Gross Combined Tow Rating (GCWR)

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Some of us can't afford a new 5er and a new truck, so we have to make do with what we have. I've only pulled an 08Flagstaff 831RLSS about 30K and a 12 Flagstaff 8528RKWS about 40K with an 05 Silverado 1/2T 5.3L with a 3.23 rear end. Have not had a bit of a problem so far. It may blow sky high on the way to FL in a couple of weeks, if so, we'll get a new engine or whatever blows and "keep on truckin'".

The OP is talking about a new truck.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by ependydad

The OP is talking about a new truck.

OP may have meant "new" as in it's an Ecoboost, not necessarily "new" as in he was going to buy a new one. (There are probably a lot of "relatively new" used EB's out there, but EB is "new" relative to most other trucks on the road).

In either case, I suspect OC meant that many (I'm guessing "most") of us can't afford one of those HDT's. And many of us probably wouldn't want one if we could. I know my neighbors wouldn't like me parking something like that in my driveway. And it's sure overkill for going out to get a few groceries for the 5ver!

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

OP may have meant "new" as in it's an Ecoboost, not necessarily "new" as in he was going to buy a new one. (There are probably a lot of "relatively new" used EB's out there, but EB is "new" relative to most other trucks on the road).

In either case, I suspect OC meant that many (I'm guessing "most") of us can't afford one of those HDT's. And many of us probably wouldn't want one if we could. I know my neighbors wouldn't like me parking something like that in my driveway. And it's sure overkill for going out to get a few groceries for the 5ver!

I thought the OP meant they were buying something; not necessarily if it was new or used.

The talk of a HDT on this thread is totally bat-crap insane.

However, OC said that buying a new truck isn't an option for everyone but in my interpretation of the OP's post, they ARE buying a truck right now. And thusly, they can buy a truck that is best suited to the task, say a 250/2500 instead of a 150/1500. Given the experiences that I've read on here of the handful of folks who first towed with a 150 and later towed with a 250, I've read of very few who ever said they were unhappy.

[Mr. Dan]

A good rule of thumb here is ==> if the grocery cart you're towing is more than 1/2 full of dry cereal, you need one of these (if you can't find a BNSF locomotive).



a Caterpillar D9T.

Crazy, you say? That's not unique here.


Sent (I think)

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by ependydad

The OP is talking about a new truck.

I did not address my post to the OP, but to ambit if you read it.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I thought the OP meant they were buying something; not necessarily if it was new or used.

The talk of a HDT on this thread is totally bat-crap insane.

However, OC said that buying a new truck isn't an option for everyone but in my interpretation of the OP's post, they ARE buying a truck right now. And thusly, they can buy a truck that is best suited to the task, say a 250/2500 instead of a 150/1500. Given the experiences that I've read on here of the handful of folks who first towed with a 150 and later towed with a 250, I've read of very few who ever said they were unhappy.

IF you read my post, it was in reply to "ambit", not the OP!

[ependydad]

(Deleted.)

[B and B]

Glenn will have a Super Duty Ford available for either Bob or OC as a backup should either truck fail at some point.


The OP is gone.... We overall suggested if practically able they should look at something else than a F150. In my case the deal was there for the F 250 and we planned mountain travel so it made sense.

[amblt]

IF you read my post, it was in reply to "ambit", not the OP!

I didn't explain myself fully. The deal we got was on a very gently used 2011 F150 extended cab two wheel drive (my preference- but that's a whole new subject). I don't mean to insult or doubt anyone's choices here. In fact, the majority of the advice and opinions espressed in this forum seem to be very balanced and factually sound. I have learned much about weight calculations, in a very short time. I have also learned that there is an incredible variety of specifications and capabilities among the big 3 makes available, even within models with the same model name, varying also from model year to model year.
I have delved deeply into the ratings of the particular truck we bought, and I will be most comfortable aiming at about 60 to 75 percent of its capacity, which will provide us with a very comfortalble travel trailer, and a lower fuel bill. All the best, keep up the great discussion.

[sail2liv]

Check the campgrounds during snowbird season and you will see what to tow with....
5 ers are almost 3/4 T up Chevy/Dodge....a rare Ford....that tells the real story....


Good luck, you never have too big of TV

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by donniedu

Ask yourself a very simple question.
Why do you want a minimum vehicle to do the job?
Do you buy a hand saw to frame a house?
Do you buy the cheapest oil for your vehicles?
Do you buy the minimum vehicle insurance?
Do you buy used clothes from Goodwill?
Do you buy a flat blade screwdriver to use on philips screws?
Get the point yet?
Get the right tool for the job and the right tool for towing a fifth wheel is NOT a 1500 series truck.

Sorry I know this is a towing thread but your comments are dead wrong and and some looked at as offensive. Many of your questions I would have to answer yes to................ Actually most of them........... I know that you did not mean harm but...........

& buy the way many of us have towed a fifth wheel with a 1/2 ton truck with no issues...............

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by sail2liv

Check the campgrounds during snowbird season and you will see what to tow with....
5 ers are almost 3/4 T up Chevy/Dodge....a rare Ford....that tells the real story....


Good luck, you never have too big of TV

I've been to campgrounds from Texas to Ohio and every where in between and have yet to see more Chevy's than Fords/Dodges.

[RedLdr1]

Originally Posted by Sandy12345

Any help in helping me understand all this towing stuff will be greatly appreciated. I don't want to endanger you or me or anyone else while pulling my rv.

Here is a link to the Ford Towing Guides for 2015 and 2016. They should help answer your basic questions and tell you the Ford ratings for any specific packages shown on a window sticker. With the OEM guide and the window sticker you should be able to find any new Ford's capacities...

[Mr. Dan]

You wimps need to step up and stop endangering the lives of everyone near pavement. You ALL need a TV like this!



Sent (I think)

[spock123]

The truck is almost the same size as the camper


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[bob caldwell]

Needs a smart car behind cab!

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Needs a smart car behind cab!

Roger that! I've seen it.


Sent (I think)

[MtnGuy]

Granted, a HDT would be the best possible tow vehicle. But I want something easy to drive once I get to my destination. Even a pickup is difficult to get into some areas, but I can't imagine driving a HDT around for sight seeing.

Now, a HDT with a Smart Car on the back would be the best of both worlds. But for the average 5th wheel trailer, a 3/4 or 1 ton truck should be plenty sufficient......1 engine to maintain, I vehicle (plus trailer) to insure, and the pickup can be used as a grocery getter when at home.

[bob caldwell]

Can just see myself drive'n across street in to neighbors yard to hitch up!

[drittal]

What is the point of a sleeper when towing your 5th wheel??

Guest house?