After comparing, bought an F-550

[jenkinsph]

I think I'd rather have my truck at this point. The cost per month is crazy for a new truck and I don't see that much advantage.

I'm at a crossroads:
I can keep the truck bone stock and spend $2,500 on an extended warranty to 200,000 miles.
OR
I can spend $2,500 on modifying the engine to run right improve mileage, but void my warranty.
OR
I can do nothing, let the factory warranty run out in 1+ yr.

I would love to add a Banks brake. My service mgr at local Ford dealer doesn't think that would be a problem with warranty as long as I remove it, but doesn't want to see anything that adds power or removes emmissions.

I would go with the extended warranty with those choices given, that would provide you with about 150,000 more miles of use. In your case pulling heavy loads I think the extended warranty is a good idea and would give you some peace of mind. I would skip the engine brake for now, see how the truck and trailer works out first. I haven't had any issues stopping a loaded trailer.

 

[jenkinsph]

I was interested in the new trucks and looked into a new 550 chasis with extended cab this past weekend. I was under the impression the 4.88 ls axle is still available but did see the engine is detuned to 300hp. The 19.5 wheels with G rated tires are still offered as standard. The gcwr is up to 35,000 lbs as mentioned above. I want to see how this new truck works out before buying one, that is alot of money to spend if it has problems.


I didn't look at the F450 pickup but if they have lowered the weight ratings and put the smaller wheels on it (much like the 450 vans have) then what is the advantage over a 350 dually? Sounds like Ford is having a hard time selling the 450 p/u and is grasping at straws here. I am more interested in getting a good drivetrain than trim level changes.

I would be satisfied with a 300hp engine, no turbo lag, no problems with engine and a good 5 or 6 speed auto tranny. This may take them more time to make happen.

 

[JESSE1]

The big difference between the F-350 and F-450 is that the 450 has the wide-track front axle and has bigger brakes. It's unbelievable how tight these trucks turn with the wider front axle, it allows the wheels to turn much tighter.

The '08-'10 F-450 pickup was speed limited to 81mph due to the commercial grade 19.5" wheels and tires. Not a problem for me but it hurt sales. My biggest dissapointment in buying another F-450 was not being able to get the 19.5's. Since the truck has the same 33,000# GVWR as my '08, I guess I'll have to make do with the 17's.

 

[Rancher Ed]

Ok, PoorMansCat is the guy I was thinking of. Here is his post from another thred.

We haven't had your luck. We purchased 10 2011 F550 C&C trucks and have been thoroughly disappointed with them. To date, 9 of the 10 have had catastrophic engine failures. There is a lag in acceleration (3+ seconds) when taking off from a complete stop that is so bad it could be considered a safety issue. Other problems include transmissions that go into neutral when shifting from 2-3..., We had several updates performed at the dealerships that seemed to correct the problem, only to have it return about 8-12 weeks later. We have had a couple lose water pumps, having random CEL's, and fuel mileage is 6 MPG at best when averaged across total mileage from mile 0 thru mile 36,000....
The pickup engines don't seem to be experiencing the same engine failures... while the engine itself is the same, the C&C truck uses different software and a different turbocharger that does NOT have an available exhaust brake option...
Not sure why a manufacturer would build a brand new design engine/transmission and NOT have an exhaust brake as standard equipment, especially on a C&C truck????

Ed

 

[Builder]

I, too was shocked that my truck doesn't have an exhaust brake. GM & Dodge have had them for quite a while now.
I wonder if my 6.4L has the turbo close the vanes for some assistance in slowing the truck down, which is sort of like an exhaust brake.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Builder, 7 pages and still no pic. Did you actually buy this truck or are you just messing with DP?

Matt:laughing:

 

[Builder]

Builder, 7 pages and still no pic. Did you actually buy this truck or are you just messing with DP?

Matt:laughing:

Yep, I'm just a big fat liar.
I love messing with DP. Such an easy victim.
BTW: How's the DMAX?

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Yep, I'm just a big fat liar.
I love messing with DP. Such an easy victim.
BTW: How's the DMAX?

Looks good, the dmax is good I've been disappointed with the mileage but was on a 3 hr highway ride yesterday and the mpg was way up so I guess it's just a better highway truck. I'd say you did pretty good on price for the 550. I really like the bed and trap door.

Matt

 

[Builder]

That was the picture taken after I dropped it off at the dealer to replace injector & wiring harness.
I have since removed the running boards, added a fuel transfer tank, a small backup camera and all the decals to the doors.
Wanna talk bad fuel mileage? You oughta see this pig chomp down some fuel. Definately single digits around town.:ashamed:
My DMAX is getting 13.5 around town toting 2K in tools in the utility body.

 

[Builder]

I'm kind of happy I bought a pre-urea truck, although the DPF isn't anything to smile about. Now I gotta find some XLT seats. I keep sliding around on the "wash & go" vinyl seats. :laughing:
I'll get some better pics soon.