In search of a better truck for towing the M6060 and folding cutter.

[McMXi]

It was a beautiful day today, so the pup and I took the truck for a 120 mile drive around the lake this afternoon. It's only the second time I've driven the truck, and 2-1/2 hours in this thing was revealing. Everything about the drive exceeded my expectations, but I will need to look deeper into the "Lane Keeping System" which frankly is annoying. Fortunately it can be turned off, or one of three settings can be selected.

I removed the tinted strip from the windshield a couple of weeks ago, and I'm probably going to remove the tint from the front driver and passenger windows too. It's just too dark and I feel that it poses a safety risk, particularly when wearing sun glasses.

It's one of the most comfortable vehicles I've ever driven, and although I'm still in learning mode given the dizzying array of features, the overall driving experience today left me thinking that this is one heck of a truck. I tried out the seat cooling feature which is great, and the Bang & Olufsen 1000W, 14 speaker, factory sound system is pretty darn amazing. The engine and transmission are quiet, smooth and powerful. The ride can be a little choppy at times when the road surface isn't great, but overall it's very comfortable. I'm looking forward to pulling stuff with this truck over the coming months.

 

[Bmyers]

It was a beautiful day today, so the pup and I took the truck for a 120 mile drive around the lake this afternoon. It's only the second time I've driven the truck, and 2-1/2 hours in this thing was revealing. Everything about the drive exceeded my expectations, but I will need to look deeper into the "Lane Keeping System" which frankly is annoying. Fortunately it can be turned off, or one of three settings can be selected.

I removed the tinted strip from the windshield a couple of weeks ago, and I'm probably going to remove the tint from the front driver and passenger windows too. It's just too dark and I feel that it poses a safety risk, particularly when wearing sun glasses.

It's one of the most comfortable vehicles I've ever driven, and although I'm still in learning mode given the dizzying array of features, the overall driving experience today left me thinking that this is one heck of a truck. I tried out the seat cooling feature which is great, and the Bang & Olufsen 1000W, 14 speaker, factory sound system is pretty darn amazing. The engine and transmission are quiet, smooth and powerful. The ride can be a little choppy at times when the road surface isn't great, but overall it's very comfortable. I'm looking forward to pulling stuff with this truck over the coming months.

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Glad you are enjoying the new truck. I don't know if you use the cruise control much, but I was surprised the first time I came up to a drop of speed on my route and the truck adjusted the speed down very quickly. Although, I do like the adaptive cruise control. The wife on the other hand, if the speedometer doesn't read 85, she isn't happy. I even told her we are in a school zone, she said those rug rats need to learn to stay out of the road.

She believes in tough love or at least that is what she tells me when she is throwing the punch (I'm joking of course).

 

[McMXi]

First time towing with the new truck today and what a difference 22 years makes! I wasn't happy with the positioning of the tractor and disc on the trailer but I didn't have any other option. I could really use the Kaufman 30 ft gooseneck that I ordered but still no word on when it'll be available to pick up. It can't get here fast enough to be honest!

As for the F-450, it pulled the load today with ease and it continues to impress in every way possible. It's a real pleasure to drive this truck, and it inspires confidence.

 

[jimh406]

As for the F-450, it pulled the load today with ease and it continues to impress in every way possible. It's a real pleasure to drive this truck, and it inspires confidence.

Fwiw, my wife was sold on the F450 the first time she had to brake in a hurry. Personally, I like the tight turns I can make although braking is of course important. My F450 is a 2010, btw. I've had it 13 years, and it's still completely solid.

I'm glad you are enjoying the F450.

 

[Kennyd4110]

The ORANGE clashes with the RED, it would look much better with a GREEN tractor


Just kidding of course, that's a beautiful setup you have there.

 

[McMXi]

I bought DEF yesterday for the first time ever and it remains a mystery as to why it's called "Blue" or "Add Blue". I was at NAPA picking up a drain plug with 7/8-14 threads so that I could make an adapter for the Scorpion control grip that's now in the MX. As I was waiting at the counter I noticed a bunch of DEF in the middle of the store and figured that I'd better buy some in preparation for the nearly 3,500 mile roadtrip that I'm starting in a little under a week. This stuff is triple filtered so it must be good right? I bought it since it's a "known" quantity and I simply have no experience buying DEF at fuel stations around the country. I have no idea as to what's available or the quality of the DEF in MT, WY, SD, IL or NE, so having "America's #1 DEF BRAND" in the Decked toolbox seems like a good move. On second thoughts, it might be better to keep it in the cab since it's supposed to be stored between 23°F and 86°F. Seriously?! What do DEF users do in the middle of the summer when it's 100°F or more out. The DEF in the tank in the vehicle is going to get above 86°F.

I had no idea as to the capacity of the DEF tank in the F-450 so I bought 5 gallons. It was full when I bought the truck and nowhere near empty, but after checking the owner's manual it seems that all Super Duty 6.7L diesel trucks have about a 7.5 gallon DEF tank. The F-450 has a 48 gallon fuel tank so it'll be interesting to see how much DEF is used per tank of fuel. I'm expecting to go through it faster when towing of course.

So what do the DEF consuming members on this forum buy, and where do you buy it?

 

[Kennyd4110]

So what do the DEF consuming members on this forum buy, and where do you buy it?

I have bought and used the Walmart brand MANY times, no issues. But generally I get it at the pump at a local smaller truck stop, it's about 1/2 the price of the stuff in the containers and no waste to get rid of.

 

[JasonW]

Good idea to carry some with you at first until you get some data on its uses. As stated above it’s way more cost effective to buy it at the pump at truck stops. Usage will depend with fuel mileage. Anywhere from 2k-5k miles per DEF tank.

As far as the storage temp I believe that’s to help it store longer as it does go bad over time. Internet says stores up to a year “stored properly”.