Truck selection

twakefi · 03-12-2008, 07:21 AM

So I am getting closer to picking up my new 5er. The camper specs out at 7050 dry and I know that it has a few heavy options (hide-a-bed and nicer rocking chairs). Anyhow the camper dealer says it is 1/2 ton towable but I am starting to get nervous.

So with that said should I be looking to upgrade from my 2002 Ram 1500 with the gas hog 5.9L??? I have been looking around and found a 2003 2500 with the hemi that I could upgrade to for fairly cheap (camper and new truck do not fit in the budget).

OR

Do I suffer pulling with the 1500 for a while until the deisel calls my name??

-Tim
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 QC SB 4x4
2005 Grand Surveyor 273RL

aintgotnun · 03-12-2008, 07:47 AM

personal choice but I wouldn't tow that with a half-ton. once you add all your goodies plus the bodies in the truck you are going to want a 3/4 ton or bigger.

if you have the chance and can afford the bigger used truck I'd say go for it now. you are going to be EXTREMELY frustrated with the half-ton towing that rig.

diesels do cost more but they have more power and better mileage for towing. I wouldn't wait on the diesel though. get the bigger truck now and then save up for the diesel

Rockinwood · 03-12-2008, 09:01 AM

We dont have a 5ver, but we did half a half ton expedtion and gas milege was anywhere from 6 to 8 mpg towing 8000lbs and it struggled up hills, dealer also told us 1/2 ton would be fine, we too could not afford a new truck, we opted to trade even with a private party for a 2002 xcursion v10, now we get 8+ mpg, and could not be happier, good luck on your choice, but the main thing is, enjoy your rig and happy camping!!!

NDJollyMon · 03-12-2008, 12:43 PM

Dealers will tell you anything to make the sale. Yea, you can move the unit with a 1/2 ton alright. But a 3/4 will do it much easier and safer.

I think with a 5er, you should step it up...you won't regret it that way.

CamperFan · 03-12-2008, 01:27 PM

We tow our new Rockwood 5th wheel with a '06 Silverado 1500 Ext. Cab w/5300 V8 and the Tow Pkg. Our trailer's UVW is 6,750 lbs according to the label in the kittchen cabinet. That weight is with all the options except the two slide toppers.

MRimmer · 03-12-2008, 02:32 PM

I have an 03 3/4 ton with the Hemi

I can say this for a fact.

No white nuckle while towing. Pulls good and is easier and safer imo.

Dont plan on the mileage being any better while towing. 11.4 was the best I ever got and average is in the low 9 range

twakefi · 03-12-2008, 07:36 PM

So the stupid internet sales guy didnt call me until noon on the 2003 ram 2500 in the perfect color for me. Needless to say someone came in around 10am (before this guy checks his email and voicemail) and put an offer on it. Back to hunting I guess. I found a 2001 F250 diesel with 154k for around 16$$$

-Tim

rockwood06 · 03-13-2008, 01:33 PM

From my understanding, you have to be careful about the maximum weight that is on the camper sticker, some camper weigh more then what it says, up to 1500 lbs more then whats printed on the sticker. If you are going to buy a tow vehicle to tow just what the camper ways, you might want to have the weight of the camper checked out, you could be asking for trouble. Personally anything over 23' I would use a 3/4 ton with a factory tow package and a min 4/10 rear.

aintgotnun · 03-13-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twakefi

So the stupid internet sales guy didnt call me until noon on the 2003 ram 2500 in the perfect color for me. Needless to say someone came in around 10am (before this guy checks his email and voicemail) and put an offer on it. Back to hunting I guess. I found a 2001 F250 diesel with 154k for around 16$$$

-Tim

154k miles? Just now getting broke-in.

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