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05-09-2012, 12:22 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 49
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Opinion on upgrading tow vehicle
I currently have a 2001 Ford F-150 with the 4.6 V8 and the 3.55 rear end. Towing a 2013 Forest River Grey Wolf 26BH. Believe the shipping weight of the trailer was a little more that 4500 pounds.
Was able to finally able to take our first trip with it. Went to Melverne Lake, KS. It's about two hours from where we live and figured it was best to make our first trip kinda close to home. This is our first trailer and I did learn a couple things like make sure you check the side to side level of the trailer before you unhook from truck...(don't laugh to hard lol), won't see a flame on a hot water heater if using the electricity (duh..) . You know things like that.
Anyway back to my question. Truck pulled the trailer fairly well. Had to keep foot down almost all the way to get to and keep a decent highway speed especially when we hit the hills which got me to thinking that maybe a truck with a bigger engine might be a good idea especially since our big trip of the year will be in Breckenridge, CO.
How beneficial would it be to get a newer truck with the 5.4 V8 if I stick with an F150? Would it really get me enough more power to justify buying it? Current truck is paid off and have only had it about 8 months or so.
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05-09-2012, 12:31 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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If you are looking at a new F150, the 5.4 L engine is no longer available. If you are looking at a used F150, the 5.4 engine is the way to go.
I have a 2006 F150 with the 5.4 L engine, and the 3.73 final drive gears. It does a great job of pulling my 5500 lb. trailer, while getting above average fuel mileage, at least with the numbers mentioned here on the forum.
Do get the 3.73 gears if you can.
Someone here called the 5.4 L engine a boat anchor 1 time. I just smiled and let it go by. I am happy with my setup.
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Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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05-09-2012, 12:31 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 855
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I am not a fan of 1/2 ton trucks except maybe for getting groceries. Get a 3/4 ton. You gain so much and give up so little. Bigger/stronger frame, better brakes, better springs, better tires/wheels, and the list goes on and on. With the right combination you should not loose any on fuel economy, and it will pull much better. As a side benefit if you decide like 80% of first time buyers that you want to upgrade next year or so, you will already have enough truck to pull a larger TT.
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05-09-2012, 12:46 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 293
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There's something to be said for having your TV paid for. I would resist running out and replacing if at all posible. That being said, may want to check your vehicle specs just to see what wt it's rated for... I would be surprised if its not at least 1000 lbs greater than your 4500 lb TT.
Also suggest you consider weighing both your TV/TT on a CAT scale ($9.50) or free at a DOT Weigh Station just to be sure.
The new Ford F150 small V8's are now 5.0L and have 360HP/380lb torq. 4WD's are rated for 7700 lb tow capacity but this varies quite a bit depending on engine and 2WD vs. 4WD.
Once you have a chance to drive your rig a few times and look over the numbers, you will be in a better position to determine if your expected driving conditions warrant spending the additional money.
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2012 Ford F150 4x4, 5.0L, 3.55 2011 Rockwood MiniLite 1809s E2 WDH 600/6000lbs
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05-09-2012, 01:09 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,367
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You're trailer is fairly light and I think you'd see a big improvement with a 5.4. My TT is almost 7000lbs loaded and my 5.4 does pretty well. I'm not going to win any races, but who cares. Average 10 MPG towing.
If you could swing it I'd go for the 5.0 or Ecoboost. I wouldn't even consider a 3/4 unless you tow a bunch or plan on upgrading to a larger TT.
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05-09-2012, 01:38 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 292
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donn
I am not a fan of 1/2 ton trucks except maybe for getting groceries. Get a 3/4 ton. You gain so much and give up so little. Bigger/stronger frame, better brakes, better springs, better tires/wheels, and the list goes on and on. With the right combination you should not loose any on fuel economy, and it will pull much better. As a side benefit if you decide like 80% of first time buyers that you want to upgrade next year or so, you will already have enough truck to pull a larger TT.
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Unless you're a fulltimer, a 3/4 ton for a 5000-6000# trailer is complete overkill.
I bought a truck to pull my trailer but I also knew it would be my daily driver as well because I'm not a fulltimer and need to go to work. A 3/4 ton wasn't even an option for me. I like the ride and size of my F150 and it pulls my TT with no problems.
A 5.4 in a newer F150 would be a good match for the OP's TT.
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05-09-2012, 01:58 PM
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#7
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Missing Link
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Genesee, MI
Posts: 419
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Your trailer is pretty light but you'd definitely benefit from going to a 5.4 or 5.3 if you go the chevy route. And a 3/4 ton would be way overkill plus they ride like a lumber wagon when used as a daily driver. If you go new you will benefit even more with the 6 speed trans they are using now. I'm pulling a 2012 puma at a little under 8k loaded with a 2012 silverado 1500 6 spd with heavy tow and cooling. It's rated at 9500 but still pulls it a lot better than I had expected. Now it don't pull it as nice as my buddies f350 psd but those cost a lot more money up front and to maintain.
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2014 Puma 30-DBSS
2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4L
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05-09-2012, 02:12 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Posts: 97
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I would have to agree with pappcam. I think a 3/4 ton is way overkill for that size trailer unless you're a full timer. My truck is a 2010 F150 with the 5.4 and 3.73 gears and it tows my trailer just fine. The last truck I owned was an 07 F150 with the 5.4 and the 3.55 gears and it towed trailers a little heavier than yours just fine. In my opinion the 5.4 would pull your TT without any problems.
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05-09-2012, 02:20 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Weatherford, TX
Posts: 977
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My 2011 F-150 with the new 5.0 and 3.55 gears does a fine job of pulling my new TT at over 5,000#... probably approaching 6,000 with all the stuff.
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J & D in Lovely Weatherford, TX
2016 Jayco White Hawk 28DSBH TT
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4X4 6.7L Cummins
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05-09-2012, 02:25 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 926
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There is a lot to be said for a vehicle which is paid for, even if it is slow. Although with all things being equal, a 5.4 would perform better towing than your 4.6, with your current set-up, those 3.55 gears aren't helping you utilize the full potential of the 4.6 for towing. If you are otherwise satisfied with your current vehicle and it is dependable, I would swap out the gears before dropping more $$$ on another vehicle. If you will being towing on mostly level ground, I would go with 3.92s, if you believe you might be towing in the mountains, I would go with 4.10s.
Just my .02 - Good Luck
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David & Audra (16 year old twins)
2006 Dodge Power Wagon (Adventure & Tow Vehicle)
2006 Rockwood 8281SS (Home away from Home)
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05-09-2012, 03:41 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 855
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pappcam
Unless you're a fulltimer, a 3/4 ton for a 5000-6000# trailer is complete overkill.
I bought a truck to pull my trailer but I also knew it would be my daily driver as well because I'm not a fulltimer and need to go to work. A 3/4 ton wasn't even an option for me. I like the ride and size of my F150 and it pulls my TT with no problems.
A 5.4 in a newer F150 would be a good match for the OP's TT.
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Funny how people see 3/4 ton and jump on the "1/2 tons plenty" band wagon. I never said or implied that a 1/2 ton would not do the job with the OP's current trailer. However if you had bothered to read you would see that I noted that like 80% of first time buyers, if the OP decided to upgrade to a larger trailer in the near future there would be no need to have to go out and buy another larger TV. 1/2 tons have their place and lots of folks think they are great for pulling their trailers. However I suspect the majority of those folks have never actually been across a set of scales or really do not understand how comfortable an adequate vs marginal TV really is.
Size difference between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck? HUH! Most manufacturers place the same or nearly identical bodies on top of the 1/2 and 3/4 ton underpinnings. Don't really understand your " A 3/4 ton wasn't even an option for me. I like the ride and size of my F150" comment is suppose to mean.
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05-09-2012, 10:03 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 292
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donn
Funny how people see 3/4 ton and jump on the "1/2 tons plenty" band wagon. I never said or implied that a 1/2 ton would not do the job with the OP's current trailer. However if you had bothered to read you would see that I noted that like 80% of first time buyers, if the OP decided to upgrade to a larger trailer in the near future there would be no need to have to go out and buy another larger TV. 1/2 tons have their place and lots of folks think they are great for pulling their trailers. However I suspect the majority of those folks have never actually been across a set of scales or really do not understand how comfortable an adequate vs marginal TV really is.
Size difference between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck? HUH! Most manufacturers place the same or nearly identical bodies on top of the 1/2 and 3/4 ton underpinnings. Don't really understand your " A 3/4 ton wasn't even an option for me. I like the ride and size of my F150" comment is suppose to mean.
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Can't buy an F250 with a 5 and a half foot box. I like to park in my garage. An F250 also rides stiffer and is more money for the same trim level.
"1/2 tons" aren't like they used to be. The towing and payload capabilities of the newer ones is a far cry from how they were 20 or 30 years ago. I have a safe margin with my TV and TT and it tows comfortably and the OP would as well. Not everyone runs out and upgrades to a 10,000# TT after a couple of years.
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05-10-2012, 07:28 AM
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#13
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pappcam
Not everyone runs out and upgrades to a 10,000# TT after a couple of years.
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Agree. If the missus and I get another travel trailer, it will be smaller than the 1 we have now........and we are presently only at 28.5' and 5500 lbs.
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Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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05-10-2012, 07:48 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,367
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donn
Funny how people see 3/4 ton and jump on the "1/2 tons plenty" band wagon. I never said or implied that a 1/2 ton would not do the job with the OP's current trailer.
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You said "I am not a fan of 1/2 ton trucks except maybe for getting groceries". How is that NOT implying a 1/2 ton is inadequate for towing a TT?
Quote:
Originally Posted by donn
Size difference between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck? HUH! Most manufacturers place the same or nearly identical bodies on top of the 1/2 and 3/4 ton underpinnings. Don't really understand your " A 3/4 ton wasn't even an option for me. I like the ride and size of my F150" comment is suppose to mean.
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The F250 is much larger than an F150. The F150 will fit in most garages while an F250/350 won't.
You also said that 80% of buyers upgrade after a year or so. Really? You have data backing that up? He has a 2013, I would bet dollars to doughnuts he is keeping it for awhile.
Some of us have to live with our TV being our everyday driver and don't need a 3/4 ton.
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05-10-2012, 08:14 AM
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#15
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Missing Link
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Genesee, MI
Posts: 419
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LFugate
You also said that 80% of buyers upgrade after a year or so. Really? You have data backing that up? He has a 2013, I would bet dollars to doughnuts he is keeping it for
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mmmm doughnuts.
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2014 Puma 30-DBSS
2014 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4L
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05-10-2012, 09:37 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 293
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The first thing I would do after driving over a set of scales is ADD a transmission cooler... It's not that expensive, even if later you decide to sell. ALL TV's should have this.
__________________
2012 Ford F150 4x4, 5.0L, 3.55 2011 Rockwood MiniLite 1809s E2 WDH 600/6000lbs
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05-10-2012, 09:54 AM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 49
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I have thought about a transmission cooler. The previous owners used this truck to haul a trailer with as well (don't know what kind) so wasn't sure if I really needed one. They towed from Leavenworth, KS to southern TX when they had it (at least according to the dealer). Do you know hard it would be to add one?
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05-10-2012, 10:08 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 293
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I think you can get the part for around $125 then add labor so may end up around $250... perhaps any mechanics out there can respond with more details... I have generally purchased my vehicles with this option factory installed.
__________________
2012 Ford F150 4x4, 5.0L, 3.55 2011 Rockwood MiniLite 1809s E2 WDH 600/6000lbs
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05-10-2012, 10:23 AM
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#19
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 3,365
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Here's how I see it. A 1/2 ton will do you nicely. By "newer" I am assuming you are looking at a newer, previously owned vehicle. The 5.4 is a very nice towing motor; great torque curve. I would highly recommend that you get a 2009 or newer (Ford) if you can afford it as they started producing a 6 speed automatic at that time. The 6 speed is vastly superior for towing compared to the 4 speed.
Hope that is helpful. Good luck. If you make the change, I think you will be happier when towing.
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2021 F350 Lariat 7.3 4X4 w 4.30s, 2018 Wildcat 29RLX
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05-10-2012, 04:54 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 337
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I would check the book to see if you are under powered or not. It would also be wise that if you do not know what the weight of your trailer is (missing the tag) I would get it both weighed.
It would be well worth the effort to get a transmission cooler if you do not have one installed. If the previous owners were doing lots of towing without one I would be a little leary about transmission problems in the future. Not that you would have any as they may have been towing very, very light.
I agree paid for is a good deal.
If I were considering a another vehicle in the future, I generally recommend getting one for the next TT you think you might own. After replacing two trucks before I got this one, I can tell you how expensive that can be.
There is a rather odd thing I discovered about towing. That is that seemingly more efficient TV does not equate to better MPG.
I was towing a Trailmanor 3326 behind my Toyota Taco 2WD V6 with a complete factory tow package. The Taco was good for 6,500#. I got about 13-15 MPG dragging that 3326 at 65-70. I got 22-24 MPG not towing.
When I replaced the 3326 with an 8,000#+ Puma Unleashed 27SBU and started towing with my GMC 2500HD Dmax Sierra Classic 4WD, I got 10-12MPG at 65-70 towing, and 18-24 MPG not towing.
Figuring in fuel differential its about 20% towing with the 3/4 ton Dmax. But that is still comparing apples and oranges. The 27SBU is A LOT more trailer than the 3326 and the Dmax truck is a lot more truck.
In the mountains, MPG with the 3326/Taco dropped below 8 routinely with an uphill max of 50 MPH (floored). The 27SBU/Dmax has been up some long hills, no mountains yet (later this summer), and has always stayed north of 8 MPG and cruise control loafed. 4WD is nice, because on my first outing the 27SBU would have gotten stuck without it.
I certainly believe a better, bigger V8 might help you all around. However, be aware our friends in area code 202 keep contemplating adding more ethanol to gas and that might be disasterous to towing performance. Newer vehicles tolerate this scourge better, but until things stabilize in Washington, it is something to keep in mind.
Another thing to remember that if your current rig is handling this OK, it might be better to save your money. If you are doing more mountain travel bigger may better. However, by 2015 it has been rumored that 1/2 ton diesels may make their way back onto the market (Cummins/Nissan) again. That might give you the performance/economy you are looking for without selling the house.
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with Lady & Chloe, 2013 39 days, 2014 59 days
2017 GD Imagine 2800BH
'07 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel 4x4
Why I got into RVing & More Fun
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