Any F-550 owners or towers out there ?

[Builder]

I'm not sure how GM gets to the 26k weight rating, mine is 19500 according to the sticker on the door, 26000 for trailering.

depends on the GWVR option - they go up to 26k and thats not trailering

The 5500 only goes up to 19,500 GVWR in 4x4. The OP wants top buy an F-550 or competitor with 4x4

 

[jcmseven]

One other important annotation on this thread. Despite having strong party lines on our preferred equipment I do not find this to be detrimental to our original intent, which is to help our OP find a good machine for his needs. Some of us like Fords (that's me) and some prefer GM, and while Dodge is not involved in this discussion, we have had our share there also. The most important thing we have NOT heard is that either of the options batted around are BAD--except the one "junk" comment which I am taking as a Freudian slip. Most of my experience has been with lighter duty trucks, but I am somewhat familiar with the new diesel offerings from each manufacturer. Although I prefer my Ford, for some of the reasons mentioned, to my friend's Duramax/Allison equipped GMC I would be happy also having his truck parked in my garage (maybe I will pink slip him and it could then happen). The short of this is that competition between the manufacturers is good. Ford had problems with the 6.0L and seems to have busted their humps to correct that with the 6.4L, and has thusly really improved its drivetrain. GM was getting it handed to them with their original offerings to compete with the 450/550 and now they have come out with a very competitive product that in some ways is the better choice. In the end, we all win, and in the end either of these offerings almost assuredly would satisfy our OP's needs. Now, don't we all feel better???

John M

 

[Builder]

I'm not sure how GM gets to the 26k weight rating, mine is 19500 according to the sticker on the door, 26000 for trailering.

depends on the GWVR option - they go up to 26k and thats not trailering

I believe this is a mistake. I have never seen a GM 5500 4x4 with a rating over 19,500 lbs.

The OP is looking for a truck comparable to the F-550 4x4. The GM 5500 4x4, which has a typically available GVWR of 19,500 lbs, sticks out like sore thumb as a direct competitor to the F-550 4x4. Even if it DID go up to 26K lbs, I believe this only begs for the overwhelming coup de gras on the F-550 4x4 in that it's comparably priced and capable of carrying more weight than the little F-550 4x4.

 

[ducati996]

Duc,

I do not see your point here. I believe we are both Ford owners and like our trucks. I would say from the perspective that the 550's chief competition is the 5500 GM offering, this is a true statement. Our original poster asked about potential posters who had that truck (550) and what they thought. His answers to this point are that the 5500 GM product is worth a look. The competition for this truck is not a 650, that is a different competition point for both companies.

I also had a concern that our two previous 550 owner, besides yourself, were basing their recommendations based on trucks produced before the 2008 redesign. Having a fair amount of experience with both brands and their drivetrains in the lighter duty trucks myself, I felt it necessary to say that Ford has a top notch product here, and at least in my experience has the currently stronger setup--in a lighter duty truck. As for our poster, I do think the GM 5500 is a worthy and to me more beefy competitor to the 550, but NOT due to its powertrain. I am a Ford guy, but I do like to give some credit to the competition when they have made a good product worth investigating.

John M

They are all worthy of a solid look, my stance(and point) is that the 5500 and F650 should be compared with each other based on just 2 things both are rated at 26k and can cost the same amount (similair options) - so they are competive in nature.
Its not like I didnt look at them, closely - Dang it was only last year nothings changed to make the case different IMHO, you mentioned 2008 as a pinnacle year for change -but for who? Ford only added an engine - GM is unchanged from 2007 (could be wrong?) How trucks should be rated is with GWVR ratings - again the 4500 is ONLY 17k - less than the F550 at 19k, but the 5500 is 26K so thats brings it right back into F650 territory - no back and forth is going to change these facts which are on the MFG website - thats all I need to make sure was clear here - In the end Love the vehicle that you bought -
I still dont understand why there are so much more F450/550 out there in this world than 4500/5500 but thats for folks like Steven Hawkins to answer -

 

[Builder]

Here's 6 of your typical GM 5500 4x4's 19,500 lbs GVWR.

HMMM, all 6 of 6 trucks and not one above the class 5 weight class of 19,500 lbs.

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

I think that pretty well confirms the 5500 is direct and overwhelming competition for the F-550 4x4.

 

[ducati996]

I'm not sure how GM gets to the 26k weight rating, mine is 19500 according to the sticker on the door, 26000 for trailering.


I believe this is a mistake. I have never seen a GM 5500 4x4 with a rating over 19,500 lbs.

The OP is looking for a truck comparable to the F-550 4x4. The GM 5500 4x4, which has a maximum GVWR of 19,500 lbs, sticks out like sore thumb as a direct competitor to the F-550 4x4.

http://www.gmc.com/mediumduty/topkick/5500/specsDimension.jsp

Flat out with 2wd it goes as high as 27k - just add the axle capacities (website says 26k)
I do agree 4wd is less but there are options not on this link (leaf spring enhancement). Just adding the axle total I came out with 21.5 k min without any extra options not listed - as we all know its easy to get it registered to a higher or lower amount - even if the axles are rated more

Sounds like the GM's 4wd is a weak link - F550 is 19k 2/wd or 4/wd either way

F650 is 26k either 2/wd or 4/wd and Im finding them close in prices
Who's thumb is sticking out and sore?

 

[jcmseven]

Builder,

While I appreciate your expertise here, I must remind you that throughout this post (feel free to check) I have agreed with your assessments about the 5500 v. the 550 potential purchase. My point is--of course, based on a lighter duty truck--that the Ford is currently the better performing truck in that class, but not necessarily in the heavier class. I wished to make sure our OP knew that changes had been made by Ford and not just the engine. I am not blinded, I am edumacated and have used an example of both brands and while I cannot attest to the frame and body strength in the heavier class (it seems GM has the edge here) I have used examples of both drivetrains (contrary to your previous allusion). Our OP seemed to have an interest in Fords based on his original title, but it seems that has been washed away here. I wish that my comments had not been taken so out of context and wonder how we would have faired had I not agreed with your assessment (although not with every part of it).

John M

 

[ducati996]

Here's 6 of your typical GM 5500 4x4's 19,500 lbs GVWR.

HMMM, all 6 of 6 trucks and not one above the class 5 weight class of 19,500 lbs.

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

Truck Trader Online Insider - Official truck blog of Truck Trader Online

I think that pretty well confirms the 5500 is direct and overwhelming competition for the F-550 4x4.

Your kidding right? just because they were ordered or registered at 19.5 doesnt mean they couldnt come out of the factory higher -NEW
besides you pay less in inspection by having the lower number - or you go with the higher number and pay less of a fine by DOT if you get weighed and you are over -
I listed a GMC link, it has the spec on the new 5500 at it shows 26k, so whats the point again? thats what they show - dont care whats for sale

 

[workinallthetime]

I like to take into consideration what i see the most of in commercial units running around town. down here i see mostly c4500/5500, i could count the number of f550 i have seen on 2 hands. If more people are buying the c4500/5500 that means they are pleased with the price and the performance.


now here is a truck you cant argue with,
Kodiac c7500 converted to 4x4 with a push button allison trans and a cat engine

 

[ducati996]

Builder,

While I appreciate your expertise here, I must remind you that throughout this post (feel free to check) I have agreed with your assessments about the 5500 v. the 550 potential purchase. My point is--of course, based on a lighter duty truck--that the Ford is currently the better performing truck in that class, but not necessarily in the heavier class. I wished to make sure our OP knew that changes had been made by Ford and not just the engine. I am not blinded, I am edumacated and have used an example of both brands and while I cannot attest to the frame and body strength in the heavier class (it seems GM has the edge here) I have used examples of both drivetrains (contrary to your previous allusion). Our OP seemed to have an interest in Fords based on his original title, but it seems that has been washed away here. I wish that my comments had not been taken so out of context and wonder how we would have faired had I not agreed with your assessment (although not with every part of it).

John M

Oh stop being a flip flopper - just stand your ground and dont worry about feelings being hurt

I for one love to debate (when I feel its needed) - this was healthy and possibly helpful to others, nobodys feelings were hurt - so whats the harm?
Overall we agree to disagree and that all thats expected - the best part was folks listened prior to answering - dont have to agree but both sides were heard

Duc