Tow Unit

brw549 · 06-01-2012, 09:49 AM

I currently have a 2010 Nissan Titan with the "big tow" package. We pull a FR V-light 30 WRKSS with no problem (with the exception of fuel economy). We hope to move to a fifth wheel later this year. I have looked at all major brands of 3/4 ton trucks but none indicate the fuel mileage. I have also read some negative or poor reviews of the reliability (mainly Ford) of the trucks. I did however find many Ford 7.3 trucks that just will not die. Apparently that was the best product they ever made. The Dodge 2500 looks great but the tow capacity is approx 1500+ lbs less than the other two major products.

Can any of you assist me with information on the dependability and fuel mileage of your tow unit.

Thanks

melbornj · 06-01-2012, 09:53 AM

I have a 2008 F-250 that I bought new. Runs like a champ! The only thing I have done is scheduled maintenance. With the 5.4 liter I get just under 16 MPG.

brw549 · 06-01-2012, 09:55 AM

thanks

Cowracer · 06-01-2012, 10:08 AM

me 2002 excursion 7.3 diesel, lifted, 37" tires. 13.5-14.5 MPG. 147K miles. One trans rebuild.

Buddy, 2002 7.3 diesel f250 lifted 35" tires 22mpg! (verified, I borrowed his truck for a week once) 210K miles, one trans rebuild

Other buddy 2001 f250 stock height and tires 7.3 10-12mpg. 115k, replaced injectors once, trans stilll stock

We cannot find why there is such a difference in milage. All are chipped. Mine has a DPTuner, 02 has a Hyperchip (blech..) and the o1 has a bullydog

The 7.3 f-250 is probalby the finest combination of truck and engine out there. The cummins dodges are hell-for-stout, but the actual truck leaves a lot to be desired from the reliability aspect. The GM duramax is also very reliable and you should live as long as a 4l80e or Allison transmission.

Avoid the 6.5 gm diesel. Its a great engine, but way down on power compared to the newer ones. Avoid the 6.0 Ford. avoid the dodge with the NV4500 trans. They have a nasty habit of trying to engage 2 gears at the same time.

However, with all that said, after reviewing all 3 new trucks (courtesy of coworkers)... If I was buying a brand new one, the Ram 2500 diesel would be the one.

Tim

brw549 · 06-01-2012, 10:18 AM

Thanks COWRACER. I agree with everything you said. The Dodge 2500 has been pulling heavy on me. I've been a paramedic for 35 years and we have been through many ambulances. The Ford 7.3 is and will always be the work horse. The 6.0 was junk and the new 6.7 have had some issues with the turbos and transmissions. The GM product is nice also but for the money the Dodge ( that I have never been a fan of) is looking very good and at this point they don't require the exhaust additive.

Dave_Monica · 06-01-2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brw549

The Dodge 2500 looks great but the tow capacity is approx 1500+ lbs less than the other two major products.

Tow capacity isn't the best way to rate trucks as they're all limited by payload capacity before they're ever approaching their towing capacity. That is, most 3/4 ton diesel trucks can only carry a 2000 lb pin weight without exceeding the truck's GVWR...a 2000 lb pin weight would be a 10000 lb 5th wheel loaded.

Dave

brw549 · 06-01-2012, 10:32 AM

I agree, I think I have found that the pin weight on the dodge was around 2400 lbs or so...if I am not mistaken. I'm not sure about the other two.

Great Horned Owl · 06-01-2012, 07:55 PM

The Cummins engines in the Dodge can't be beat, but the transmission doesn't hold up real well and the body has rust issues. The Duramax is almost as good as the Cummins, and the 6 speed Allison is as robust a transmission as you can get.

The truck that you want will be a Ford chassis and cab with a Cummins engine and an Allison transmission. If you can't find one of those (or can't afford one) see 10 Best Used Diesel Trucks (and cars) - Diesel Power Magazine

Joel

grayfox · 06-01-2012, 09:06 PM

FYI. this is a 2011 test.. 2012 test about the same. YOU BE THE JUDGE. I won't turn this thread into the sandbox... Ford GM DODGE argument.

2011 Heavy-Duty Hurt Locker: Truck and Trailer Specs - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports

MIKE44460 · 06-01-2012, 09:43 PM

Mileage, well that all depends. If I really have time to kill and run 60 MPH give or take I can get real close to 12. Now if I'm on vacation and the object is to get there I can, 15 MPH over any speed limit is not an issue and my mileage will be +/- 10 MPG, up or down hills it don't matter.

My old TV a 1993 Suburban with a built 454 was 6 to 8 and it required hi test gas. So I'm ahead of the game with my fuel squeezer.

With out the TT and running around 22 on the hi-way at 65.

And my some what twisted view, if I was really worried amout mileage, I'd be staying in a motel and driving a Cruze.

brw549 · 06-01-2012, 09:59 PM

Thanks all for the info. My main concern is dependably and I will be driving this truck daily, not just a tow unit. By the way Mike44460 if your not concern with mileage and the cost, please forward your credit card number to me, I'll be glad to help you with that : )

dwcjb · 06-01-2012, 10:24 PM

I agree, Ford's 6.0 in stock, unaltered form is an accident waiting to happen. But many low mileage f250/350 are available. I bought a new 2005 and only have 40k miles mostly all towing miles. Just retired in January. Have installed a bullet proof diesel egr/oil cooler and by pass kit. Scheduling ARP head studs and new head gaskets soon and will change the inter cooler. This will completely replace all of this engines weak points. I haul a 38' 5th wheel weighing 11,400lbs and watch my pyro and trans temp gauge, climbs the Grapevine and I-15 north of San Bernadino with no problems and dont hold anyone up. I get 12 towing and 18-19 empty. Next trip Vegas, then Reno-hot August nights and Portland, Or. I do not plan to chip the truck.

MtnGuy · 06-02-2012, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKE44460

Now if I'm on vacation and the object is to get there I can, 15 MPH over any speed limit is not an issue....

DonG · 06-02-2012, 07:38 AM

If your main concern is fuel milage, buy Dodge.
They are also very, very comfortable, and simply the best looking truck out there.

chiro · 06-02-2012, 07:56 AM

I would recommend a 1 ton truck in whatever brand you decide on. This is for 2 reasons.
1. the 1 ton is just a little more than the 3/4 ton
2. if you are planning to step up to a 5th wheel you might need the extra capacity.

DonG · 06-02-2012, 09:15 AM

The OP will be using the potential new truck as a daily driver as well. The one tons are just a bit much for that.
Come to think of it, if the OP was to keep his camper around 7500 lbs dry weight, the perfect truck just might be the Ford EcoBoost with max tow package.
But he did not mention just how big of a fifth wheel he was considering.

chiro · 06-02-2012, 09:23 AM

The Op stated that he wants OT will be moving up to a 5th wheel. That was the reason for a 1 ton. He might have a 2 mile commute which would be ok with a large truck. I agree that the f150 Eco boost would be a good choice.

brw549 · 06-02-2012, 10:38 PM

Thanks everyone for your input on this. I'll keep you posted on where we go from here. Happy Camping to all of you....

whj77372 · 06-06-2012, 09:54 AM

The F 150 is not a good choice to pull a 5er. Unless it is a Casita or Scamp. My 5er, 2012 V-Cross 275, is said to be pulled by a 1/2 ton. Not unless you want to be over weight, pin weight, maybe axle weight also. A 10,000 lbs 5er will have a pin of about 2,000 lbs and that will push the limit on any 1/2 ton pickup.

dretired · 06-06-2012, 10:36 AM

If you get a 5th wheel thats under 8,000 lbs (like mine ) you can get a F150 built with the Eco Boost.. Super Crew ..6 1/2 box.. 3.73 limited slip.. Max Towing Package.. Heavy Duty Payload Package.. in.. a XL.. XLT..or Lariat trim level..that should do the job just fine !!

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