F550 Questions

[Paul328]

Hello,

Hope you all don't mind a couple questions from someone considering buying a F550.

I am going to go full time in a 5th wheel RV, retiring to the WA/OR Coast, most of the year I will stay put, once or twice a year I will make long journeys to see relatives.

Looking into buying a tow vehicle I quickly found out that used F350's and F450's were way out of my budget. I only want a cab and chassis and they are hard to find.

When I started looking at the F550 though, I found they are in my budget, many are former box trucks or dump vehicles and are reasonably priced.

My questions are, would they be good as a tow vehicle? I have had a couple people say since they are designed to haul much heavier weights that it would be too rough on a 5th wheel (not sure the thinking there)

So if there are any F550 owners or former owners please let me know. The 5th wheel trailer is 13K loaded.

Thank you for your time

[65comet]

Too rough might be an understatement with the heavy springs they have. If it was me, (and I just bought a 32' travel trailer and need a tow vehicle) I'd get it and swap out the springs for the proper rated air-bag suspension system. It would have the capacity AND the smooth ride to not tear the trailer up. But you would want to price out the conversion first to see if it makes sense.

[Stealthee]

I don't know why it is so hard to find a chassis cab in a 350. Many current and former work trucks started life as a chassis cab.

A 550 will not be comfortable for long trips. I used to drive a C5500, (GMC's similarly sized truck to the F550) and after a few hours in it I needed a chiropractic adjustment.

A 550 will ultimately be overkill for your 5th wheel.