Wonderful: Now if we could just get some firm numbers on axle capacities we'd be in business to make additional decisions. Remember, the fifth wheel tow ratings are great, but without a firm number on rear axle weight rating you could still overload this beast. But IMO, they have to up it quite a bit and I'm sure they have.
Looking forward to some independent testing of the new turbo and how effective it is as an exhaust brake.
That said, pretty impressive numbers.
New 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Will Deliver Best-in-Class Horsepower, Torque and Towing Capacity
Second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel boosts horsepower to a class-leading 440 horsepower; torque to class-leading 860 lb.-ft. for all models
F-450 chassis upgrades raise maximum gooseneck trailer towing capacity to class-leading 31,200 pounds, fifth wheel towing capacity to class-leading 26,500 pounds, and gross combined weight rating to a class-leading 40,000 pounds
F-350 available with maximum towing package that increases fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer towing capacity to 26,500 pounds, and raises the gross combined weight rating to 35,000 pounds
HOUSTON – March 5, 2014 –Ford F-Series Super Duty reinforces its leadership in the heavy-duty pickup truck market with engine and chassis upgrades for 2015 that together deliver best-in-class horsepower, torque and towing capacity.
Ford’s second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel now boasts 440 horsepower, up from 400 horsepower, and 860 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 800 lb.-ft, across all Super Duty models from F-250 to F-450.
The 2015 F-450 tops the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck lineup with maximum towing capacity increasing to a class-leading 31,200 pounds, a gain of 6,500 pounds. The truck’s gross combined weight rating increases to a class-leading 40,000 pounds, a gain of 7,000 pounds.
F-350 increases maximum towing capacity as well, to 26,500 pounds, from 23,200 pounds, and the gross combined weight rating goes up 5,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds.
BiggarView said
11:12 AM Mar 5, 2014
Bill, hope you're right about Ford raising the GAWR. It would seem by raising the fifth wheel towing rating by 3300 lbs that the GAWR rating would be increased by approx 20% of that so if I was going to guess, add 660 to the current rating as a ball park number. You're right, now we gotta wait for official numbers
-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 5th of March 2014 11:18:01 AM
Bill and Linda said
11:28 AM Mar 5, 2014
Brian
It’s always in the details.If you read carefully you will notice the F-350 and the F-450 have the SAME fifth wheel ratings.However, the F-450 has a higher gooseneck rating.This is generally because gooseneck trailers generally have less pin weight than fifth wheels.
Also, some of that max trailer rating has to do with how they put the pin weight on the frame.Sometimes you will see a pin weight rating that will actually be the limitation.However, with a hauler bed, properly engineered that won’t be as much of an issue.
I personally am pretty confident that they will upgrade the F-450 rear axle back what it originally was – hopefully more - as they are upgrading tire size etc.But it appears, for many, an F-350 may do just as well for most fivers as will the RAM or in some cases a Chevy.It just depends on what you need – these new F-450 / 350 trucks are not going to be inexpensive and are not likely to receive any discounts initially
I’m a numbers and test guy and I’m looking forward to seeing those before too long along with some independent tests of the exhaust brake.
This release continues to prove the point; the badge on the side of the truck means nothing without looking much closer at the specific truck and model year in question.
This could be fun – and expensive.
Jack Mayer said
04:44 PM Mar 6, 2014
Expensive is right,Bill. It WILL be interesting to see ALL the numbers and test ratings.
Just remember everyone, that braking and pulling are still not all the picture. You have physics at work here. For a VERY heavy 5th wheel you still only have a 9,500 lb or so truck in front of it.
TRAILERKING said
10:53 AM Mar 7, 2014
I think with most of those BIGGER 5th's a guy is better off using an ex highway truck. If it's a tandem then pull the front diff. out of it. Add another section of driveshaft and a hanger bearing. Make sure it's air-ride.
Then you have a tow rig..........................and for a lot less than a dually pickup.
Of course it will now be air brake equipped. There is then the "Driving With Proper Endorsements" basically know what your doing. Not jump out of your Chevy Cavalier and hop up in the rig and giver.(Read about this all the time. Some people don't have a clue)
-- Edited by TRAILERKING on Friday 7th of March 2014 10:54:40 AM
Bill and Linda said
02:14 PM Mar 10, 2014
FWIW at this point in time: I was able to get a build order on a 2015 F-450 (pickup) from a local Ford dealer using their access to Ford’s dealer’s “build plans.” I.e. a dealer goes into their dealer only login Ford website and “builds a truck” on paper and the order process spits out a price and a specification sheet.This is how they order a truck. These sheets indicate “Late Availability” which means they are not yet ready to build these.They do indicate what Ford refers to as “Job 1 Trucks,” that is the first trucks for sale are due off the line July 7, 2014.
The big number in question is the rear axle rating.Looks like it will be increased from 9,100 lbs to a preliminary 9,650 lbs. (I reconfirmed the 9,100 lb RAWR for the 2014’s two different ways via the dealer’s only Ford specifications / build program as listed on the public website.)Both the commercial truck manager and I agreed (hoped?) they will probably up the 9,650 RAWR number when final numbers are released as the 2014 RAM 3500HD is 9,750lbs.Fiddling with the numbers is normal as each manufacture jockeys their positions.
The GVWR is still 14,000lbs.No surprise there. Same as current and recent previous years for the pickup.
Warranty on the 2015 diesel was 60/100,000; the powertrain 60/60,000.
So things look a little better for those needing a hauler bed, have a higher pin weight and want an aux tank, etc. We’ll have to wait a bit longer for the next round ofnumbers after Ford finishes playing with the first build numbers.
If you are needing an F-450 specifically and can wait on the 2015's - I sure would before I made a final decision.
As I said, FWIW
Jack Mayer said
04:11 PM Mar 10, 2014
Just reweighed last week. With 6120lbs on the pin I would be pushing it. Total weight 24490, really loaded up.
So if the pin weight would work I could go with an F350. In theory.
Bill and Linda said
04:33 PM Mar 10, 2014
Yea, that’s the screwy thing about the Ford ratings.The F-350 has better ones in some places.It’s that “badge on the side means nothing” thing again.
I did the preliminary chart for the 2015 F-450 and the RAM 3500HD is actually a tad better with a big pin weight.But let’s wait for the final numbers to come out.As we all know, Ford will change them once production begins among other marketing motivations.
With 6,120 lbs for the pin I actually think you would be over based on the base weight numbers I have.That would level you with only ~150 lbs for a hitch and about one screwdriver.
All just good campfire chat right now.Nothing more other than that.
RELEASE AT 12:01 A.M EST ON MARCH 5, 2014
Wonderful: Now if we could just get some firm numbers on axle capacities we'd be in business to make additional decisions. Remember, the fifth wheel tow ratings are great, but without a firm number on rear axle weight rating you could still overload this beast. But IMO, they have to up it quite a bit and I'm sure they have.
Looking forward to some independent testing of the new turbo and how effective it is as an exhaust brake.
That said, pretty impressive numbers.
New 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Will Deliver Best-in-Class Horsepower, Torque and Towing Capacity
Second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel boosts horsepower to a class-leading 440 horsepower; torque to class-leading 860 lb.-ft. for all models
F-450 chassis upgrades raise maximum gooseneck trailer towing capacity to class-leading 31,200 pounds, fifth wheel towing capacity to class-leading 26,500 pounds, and gross combined weight rating to a class-leading 40,000 pounds
F-350 available with maximum towing package that increases fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer towing capacity to 26,500 pounds, and raises the gross combined weight rating to 35,000 pounds
HOUSTON – March 5, 2014 –Ford F-Series Super Duty reinforces its leadership in the heavy-duty pickup truck market with engine and chassis upgrades for 2015 that together deliver best-in-class horsepower, torque and towing capacity.
Ford’s second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel now boasts 440 horsepower, up from 400 horsepower, and 860 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 800 lb.-ft, across all Super Duty models from F-250 to F-450.
The 2015 F-450 tops the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck lineup with maximum towing capacity increasing to a class-leading 31,200 pounds, a gain of 6,500 pounds. The truck’s gross combined weight rating increases to a class-leading 40,000 pounds, a gain of 7,000 pounds.
F-350 increases maximum towing capacity as well, to 26,500 pounds, from 23,200 pounds, and the gross combined weight rating goes up 5,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds.
Bill, hope you're right about Ford raising the GAWR. It would seem by raising the fifth wheel towing rating by 3300 lbs that the GAWR rating would be increased by approx 20% of that so if I was going to guess, add 660 to the current rating as a ball park number. You're right, now we gotta wait for official numbers
-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 5th of March 2014 11:18:01 AM
Brian
It’s always in the details. If you read carefully you will notice the F-350 and the F-450 have the SAME fifth wheel ratings. However, the F-450 has a higher gooseneck rating. This is generally because gooseneck trailers generally have less pin weight than fifth wheels.
Also, some of that max trailer rating has to do with how they put the pin weight on the frame. Sometimes you will see a pin weight rating that will actually be the limitation. However, with a hauler bed, properly engineered that won’t be as much of an issue.
I personally am pretty confident that they will upgrade the F-450 rear axle back what it originally was – hopefully more - as they are upgrading tire size etc. But it appears, for many, an F-350 may do just as well for most fivers as will the RAM or in some cases a Chevy. It just depends on what you need – these new F-450 / 350 trucks are not going to be inexpensive and are not likely to receive any discounts initially
I’m a numbers and test guy and I’m looking forward to seeing those before too long along with some independent tests of the exhaust brake.
This release continues to prove the point; the badge on the side of the truck means nothing without looking much closer at the specific truck and model year in question.
This could be fun – and expensive.
Just remember everyone, that braking and pulling are still not all the picture. You have physics at work here. For a VERY heavy 5th wheel you still only have a 9,500 lb or so truck in front of it.
I think with most of those BIGGER 5th's a guy is better off using an ex highway truck. If it's a tandem then pull the front diff. out of it. Add another section of driveshaft and a hanger bearing. Make sure it's air-ride.
Then you have a tow rig..........................and for a lot less than a dually pickup.
Of course it will now be air brake equipped. There is then the "Driving With Proper Endorsements" basically know what your doing. Not jump out of your Chevy Cavalier and hop up in the rig and giver.(Read about this all the time. Some people don't have a clue)
-- Edited by TRAILERKING on Friday 7th of March 2014 10:54:40 AM
FWIW at this point in time: I was able to get a build order on a 2015 F-450 (pickup) from a local Ford dealer using their access to Ford’s dealer’s “build plans.” I.e. a dealer goes into their dealer only login Ford website and “builds a truck” on paper and the order process spits out a price and a specification sheet. This is how they order a truck. These sheets indicate “Late Availability” which means they are not yet ready to build these. They do indicate what Ford refers to as “Job 1 Trucks,” that is the first trucks for sale are due off the line July 7, 2014.
The big number in question is the rear axle rating. Looks like it will be increased from 9,100 lbs to a preliminary 9,650 lbs. (I reconfirmed the 9,100 lb RAWR for the 2014’s two different ways via the dealer’s only Ford specifications / build program as listed on the public website.) Both the commercial truck manager and I agreed (hoped?) they will probably up the 9,650 RAWR number when final numbers are released as the 2014 RAM 3500HD is 9,750lbs. Fiddling with the numbers is normal as each manufacture jockeys their positions.
The GVWR is still 14,000lbs. No surprise there. Same as current and recent previous years for the pickup.
Warranty on the 2015 diesel was 60/100,000; the powertrain 60/60,000.
So things look a little better for those needing a hauler bed, have a higher pin weight and want an aux tank, etc. We’ll have to wait a bit longer for the next round of numbers after Ford finishes playing with the first build numbers.
If you are needing an F-450 specifically and can wait on the 2015's - I sure would before I made a final decision.
As I said, FWIW
So if the pin weight would work I could go with an F350. In theory.
Yea, that’s the screwy thing about the Ford ratings. The F-350 has better ones in some places. It’s that “badge on the side means nothing” thing again.
I did the preliminary chart for the 2015 F-450 and the RAM 3500HD is actually a tad better with a big pin weight. But let’s wait for the final numbers to come out. As we all know, Ford will change them once production begins among other marketing motivations.
With 6,120 lbs for the pin I actually think you would be over based on the base weight numbers I have. That would level you with only ~150 lbs for a hitch and about one screwdriver.
All just good campfire chat right now. Nothing more other than that.