Posted 2005-11-03 8:25 PM (#32665) Subject: Any experience with 550 or similar size?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
Anyone with experience with 450 to 550 size trucks? Preferrably in 4x4. I am wondering how much more stopping ability and power differences I would have going from 1 ton to that size truck. I usually prefer 4x4 trucks but I wonder how the straight axle truck will ride? Anyone with exp please post. Can be GM, Ford, etc. I just hate to go to a Freightliner or that size truck.
Posted 2005-11-04 11:42 AM (#32692 - in reply to #32665) Subject: RE: Any experience with 550 or similar size?
Member
Posts: 37 Location: Colorado Springs
The biggest problem with the 550+ size trucks are that they don't have factory 4x4 in them. You can send them off to a conversion company and have it added, though. I think Navistar just came out with a "Hauler" type truck that might have 4x4 factory available.
With GVWR ratings up in the high teens to low 20's, they ARE going to ride like a truck- not at all like a 1 ton dually. Loading them up with weight smooths out the ride somewhat.
Posted 2005-11-04 11:56 AM (#32693 - in reply to #32665) Subject: RE: Any experience with 550 or similar size?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
As far as I know you can get a factory 4x4 in a 450 and 550 truck from Ford. I dont know about the 4500 or 5500 GM's but I have only seen one. I know of several fords. I really am wondering how much difference in ride in the 4x4 vs the 4x2 truck. I just hate the size of the 4500 and 5500 trucks. I like the size of the 550. I would consider a freightliner if I had to get a 4500 to 5500.
I use my 4x4 alot (GM 3500) to ease in and out of some slick places with the trailer. Keeps from getting a running start sometimes.
Posted 2005-11-04 9:58 PM (#32710 - in reply to #32665) Subject: RE: Any experience with 550 or similar size?
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Posts: 115
I have a chevy Kodiak 4500 but haven't pulled with it yet. Am going to pick it up from LA over Thanksgiving. It's pulling FEMA campers now and, according to the driver, it hasn't known one was back there yet. They do make a factory 4x4 in these trucks but they are really tall!
The way I understand it, very simply, is that the Kodiaks and Topkicks are "downgraded" big trucks and the Fords are "beefed up" pickups. Of course the ford people may disagree with that statement, lol. Check out the diesel forums for lots of good info. One I found very helpful is www.thedieselplace.com
Posted 2005-11-06 4:16 PM (#32750 - in reply to #32665) Subject: RE: Any experience with 550 or similar size?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
Thanks for the info. I spoke to some guys at the world show this past weekend. They all said they rode ruff as heck until loaded. THat was my opinion before asking. Thanks again.
THe 4500 4x4's are really too tall. I like the 4x4 but you have to compromise somewhere. Thanks.
Any experience with 550 or similar size?
