looking to upgrade TV

RollingDownTheHighway · 09-01-2012, 07:03 PM

I currently have a '10 1500 Silverado and it tows our 27' 2011 Revere with ease. Now I'm looking to upgrde my TV because we're upgrading to a 5er next fall. I'm looking for some general feedback from those towing a 5er.

I'm looking at the Chevy/GMC 2500HD or the F350. I did a comparison on the numbers online, however, I'm looking for some real world feedback.
The 5er's I'm looking at are grossing in the range of 12 - 14k.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

awwall · 09-01-2012, 07:38 PM

I am now in a class A, but did own a 32' 5er. I bought a 2007 dodge 2500 mega cab with 6.7 liter cummins diesel to pull it. Did not know it was behind me. The 5er is gone, but still have the truck and will have it for a long time to come. It is by far the best riding vehicle I have ever owned and have had very few problems with it. I bought it new and Cummins had some software issues, but they got those ironed out and for the last couple of years have had zero problems.

Dave_Monica · 09-01-2012, 08:49 PM

I'm curious why you would consider a 3/4T GM, but a 1T Ford?

With the weight range you're looking at, I'd recommend a 350/3500 series diesel SRW minimum due to the pinweights. Chances are that you may be exceeding the truck's GVWR with a 250/2500.

Dave

**Herk7769** · 09-01-2012, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I'm curious why you would consider a 3/4T GM, but a 1T Ford?

With the weight range you're looking at, I'd recommend a 350/3500 series diesel SRW minimum due to the pinweights. Chances are that you may be exceeding the truck's GVWR with a 250/2500.

Dave

I agree. You will be very happy with either makes 1 ton SRW truck (the F350 or the GM 3500HD)

at 12,000 pounds or more you will need the payload of the 3500/350 to carry the pin load especially in the diesel that can pull like crazy but have a lower available payload (due to engine weight) than the less capable (lighter engine) gas trucks.

Cajun Po-Boy · 09-03-2012, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagged123

I currently have a '10 1500 Silverado and it tows our 27' 2011 Revere with ease. Now I'm looking to upgrde my TV because we're upgrading to a 5er next fall. I'm looking for some general feedback from those towing a 5er.

I'm looking at the Chevy/GMC 2500HD or the F350. I did a comparison on the numbers online, however, I'm looking for some real world feedback.
The 5er's I'm looking at are grossing in the range of 12 - 14k.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

The cost difference between 3/4 and 1 ton are minor, with your expected rv weight, go with the 1 ton SRW and you'll be in good shape for a LONG time

Any brand will do you right!

cfisher523 · 09-03-2012, 08:40 PM

If you're buying a new truck buy a 1 ton, the cost difference is minimal and why not buy the heavier truck.

That being said I have a 2013 Sierra 365SAQ and I pull with the Chevy listed in my signature. I've had just as many people tell me I'm stressing the truck as I've had comment on well their 2500 works. Based on my experience with the rig, I think it tows fine and my real world pin is ~2200 depending on how the trailer is loaded.

I never towed without the timbrens so I don't know how much of a different they are making, but the whole rig sits level and I run 68mph all day on cruise control, averaging 11mpg, with no issues.

RollingDownTheHighway · 09-05-2012, 07:25 PM

I looked at the numbers for the 2500 and 350 and they're close, though after looking at both I think I get more out of the 350 from options and standard features for less as a fully loaded Chevy 2500. I really don't want a 3500, I really don't want to drive that beast every day.

**Herk7769** · 09-05-2012, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagged123

I looked at the numbers for the 2500 and 350 and they're close, though after looking at both I think I get more out of the 350 from options and standard features for less as a fully loaded Chevy 2500. I really don't want a 3500, I really don't want to drive that beast every day.

I am curious as to why you think "the numbers" are close.

The GVWR of the 2013 2500HD 4WD with gasser V8 = 9500 pounds
The GVWR of the 2013 2500HD 4WD with Duramax V8 = 9900 pounds

The GVWR of the 2013 3500HD 4WD SRW with gasser V8 = 10,800 pounds
The GVWR of the 2013 3500HD 4WD SRW with Duramax V8 = 11,500 pounds

2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD | Capabilities | GMC

2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali | Capabilities | GMC

That seems pretty significant to me...

RollingDownTheHighway · 09-07-2012, 04:51 PM

@herk, the numbers between the 2500 and the F350, also depending on the rear gears, the towing weight varies. The Numbers there are for the 3:10 gears and I'm towing that much now with my 1500 (9200lbs)

Though I see in your singature that you have a 5th and towing it with a 2500 what's the specs of the 5ther, do you run into any issues with the 2500 towing it?

**Herk7769** · 09-07-2012, 05:54 PM

My 2500HD with Duramax and Allison trans is maxed out towing my 9200 pound camper.
The issue is payload. I have a 1350 pound pin that grosses my 2008 truck out at 9300 pounds.

Dave_Monica · 09-07-2012, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagged123

@herk, the numbers between the 2500 and the F350, also depending on the rear gears, the towing weight varies.

You are correct, the max towing capacity of the 250/2500 is almost the same as the 350/3500. That's because they have virtually the same drivetrain. The reason that we're recommending a 350/3500 is because of the increased payload capacity it has. With a 250/2500, you could reach the GVWR of the truck with a 10,000# camper with 20% pin weight. The fact that's it's rated to tow 15000# is irrelevent as you reach the payload maximum (by the truck's GVWR) with a camper as light as 10000#.

The 350/3500 gives you 1000 - 1500# more payload over the 250/2500 and you won't be worrying about the capacity of the truck.

Dave

AquaMan · 09-07-2012, 08:14 PM

Was dropping off a vehicle for service at my Chevy dealer last week, and asked my salesman about a truck for my daughter who will be getting her permit soon. He mentioned he could get me at least 11k off sticker on a new truck with the encentives right now. I have a 2500 and it handles and pulls my 365saq without any problems. Pulled from OH to FL in March 2 days after picking up trailer. Set cruise on 70 and it acted like it wasn't even back there.

AquaMan · 09-07-2012, 08:22 PM

One thing I forgot to mention, I went with the 2500 because of the ride of the truck when empty. I put a lot of miles on with little or no weight in the bed, and I prefer the ride of the 2500 compared to the 3500.

**Herk7769** · 09-07-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

You are correct, the max towing capacity of the 250/2500 is almost the same as the 350/3500. That's because they have virtually the same drivetrain. The reason that we're recommending a 350/3500 is because of the increased payload capacity it has. With a 250/2500, you could reach the GVWR of the truck with a 10,000# camper with 20% pin weight. The fact that's it's rated to tow 15000# is irrelevent as you reach the payload maximum (by the truck's GVWR) with a camper as light as 10000#.

The 350/3500 gives you 1000 - 1500# more payload over the 250/2500 and you won't be worrying about the capacity of the truck.

Dave

Perfect answer Dave.
Thank you as I could not have stated it better.

I went with the 2500HD for ride as well and regret not getting the 3500HD SRW every time I think about a new camper.

Without a new truck I will be stuck in the under 10K 5th wheel range.

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