Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-28-2015, 05:53 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Nightrain3130's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 17
Which one to go with Chevy 1500 or the 2500 hd

We are new to the camping world just bought a 2015 XLR hyper lite 29HFS we have only pulled it twice we have a 2008 suburban that we are using now not real comfortable pulling it with the suburban looking to buy a pick up but not sure which one to go with what do most of you pull yours with we have a 2014 Harley limited that will be putting in the back but have not pulled it with the bike in the back
Nightrain3130 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 06:09 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Ford Idaho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
I agree, get the 3500, you WILL be glad you did....
__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
Ford Idaho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 06:58 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
davel1971's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Seaford, De
Posts: 2,377
at least a 3/4 ton, but in my opinion, just skip that and get a single rear wheel 1 ton. Virtually same price and handles much more weight
__________________
David & Lynn
2014 Coachmen Chaparral Signature 327 RLKS
2016 Ford F350 Lariat CC Dually
davel1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:03 PM   #4
Member
 
Hedrock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 60
I just bought a 30hds and my first trip I pulled it with a Dodge 2500. It was about the worst experience I've ever had pulling a trailer. I now have a 2008 3500 Duramax dually and absolutely love it!
__________________
2016 Hyper Lite XLR 30HDS
Hedrock is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:11 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
WolfWhistle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,275
At least a 2500 no matter the make. Diesel is better. Gasser will work depending on you. Next you will hear 29 opinions from 29 people. I've pulled less trailer with a 1500 and its not for me... 6000 miles of me bitchin and wondering what the heck was I thinking. Others pull with a half at 70 mph plus and claim they cant tell it's back there. If you search the forum you will read several messages from people who went with a 1/2 ton only to later go bigger. Go bigger is my advice. If you're like so many other there will be a bigger rig in your future. A 1 ton might be wise.
WW
__________________
Hyper Lite was sold

2017 F-250 4x4 6.2L Gas
I can't fix everything, but I can make it so nobody else can
WolfWhistle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:13 PM   #6
Moderator Emeritus
 
asquared's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,069
Another vote for a SRW 1 ton diesel.... your brand of choice. That is way too much trailer for a half ton. If you want a comfortable easy ride get the diesel and enjoy your towing experience.
__________________
<a href=https://i62.tinypic.com/28rp645.jpg target=_blank>https://i62.tinypic.com/28rp645.jpg</a>
2014 Crew Cab Chevy Silverado 3500 4wd Duramax/Allison
2014 Sabre 34REQS-6
asquared is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:38 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Western, MA
Posts: 430
Not sure about the other two brands but if you go Ford, a 250 is fine. Despite different ratings on paper to satisfy different markets segments, the F250 and SRW 350 are physically 100% identical if the 250 has the camper package. A 150 will ride much better unloaded and I'd be fine towing the RV in question with it but some folks need more of a comfort buffer than I do. Only you can decide the best tow vehicle for you.
Karl4Cat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:46 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Frederica DE
Posts: 1,223
Your suburban still may be out matched but you should look at the weight distribution system to see if it setup properly. Taking it to the scales will help you with getting real tongue weight you may have too much tongue weight putting the bike in the back may actually help it ride better. Knowing the real time we will tell you how much truck you will need.
__________________

2016 Ford F250 XLT 4X4 6.2L
2015 Rockwood Signature Ultralite 8329SS
Hensley Arrow
uhduh camping is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:46 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
The_Rhino's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 670
Your TT is about 7,000 empty & up to 9,700 loaded w/tongue weight under 1,500 so a 3/4 ton would do the job.

IMO you can't go wrong with any of the latest 3/4 & 1 ton choices, so it comes down to your budget. We wanted more funds available for camping, so I bought a 2 year-old Ram 2500 w/5.7 Hemi & payload of 3,000 for $14K. Our TT is 8,500 ready-to-camp & with family of 5, bikes, fiberglass cap, firewood, etc. our GCVW is near 15,000. The 5.7 had no trouble maintaining the speed limit throughout the Smoky Mts...

For the price of a F150 EB w/HD upgrade, needed for your size toy hauler, you can get a Ram 2500/3500 w/6.4 Hemi. If you can live with a stock interior (no leather, NAV, etc.) you can get a Ram 3500 w/Cummins for under $45K....
__________________
2011 RAM 2500 ST Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi
2011 Primetime 3150BHD Touring Edition
Days camped in 2018-25
2017-31; 2016-36; 2015-37; 2014-31

The_Rhino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:50 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
northstar1960's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: in my new 29hfsxlr
Posts: 1,658
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightrain3130 View Post
We are new to the camping world just bought a 2015 XLR hyper lite 29HFS we have only pulled it twice we have a 2008 suburban that we are using now not real comfortable pulling it with the suburban looking to buy a pick up but not sure which one to go with what do most of you pull yours with we have a 2014 Harley limited that will be putting in the back but have not pulled it with the bike in the back

Chevy 2500 hd will do nicely 6.0 gas is fine unless you can't stand to lose speed going up a 6% grade then get the duramax . I tow the the 6.0 without issue . when i up grade it will be the single axle 3500 . diesel maybe the 6.0 does so well can't justify the extra bucks
northstar1960 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 07:52 PM   #11
Georgia Rally Coordinator
 
aceinspp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,357
Go with a 2500 of your choice and preferably a diesel. It will get the job done. Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing. Traded 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
aceinspp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2015, 08:19 PM   #12
Site Team
 
Flybob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,266
You will not be happy or safe with the 1/2 ton.
__________________

2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
Flybob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 06:14 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
The Big Toe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 308
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightrain3130 View Post
We are new to the camping world just bought a 2015 XLR hyper lite 29HFS we have only pulled it twice we have a 2008 suburban that we are using now not real comfortable pulling it with the suburban looking to buy a pick up but not sure which one to go with what do most of you pull yours with we have a 2014 Harley limited that will be putting in the back but have not pulled it with the bike in the back
It depends on what you're planning on doing with the Trailer and on how deep your pocket book is and how much discomfort you're willing to put up with in a HD Truck....

If you're going to travel the country and put thousands of actual towing miles on the TV, then yeah,get the 2500 with the Diesel. You'll need it.

A dually would be even better but remember something -- You're not going to be hooked up to the trailer 24/7/365. You're going to have more money in, and spend more time in, the TV than in the TT so...... That's got to be comfortable, too. Which HD Trucks aren't known for. And wait until it's time to put tires on that Dually.

If you feel you need an M1 Tank to tow your trailer, then get one. But here's the deal....

1/2-Ton pickups aren't set up from the factory to tow all that well. They don't have a sway bar on them and their springs aren't all that and a happy meal.

Some SuperSprings and a Hellwig sway bar for a 1/2-ton can run you just over $500 total if you install them yourself (springs are easy, sway bar you need an extra pair of hands but can be done by yourself, although it's no fun [I know])and will improve the towing ability of your truck immensely

But if I had it all to do over again...... If I were starting from scratch, I'd get the F-250 with the Diesel.

If you already have a 1/2-ton, I'm just saying there's no need to despair..... And Suburbans are not good tow vehicles despite their reputation from the 1970's as being such. They're just not --Not compared to a Pick Up

You also get more than just a suspension and a BigAss™ Motor. In the F-250 you get a MUCH stronger transmission and bigger, better brakes.

So yeah, if you gotta get a new truck anyway, get the HD. But they don't ride like the 1/2-Ton.

Unloaded, I can cruise down I-75 at 75 MPH having a quiet conversation with the DW and listening to Steely Dan while getting 23 MPG in my F-150 with the Coyote V8.

But like I said, I'd probably get the F-250 if I were starting from scratch.

Confused yet?
The Big Toe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 06:40 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Big Rig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 155
I am one of those people who thought he could pull a fifth wheel with a half ton truck, boy was I wrong. All the numbers said it would work. I added the air bags and still didn't feel comfortable pulling with this combo. I was not only endangering myself but other people on the road with me. I moved up to a one ton diesel single rear wheel and never looked back. Just because the numbers work on paper they don't always work in the real world. This truck doesn't ride any worse than my half ton and is still pretty quiet for a diesel. I am partial to GM only because I drive a Ford at work and find it unreliable.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums
Big Rig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 07:37 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Witch Doctor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Clarksville Va.
Posts: 10,422
You really need to move up to 2500 no matter what brand. I have a Ford F-250. You will get the same engine as a 3500. The only difference is the springs. My trailer weight is about the same as yours, and I have no problem or white knuckle driving.
__________________
Coachmen M/H
Concord
2018 / 300 DSC

Witch Doctor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 08:20 AM   #16
Tinkerer and Putterer
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 398
For easy towing I would choose a tow vehicle that places your as loaded weight at 70 - 85% of the tow vehicles rated capacity. The added capacity helps in those pucker up situations like panic stops, high wind driving, mountain driving etc. DRW makes for a more stable drive but it also makes for tougher parking when not towing. That being said it would allow you to upgrade in the future should you decide that a bigger trailer is better. Towing smaller is rarely an issue.
HappyGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 09:41 AM   #17
Junior Member
 
Nightrain3130's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 17
Thanks for all the feedback. Right now I am driving a 2005 Chevy 1/2 ton crew cab back-and-forth to work I put about 50 miles a week on the vehicle just driving back-and-forth to work so if I do get the 2500 hd the way it ride will not bother me. We always take our suburban when we go anywhere. Our plans for the camper right now is to just do short trips in and around Nebraska and maybe into Colorado and Iowa
Nightrain3130 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 09:52 AM   #18
Commercial Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Akron, Ohio
Posts: 1,889
First learn, not guess, your actual loaded trailer weight.

Second look at the specs for the TV.

3rd remember you need to stop as well as go. A part of the max load rating for TV is the ability to stop with a load not just pull up a hill.
__________________
.Write a blog on RV tire application RV Tire Safety. 48 years experience as tire design & forensic engineer. My RV Freelander 23QB on Chevy 4500 chassis. Giving seminars on RV Tire applications (not selling)@ FMCA Conventions. Mar 20-22 Tucson AZ
Tireman9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 10:07 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
muddyrode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE Iowa
Posts: 628
If you drive both you will be Amazed at the differance in the braking power alone of the the 2500 and for me that is one of the main reasons to go to a 2500 then throw in a deisel and and your set except if you can go to th 3500 dully 8 foot bed and you'll be set for a long time
__________________
2016 SANDPIPER 35ROK
2013 Silverado Duramax 3500HD DRW LB

Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey
muddyrode is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2015, 12:56 PM   #20
Member
 
lynn brownlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 96
I have a 10,000 lbs trailer, 1159 lbs hitch weight, at the scales, pulled it with a Toyota Tundra, it was ok, not ideal. Having several trips to Yellow stone, Grand Canyon with tundra and running overweight, I decide my cargo (my grandkids) was just to valuable to risk. Bought a 3500 diesel dually, wow what a difference, got 20.5 miles per gallon average on the first 15,000 miles service and gets about 13.5 pulling camper. I'm 60 years old and never enjoyed a truck as much as this one. I recommend you get the biggest truck, don't worry about the weight of your cargo
lynn brownlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
500

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:09 AM.