the 2011 f550 i believe is rated at 35000, so you should be just fine,

 

The 2011 is not the one I'm worried about. The 2007 is what has me concerned.

The question is about the possibility of upgrading the '07 to be a safe and legal worker.

 

I didn't think it was possible to legally increase the manufactures stated GVWR or GCWR??

 

I would be within the GVWR of the truck itself (I believe) and the GCWR is not listed on the door.

I just need to be sure that:

one, I can drive safely. This is extremely important and I am close to sure that the vehicle would be safe.

two, be able to pull into a weight station and go through the motions without getting fined.

- we're going to be driving these trucks all over the country and this has to be good to go.

 

my 02 CC4x4 550 is rated at 30,000 GCWR. I'm surprised that the 07 is rated less. I would think you should be fine.

Barney

 

I was under the impression that you could not get a 4 X 4 with that rating. Something about the transfer case and the high center of gravity.

To the OP, You need to look at medium duties.

 

I would never buy one with 4.88 gears to high 5 miles to the gallon! go with 4.30's way better.

When I had my 450, I got a ticket on the scales for being over weight. I had it registed for 33,000 and was 54,000 with a house boat on it.

You can apportion it like a big truck and set it what you want. you pay for it on your plates to the truck. you will have to do basically the same things as a big truck.

I don't know what state you are from, but in Texas if you pull a trailer capable of 18,000#'s and (truck gross gvw over 26,001 #) or more you have to have a CDL. some things to consider.

 

Basically if your going to be running under DOT numbers, make sure the truck is appointed a little over what you'll ever weight in at. The only thing they are anal about is exceeding the axle weight limits(front, rear, and trailer). As long as your within your axle weight limits you should be safe. I think you'll be just fine with the 550.
Either way, I would get into contact with your local DOT office and run it by them. See what they have to say. Even though if you called another office they would probably tell you something different, I would still see what they have to say about it before you pick something.

I've had my dually over 30K # a few times, the only thing that gets a little sketchy is stopping distance. You need to use common sense in that area.

Another thing, personally I would get a 4.30 gear in the rear of that truck if your going to be going coast to coast. 4.80's is a really low gear for any highway traveling.