Need help on new tow vehicle

[JimChow]

Hi All,

I am looking for some help in deciding on a new tow vehicle. I've read on the forum on different tow vehicles and have become more confused.
We haven't found the trailer yet but several that we are looking at are Empty weight of 6,100 lbs and loaded weight of 7500 lbs. I know that our 2007 Tahoe 5.3L w/3.37 gear and trans cooler is up to the task. Maybe here in Michigan it might be Ok but not even sure of that.

I am considering a Chevy 2500HD with the extras for towing. Most 2500's are well up to the task with rated tow capacity of 13,000 lbs. and decent payload capacity. But this might be more truck than I need. Since we would be occasionally towing with the hopes of venturing out of the state and out west, I'm are aware of the mpg's when not towing, about 12mpg's city.

Also looking at the Silverado 1500 with the Max trailer/tow package. Capable if loaded properly with better non-towing mpg's. Rated tow capacity about 12,000 lbs.

Lastly, the Ford F150 V6 w/eco boost with the necessary trailer/tow equipment. Tow capacity about 13,00 lbs.

I am looking for comments from folks with similar setups and if they are happy with their choices or have regrets.

Thanks,
Jim

[Mountndream]

you will run out of payload before you run out of towing capacity.

Do you think that you may upgrade trailers later? in my case, we didn't think we would, but next thing you know...

[RACarvalho]

Some questions:
1 - Do you want a truck or a SUV?
2 - Do you plan to move to a bigger rig in the future?

The problem we found towing with SUV in the past is that even if you are within the payload and axle limits, there is not enough cargo space to carry all the stuff you accumulate...

So based on our own experience, I recommend a truck.
If you don't foresee buying a camper above 10000 GVWR, I would think about a F150 PROPERLY equiped.
If you foresee a camper above that in your future, a F250 or 350 would be a better call.

[MR.M]

the 2500 will serve you well . great ride for everyday driving and plenty of payload and towing for your needs

[JimChow]

Thanks for responses,

Payload capacity is a concern, And we may consider a larger trailer some time in the future. I don't think there is an SUV available to pull 10 K or higher.

We bought the Tahoe to tow the SV233T and didn't consider moving into a larger trailer later on in life, so I don't want to make that mistake again.

I am thinking the 2500HD or F250 might be the way to go.

[IsleDog]

we were in the same boat as you are in now a year ago. we switched from 1998 expedition with tow package (3.55 gears and 5.4L) to our current 2009 F150 max tow (3.73 gears, 5.4L) crew cab, 6.5 foot bed. we were tired of ruining the inside of the SUV with lumber, camping supplies, etc. plus, we were out of room in there! Tahoes are narrow on the inside in the cargo area, so even less room than what we had with our expedition. If i had to buy our truck again, i would have gone with a 3/4 ton instead of a 1/2 ton. we are running out of cargo capacity, not even close to tow capability. my father inlaws F350 rides just as nice as my King Ranch does, these new trucks just ride great!

[brodriques]

Misnomer!
You can have to little of truck but not to much truck!

Biggest issue in reviewing what truck to purchase is many many people don’t buy enough of a truck!

Good luck on your search.

[dwa1000]

Originally Posted by RACarvalho

Some questions:
1 - Do you want a truck or a SUV?
2 - Do you plan to move to a bigger rig in the future?

The problem we found towing with SUV in the past is that even if you are within the payload and axle limits, there is not enough cargo space to carry all the stuff you accumulate...

So based on our own experience, I recommend a truck.
If you don't foresee buying a camper above 10000 GVWR, I would think about a F150 PROPERLY equiped.
If you foresee a camper above that in your future, a F250 or 350 would be a better call.

I agree and the tires on Suv's usually are up to the wieght. I used a Durango and had to upgrade tires. I now own a F250.

[timfromma]

If you can afford it, I highly recommend upgrading to a diesel engine.

[aceinspp]

I would consider buying either the 2500 or F250 and stay with gas as it sounds like you will not be doing a lot of long distant travels. Later RJD

[Tundra 2014]

Go w/ the 2500, much more enjoyable and easier towing. When you load up your trailer, w/ battery, propane, clothes and food you will be at your limit w/ current TV.

[Dave Lyon]

That trailer is heavier than my 23SS and I'm very happy with a 2500 and I think you would be too. It removes a lot of the weight worry (compared to 1500/150) for trailers in your weight range.

[rvfriendly]

Originally Posted by JimChow

Lastly, the Ford F150 V6 w/eco boost with the necessary trailer/tow equipment. Tow capacity about 13,00 lbs.

I am looking for comments from folks with similar setups and if they are happy with their choices or have regrets.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim
I have a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew with the 2nd generation 3.5 and 10 speed transmission. I pull a travel trailer with similar weights as the ones you are looking at. I love this truck. Around 12 mpg towing and 19-20 solo. You won’t regret buying Ford. Be sure to get max tow package.
Jim J

[Flybob]

When deciding on a TV, plane one RV in the future so you don't have to upgrade if you upgrade RV. Secondly, ignore towing capacity. It is a feel good marketing number. Go by hitch weight of TT, added cargo in TV and load capacity on drivers door jamb.

[Jeffjeeptj]

Buy the big one! As stated previously, can’t have too much truck. A couple of stories:
1. When I was 13 , dad bought an old Dodge 600 dump,for the farm. A couple of years later, he bought a new F350 dump for on road use, and dad thought it would be enough. it was undersized.

2. My wife and I knew we were going to be purchasing a camper, but, did not know which one. We bought an F350, SRW. It worked OK for,our first 5th (used) 30’. Then traded up to a 36’ Teton. The SRW was not enough, so bought a F550. Just right.

Moral - buy more truck than you think you need. Also, a 350 costs little more than a 250, but, the 350 has a higher GVW and the associated legal sticker. I got checked once at a weigh station. Was legal with the 350, andmwould have been overweight with 250.
I could have optioned a 250 to equal the 350 (tires, springs), but it still,would,have the smaller GVW sticker.

[dbledan]

Originally Posted by JimChow

Hi All,

I am looking for some help in deciding on a new tow vehicle. I've read on the forum on different tow vehicles and have become more confused.
We haven't found the trailer yet but several that we are looking at are Empty weight of 6,100 lbs and loaded weight of 7500 lbs. I know that our 2007 Tahoe 5.3L w/3.37 gear and trans cooler is up to the task. Maybe here in Michigan it might be Ok but not even sure of that.

I am considering a Chevy 2500HD with the extras for towing. Most 2500's are well up to the task with rated tow capacity of 13,000 lbs. and decent payload capacity. But this might be more truck than I need. Since we would be occasionally towing with the hopes of venturing out of the state and out west, I'm are aware of the mpg's when not towing, about 12mpg's city.

Also looking at the Silverado 1500 with the Max trailer/tow package. Capable if loaded properly with better non-towing mpg's. Rated tow capacity about 12,000 lbs.

Lastly, the Ford F150 V6 w/eco boost with the necessary trailer/tow equipment. Tow capacity about 13,00 lbs.

I am looking for comments from folks with similar setups and if they are happy with their choices or have regrets.

Thanks,
Jim

I tow a loaded 7000lb 30ft trailer with my F150 max tow. Trailer fully loaded COULD be 7200 but I found that I cannot get there and meet axle weights because of storage locations on the trailer putting too much weight on the rear axle with the required WDH. I had to go home and unload a bunch of stuff on my first trip.

The newer F150s are lighter and I had sway problems with my setup with high cross winds. I had a blueox swaypro but upgraded to a propride and very glad I did. It is much more stable and could make it work for you but I still plan to upgrade trucks and keep the propride.

Basically once you get over 6500lbs the tail outweighs the dog and has a bit too much influence IMOP. I understand gcvr can cover more but I feel this way from my experience so I am upgrading trucks and will have a heavier truck to compensate for it as well. A 5er would be a different story because of tongue weights and connection (thus the propride to compensate for the bumper pull).

I just took mine through Yellowstone last week. The F150 EB can pull it and stop/slow it on the mountains ok but I don't like the sway induced by winds without a Hensley designed hitch... I tried both. I just think a heavier truck is needed to be safer. Some of this does also depend on length and balance but you asked for experience. My dream truck would be a 250 with the Eccoboost engine. I don't care if it tows less weight I already ran out of payload.

I think the 2500 you are looking at is the correct approach to keep you out of trouble. I am looking to go to a F350 to help myself but I want the perfect used truck and it is taking a long time to find exactly what I want due to my required features.

If you go the 7000lb route on a half ton expect to have to enhance the suspension with timbrens or airbags (they sag too much this does NOT improve your capacity), good WDH with sway control (should be understood), and remove P rated tires to possibly needing new rims for LT tires depending on your configuration.

Every trailer is different so your milage may vary!

Best of luck and happy camping!

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by JimChow

Hi All,

I am looking for some help in deciding on a new tow vehicle. I've read on the forum on different tow vehicles and have become more confused.
We haven't found the trailer yet but several that we are looking at are Empty weight of 6,100 lbs and loaded weight of 7500 lbs. I know that our 2007 Tahoe 5.3L w/3.37 gear and trans cooler is up to the task. Maybe here in Michigan it might be Ok but not even sure of that.

I am considering a Chevy 2500HD with the extras for towing. Most 2500's are well up to the task with rated tow capacity of 13,000 lbs. and decent payload capacity. But this might be more truck than I need. Since we would be occasionally towing with the hopes of venturing out of the state and out west, I'm are aware of the mpg's when not towing, about 12mpg's city.

Also looking at the Silverado 1500 with the Max trailer/tow package. Capable if loaded properly with better non-towing mpg's. Rated tow capacity about 12,000 lbs.

Lastly, the Ford F150 V6 w/eco boost with the necessary trailer/tow equipment. Tow capacity about 13,00 lbs.

I am looking for comments from folks with similar setups and if they are happy with their choices or have regrets.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim
I owned a 2007 Chevy Avalanche with the 5.3 and factory tow package with the 3.73 rear end(which is what I think you meant in your post).
I also towed a similar sized hybrid, Roo 23SS.

We considered a 5th wheel for our new retired lifestyle, which meant a bigger truck and it would be a diesel.
Then we decided to build our dream home on a hillside.
This meant no turning room for a bigger truck and definitely not a 5th wheel.

So we dropped the 5th wheel plan and went with a slightly bigger couple's TT and a F150 3.5 Ecoboost with Max Tow package. Absolutely love the truck and it's perfect for our TT.

My advice is if there is a chance that you will upgrade in the future, get a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel now, instead of later.
A newer F150 Ecoboost can do a lot but I would NEVER tow a 5th wheel with one, even with the Max Tow and HD Payload Packages, but that's me.

It all depends on what you see in your RV future.

[Walholler]

My mpg with the Chevrolet 2500HD with the Duramax diesel engine towing a 32 ft. Crusader Lite, dry weight of 8000 lbs. and loaded weight around 9500 lbs. has been in the neighborhood of 12 to 13 miles to a gallon. Not towing and driven around town the mileage is much better. I have the 8 ft. bed which allows a 60 gal. aux fuel tank to fit and still have cargo space with the 5th wheel hitch attached. Our mileage range towing exceeds 1000 miles before refueling. Another great feature of the diesel trucks is the exhaust brake. I have came down grades of 7%, towing the 5th wheel with the exhaust brake engaged and not have to use the truck brakes at all.

[MR.M]

unless you buy a peterbuilt you're not going to have enough truck . maybe a mack or frightliner will do

[Telstar]

If your looking for a truck I suggest you lock into Ram. I have always been a Ford man, but after comparing stats and reviewing trailer towing road tests, I decided on Ram 3500 diesel. Ratted a hair above F-350 in road tests. GMC wasn’t included in a latest tests because they can’t meet the requirements for the test.