Originally Posted by
Jaww
Isn't the difference the towing weight?
Depends on cab/chassis or pickup.
"Technically' the 450 pickup can haul less (200 pounds or so) than a similar equipped 350 Dual Rear Wheel, because they are both registered for 14,000 pounds. The difference is the 350 is properly rated, and the 450 is a paper derate to keep it in the normal pickup category in most states. It's really a 18k gross weight truck with 14k papers to keep it out of the commercial only realm.
I bought a 450 because while the 350 comes in DRW and SRW versions, the 450 only comes in DRW, and the front axle is wider, which allows the front tires to turn more, (further from frame) and my Crew Cab Long Box 450 will out turn my Super Cab short bed 250. Plus bigger brakes, 19.5 tires, 4.30 gears etc.
The base 450 price is like $13k more than a base DRW 350, but considering $10k of that is the Diesel Engine (which I would have optioned in a 350) and a few other "heavy" options (puck mount 5th wheel, among other things) it was a no brainer for me to order a 450 with what I wanted over a 350.
But I tow a 21k pound toy hauler to a bunch of motocross/supercross races. Of the 11,000 miles on my 450, 9000 of it is towing a large trailer.