Well we made the mistake of going to look at the new toyhauler by Excel, the Wild Cargo. I just knew I wouldn't like it for full-timing, because I've looked at lots of them and they just don't seem right for living in. This one is so different, they did it right. If we trade, I really will need a new truck. Anyone have a good reason not to consider a 2008 F-450. This trailer has a GVWR of 22,500.

According to the Ford website the 2008 Super Duty F450 has a conventional towing capacity of 16,000 lbs. and a 5er rating of 24,500. So, technically, you can do it and stay within design criteria. You did say the 5er was 22,500 as GVW and you do plan to stay within that GVW when fully packed and watered, right? Now stow several hundred lbs extra in the truck bed and add a couple hundred for y'all in the cab and hmmm... Definatly tagging that upper limit of the truck.

Personally, I subscribe to the philosophy of NOT running at/near maximum capacity for safety, durability, and comfort. A 550 will pull it (actually more importantly STOP it and control it) with no sweat. The 450 will be right at the limits and you will know it is at the limits- unfortunately at the most critical point when you need it the most.

JMHO

We bought the trailer, a little more info on weights, after we transfer all our stuff and add the bike, we should be under 20,000 lbs. We always run with empty tanks and just enough in the fresh to use the facilities. Although the trailer is rated at 22,500, I just don't see any way we would be approaching that figure. Now the stickler, we found an almost new F-450, at a great price and ready to tow. The problem is it has 4.30 gears which lowers its towing rating to 20,000 lbs. Anyone know if a gear swap to 4.88's is a viable option. Thanks in advance for all the thoughtful replies.

I'll bet that once you load it and then actually weight it - that is the big surprise - you'll have quite a few more pounds than expected. Drag it to a truck stop and slap it on the scales. My advice to everyone is NEVER guess weight, get it weighed. Ideally weigh it at each wheel - harder to find this type, sometimes at RV rallies. Second best is to split axles on a multi-pad truck scale - costs a whopping $6 or so. There is no third best as that is a guess.

As for the gear ratio change, we know that it's NOT the gear ratio that'll stop you or keep the trailer under control, right? Seems no matter how you slice it that 450 is nearly maxed out from the git go. Not the best place to be for your (and my) safety, your comfort, and the truck's longevity.

With that said, a gear swap is mechanically no biggie. They'll just swap the ring and pinion within the same housing. I am assuming, and this will need to be verified, that the 4.88 standard axle is the same axle as the 4.3 axle you have (hence the same GAWR). It is possible, though I'd guess not likely, that the 4.3 axle has a lower GAWR meaning a gear change won't increase the GAWR. Again, your specific axle will need to be verieifed for GAWR by getting the axle codes off of the axle.

However, once you price that swap and add it to the cost I'll bet that "great deal" won't be.


-- Edited by RVDude at 13:47, 2007-11-11

Geeze, I am feeling pretty bad here... I really don't mean to rain on your parade at all. However, I just re-looked at the Ford spec list and it clearly indicates that the 4.88 configuration includes the "High capacity towing package." So it is just not gearing that increases the capacity from 20k to 24k lbs. This package might contain higher capacity brakes/linings, chassis stiffening, different hydraulic fluids, more coolers, stronger driveshafts, and what have you. I'd find out what is included in that package - in detail - before going any further.

I know I've said this way too much already but if your trailer has disk brakes be prepared to add an aftermarket brake controller to your Ford. The Ford Integrated Brake Controller won't work. (I know some say it will but it won't...read the Ford owners manual)

Well, after the replies on this and other forums, we have revised our TV search up to MDT's, since I've only sat in one at a rally, and no nothing about them, I'm not having a warm and fuzzy feeling about looking for one. Any and all advice would be very appreciated.

DZ - I can't help with the MDT other than to say that it is the right choice. In the long run you will be much happier and safer with an MDT towing configuration. Off tow you may wind up doing the Jeep thing H&L did or piggyback a smart car (see pic below) or maybe just a couple scooters.

There are several threads over on the irv2 forum if you have not looked there. Over there, the screen name "toterman" is positively "da man" on this subjuct (that's his rig below) along with several others who are superbly knowledgable and don't rant like another forum we all know of.

Good luck and keep us posted!




-- Edited by RVDude at 14:57, 2007-11-12