New tow vehicle idea?

[rhino_160]

Let me start this with this:
Plz do not bash other makes cause your a ford guy, Chevy guy, etc.... Just looking for honest, preferably first hand knowledge... I am looking at upgrading my tow vehicle and here's why (I would not sale my Navi if not for the following)

2000 Lincoln Navigator AWD w/ air ride pulling a 27' 2015 Avenger ATI W/ Ez Lift bars and sway control

While pulling, at times, I can really feel the TT push me in curves, wind really makes her rock, and of course large trucks and such cause me to white knuckle the steering wheel. I am just wanting something with more "butt" so it's not so stressful pulling the TT for 4-5 hours one way.
My friend that picked it up for me used a new 2500 GMC Denali Diesel truck and we never used the EZ lifts or sway bar. His truck never knew it was back there and we ran 75 up a mountain. Now his truck was way overkill being it was a turbo diesel but just the feeling of not being pushed around was a relief. These are my current thoughts on vehicles and please chime in with other options. Also, if one of these is not a good option or rated for this plz let me know as I am just now starting to look. Thank you

2005-2012 ish tow vehicles: Gasoline
Prefer a 1/2 ton IF it won't get pushed around like the Navigator:
F150 4x4 SuperCab
Chevy/Gmc 1500 SuperCab
2007+ Toyota Tundra SuperCab

Or if those will not be any better than the Navigator then:
F250
Chevy 2500
GMC 2500
Any others?
Not looking for huge, no 1 tons, duallys, etc

[Ford Idaho]

Will you be buying a larger unit in the future?

I drive the 250 every day, I bought a Ford because they sold me what I wanted not what they told me I could not have.

I suggest you find one of each flavor and drive it, price them feature for feature and the buy the best deal for YOU.

[rhino_160]

Thank for the response. Ideally i want to stick with a 1/2 ton. An F-150 SuperCab 4x4 or Chevy 1500 same setup is what I want but I want a truck that is not getting pushed around like the Navigator. I am hoping that the 1/2 ton Navi vs. 1/2 ton truck would be different just because it's an SUV v. TRUCK. Any input on this? Or a 3/4 ton more what I should be looking?
Not planning on getting a bigger unit anytime soon

[Islander]

[QUOTE=rhino_160;1012378]Let me start this with this:
Plz do not bash other makes cause your a ford guy, Chevy guy, etc.... Just looking for honest, preferably first hand knowledge... I am looking at upgrading my tow vehicle and here's why (I would not sale my Navi if not for the following)

2000 Lincoln Navigator AWD w/ air ride pulling a 27' 2015 Avenger ATI W/ Ez Lift bars and sway control

While pulling, at times, I can really feel the TT push me in curves, wind really makes her rock, and of course large trucks and such cause me to white knuckle the steering wheel. I am just wanting something with more "butt" so it's not so stressful pulling the TT for 4-5 hours one way.
My friend that picked it up for me used a new 2500 GMC Denali Diesel truck and we never used the EZ lifts or sway bar. His truck never knew it was back there and we ran 75 up a mountain. Now his truck was way overkill being it was a turbo diesel but just the feeling of not being pushed around was a relief. These are my current thoughts on vehicles and please chime in with other options. Also, if one of these is not a good option or rated for this plz let me know as I am just now starting to look. Thank you

2005-2012 ish tow vehicles: Gasoline
Prefer a 1/2 ton IF it won't get pushed around like the Navigator:
F150 4x4 SuperCab
Chevy/Gmc 1500 SuperCab
2007+ Toyota Tundra SuperCab

Or if those will not be any better than the Navigator then:
F250
Chevy 2500
GMC 2500
Any others?
Not looking for huge, no 1 tons, duallys, etc[/QUOTE]

IMO I think you would find very little difference in the ride / stiffness between your Navigator and most 1500 1/2 ton trucks.

If you want to tow your TT with more confidence and with room to move up I would suggest at least a 2500 3/4 ton truck and possible in the Heavy Duty series.
Also look at the frame structure i.e. how the truck is built and compare the suspension options ...all this will give you a better idea for a good towing vehicle .

If you liked your friend's '2500 GMC Denali Diesel truck' why not look for one of those?
You won't get the same towing experience for a gasser. IMO

Not knocking the name...just an observation (video) I saw... re: the Toyota frame construction was much thinner / lighter than some of the other trucks.. perhaps over the years this has changed, if so I apologize.

I hope this helps

Islander

[CWSWine]

I had about the same size TT and towed with Chevy 1500 with WD hitch and had no complaints what so ever I thought towed like it wasn't there. Then up grade to 2500HD and towed a lot better and lot more relaxing on those two lanes with trucks passing in both directors or with cross winds. Seems that the TT grow over time and some even morph into 5ers so going little big isn't a bad idea. I would recommend a 250/2500 of your choice and gas would give you higher payload, the weight of the diesel eats into the payload. The only warning I would give is gas torque curve is higher and you may see RPMs in 4000 to 5000 range while towing but that is not a bad thing.

[Curt and Michele]

All I can tell you about is my experience with my diesels. I went from a F250 1994 IDI 7.3 to a 2015 6.7 POW'der stroke and I'm very happy with it. It pulls the 5ver with no issues what-so-ever up and down hills with the engine brake engaged. Set the cruise control at 60 and everything runs itself. At this time it is one of the best purchases I believe I have made. Hope this helps.
Curt

[Ford Idaho]

There are a number of members here who do tow with a 150 or a 1500 who are happy with their setup.

If you do go with a 1/2 ton get one with a heavy tow package (camper special?) make sure it has LT tires and not 'P' metric.

[The_Rhino]

IMO for the money you cannot go wrong with the new Ram 2500 w/6.4 Hemi. They actually cost less than a F150 EB with HD upgrade - HD needed due to TT tongue weight plus people & cargo... The new Ram 3/4 tons have heavy coil springs in the rear vs. leaf springs (like my 2011), so the ride is smoother. If you don't go crazy on options you can get one for $35-$40K...

It's also fairly easy to find a used Ram (gasser) for a good price vs. diesel which demand a premium. In 2013 I found a 2011 Ram 2500 CC ST w/5.7 Hemi for $14K. My 34' TT is 8,300 ready-to-camp for a GCVW of near 15,000. With an affordable Equalizer 4 I had no problems traveling through the Smokies this summer even in high winds passing trucks, etc.

Even though I am the 2nd owner Ram has stood behind their 5 Year/100K mile Powertrain Warranty. IMO all ¾ & 1 tons are good choices but the Ram is less pricey & they are working hard to keep customers happy & improve their image.

My 3/4 ton has a payload of 3,000 so it can handle our 1300 lb. tongue, 700 lb. family of 5 (& big dog), 200 lb. fiberglass cap, plus bikes, firewood, kayaks, etc. BTW I LOVE having a fiberglass cap. Keeps stuff dry & makes for a really nice look. I will have to update my profile pic before I put TT in storage... TV & TT cost $35K combined & IMO we have it just as good as folks paying 2X that...

[davel1971]

there will be some difference between Navi and 1/2 ton truck as the Navi most likely has independent rear suspension and not a solid axle like a truck. Not as top heavy with a truck either. Still, you are swapping 1/2 ton for 1/2 ton. Don't count out bigger and/or diesel trucks because you think they are over kill or too expensive. Of course a Denali is big $$$. I drive a single rear wheel 1 ton. 2014 Chevy 3500 Duramax. Bought it new and paid less than what lot's of 1/2 tons cost. No, it doesn't beat you to death when empty either. Give all options a fair look before tossing them.

[Blackhat6mike]

My personal experience in upgrading from a 1500 to a 2500HD was night and day! I know of no 1500 that can tow the way ANY 2500HD can. Start with the fact that a 2500HD outweighs a 1500 by one and a half tons and all components are designed especially to tow. You can't expect less.
I only wish I had done it 20 years ago, but I had no clue as to the advantages of the larger/heavier trucks, not to mention diesel. My truck will probably outlast me. Would I do it again? You betcha!

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

Thank for the response. Ideally i want to stick with a 1/2 ton. An F-150 SuperCab 4x4 or Chevy 1500 same setup is what I want but I want a truck that is not getting pushed around like the Navigator. I am hoping that the 1/2 ton Navi vs. 1/2 ton truck would be different just because it's an SUV v. TRUCK. Any input on this? Or a 3/4 ton more what I should be looking?
Not planning on getting a bigger unit anytime soon

If you don't want to be pushed around then it's a 2500 or 250 . my preference is Chevy 2500 . gas 6.0 which i have does fine pulling my loaded 29hsf at around 9000lbs 70 ++ with out strain in the flat lands and pulling the steep grades in the rocky mtns 45 at 4200 rpm .pulling grades is only about 2 to 5 % of the miles driven

[robsshots]

I'm pulling an 8,000 lb fifth wheel with a Ford F-150 ecoboost, HD tow package and 3.73 differential. THIS is the combination that Ford promotes that achieves their 12,000 lb tow capacity. Includes the larger radiator, tranny cooler, sway bar, etc. The key to the strong torque and pulling power is that differential. Get it with the tow package and the super crew and you'll have a terrific and affordable rig in a gas engine. We put 34,000 miles on ours last year without a hiccup. Towed from Tennessee to Colorado to Grand Canyon to AZ to California up the coast to Washington, on to Glacier, back through Colorado and will shortly leave for Florida. Suggest you do not pull any trailer of any kind going 75. 65 is plenty fast - what's your hurry and why put the stress on the trailer tires??? I've averaged 10.3 mpg while towing, 23++ on the highway without the trailer, and combined city/highway I'm getting about 18. You'll do even better with the 2015 models - better gas mileage and stronger (12,000 lbs) tow capacity. MUST have the 3.73 differential or it just won't work.

[rhino_160]

I appreciate all the responses. I am going to be doing a lot of research. My current Navi get about 8.2 Mpg with TT... I def want to eliminate the being pushed around feeling.
Robsshots: how does that F150 do in that area? Being a half ton, you have to feel it some with wind and large trucks right?

[psgrandpa1]

We had a Lexus RX 330 and a 460 Hybrid
Lexus can't be towed. 4 On the pavement. Traded for a Honda Fit Small but good. Just recently traded FIT to a HONDA. CRV. AWD
LOVE IT!

[TexasBob]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

I appreciate all the responses. I am going to be doing a lot of research. My current Navi get about 8.2 Mpg with TT... I def want to eliminate the being pushed around feeling.
Robsshots: how does that F150 do in that area? Being a half ton, you have to feel it some with wind and large trucks right?

While doing your research I know you will check towing capacity but don't forget the tongue weight. Your tongue weight will be 10 to 15 % of your trailer weight. Let's say your trailer weighs 9000 lbs. So you will have a tongue weight of 900 to 1300 lbs. Add you, your significant other, gas and cargo you will be right at or above your maximum gross vehicle weight of your F150 or 1500 Truck. It will tow your trailer and do a better job than your Navigator but you transmission temperature will run close to the upper allowable range, your brakes wont last as long and you will most likely slightly over weight.

I know because I've been there and done that. I was pulling a similar trailer (listed in my signature) and had a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a good Equalizer hitch. When I pulled my loaded truck and loaded new trailer on the scales my truck was 150 lbs over weight. It pulled pretty good but I knew it was too much for the truck even though the trailer was well within the specified maximum towing capacity. I keep my truck for three years and traded it in last month for a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD2500 Z71. I hooked up my trailer and whole rig onto the scales and I'm 1000 lbs under the maximum weight. It pulls well, the transmission is 50 degrees cooler. The biggest advantage is I don't worry about being over weight.

Bottom line: consider tongue weight in your research.

[53jimc]

Went from a Z71 with 5.3l to a F250 with a 6.0 diesel. As others have said, the difference is night and day. No more stress and white knuckle for me, except around maintenance time. 15 quarts of oil vs. 5 ish.
The gasser got about 6mpg, the diesel gets 12mpg pulling the TT.
Of course, my stuff is old. (Z71 was a '99, F250 is a '05, TT is a '07) There have been a lot of advances in trucks in the past few years so research is the key.
It would be good if you could hitch a ride in both types before you make your final decision.
Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!

[asquared]

I used to have a 30 ft TT that weighed 7300 lbs loaded. I started out towing with an 04 armada rated for 9100lbs. I was pushed all over the place just like you were. We started out looking for a half ton HD truck or a 3/4 ton gasser. We were dead set against a diesel. While looking we stumbled across a 2 yr old 2009 F250 with the 6.4 PSD in it. We ended up purchasing it. Man did I love towing that combo. The same mountain my Tt pushed the armada down, I only needed to hit the brakes once. The diesel engine did everything else for me. I was able to one handed drive. I also went from 6-8 mpg to 11-12 mpg towing. I kept that truck until I was ready to upgrade to my current fiver. It lacked the payload for my fiver. I went with a new 2014 chevy 3500 duramax. This truck has the exhaust brake in it. I towed the tt with this truck a few trips before trading the tt. No huge difference towing the tt between the two diesels except I'm getting 13mpg towing a 12000 lb full profile fiver through the mountains. I typically get 16 mpg around town. I found a great deal on the new 2014 as leftover truck. Got it cheaper than most 2500 and many 1500's. There was also a cheap ram 3500 with the Cummins near us but I liked driving the chevy better. Ours is a single rear wheel. I drive it daily and tow with it monthly. The biggest issue as a daily driver was getting used to the extra length of the long bed crew cab. I know I won't park in the tight spots but it doesn't beat me up.

Honestly, I would skip the half ton and go for a 3/4 ton gas or diesel of your choice. Pay attention to the payload door sticker on any truck you buy. I have seen 3/4 ton trucks with payloads ranging from 1500 -2500 lbs. I have seen 1/2 tons with tiny payloads and 1/2 tons with payloads bigger than some 3/4 tons. My current 3500 has a 4000 lb payload per the door sticker.

[asquared]

One thing nobody has pointed out. You mentioned your friend with the diesel towed your trailer at 75 mph with no wdh. Bad idea on two points. Most trailer tires are only rated to 65 mph. Towing at 75 mph is asking for a blow out or an accident. Also towing without the wdh is a had idea. Most class V hitches are rated at 500 lbs tongue weight without wdh. Even with my 3500 I used the wdh. Please don't tow that fast and use your wdh. Ok stepping off my soapbox now.

[davel1971]

asquared, I have the same truck as you and comparable size 5th wheel. You clearly enjoy the wonderful towing experience this truck provides as I do. Does everything wonderfully, for less than the cost of a Ecoboost. I get the same mileage towing with this truck as my previous GMC 6.0 gas got NOT towing.

[OldCoot]

A 1500 Chevy would work, but keep in mind, most all new 1/2T trucks come with P rated tires and THEY WILL NOT WORK WELL. You need at least LR D or LR E truck tires. Probably one of the reasons your Navi is giving you a problem.