please help truck

[Bklyncat58]

we just bought a 2017 rockwood ultralight 8312 SS. we need a new or used truck. any suggestions for what truck will handle this camper . the numbers i come up with are unloaded 7974 hitch weight 961 we are looking at 2500 pick up trucks, what payload number do i need to look for . sorry for the questions but im a female and my husband dosent know.

[Flybob]

You will get lots of opinions, but to answer your question. Recommend you use the following numbers or better yet actual values from a weigh station ( available at most truck stops).

Trailer weight: Use Max gross from sticker ( not dry weight)
Tongue weight: Use 12-15% of max gross weight above.
Load capacity from drivers door sticker on proposed Tow Vehicle
From load capacity subtract weight of passengers and cargo in TV and about 75lbs for WDH.
This number should be higher than the tongue weight.
Most 2500 should be OK.

[djeirlessr]

I can not recommend a truck but I’ll tell you my experience. I had a 2011 Toyota Tundra and I was limited on trailer weight. I bought a Crusader fifth wheel dry weight of 9,000#. We probably have about 1,000# extra inside. Needless to say I was at max or possibly over.

My Tundra pulls it very well on the east coast. Took it to North Fort Myers,Fl and averaged 10.061 MPG. We planned a trip to go out west, which we just returned from, and did not feel the Tundra could handle it and sold my truck and bought a 2500 HD diesel truck and glad I did for many reasons. It pulled my FW with ease. If I decide to get a larger FW I can because my truck can pull up to 18,000 pounds which is much more than I’ll ever need. The best fuel mileage I could get from my Tundra was 17.5 at 65 MPH and I get 24.6 with my diesel truck at 65 MPH.

[djeirlessr]

Originally Posted by djeirlessr

I can not recommend a truck but I’ll tell you my experience. I had a 2011 Toyota Tundra and I was limited on trailer weight. I bought a Crusader fifth wheel dry weight of 9,000#. We probably have about 1,000# extra inside. Needless to say I was at max or possibly over.

My Tundra pulls it very well on the east coast. Took it to North Fort Myers,Fl and averaged 10.061 MPG. We planned a trip to go out west, which we just returned from, and did not feel the Tundra could handle it and sold my truck and bought a 2500 HD diesel truck and glad I did for many reasons. It pulled my FW with ease. If I decide to get a larger FW I can because my truck can pull up to 18,000 pounds which is much more than I’ll ever need. The best fuel mileage I could get from my Tundra was 17.5 at 65 MPH and I get 24.6 with my diesel truck at 65 MPH.

I forgot to mention the MPG of 17.5 and 24.6 was without towing my FW.

[timfromma]

You are very close to my trailer's numbers and there is no 1/2 ton on the market that I'm aware of that has enough payload for the trailer PLUS occupants and gear in the truck. A 3/4 ton is the way to go. I like my Silverado but in reality any of the big 3 will do the job. The only real question is gas or diesel. Gas trucks have a higher payload due the lighter engine and are alot cheaper. Diesel has alot more torque which is better if you plan on hauling steep grades like up in the mountains. Diesel has the added benefit of being able to refuel in the large truck lanes at truck stops and getting to skip the tight car lanes.

[jeff64]

Like most have said , any of the 3/4T HD pickups will do it. Rear axle load on my door sticker says 2900# and rated to pull 13,000. I'm guessing I'm pulling 9,500 with all the stuff. Similar to yours only higher tongue wt. specd at about 1,200 and the gross trailer weight is about 9,000. still well within capacities. With a gas engine, I'll get 7.5-8.5 mpg towing. If you're thinking 5th wheel down the road, or mountain climbing...

[Gonefishing1]

If going to purchase a new truck might as while go with at least a 3/4 ton. That way u are sure to have enough for the tt you have and maybe one in the future. Sure they say some 1/2 ton will do the job but if buying new anyway why not just be sure and go no less then 3/4. Not a big price differences price and a lot more truck. As for gas or diesel I like the diesel plenty of pulling power and over all it averages out on fuel cost. Gas is cheaper but diesel gets better mileage. Just my 2 cents worth. Oil change is more more most only have to be changed every 10,000 vice 3-5 with gas.

[dbledan]

You are in the right mindset with the 2500s or 3/4 ton As a half ton won't likely handle it or be really hard to find. I figure tongue weight fully loaded would be 1050ish at 12% of gross weight. So add your passengers, WDH weight, and any cargo like generator firewood, etc.

If you have a family (4) payload you would want at least around 2100. If just the two then you could maybe get by on 1900ish if you pack lite but I would go for 2000lb payload. The higher the better. I think you should be ok on GCVW with 3/4.

Now gasser or diesel would be the next question. Keep in mind diesels are heavier so payload will be lower.

I didn't look at Chevy 2500s but with the Ford's you will be looking carefully at the payload stickers to get those weights and will likely need a max tow or payload package if you go the diesel routes from what I saw when I was looking. Your milage may vary.

Congrats on the trailer and happy camping!

[donniedu]

Any of the recent crop of 2500 series truxks will work just fine. But, and this is more of a suggestion, look foreword to your next RV, and buy/size your truck for that also. If you think you may move to a fifth wheel before replacing the truck, get a 3500. Yea, it sounds like overkill, but at the end of the day it could save you a bundle of cash.

[wildcatter]

I would look at a 2500/250 series, I pulled a 32 foot toy hauler with a 1500 Silverado, it was a nightmare, the wife used to drive with here eyes closed. A friend just purchased a 34 foot patriot and a RAM 1500 (2016), he is at his thresholds for weight, do yourself a favor and look at the 2500/250 at the least, Gas or Diesel will work, both have there pro's and con's. Good luck with your search.

[timfromma]

Ive adopted a personal rule of thumb that the truck should have at least 1000lbs of load capacity left over after the trailer is connected so you can still haul the family plus extra gear and still have some margin.