Planning for a better tow vehicle

[miatared]

I have started looking for a good used F250/350 to eventually pull a 5th wheel.

In no rush, as I do not plan on getting the 5th wheel for a while. But if I found the gem, I'd like to jump on it.

I found a site that lists tow capabilities for years of Ford pickups and am wondering what I should avoid or even specifically look for.

I see rear ends of 3.73 and others. Gas, Diesel V8, V10, duallies, etc. I know I need a long box for example. Supercab woud be good, as only the grand kids may be with us once in a while. My budget is around $20K.

Just looking for some info from the collective on worthwhile features.

Thanks.

[scubieman]

Well gas does not have as much power. Diesel has power but with a crew cab good luck keeping the 20k budget. I highly recommend the crew cab which it sounds like you are getting. I do not like the long box as I think IMO they are ugly. If you buy a ford I prefer them not with the 6.0 diesel engine. Anything 2007 and newer now of the new emissions crap on the truck which cuts back the fuel economy on the diesel.

I think it will depend on how far you travel. If you only go on sort trips then forsure a v8 gas. But if your doing cross country I highly recommend upping the budget price and get a diesel. Just a FYI. A diesel with 150K is just getting broke in. A very good service record is the best thing.

[donn]

not sure why everyone is stuck on ford? Better to concentrate on quality that fits your budget. If you are planning for a fiver, forget a 3/4 ton and instead look at a one ton.

[miatared]

Not exactly stuck on Ford, but in my business (construction) over the last 15 years, Ford have proven better buys than Chrysler and GM. More reliable plain and simple. But I'm open to a good 1 ton diesel from anyone.

In the $20Ks (or under $30k) would work best.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by miatared

I know I need a long box.

The long box isn't a requirement. Lots of 5ths pulled with a short box along with a sliding hitch. You'll find that you don't use the rearmost position that often...only for extreme manuevers.

Many of the newer campers come with a radiused front corner allowing 90 degree turns with a short box and non sliding hitch.

Many manufacturers also offer a factory install 'Sidewinder' pinbox which puts the campers' pivot point where the pinbox is attached to the camper...no need for a slider with a short box.

Dave

[crocus]

Of course it depends on if you are looking for a multi-use truck, or will it be dedicated to pulling the fifth? And will be it be for short hops, or long distance? How big do you think the fifth might be?
One thing for sure, if it going to be just for pulling the camper, and you intend to do a lot, buy a long box. The extra room and better ride are worth having an "ugly" truck. Truthfully, ours would look stupid as a short-box.
If it will be dedicated to pulling the camper, and you are going to buy anything over 10,000 gvrw, buy a diesel. The Dodge's pull like a bear, the Ford's have the best body, and Chevies fall apart.

[miatared]

Dedicated to the 5th wheel and long trips - very long, will be away 6-8 months each year, from East to West, Mexico, US and Canada.

There are some decent deals on Cummins equipped Dodge, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

[scubieman]

I have the cummins.. They are nice with the in line 6... Cheaper to work on anyways

[crocus]

In that case, diesel for sure, and a long box supercab would be my choice. Maybe even a 4-door. Some people whine about the long trucks being hard to park and such, but we have never had any real issues.
The only other choice is 3/4 or one ton.

[flyrotor]

Personally I would recommend the Dodge with a Cummins, the strait 6 engine has well proven itself, agree anything newer than 2007 the emissions have strangled the mileage, The newer Chevrolet's have a really good Duramax engine.

I have driven Ford's Powerstroke in ambulances for the past 15 years, personally I would never own a Ford diesel due to the problems we have experienced in all years and models of the powerstroke, this even with driver monitoring systems to blunt abuse, and impecible preventative maintenance... that is my opinion and I reserve that right.

The newer ambulances we have been using are Chevrolet 2009 and 2010 Duramax, they seem to do much better than that of the Ford, more power, more reliable and no comparison on the engine noise.

I just purchased a 2011 Dodge with the 6.7 Cummins, there is nothing I dislike about this setup, years ago I worked for a family business and we used the first generations Dodge with the Cummins 5.9 engines, they are built to work, we pulled 250,000 miles on two different trucks with 90% or more pulling large heavy loads, back then the transmissions and rearends were the weak point, but since have been improved. My experience with these older Dodges highly influenced my recent purchase. It also has the long bed with a crew cab and the overall length makes pulling my trailer a dream. It too is very quite, comparible with the new Duramax.

There are a lot of good options out there and with rising fuel prices there are a lot of trucks going to the dealers, you should soon have a plethera of used trucks to choose from at decent prices. Be it Ford, Chevy or Dodge, take your time and trust you gut when you test drive them. Good maintenance records are a must if possible.