Ford F450 Review:
We’ve been extremely satisfied with our 2019 Ford F450. For towing 20,000 pounds on a full-time basis, having unlimited power, the low 4.30 gear ratio, a larger 48-gallon fuel tank, a long bed and bigger brakes make RVing a bit easier. But there are some drawbacks. The ride is a bit rigid and getting around town, grocery shopping, parking, etc. can be more challenging. This isn’t much of a problem while traveling, but those that would like to drive an F450 daily may grow tired of the size over time.
This is our 4th Ford truck over the past 5 years. Combined, we have driven 212,000 miles and have only changed the batteries, wipers, brakes and a fuel pump fuse. Our first F150 we drove to 175,000 miles. Ford has been a good truck to us so we have no reason to change. Our next truck will likely be a F250 with the 6.7L diesel engine. That was our favorite truck, but only suitable for towing travel trailers and smaller 5th wheels due to the low 2,000 pound payload capacity.
Truck Upgrades
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch
The first decision we had to make was which 5th wheel hitch to use. Because we’re new to fifth wheels and Toy Ginger’s GVWR of 20,000 pounds, we elected to go with the B&W Companion hitch with the OEM puck system. This is what JD from Big Truck Big RV recommended and etrailer.com also thought it was the best option for us.
Pros & Cons: Now that we’ve been using the hitch for 5,000 miles, I love the sturdiness and simplicity of the hitch. There is ZERO play and connecting/disconnecting is a breeze. What are the drawbacks? If you’re not full-time RVing, you may not be willing to have a permanent fixture in the bed of your truck. If that is the case, you can look into the B&W Companion hitch that connects to the turnover ball or use a gooseneck hitch. Whichever hitch you decide to buy, be sure to check the weight ratings.
We have an affiliate link with etrailer.com. When it comes to big purchases for the truck and RV, we wanted to provide a resource that not only supports the KYD community but provides additional support and education.
WeatherTech no-drill mud flaps
Depending on your state, mud flap on dual wheel drive trucks are required, but regardless mudflaps are a good idea and the F450 looked naked without them. I wanted a streamlined factory look and the WeatherTech no-drill mud flap was the best option.
These mud flaps fit perfect using the existing holes and no drilling. Be sure to add your truck to the etrailer website and find the right pair.
BAKFlip MX4 Hard Tonneau Cover
The BAKFlip tonneau cover is one of my favorite upgrades. I was very eager to get it installed on the new truck. Not until we got a 5th wheel did we know about the drawback not being able to see the hitch (from over my shoulder) when backing up.
This makes the BAKFlip MX4 my favorite bed cover for a travel trailer, but probably wouldn’t get it again if I had a 5th wheel. Which says a lot because I really love these bed covers. The fact is, the 5th wheel cam just isn’t adiquite and more times than not is overexposed due to the angle of the sun. I’ll be doing some reserch on the best bed cover for 5th wheel towing and post to our etrailer.com page.
Airlift QuickShot Compressor System for Air Springs
As I mentioned in the video, the Ford F450 only squats a little even with a heavy load, but I wanted the truck and trailer to be perfectly level. I also wanted on-board air to make adding air to our 12 110 PSI tires easy.
I was very happy with the install that Max-Bilt did in Eau Claire, WI. The location of the air switch in the upper glove box is perfect. The only thing I’m not pleased with is the Schrader valve appose to a quick disconnect with my previous ViAir system. If you don’t have the need for on-board air, consider the ViAir pump which is small and highly effective for tires over 65 psi.
TST Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Ford F450 doesn’t come with a built-in TPMS system. We use the TST TPMS system from TST provided by TechnoRV. This system allows us to add all six tires on the RV and the truck and the tire pressure for each tire are displayed on a colar screen on our dash. As we drive, each tire rotates through on the screen. If there is a problem or the tire pressure falls below or exceeds the parameters I set, an alarm will sound.
This is by far the best TPMS system we’ve used and we’ve used them all. The cheap ones simply are not reliable and others are not easy to use. If you buy a TPMS system from TechnoRV, you’ll receive instructional videos on how to set up and install. They will also provide support should you have any issues.
Mark,
Great video on the 450. Question. On my BAKFlip when I fold it all the way and fold it up, I have the full view from my bed camera. Have you tried that so you can see your fifth wheel hitch. Just a thought. On mine it works great.
Thanks JR & Linda
Mark, it was so fun watching you F450 review. I drive an F350 and love it (but do covet the turn radius of the F459). One thing you forgot to review was the tailgate step. I use mine all the time! I also had to laugh when you talked about using the little headrest on the back seat as a guide to hook up your RV. I’ve been using this method for 18 months since I first went full time in my 38’ Montana. I was working as a park host at the city’s RV park in Iron River when you drove through The UP. I would have loved to meet you guys!
On your TPMS on the truck, do you use the flow thru sensors or the “remove to add air” sensors? I, too, have an F450 and am wanting to get the TPMS but am not sure about which sensors to get.
Joe
I have them, but haven’t installed yet. I need to.
I had the same issues with my travel trailer being too heavy for my 2015 Ford F250 CC 4×4 SRW. I went with the 2019 F350 CC 4×4 DRW. Financing and insurance helped me decide to go F350 vs F450. If you were to change back, after changing trailers, wouldn’t it make more since to go with an F350 SRW instead of the F250? More Payload available on the F350 and the same ride/turn radius between the two. I loved my F250 (had replaced a 97 Ford F250 which I loved), but would strongly consider the F350 over the F250 with all I know now about payloads. 1500# more in an F350 is huge!
Marc, I’m confused because at 16:01 you say the companion hitch is permanent? I have the same hitch using the puck system and can have it out in 5 -6 minutes. I can see on yours the 2 pins with cotter pins that release the top half and the base has 4 handles you rotate 90 degrees to release the base.
I was mistaken because I’ve never had to remove it and it looked so dang permanent. I’m eager to remove it now to see what it takes. I hope to correct in a future video.
Marc, I forgot to mention that while my wife and I were traveling, I replaced one top and bottom pin with a padlock when not towing. The hitch is quick and easy to install and REMOVE, just saying. RV Odd couple had a generator stolen off back of the RC while stopped in traffic in a construction zone.
Just returned home to central Florida from a 2 month trip in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. First road trip with our 2006 F250 CC SWB, SRW, 6.0 Power Stroke & Momentum 328M Toy Hauler. Adequate power for most mountain passes (Million Dollar Highway, and Monarch Pass), climbs, but lacked confidence and comfort behind the wheel on the declines. Purchased a 2019 F450 Lariat with the Ultimate towing package and the gooseneck/5th wheel prep. Thanx for the review of your 450. Knowing that is meets the needs of your 399 assures us the it will MORE that meet ours with the 328M.
Hello, love your content! Which company did you go with for your air lift itself? I also recall you saying on a video somewhere you would of done the air valve install a bit differently; would you mind sharing this again?
We are Military Mobility, a 501c3 that provides overland expeditions and resiliency training to veterans. We just picked up a 2020 F450 and are getting it set up to help establish out base camps that we conduct nationwide. Thanks in advance!
Brian Ribera
Marc,
Really enjoy the videos. Can you please comment on DRW verses SRW Trucks. As you mentioned in the past, keeping the F450 clean was difficult because the DRW F450 doesn’t fit in a conventional car wash. That aside, my question is about Vehicle/5th Wheel stability when towing. I would think the DRW configuration would be more stable when towing due to the extra rear tires and wider stance.
You have towed with both DRW & SRW vehicles. Did you notice one configuration handled better than the other? Also, have you talked to other RVers about DRW vs. SRW towing vehicles?
I’m ordering a new 450 DRW today and they do not have a TPMS in the 450.
There is an option to add (another) Camera +TPMS howver it seems it would only cover the for the 5th wheel. Did you use a reversing camera for your 5th wheel? Also did you use 360 park assist features?
Peter
In a later video you mentioned the onboard air compressor installed underneath the body failed. What was the cause of the failure?