Tow Vehicle Opinions

[Bourbon County]

I spent my career working for an auto manufacturer. We had an engineer in our department who had worked for GM previously and was on the R&D team for the Duramax. I asked him which diesel pickup he would like and he replied: "the Cummins engine with the Allison transmission on a Ford chassis". Good luck finding that one; actually good luck finding much selection on any diesel pickup now, they seem to be having issues manufacturing them. I haven't personally shopped for one in a few years, but I hear they are getting sticker +$, no negotiating at all. Conversely, if you do find what you want, you're more likely to get more $ for trade-in or private sale of your truck than you might imagine. I used to own a 2004 F350 srw to pull our previous camper, but sold it shortly after the camper caught fire from the Dometic refrigerator and didn't need it any more. I still see a few of that vintage on the road.

I objectively looked at all 3 manufacturers when I bought mine and ended up with an F350 mostly because I thought it to be the most comfortable to drive and got a much better deal for a truck with the highest trim package. The only real drawback I have is the turn radius seems very long.

The other drawback I see with the F450 is the only rear axle ratio offered is 4:30 which has to be detrimental to fuel economy. Mine has a 3:55 which concerned me a bit at first but has pulled my 40 footer with ease everywhere I've gone. Where you live and where you plan to pull would be a factor here. I get between 11-13 mpg while towing and recently took a 600 mile trip with just the truck and it averaged 18 mpg for the trip.

[JABURKHOLDER]

Originally Posted by Bourbon County

The other drawback I see with the F450 is the only rear axle ratio offered is 4:30 which has to be detrimental to fuel economy. Mine has a 3:55 which concerned me a bit at first but has pulled my 40 footer with ease everywhere I've gone. Where you live and where you plan to pull would be a factor here. I get between 11-13 mpg while towing and recently took a 600 mile trip with just the truck and it averaged 18 mpg for the trip.

My 2016 F350, dually, diesel, crew cab, long bed has 4:30 gears. I consider that a plus. With those gears and the Tow/Haul mode, I can move a mountain.
Fuel economy is taken care of by the multi-geared transmission. Depending on terrain, I get 10-12 mpg towing (Tow/Haul mode, cruise control at 59 mph) and I have gotten as high as 21 mpg non-towing 65 mph+.

[c2itcliff]

I spotted one of those rare conversions while in SD last year. Pulled into a convenience store next to a Ford pick-up. While waiting, I noticed the Cummins badge. When the owner arrived I asked about his Ford. He proceeded to tell me about all the changes made and proudly stated that all the gauges worked. So strange to be looking at the Ford and hear that distinct Cummins engine.