Freightliner or F650?

[Tank]

RDP is so funny.

Just for the record. I’m not looking at anything but a sport chassis or an F650. It will be used.

Just want to know the pros and cons of those two models.

But I do appreciate everyone’s input.

 

[Done-it-again]

Its always easier spending someone elses money.....lol

 

[HNL2LHC]

She is a keeper. You don’t need 4wd at site six. There are people that will pull you out……

 

[paradise]

RDP is so funny.

Just for the record. I’m not looking at anything but a sport chassis or an F650. It will be used.

Just want to know the pros and cons of those two models.

But I do appreciate everyone’s input.

This is the one I’ve used a handful of times. Drives awesome and there’s a lot to be said for the extra weight.

Our motorhome is on an M2 chassis and has been rock solid as well.

 

[alohajeff]

I'd pay an insured trucker and fly to my boat for that kind of $$$$$$. To hell with driving cross country or North to South.

Aloha

 

[n2otoofast4u]

My only input here is I had to help the Caliente Skater crew get their rig up the ramp at the Marina last year or year before. It was only 2wd and wouldn’t pull the thing up.

That said, either are badass, fuck worrying about parking.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

That’s I’ve heard as well.
This one isn’t bad if you want all the BS

2022 ford f450 super duty diesel for sale by owner - Snowmass, CO - craigslist

This 2022 F450 has been Inspired by the Sintor and Defco builds as a brush type truck on a super single military setup. Fox 2.5 dual adjustable "elite performance" suspension, Built and custom tuned...

houston.craigslist.org

That’s a pretty good buy actually.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

New 4500/5500 cab chassis. I looked at them at the work truck auto show displays. Would handle a big boat no problem. Friend recently bought 1 to replace a f550 work truck. They are no comparison in size to a F650 though. The f650 had the 6.7 diesel de tuned in it. And the 5500 had the Duramax but not sure if it was de tuned. The tire size on f650 was much larger. I will see if I have pics.

Yeah the Chevy 4500/5500 have detuned Duramaxes of the latest generation. They also have an increased turning radius and the hood opens up like a big rig for easy access to maintenance items. I believe they all come bare chassis in the rear and you need an outfitter to provide the bed option you want.

And no GMC option on the medium duty models. Chevy only.

 

[glamis0812]

RDP is so funny.

Just for the record. I’m not looking at anything but a sport chassis or an F650. It will be used.

Just want to know the pros and cons of those two models.

But I do appreciate everyone’s input.

Then I would for sure get a Sports chassis or any M2 106, there’s others building these.

 

[goshen82]

We looked at buying a sc before I got my 450. One of the reasons we didn’t end up getting one is they struggle getting up a boat ramp if you don’t have 4wd. A buddy had one that was 2wd and he said it would barely get his boat out of the water. I went with 450 because the sport chassis is just to big in parking lots. I don’t drive my 450 during the week but I do like to drive it on weekends or if I have to run a errand and I don’t think you can do that as easily in a sport chassis or 650. But they both are badass trucks. If I had to choose between the two mentioned would go sport chassis I think they are more badass looking.

 

[Tank]

It’s funny. I’ve always had 4WD tow vehicles and have never had to use it. Of course I’ll end up getting a 2WD and wind up getting stuck on a ramp I’m sure!!

Guess I’ll hunt 4wD

 

[Dr Rob]

RDP is so funny.

Just for the record. I’m not looking at anything but a sport chassis or an F650. It will be used.

Just want to know the pros and cons of those two models.

But I do appreciate everyone’s input.

 

[Hoodoo]

I'd be tired of that F650 about halfway through the first time I had to climb into the damn thing. That doesn't seem like fun.

I looked into them a few years ago and came away thinking the bulk and ride compared to a F350/450 would get old pretty quick. Bought a new f350 and love it. I’ve made 3 round trips from FL to Idaho since then. All comfortable trips.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Is there any benefit to the F450 with the serviceability? Seems like u could just go to a Ford dealership. Do you have to go to a specialized dealer for the SC?

 

[Riverbound]

I guess it depends on what you’re doing with it.

but for towing hard to beat the SC.

 

[Dr Rob]

View attachment 1285478

Hands down the most comfortable tow vehicle I've ever owned.600 hp and 2150 tq. Auto 12 speed. Registered as a RV.

 

[Luvnlife]

Since I’m spending your money F-450 with pickup bed and super singles

 

[PlanB]

It’s funny. I’ve always had 4WD tow vehicles and have never had to use it. Of course I’ll end up getting a 2WD and wind up getting stuck on a ramp I’m sure!!

Guess I’ll hunt 4wD

I have used 4wd more than once on wet ramps (Site 6 was one). I don't think I would own a tow vehicle without it.

 

[Bigbore500r]

RDP is so funny.

Just for the record. I’m not looking at anything but a sport chassis or an F650. It will be used.

Just want to know the pros and cons of those two models.

But I do appreciate everyone’s input.

When I saw you were only looking to pull 10k, I thought you needed an intervention

Get a Peterbuilt with a sleeper cab, don’t stop at the SC !

 

[HNL2LHC]

It’s funny. I’ve always had 4WD tow vehicles and have never had to use it. Of course I’ll end up getting a 2WD and wind up getting stuck on a ramp I’m sure!!

Guess I’ll hunt 4wD

I hear you. I have a low mile GMC we bought in 2013 But only 2wd. When we started talking about a boat I didn't even want to entertain trying to use that. I just bought more than I thought that I’d need. Best to you in your search.

 

[Bigbore500r]

View attachment 1285478

Now we’re talkin !!!

 

[fishing fool]

I know nothing about the trucks you listed.
I drive the 40 everyday to and from work and see more Dodge transport trucks pulling then anything else. Just telling you what is on the road...
My $.02

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I hear you. I have a low mile GMC we bought in 2013 But only 2wd. When we started talking about a boat I didn't even want to entertain trying to use that. I just bought more than I thought that I’d need. Best to you in your search.

FWIW, you’d be 100% fine with 2wd in Havasu aside from Site 6. I’ve launched 28’ Howards and an E Ticket with my 2WD truck at the Marina and Windsor.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Is there any benefit to the F450 with the serviceability? Seems like u could just go to a Ford dealership. Do you have to go to a specialized dealer for the SC?

Even small dealerships will do most things on a 450 or 550, because they run "pickup" motors and fit on the lifts. With a 650 or the like, you're going to be slightly limited with dealerships. The dealer would have to be a commercial type, or one of the larger ones that does RV's.

@Tank , a 650 or an SC really don't have many differences when you're underneath them. Same Bendix brake systems, Allison's and Cummins motors usually. I'd go with the Cummins power just for parts availability. Every big city has at least one supplier. Even out here, I've had a cylinder head, piston, bearings and gasket set in 8 hours.

As for a 4x4: find out if it was a factory upfit or custom, and who did it. There's a local 650 here, 2015 or so. The axle is a mid 90's unit, as is the T-case. Not an issue yet, but later getting parts may be tricky.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

FWIW, you’d be 100% fine with 2wd in Havasu aside from Site 6. I’ve launched 28’ Howards and an E Ticket with my 2WD truck at the Marina and Windsor.

FWIW, you’d be 100% fine with 2wd in Havasu aside from Site 6. I’ve launched 28’ Howards and an E Ticket with my 2WD truck at the Marina and Windsor.

Tank travels. There’s slippery snotty ramps elsewhere. His boat will be heavy. That’s why I chose P4XL.

In my case, it’s just my wife and I, no crew. I don’t want to put my wife in a bad spot on a slippery ramp.

 

[glamis0812]

FWIW, you’d be 100% fine with 2wd in Havasu aside from Site 6. I’ve launched 28’ Howards and an E Ticket with my 2WD truck at the Marina and Windsor.

Thats all based on weight, I had no problem at site 6 with this setup. Now with my current 34’ partycat 4wd is almost a must at any ramp in havasu.

 

[WTR&PWR]

FWIW, you’d be 100% fine with 2wd in Havasu aside from Site 6. I’ve launched 28’ Howards and an E Ticket with my 2WD truck at the Marina and Windsor.

You can definitely do it with 2wd but your tire selection makes a huge difference. If you’re running a full highway tread they slip easy. I bought a pair at Costco and will never do it again. I have to throw it in 4th way too often.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

View attachment 1285501
Thats all based on weight, I had no problem at site 6 with this setup. Now with my current 34’ partycat 4wd is almost a must at any ramp in havasu.

That's odd because I have not had to use 4 wheel drive with my F450 or my SRW F350 on any Havasu ramp launching or retrieving my 35' Formula.
Never used site 6 though and probably never will.

Saguaro Lake near Phoenix is the only ramp I've encountered where 4x4 was needed.
Those ramps are slicker than greased owl shit.

 

[J DUNN]

it could be different now but my 2008 SC and 2008 F450 the SC turned better

I sold the SC for same amount i bought it for. Lost $25k on the F450
View attachment 1285430 View attachment 1285432

The SC turns so tight you have to leave your bumpers on because you might hit your boat.

Sorry, I know, there's an a-hole in every group.

 

[glamis0812]

That's odd because I have not had to use 4 wheel drive with my F450 or my SRW F350 on any Havasu ramp launching or retrieving my 35' Formula.
Never used site 6 though and probably never will.

Saguaro Lake near Phoenix is the only ramp I've encountered where 4x4 was needed.
Those ramps are slicker than greased owl shit.

Mine is pretty light on the tongue, where yours being a V is probably heavier up front. The marina is probably the only one I don’t worry about and Windsor 4 is the worst but it’s no problem in 4wd.

 

[rickym20]

I know you said not looking at Chevys but this one would make me reconsider. Nicely done .

 

[Outdrive1]

Tank step up and get an F150, if not go be poor somewhere else….,

 

[RichL]

I have used 4wd more than once on wet ramps (Site 6 was one). I don't think I would own a tow vehicle without it.

Ditto this. I wouldn't tow without it. You don't need 4WD until you need it.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Ditto this. I wouldn't tow without it. You don't need 4WD until you need it.

Honestly, it's real handy to have towing cross country too I think. Other areas may not have the wide shoulders to pull off on, and we all know Cali has the nice weather...not always as predictable other places.

 

[SPYLIFE]

My Neighbor had an SC P4XL some years ago and we had a blast driving around in it. If you like attention this did the trick. Another buddy in the horse business had the SC Ranch Hauler. He would pull one of his 40' trailers with his 450, and I would tow the other one with the SC for him to shows. He liked the 450, I loved driving the SC truck. Were I to have 150K burning a hole in my pocket, a low mileage pre-owned SC 2XL would be in my driveway for sure.

 

[stillhustlin]

Having owned a medium duty international for a hot second I have to agree on all the comments in relation to the F450. I would also recommend a Ram 4500 or 5500. Much more practical all round and don’t suck to drive.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Having owned a medium duty international for a hot second I have to agree on all the comments in relation to the F450. I would also recommend a Ram 4500 or 5500. Much more practical all round and don’t suck to drive. View attachment 1285630

One very real consideration on all three F450 sized trucks. The pulling from the hitch ratings are far different than their advertised tow rating. The advertised tow rating is from the bed/fifth wheel, not hitch. I think the Ford is 24K IIRC

 

[Tank]

I know you said not looking at Chevys but this one would make me reconsider. Nicely done .
View attachment 1285520

I’m actually a Chevy guy. Have onky owned Chevy trucks. It’s not that I don’t want a Chevy it’s that I’m just looking for something fun to tow the boat with that will be good for long hauls.

 

[Tank]

Tank step up and get an F150, if not go be poor somewhere else….,

Your funny.

By the way, buddy is selling a 6pack gas ezgo, cal plated cart flat blue paint. Decent shape for 10 I believe if you still want one.

 

[Waterjunky]

I have a Super C on a freightliner M2. it has taken some serious work to the front end to get the thing anywhere near comfortable to drive. I still want to rebuild the stock sway bar in the front as it ate the bushings out of it within 10k miles and add a rear.

These chassis are built to be cheap and not fall apart, notice that driver comfort and handling are not one of those two. Read a little in the RV forums, this is not isolated. There is an entire industry trying to make these things drive like a F450.......

Choose carefully.... Everything has a tradeoff.

 

[paradise]

I have a Super C on a freightliner M2. it has taken some serious work to the front end to get the thing anywhere near comfortable to drive. I still want to rebuild the stock sway bar in the front as it ate the bushings out of it within 10k miles and add a rear.

These chassis are built to be cheap and not fall apart, notice that driver comfort and handling are not one of those two. Read a little in the RV forums, this is not isolated. There is an entire industry trying to make these things drive like a F450.......

Choose carefully.... Everything has a tradeoff.

It's interesting how the M2 motorhomes seem to be a love or hate. I redid the sway bars in my M2-106 (the 112 doesn't even offer them) and while it took the rattle out it doesn't really make much difference in handling or sway; maybe a couple %? I will say that SC Hauler I've driven has been great, very tight steering and great to drive. I certainly wouldn't want one of these without air ride seats, but with it and good seats they're nice. Just my .02

 

[Outdrive1]

Your funny.

By the way, buddy is selling a 6pack gas ezgo, cal plated cart flat blue paint. Decent shape for 10 I believe if you still want one.

I ended up buying a new gas EZGo 4 seat cart I love it

 

[Tank]

I ended up buying a new gas EZGo 4 seat cart I love it View attachment 1285674

nice!!!

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Tank -

Something else just came to mind. There are "fake" SC P4XL's. They are 4 x 4 conversions. I was warned and several people asked me about this when I sold mine. Also, not sure the year, but Sport Chassis became its own entity and NOT Freightliner. So be careful.

On the P4XL's they come with the same tires on the drivers and steering axles. They hop around and track terrible, I had to be up on the wheel 100% of the time. I changed them to a Goodyear steering axle tire and it really changed the entire experience driving the truck. It went straight, didn't wander, period. The picture I posted has the steering tires on the front. the reads are like big off road tractor tires.

Good luck and enjoy the process.

 

[glamis0812]

I have a Super C on a freightliner M2. it has taken some serious work to the front end to get the thing anywhere near comfortable to drive. I still want to rebuild the stock sway bar in the front as it ate the bushings out of it within 10k miles and add a rear.

These chassis are built to be cheap and not fall apart, notice that driver comfort and handling are not one of those two. Read a little in the RV forums, this is not isolated. There is an entire industry trying to make these things drive like a F450.......

Choose carefully.... Everything has a tradeoff.

On the trucks the cab rides on air and with a air seat it’s really not bad.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

On the trucks the cab rides on air and with an air seat it’s really not bad.

The Serta seats are great. Air ride, highly adjustable and have the back-saver back massage, which really helps.

 

[Tank]

Tank -

Something else just came to mind. There are "fake" SC P4XL's. They are 4 x 4 conversions. I was warned and several people asked me about this when I sold mine. Also, not sure the year, but Sport Chassis became its own entity and NOT Freightliner. So be careful.

On the P4XL's they come with the same tires on the drivers and steering axles. They hop around and track terrible, I had to be up on the wheel 100% of the time. I changed them to a Goodyear steering axle tire and it really changed the entire experience driving the truck. It went straight, didn't wander, period. The picture I posted has the steering tires on the front. the reads are like big off road tractor tires.

Good luck and enjoy the process.

Funny I did the same thing on our GMC 3500 dually that had the big alcoas on it. Never understood how much the front and rear tires mattered on big industrial wheels until I had that truck. Those Goodyears are bomb though. 100k mile tires.

 

[hallett21]

I know I know not what you asked about. But pretty cool.

WAVE ADIOS 🙋🏽‍♂️ on Instagram: "Tow Rig Tuesday… #WaveAdios #MTIboats #Renegade #Adrenaline #Trailers"

590 likes, 6 comments - waveadiosmti48 on October 3, 2023: "Tow Rig Tuesday… #WaveAdios #MTIboats #Renegade #Adrenaline #Trailers"

www.instagram.com

 

[79 HUSTLER]

2007 freightliner P2-XL diesel for sale by owner - Lake Havasu City, AZ - craigslist

Low Mile Freightliner Sport Chassis P2-XL, 51,000 orig miles, Mercedes MBE900 engine, lockable cargo box on the bed with a pullout work tray rated at 1500 lbs, Rigid work lights to light up bed box,...

mohave.craigslist.org

 

[monkeyswrench]

That's weird, the M2's I work on are 2014-16's I think. They have sway bars and drivers that abuse the living hell out of them. I wonder if the MH setups are set up differently?

I have a Super C on a freightliner M2. it has taken some serious work to the front end to get the thing anywhere near comfortable to drive. I still want to rebuild the stock sway bar in the front as it ate the bushings out of it within 10k miles and add a rear.

These chassis are built to be cheap and not fall apart, notice that driver comfort and handling are not one of those two. Read a little in the RV forums, this is not isolated. There is an entire industry trying to make these things drive like a F450.......

Choose carefully.... Everything has a tradeoff.