me as to how little work the truck actually seems to be doing.  We previously had an F250 towing a 26 foot "ultralite" fifth wheel and Jo always thought the truck was working hard to pull the trailer.  The F450 almost seems to be asking, "Is there anything behind me?"

If you are getting 13mpg for mileage, that is darn good.  Mine gets about 11.5 to 12 when not towing, but that is using the computer readout and not actually figuring miles to gallons used.  While we get around 9mpg towing here in Oklahoma according to actual calculations, I've not taken the F450 "on the road" to be able to accurately measure mpg by calculating fuel to miles.

While our mileage sounds bad to many when towing, it is partly because of that 4:88 rear differential ratio.  I tell everyone that this truck was bought for one purpose only and that was to tow a heavy trailer.

Good luck with the truck.  We really enjoy ours.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
TheHarveys


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Terry,
Even though they are no longer producing them, shortly after I bought the truck, I bought a Dr. Performance module for it, and immediately gained about 2 miles per gallon (according to the computer) in fuel mileage. I also put an Air Raid high flow air filter in the factory air box.
I did not make these additions for performance, (although the performance module really boosts the power) but mainly for mileage and it seems they have paid off. I am going to be taking the trailer on a longer trip this weekend, (up to Choctaw) so I will get a better idea of my actual mileage while towing.
We tow our trailer across the country at least two times a year. I am looking forward to our first really long trip with the new truck. I have a feeling it will be much more enjoyable then in the old F550.


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Cindy and Jeff Harvey
2007 International 4400 Hauler (The Big Boss)
2010 Carriage Carri-Lite MAX1

"There are seven days in the week...and none of them are called someday".
Terry and Jo


RV-Dreams Family Member

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OK.  Now you have my curiosity up.  You mentioned going up to Choctaw.  I suspect that Texas may also have one, but there is also a Choctaw, Oklahoma that is just east of Oklahoma City.  I don't suppose you would be coming up this far and let us have an opportunity to meet you, but, where is "your" Choctaw?

I've not ever been one to put on performance items, but I certainly might look into that Air Raid filter.  Oh, and I think yhou will really like towing with the F450.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
TheHarveys


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Terry,

I misspoke...In Texas, when we say "Choctaw", everyone thinks of the "Casino" in Oklahoma.  confuse We are actually going to the Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK. We are going up on Friday and staying the weekend at the KOA by the Casino. We are actually going up to see the Terry Fator performance on Friday evening. You can see some of his stuff at this youtube link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agfXQTLXnZ0

It would be nice to meet you and Jo, but I am afraid we will not really be in the "neighborhood". no



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Cindy and Jeff Harvey
2007 International 4400 Hauler (The Big Boss)
2010 Carriage Carri-Lite MAX1

"There are seven days in the week...and none of them are called someday".
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