After comparing, bought an F-550

[Builder]

Builder,
What equipment are you planning to haul with this and what does it weigh?

I used my F550 to haul some ornamental rock with the 14k dump trailer this weekend and it did a great job. First time I had a real load on the trailer to try it out, my total gross weight was around 25,000 lbs and no problems pulling up the mountain roads here.

Planning on a 24-25K 30' dual tandem gooseneck to haul tractor & batwing....about as much as the truck is rated to handle. Truck should weigh ~8,000lbs empty (based on a guess from what my old F-450 4x4 dumptruck weighing 8,400 empty).
GCWR is 33,000lbs. If 550 weighs ~8,000lbs, that takes me down to ~25,000lbs. Trailer will probably weigh 7,000 lbs. That will leave me a max payload of 18,000lbs. That will allow me to carry my farm tractor & batwing easily (14,000lbs) or a light backhoe or my mini-ex and a skid steer.

All guesses at this point. I will weigh truck as soon as I get it back from dealer.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Sounds like a nice truck. It should have no problem handling that load. I got a old 450 that safely handles that size load in the flat land of central IL.

Nice to see you found best vehicle/tool for the job and hope it does all you need and more

 

[Builder]

Got it back from dealer after 6 days in shop. #5 hole was out. Lost #5 injector and wiring harness wouldn't ohm-out so they replaced both. Seems to run OK now. Glad I didn't have to eat that repair-covered under warranty.
Got off to a bad start, hope things go smooth for a while.
On edit: Just got an email from selling Ford dealer apologizing for my troubles with the truck. He went on to say "these 6.4L trucks are known for these problems"
WTH???? I hope he isn't right about that.

 

[scoutcub]

Builder -

You're right on the money with the trailer weight. I've got a LoadMax 30' tandem dually gooseneck, 25.5K that weighs in right at 7K. Awesome trailer.
My only advice is to seriously consider the triple ramps, if you ever need to move a smaller machine, tricycle wheel, etc.
Have fun shoppin......!

 

[Builder]

Builder -

You're right on the money with the trailer weight. I've got a LoadMax 30' tandem dually gooseneck, 25.5K that weighs in right at 7K. Awesome trailer.
My only advice is to seriously consider the triple ramps, if you ever need to move a smaller machine, tricycle wheel, etc.
Have fun shoppin......!

Can you post up some pics or at least give me a write up on your Load Max trailer?
That's one of my "finalists" for trailer choices.

 

[scoutcub]

Can you post up some pics or at least give me a write up on your Load Max trailer?
That's one of my "finalists" for trailer choices.

Here's some pics I have. Sorry I don't have more detailed pics, and out of town till next week. I searched Hi and Lo for the best price and went with Trailers Midwest in Elkhart, IN. Steve is the owner, and it was a perfect transaction. 866-206-7577
It tows like a dream, but I learned real quick coming from a 22' BP to a 30' goose about trailer tracking.....(don't ask) gotta watch the tight turns.
The axles are dexters, and the braking on them is phenomenal. I pulled an 18K load and those brakes would stop that load like NOW.
This is the 3rd LoadMax I've owned, and loved em all.
Good luck!


Frank

 

[Diamondpilot]

I thought it was a good deal. 43,000 miles.
It's definately not a real medium duty engine (6.7L, DT466, 8.3 Cummins, etc.), but it will need to do medium duty work.

I about fell off my couch when I read you bought another Ford. If I buy another GM I am checking myself into a hospital...

Hope you enjoy it.

As for the trailer, I sold my 25K 25+5 GN a few years ago. It would haul anything behind my F-350 but man, it was heavy. 6,800# empty before I installed a chain box, winch, ect.

Chris

 

[ovrszd]

I've got a Neal Trailer, built by a local company in Kansas, 28' + 4' that weighs 6850. Definitely gotta swing out on those turns. Love the way a dual tandem GN hauls a load though. As mentioned before the brakes are awesome.

A friend just bought a use 6.4L with 50K miles. It's been in the shop three times already. Last time was head gaskets. Hope you have better luck but doesn't sound like it's starting out that way. I'd be very depressed with a 43K mile truck that has had to have internal repairs already.

Hope it all works out for you!!!

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Load max trailers are almost identical to PJ trailers. I bet if one dug deep they'd find there made by the same folks or same plant.

Matt

 

[scoutcub]

Load trail trailers are almost identical to PJ trailers. I bet if one dug deep they'd find there made by the same folks or same plant.

Matt

LoadTrail, or LoadMax? I have one of each......:thumbsup: