17 F350 1-ton short box

[Brother_Bluto]

I am looking to move up to the 1-ton and looking at the 2017 Ford F350 SRW 4x4. I am towing my 28BH with a 2500HD Denali 4x4 SRW Standard Box (6-6) & the Andersen Ultimate Hitch now without issue. My truck is my daily driver and the 28BH is very tight getting into my driveway and out - only one way in (pull in) & out (back out) onto narrow street with deep ditch on either side which the driveway spans. I like the idea of a long bed for towing (Yes, I know the benefits), but may be stuck with the standard given my street & driveway situation. A few questions:

For those that have pulled the same rig with both a standard and a long box - I would believe the shorter wheelbase is more nimble/maneuverable when needed. Given my driveway situation... this is a huge concern. I would think that pulling into my drive a long box may not track as tight as the short (which is a benefit), but backing out may be an issue as it is tight given the drive/ditch/mailbox/narrow street and a long box likely works against me on that one. Anyone have any insight into this type of situation?

For those with an 2017 F350 AND the Andersen Ultimate Hitch - any issues with Ford's Aluminum bed with the AUH... or the truck/bed rail height of the 17 F350? How about using the puck system with the safety chains (are the holes covered up by the AUH base)?

Much appreciated!

[perfpix]

Keep your truck...get a nice tractor to move your 28BH around and you'll have another toy to play with!

John

[Brother_Bluto]

As nice as that sounds... not in the cards.

[Baldicon]

Do you need the crew cab? The super cab with long bed is only about 4" longer than the crew cab short bed. If you are like us, just the wife and me, the super cab is an option. If you have kids, you will probably want to stick with the bigger cab. I do like the tractor idea!

[Wiseguy]

Not sure about the Andersen hitch and Ford's all aluminum bed combo, but you will like the power of Ford's 2017 Powerstroke. I had a 2015 Silverado 2500 with the Duramax (no complaints) and traded in for a 2017 F-350 4x4 Platinum Standard for our GD 367 BHS. I did have a Pullrite super glide installed just to be safe on the clearance side of things. I've been a Chevy guy all my life until test driving the new Ford's and watching some Dyno tests involving all three manufactures Diesel engines for 2017. Ford's Powerstroke is impressive, time will tell concerning reliability.

[Jerryr]

Let me answer the question about using the AUH with the Ford AL bed.

First, I've not had any issues with the AL bed.

Second, yes the AUH covers the Ford OEM Pucks with factory 5th wheel prep. BUT drilling 3.25" holes exposes the puck holes and it's approved by Andersen.

[Brother_Bluto]

Not sure about the Andersen hitch and Ford's all aluminum bed combo, but you will like the power of Ford's 2017 Powerstroke. I had a 2015 Silverado 2500 with the Duramax (no complaints) and traded in for a 2017 F-350 4x4 Platinum Standard for our GD 367 BHS. I did have a Pullrite super glide installed just to be safe on the clearance side of things. I've been a Chevy guy all my life until test driving the new Ford's and watching some Dyno tests involving all three manufactures Diesel engines for 2017. Ford's Powerstroke is impressive, time will tell concerning reliability.

Wiseguy - Out of curiosity... what is your stickered payload capacity on the F350 Platinum (and what options)? This is exactly what I may be doing, in going from a 2015 GMC Denali 2500HD CCSB Duramax to a 2017 F350 Platinum CCSB Powerstroke. Current truck is my 4th GM truck and 2nd Duramax. I have no complaints with the Duramax and it has never let me down - my brother is driving my 2004 and still strong. GM just seems a bit behind compared to Ford at the moment is several areas... but decision not final yet.

[ngatiger]

I pull a 2018 303rls with a 2017 F350 SRW 6.7 SB and the Andersen Ultimate. I added the MorRyde pin box which makes this combo a very smooth ride.
The funnel adapter is reversed for more rail clearance but with my Retrax cover adds 1 1/2" to my rail height which will not allow me 90 degree turn. Because the new 4x4 Super Duty's are already high, plus my bed cover I have to keep the Andersen ball set at its lowest setting in order to keep from running too much "nose high". I would really like to add 2" spacers to the 303 so I could raise the Andersen ball one notch (1 1/2) which would give me more rail clearance.

[Wiseguy]

Brother_Bluto- I'm optioned out. I test drove F-350 Platinum which was probably a mistake, jumped in the Lariat after and just didn't have the bells and whistles. Ford engineers have done an amazing job with these truck's. Payload capacity is 3,413, max trailer is 14,700. I had a chance to tow it for the first time last weekend and it sure feels like it's capable of much more.

[Brother_Bluto]

Let me answer the question about using the AUH with the Ford AL bed.

First, I've not had any issues with the AL bed.

Second, yes the AUH covers the Ford OEM Pucks with factory 5th wheel prep. BUT drilling 3.25" holes exposes the puck holes and it's approved by Andersen.

Jerry - thanks - This is helpful!