Cedar Creek Tow Vehicle

[dicky1243]

What you said is the first time I heard say what I think.

[dwebster]

I just purchased a new diesel 2015 Silverado in June. This is number four. Everyone of them has been an upgrade, but this one is out of sight. It has more towing capacity, more horsepower and not least of all, a thirty five gallon fuel tank.
The truck is quieter with all of the new built in insulation. It is a real pleasure to drive. It tows my 34 SATS like it is not even there. I think that GM got it all right this time.

[bkearney]

We pull our CKTS with a 2011 F250 diesel (came with tow package) but DH added air bags on the rear. It pulls with no effort, handles great, and stops easily. So if Ford is what you like, it won't be a problem for your camper.

[DickiedooFlagman]

Originally Posted by justbob

We are going to go to a Cedar Creek 5th wheel - 36ckts and need some advice on truck purchase. Have been told that a 3/4 ton diesel will work and are undecided on Ford or Ram. Any advice? Will be our 1st 5th wheel - currently have a class C.

Lots of good advice from other posters. You may want to check with your insurance agent. Ask about coverage if you are in an accident and an investigation finds you've exceeded any of the weight limits of your TV (GCWR, GAWR, Payload, etc.) Also, the 1 ton may be more than just a label change: bigger brakes, larger differential, different gear options, larger capacity springs, etc. Another consideration is the tax man. The 1 ton may require commercial plates, may limit some highway/parkway access. A dually will likely be more difficult to maneuver driving solo in congested areas.

Don't forget to check the height of the truck bed AND the truck rails. You want to tow with the trailer level and with about a 6 inch clearance between the truck bed rails and the trailer. Truck lowering is a possibility, and trailer axle flipping can also be done. Both cost money, and axle flipping raises the trailer center of gravity.

The more capable TV will give greater peace of mind especially when towing in high winds or in mountainous areas.

[47chevy]

over the years , have owned all 3 of the Rams listed ,currently have a 2011 3500 pulling a 40' Sanibel3400. Couldn't be any happier ! ! ! The dually gives so much more stability when towing in windy areas. We travel from the panhandle of Fla to Red Lodge Mt. spring and fall, we are camp workers at the KOA in Red Lodge...........Have seen just about every combination of TV's and rigs..........The popularity rating seems to be Ram , Ford , with Chevy being a distant 3rd .

[fvstringpicker]

My 2500hd duramax has the same brakes, engine, transmission, and rest of drive train as a 3500, with the exception of the rear springs. Mine is a 2007 and I don't know if thats the case for subsequent years. Additionally the owner of a frame repair/straightening shop that does work for the GM and Ford dealers in west Georgia sez the frames are the same.
I talked with a retired GM engineer who said the GVWR in respect to cargo capacity is factored heavily on the least engine/transmission combination they offer for that model and reflects the sole braking ability of the truck to stop the truck safely with the added cargo. (trailers have their own brakes)
I don't currently have a fifth wheel and don't have a dog in this fight. I'm just providing third party testimony.

[fvstringpicker]

Originally Posted by donniedu

Manufacturers have to certify the ratings to the feds that among othet things that the vehicle will perform within specs with regard to acceleration, handling, braking passanger safety.

That goes to what "my" retired engineer said; the gvwr is the same for all options in the 2500/3500 series and based in part on the lowest offered engine/transmission/drive train available for that model. My observation is the "one size fits all" is the problem since the larger/higher output engines and beefer drive trains would seem to handle more.

[goduc]

Pretty simple. If the OP is looking to BUY then spend the extra $900.00 and be done with it. Get the F350/3500 and no need to justify anything.

[taken]

Originally Posted by goduc

Pretty simple. If the OP is looking to BUY then spend the extra $900.00 and be done with it. Get the F350/3500 and no need to justify anything.

Well, if ordering yes, I agree 100% and that's what I did. However, SRW 350's are more scarce on the ground and 250's are everywhere which is why I posted the info...

[goduc]

Originally Posted by taken

Well, if ordering yes, I agree 100% and that's what I did. However, SRW 350's are more scarce on the ground and 250's are everywhere which is why I posted the info...

Must be a demographic thing. A local Ram dealer has 40 2500's and 41 3500's.
http://www.rontonkindodge.net/new-in...elections=true

Local Ford dealer has 12 F350's and 9 F250's all 2015's.
They also have 5 2014 F350's and no 2014 F250's.

Skyline Keizer Ford | New & Used Car Dealership Serving Salem and Keizer

[taken]

I think you are correct. It seems every region is different...

[goduc]

One factor could be the registration. Here in Oregon we pay the same for a 250/2500 as a 350/3500. Maybe states that charge more for vehicles with a GVW higher than 10,000's might stock fewer 3500's.

[taken]

Originally Posted by goduc

One factor could be the registration. Here in Oregon we pay the same for a 250/2500 as a 350/3500. Maybe states that charge more for vehicles with a GVW higher than 10,000's might stock fewer 3500's.

Our law in MA puts a different spin on it. 250's and 350's are no different in registration until you throw DRW into the mix. Due to a silly law trying to prevent contractors from beating the system and registering passenger instead of commercial, all DRW's have to be registered commercial. Nothing to do with weight in the wording of the law. Just counting tires on the ground. I have three ford dealers within 15 miles of me and not a DRW on any of their lots other than chassis cab.

[MeepMeep]

...and all the man asked was: "We are going to go to a Cedar Creek 5th wheel - 36ckts and need some advice on truck purchase. Have been told that a 3/4 ton diesel will work and are undecided on Ford or Ram. Any advice?" Good thing he didn't ask a technical question.


Buy the biggest truck you can afford and you'll never go wrong. Happy travels!!

[The_Rhino]

Like others have said, the Cedar Creek 36CKTS has a GVWR of 16,500 lbs & pin weight over 2,500 lbs, so IMO that places you squarely in 1 ton diesel territory... A lot of folks like the extra stability provided by the 8' bed & dullies but there are other factors that complicate folks' choices. For instance, I personally cannot consider an 8' bed or dullies at this time because it won't fit in my garage & I prefer not to leave a $55K+ investment out in bad weather 24/7....

[47chevy]

why do you need airbags ? Inadequate suspension ? I have a 2011 Ram 3500 drw pulling a 2012 40' Sanibel and the whole unit sits level , rides and drives great ! Have even had comments on how well it sits..........

[asquared]

I think this one has run its course.