Help- Need a new Tow Vehicle

[marcfriedman]

They are going to fix your truck . Your husband isn't really up to anything too stressful. You have 30 k left on what appears to be a pretty complete warrenty. Diesel batteries tend to last relatively short times and it's really not a big deal to need to replace the alternator and the Batts at 70 k. Your economic exposure at this moment is minimal. If you are wanting a new truck sure but why would you trade your kinda known problems to another used vehicle s unknown problems without even as good a warrenty as you have now? I would listen as hard as I could to the forums specifically addressing your specific ram. I can only speak from the experience of buying a 2005 f 250 used. I blew the turbo and started believing it was cursed but then found a real master of dieselry and learned what everyone else is saying: each one of these complex vehicles have issues. And many need the aftermarket to improve. Done right by the right people they all will perform.

[HONDAMAN174]

Originally Posted by Mr.Chisels

Hey there,

I have a 2017 FR Wildwood X-Lite 241QBXL and I’m pulling it with a Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 3.5L Diesel.

This thing is rated for 7200lbs. with a tongue capacity of just over 600lbs.

I am using an Equalizer bar setup and I do t feel a thing behind me.

With all of the gear and stuff, I’m probably hauling around 5,000lbs.

The SUV has around 500 ft/lbs of torque and it’s amazing.

When I bought my trailer, I looked around and selected this specifically because of those numbers.

I bought the vehicle used (just under 3 years old) and saved a ton on the price (cost less than a new Camry).

Like I said never a problem.

Funny...have a customer that DOES NOT want a truck of any kind but wants to pull a 5k boat at 11,000 ft. Told her to not buy the Honda she wanted and to go buy your Mercedes. “Huh-never though of that”

[champ837]

Originally Posted by Irobutterfly59

Monday was to be our first excursion with our new camper and we had issues half way to our camp ground which was 2.5 hrs from our home.

Our TV 2015 1500 Ram Eco Diesel starting give low voltage, low battery messages going on and off. Then we started smelling diesel fuel in the truck. I looked in the mirror and could see diesel smoke coming from the back of truck. We got to gas station, husband left truck running and opened hood and smoke rolling from the engine. Long story headed back to RV place to drop camper and mechanics there said Oh boy, you blew an injector. Taking truck in next week(earliest they can schedule). Now this truck we bought in 2016 1 yr old with 20K miles on it. At 30K engine blew. They put in new engine. We now have 77K miles on it so it is covered until 100K for warranty.

We want to dump this vehicle and get something different. Our camper is 23ft Wildwood Lite and just hubby and I traveling.

We are looking at Toyota Tundra or Ford 150 even the Eco Boost to tow. I never want another diesel or Ram. Never had a Chevy. I have been reading on Toyota Tundra 2015 and 2016 had IBC issues that were really bad and folks put in P3 module. However in 2017 Toyota put out a fix for the IBC. So we would look at 2017 for Toyota or newer.

Thoughts on year and TV for us. We are really upset with our first attempt to camp but happy we made it home safely.

I have a 2014 Mini Lite 2104 that weighs #47xx gross. I had a 2015 Ram Ecodiesel. Lost the engine at 12,000 miles, and had a cracked injector at 16,000 miles. I towed the camper 6,000 of the 55,000 miles I ultimately put on the truck. I did really enjoy driving the truck but after those problems I never trusted it. I traded for a 2018 Ram 2500 last year and never looked back. But here is the deal, I get better fuel mileage with the 2500 than I did with the 1500 pulling the camper. With the 1500 I got 13 and with the 2500 I get 14 mpg. Empty with the 1500 I got 21-22 mpg driving locally and with the 2500 I get 19.5 mpg. Ask any "Hot Shot" trucker which brand they prefer and there is a very good chance they'll tell you Ram 2500-3500 with the Cummins engine.

[BigH]

Originally Posted by RV Mods

I have a 2015 F150 3.5L Eco Boost with max tow package and love it. 12,000 pounds tow capable and with the addition of Super Springs, payload is 2500 pounds. ...

Happy Camping!

You realize the super springs do not increase your payload capacity? -They actually drop the payload by whatever amount they weigh.

[mawilson]

One thought occurred to me. If you (OP) do get a half-ton, consider getting LT tires. Most come with P-rated tires to soften the ride. The stiffer sidewalls in the LTs will be better towing (less lateral flex), but comes at the cost of a slightly harsher ride.

[jaybe]

Originally Posted by Irobutterfly59

We checked the Tundra Specs. Our camper is 4600#: Here is info on 2017 Tundra

2017 Toyota Tundra towing capacity
The 2017 Toyota Tundra offers features like staggered, outboard-mounted shocks and a ridiculously powerful engine that are designed to allow the Tundra to tow and haul anything and everything you need it to. When the Tundra’s standard i-FORCE 5.7-liter V8 engine and Toyota’s Tow Package are mixed, the 2017 Tundra is strong enough to pull over 10,500 pounds. Now that’s what we call power.

But the power doesn’t stop there. In fact, all sixteen configurations of the six trim levels can all tow at least 10,000 pounds. All trim levels with the 5.7-liter V8 include the TOW/HAUL Mode, which holds lower gears for longer, increases throttle response, increases pulling power and increases engine braking.

We pulled a 22 foot R vision for four years and for the last year pulled a 26 foot Rockwood mini lite with our 2012 Tundra double cab limited 5. 7 4 WD. We have a Crossover TS WD system. We have had no problems at all.

[jwfrede]

Originally Posted by 007matman

Have you thought about a slightly older 3/4 ton truck?

Everyone I've known with the Ecoboost has had issues if they use it to tow with a lot (and outside of warranty).

Can and Should are two very different things.

I haven't heard about problems with the ecoboost, towing or not. Anyone with engine problems please post. I was planning on using mine out to 120-150k on cross country trips. Presently around 42k, about half towing. No engine issues but both catalytic converters crapped out in Colorado last year, thankfully just under warranty at 32k miles. The Ford dealer guys speculated bad gas but I went to only major company gas stations. The Glenwood Springs Ford dealer mechanic said they had never seen this before with so few miles.

Still love the ecoboost engine, with diesel like torque curve, and great mileage when not used towing. I get about 25 or better at 55 mph, about half that towing at that speed. However, heading west in CO or WY, uphill, into the wind, going 65 mph, have had as low as 7 mpg.

[KnP]

Any blown motor will give you a lot of power. Is either, Normal Aspirated or Forced Induction, pick your poison. However, nothing beats proper maintenance, most people neglect that part. I had and have US brands vehicles and never had bad issues. Believe it or not, the only vehicles that always been money pits to me were Japanese.

As far AFM/DOD system, they are fine as long you service the engine per factory recomendations with the correct oil weight. Also, those engines is a bad idea to rev them. If you are into tuning, you can disable the AFM/DOD via software programing. My G8 has the L76 that is nothing more than a LS2 with AFM/DOD, with 145,000 miles still rock solid, the engine does not even leak or burn any oil and tow the camper with it from time to time.

[KnP]

Originally Posted by jwfrede

I haven't heard about problems with the ecoboost, towing or not. Anyone with engine problems please post. I was planning on using mine out to 120-150k on cross country trips. Presently around 42k, about half towing. No engine issues but both catalytic converters crapped out in Colorado last year, thankfully just under warranty at 32k miles. The Ford dealer guys speculated bad gas but I went to only major company gas stations. The Glenwood Springs Ford dealer mechanic said they had never seen this before with so few miles.

Still love the ecoboost engine, with diesel like torque curve, and great mileage when not used towing. I get about 25 or better at 55 mph, about half that towing at that speed. However, heading west in CO or WY, uphill, into the wind, going 65 mph, have had as low as 7 mpg.

Had 4 MPG on my Colorado in Hwy 44 going through Oklahoma facing what it felt like 45 MPH headwind speeds, that was not pretty, burned 27Gl of gas from Branson to Tulsa. Drove at about 60~65 MPH, that wind was a MoFo !!!

[007matman]

Since this has turned into the "I love my Ecoboost" thread and this thing can haul anything anywhere anytime and anyone else that can a different opinion is an idiot I'll let ya'all figure it out.

I'll be the guy in the Diesel 10 years from now with 500k on the clock that's passing your butt.

OP wanted a truck under 25k and extremely reliable. I was trying to help find something they wouldn't have to deal with anything on. I have two family members to that have owned then and had issues.. if you're not then that's great.. keep on a trucking!

[67L48]

Originally Posted by Rick J

Why do these posts turn into a truck debate? The lady just wants an honest opinion. [...]

Those aren't mutually exclusive things. I find nothing dishonest about the opinions being shared, regardless of whether or not they are discussing various truck options.

The OP specifically mentioned a couple of different trucks being considered as a new TV and then specifically asked for thoughts about what would be best. It's not a stretch for me to read this as an invitation for a truck debate ... and I still don't see the dishonest opinions that have been shared.

[oceanprey]

We tow a 7200 Lb. Rockwood 8293RKSS with a 2015 Silverado 1500 extended cab LTZ, 5.3L V8 and MAX tow package. Our usual Tow speed on the highway is 65mph and the truck performs very well. The stability system gives us a stable ride with very little sway and no front to rear rocking. We average just over 10 mpg on the highway, a bit less in the hills (North Georgia and the Smokies). This truck has been great, like it a lot; may be worth considering. Happy camping!

[musicianmichael]

We bought a new 2014 Tundra and LOVE it.
About to put on my second set of tires. Did brakes at 120,000.
Have never had a tune-up. Never replaced any belts or hoses yet - 135,000 miles now.
We tow a 36' Salem Hemisphere QBUD with 2 slides, about 7800 lbs empty.
Lots of trips - biggest was 3 years ago from Louisville to South Dakota to Mt Rushmore to East Glacier to West Yellowstone thru to Jackson Hole then Casper and back home - about 4600 miles.
7.3 mpg when towing. Slows some on hills but I push it and she goes.
About to go to Grand Canyon in July, big circle, about 3800 miles.
The Tundra is amazing, IMHO.

[wasieled]

Can't speak enough about my F150 EcoBoost turbo charged V6. Great vehicle. This vehicle has a 13,000 towing capacity.

I can put this vehicle in cruise control and it keeps up with the highway traffic.

We have taken one cross country trip to California and back to our home in Tennessee with out a lick of problems.

We are now ready for our second road trip to Canada from Virginia.

Dennis

[zanoffmj]

We have a 2015 Toyota Tundra with a 5.7 liter engine. We pull a fifth wheel that weighs 7400 lbs. been on several long trips out west and to Canada. Performs great.

[RoadTrip42]

We tow our 2015 3008w Rockwood Windjammer 7800 lb with our King Ranch F-250 crew 2013 with Max Tow and in-dash trailer brake. We really like our truck comfortable and reliable. Available in both gas or diesel. We have the diesel and regularly get 21 miles per gallon. Lots of power and I enjoy driving it.

[KnP]

Originally Posted by musicianmichael

Have never had a tune-up. Never replaced any belts or hoses yet - 135,000 miles now.

I have an 03 Impala with all OEM parts except the brakes, spark plugs and has 176,000 miles and is Tune Up Free.

Since ECM/PCM came to vehicles, it tunes itself hundreds of times a second. All is left for the vehicle's owner is maintenance. To be honest, I do not miss the old days of Timing, Dwell, Points and Choke/Jetting Adjustmens. How many of you remember changing the thermostat in the winter and replacing drive belts? Now days, if you get less than 100,000 miles on a serpentine belt, there is some seriously wrong

[Roger36]

Originally Posted by Underthedog

My 2016 3.5 Ecoboost SCREW currently reads 23.2 for commuting (heavy traffic, mixed hwy/local roads). 9.9 is where it is at owing Roo 21SS 5800lbs +/-.

I have a 2009 GMC 2500 that I got to tow my 24’ boat. Recently bought a 2109 Mini lite and I don’t even know the TT is back there. Probably going to get 12-13 mpg w/TT.

[Toma1953]

I have owned A Chevy 1 tone and it was a good truck for towing if you liked the 4-8 mpg while towing 29 foot 5th wheel camp trailer. I then "UP GRADED to an F250 Ford with the 6.0 diesel and no problems until 140,000 miles when the 6.0 problems showed its ugly head. After dropping almost $8000 in the engine, I blew it up going to Michigan with a 29 ft toy hauler. I managed to keep it running and drove it back to a dealer and traded for a 2500 RAM and drove to Michigan the next three days. Fuel mileage was 17 mpg. Now I have traded again and have a 2500 long bed crew cab RAM with the same 6.7 Cummings And I get 15-17 mpg towing on this one. Another words, if you want to spend more money on GAS for lousy gas mileage and have to really watch your towing capacity Get the F250. Might do you.

[Irobutterfly59]

Whew- lot of great advice here and thank all of you. It's been nerve wracking and mind boggling reading and researching as so many great choices out there- that yes, I know that any truck you get you will have repairs that will come soon enough.

We did buy...drum roll....F150 2017 4X4 ECO BOOST 10 speed trans. with tow package. I only had 17K miles on it. It has the rear tow assist which my husband loves since we are new to towing a TC. It was well maintained and owned by old man who traded it in for a Buick because his wife died and no longer camping. Our old Ram was a blown injector and had some other electrical issues. All fixed and got a good amount for trade in.

My husband was meticulous about oil changes, DEF and upkeep and drove it well. We just happened to get the lemon of the many good diesels out there.

Like I said, we will not be upgrading for larger TC or going through mountains to camp at least for next few years until husband recovers from his painful diagnosis which affects his shoulders, arms and legs. I can not be assured with hubby's health that camping will be something for us to do long term at thus point...just unknown. It could take 2 years to recover from his diagnosis with only treatment Prednisone. He hardly sleeps due to being hyped on Prednisone and just going for a 30min drive in town he has pain in his legs. But he has good days and some bad so we will see. When we get out again we will go 1-2 hrs away to see how everything goes and then venture further out down the road if all goes well.

I do appreciate the many many helpful suggestions from all of you who are experienced and been there and done that scenarios with your Travel vehicles.

Our son who has had brand new Ram Diesels, New F150's and just recently got a Toyota Tacoma saw the truck and said wow, what a steal for what we negotiated the price for. He helped hubby with all the gadgets and settings of our new truck.

Hoping for happy travels in the near future.