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09-17-2015, 01:25 PM
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#21
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Mt. Clemens, MI.
Posts: 120
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I have a 2014 Ford F-150 Ecoboost trailer towing package. This truck is rated to pull 11300 lbs. The 2015 Aluminum trucks can tow 700 additional lbs.
I have a 2015 32' 5th. wheel that my truck has no problem at all towing.
Not tooting my horn hear, just stating facts.
When my lease is up in 2017 I have full intention of getting another Ford F-150. I'm sure other Ford owners will agree with me on how well they like their trucks.
__________________
Fred n Wilma
2017 Ford F-150 EcoBoost
2015 Crusader 295RST
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09-17-2015, 01:25 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Weatherford, TX
Posts: 977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Markwie
That said an F350, Ram 3500, Chev/GMC 3500 would all be a better choice. Diesels are a pain with DEF and their increased maintenance but will always get better mileage when loaded.
Toy and nissan are planning to run a diesel in the coming years but it's a bit foolish to latch onto a wholly new product like that and expect it to have all the bugs worked out in the first few years.
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I traded my 150 in on my current diesel. The "extra" maintenance is overplayed in my opinion. I change my oil half as often, even though the book says I could do 3 to 1... ie. 15,000 miles instead of 5,000 miles. The DEF thing comes up about once in the middle of an oil change period... and at oil changes. It's almost a non-issue. The fuel filters are the only real issue, and add a little work and expense every other oil change. I do it myself, and it adds about 20 minutes, and a touch over $100- in expense. I save that much easily by doing my own...
Nissan is coming out in November with a "heavy half-ton" with a 5.0 V-8 diesel made by Cummins. The jury's still out as to whether Toyota will come out with theirs next year.
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J & D in Lovely Weatherford, TX
2016 Jayco White Hawk 28DSBH TT
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4X4 6.7L Cummins
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09-17-2015, 01:27 PM
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#23
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 96
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flame suit on
I pulled a 10,000 TT for 3 years , i used a 2012 Toyota , did a good job I thought, but I went 600 lbs over the manufactures weight limit of 16,000 combined weight limit, I made a trip to Yellow stone and Grande Canyon with the toyota. I was a Ford loyalist until the 2004 f250 6.0 broke down every time I used it, I had a 2000 f250 7.3 to noisy and a 04 f250 with the 6.0 . I did my home work and decided, living on the edge or at the shop is not living at all, After reading and looking and test driving and I also noticed that the light freight haulers who pull for the dollar buy the ram 3500 with the cummins 3 to 1 over the ford and chevy ant close. So I started asking them at all the fuel stations, why the Ram? - one word Cummins. So I went with the 3500 dually Ram mega cab 4x4 with the aisian tranny (the tranny is important). All I will say is you can't have to much truck if you travel across country, the history and experience we had with my Partners 2012 eco boost was a nightmare, we had to stop and wait on it to cool down, we had to constantly slow down while they catch up after every elavation change, the trips to the shop and the fact that it ran hot on my friends truck towing 4,800 lbs going up Bear Tooth Pass and smoked the brakes coming down. He paid $47 grand for the loaded plantnimum edition. We have a group from church that go out west every year, The f150 eco boost is to small of a truck for cross country towing, get at least a f250 or get a pop up if you need a ego boost F150. Don't believe the mileage numbers either, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TO MUCH TRUCK - But i am just sharing - I know product loyalist who will defend Chevy and Ford regardless of their experience with the product. DO YOUR Own Reseasrch or HOMEWORK
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09-17-2015, 01:39 PM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,016
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What a TV can tow is only part of the specs. You should keep it close to Cargo Capacity on the yellow sticker attached to your truck. Loading it close axle weights is not good idea. Going to Cat scale and getting a static weight on level ground is just that a static weight. Going down a hill and putting on the brakes or a dip in the highway can add 30% or more to the weight on your truck pin weight.
Look at my 5er in my signature and has a 11,380 but has pin weight of 2740. The HD Payload on F150 might come close to handling the weight but test one before you buy because I did and the ride is rougher then my F350.
Check out this site and see how heavy of 5er you can tow. Towing Planner - towing capability calculators
__________________
2017 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40D Diesel Pusher 41 foot. CC 5740
2017 Solitude 310GK-R Pick Up Oct 24th.
2016 GMC Denali 1 ton Cargo Capacity 3722 lbs
Sold 2016 Keystone Montana 3711FL
Sold - 2015 Crusader 315RST 5th Wheel -
2015 Ford F350 SRW Cargo Capacity 3744
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09-17-2015, 01:46 PM
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#25
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Happy Keystone Owner
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 636
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Oh good...another "my diesel" thread.
__________________
'15 F150 Ecoboost Maxtow Scab '19 Keystone Laredo 225MK
Days camped 2020-37 2019-36, 2018-24, 2017-46, 2016 -56, 2015-33,
2014-47,
Years camping....55
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09-17-2015, 01:51 PM
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#26
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 10
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A 1/2 Ton Truck, That Could Tow A 5er.
Towing and load carrying are separate considerations. I had a 1/2 ton van camperized conversion that was just shy of overload empty. Couldn't keep tires on it. Wear out in 12 - 15M miles. Then moved to a 3/4 ton Econoline w/351 CID converted to a travel van and a 23 foot TT. Towed fine but the combined load of conversion plus hitch load sunk the springs. I exchanged TT for a 36 FT TT with "stated" tongue load of 800 lbs and total wt just under 10M - sunk the springs of the 3/4 ton to the bottom plus pulling was tenuous. I then exchanged 3/4 for a 1 ton Econoline w/7.3 CID diesel converted to travel van. Conversion wt about 1000 lbs. Used this combo for 13 years and had no problems with springs or towing - hills, mtns no problem. Since 2009 we have a 36 ft Cedar Creek 5r w/5 slides. Pin load when 5r loaded is about 3M scaled (2.5M empty). 5r loaded weighs about 13M scaled. Our tow vehicle is a GM 3500 crew cab long box w/ 6.6 CID Duramax & 6 speed tranny. I have no spring problems or towing problems. I told you my story so you can decide if you will act in haste or get yourself knowledgeable in order to save grief if you are going to do a lot of miles. I suggest first decide on a range of 5rs that you might purchase. GeT all the weights - pin, empty and payload. Then talk to truck vendors who have knowledge (not all salesmen do) to get towing capacities and load carrying capacities etc etc and do understand all. Then you can make an informed decision. Also take a look at Michelin website for how to weigh truck and rig.
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09-17-2015, 01:55 PM
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#27
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 96
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I'm telling you the facts
I am very reluctant to post these numbers, because I am having a real tough time buying them myself. I was told that these numbers where possible from the dealership, I said stop the bull crap, I have already given you the money.
I have had my 2015 Ram 3500 dually mega cab 4x4 for 22 days, I have 4,750 miles, Its my daily driver, I filled up yesterday and changed my trip meter A, Trip meter B has the average from the day I drove it off the lot. Right now on trip A I'm averaging 18.6 miles per gallon, My trip B includes all 4,750 miles including pulling a 15,200 lbs skid steer (87 miles), a (10,000#camper for 230 miles) and a 3600 lbs trailer and 3,680 lbs of construction debris to the dump It went down a little and after several days the average has come back up to 18.3 miles per gallon. I also check the computer by resetting trip A with every fill up and the computer is always within 3 tents of a gallon from the computer.
I'm shocked, this gets better mileage than my Toyota Tundra did when it averaged 17.5 per tank. Towing the Tundra got 7 to 8 miles a gallon. The Ram looks like its getting between 12.6 and 13.4. I'm so happy about these numbers, I am told they will improve in about 10,000 miles.
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09-17-2015, 02:14 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 155
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lynn brownlee
I am very reluctant to post these numbers, because I am having a real tough time buying them myself. I was told that these numbers where possible from the dealership, I said stop the bull crap, I have already given you the money.
I have had my 2015 Ram 3500 dually mega cab 4x4 for 22 days, I have 4,750 miles, Its my daily driver, I filled up yesterday and changed my trip meter A, Trip meter B has the average from the day I drove it off the lot. Right now on trip A I'm averaging 18.6 miles per gallon, My trip B includes all 4,750 miles including pulling a 15,200 lbs skid steer (87 miles), a (10,000#camper for 230 miles) and a 3600 lbs trailer and 3,680 lbs of construction debris to the dump It went down a little and after several days the average has come back up to 18.3 miles per gallon. I also check the computer by resetting trip A with every fill up and the computer is always within 3 tents of a gallon from the computer.
I'm shocked, this gets better mileage than my Toyota Tundra did when it averaged 17.5 per tank. Towing the Tundra got 7 to 8 miles a gallon. The Ram looks like its getting between 12.6 and 13.4. I'm so happy about these numbers, I am told they will improve in about 10,000 miles.
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Having about the same results with my new Duramax. From what everyone is telling me it should get even better as the engine breaks in. Considering the size and the weight gains I am very impressed with the mileage.
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums
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09-17-2015, 02:41 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Omak, Wa
Posts: 10
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I tow a 2014 FR 30' Wildcat 5er with my 2007 Toyota Tundra with Firestone ride rite air bags and 10 ply tires. I can climb a 6% grade at 70 mph with more throttle to go. It has been a great tow vehicle. My mpg is 10-11.
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09-17-2015, 04:04 PM
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#30
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Canadian Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,238
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You can change the suspension and tires on a 1/2 ton, but if they're not the weakest component in the mix it won't change the payload capacity. It will definitely make it more solid though. It did in my case with the addition of an extra leaf spring on each side and LE tires, but I'm fully aware that my payload capacity has not changed.
The OP is talking about a 30' 5th wheel. The MPG and power of a diesel sounds great but you can pull a 30' 5th wheel with a gas engine no problem. So, for the MPG to make any economic difference, you'd want to use it as a hauler regularly and drive a lot of miles to justify the extra expense of the initial purchase. Would be nice though.
__________________
2023 Rockwood Signature 8262RBS
2016 Ford F-250 XLT SuperCrew, 6.2L, 4x4, 6'9" bed
2019 Rockwood Signature 8290BS (2019 - 2022)
2011 Rockwood Signature 8293SS (2015 - 2018)
2010 Rockwood Roo 23SS (2012 - 2014)
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09-17-2015, 04:27 PM
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#31
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Blog: RVroadtripper.com
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Near Dallas Texas
Posts: 1,000
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I swam this same lane last year. Since I was going to pick my 5er first and then buy my truck, I focused on the achilles heal for all such decisions...the Payload! Just about any 1/2 ton can pull an Ultralight 5th wheel, they just can't carry the pin weight. Check out any recent 1/2 ton and you'll find Payloads that just barely address the RV brochure payloads. Make it a 4x4, crew cab and the numbers get tighter. Fill your tanks and subtract for the hitch and you're over.
For me, the second limiter was what would fit in my 231" long garage.The garage eliminated the Ram and Ford (Ford was 1" too long on both the 150 and 250). I had to have at least a double cab. The Crew Cabs made the bed 1 foot shorter. So from a length perspective, it had to be GMC/Chevy Double Cab. Next was the payload hunt.
Regardless of 5er brand, I landed on the Ultralights from Open Range, Forest River and Grand Design. No kids for us so no Bunk House plans needed. Looked for the shortest length but wife wanted the pantry so Wildcat's 29ft. checked the boxes. Floor plan makes a huge difference on the pin weight (i.e. payload requirement). More weight to the back, means less weight to the front. I found the Rear Living and Rear Entertainment plans had the lightest pin weight (1500 to 1700#).
I started looking for ways to cut down other weight that goes in the truck bed. Basically, I went with the Andersen Ultimate Aluminum hitch and that saved 150# over the traditional fifth wheel hitches like Curt, Reese, etc.
Conclusion was that all my careful weight and tow games and I ended up with a GMC 2500HD Diesel. I've done the CAT scale thing a few times since buying the rig and as expected, I've got surplus tow capacity BUT..the payload is only just right. Oh well. At least Diesel fuel has dropped to $2.00 a gallon.
__________________
2016 Wildcat 295RSX - 2015 GMC 2500HD DblCab Duramax/Allison 4x4 Z71 6.6' Bed
Maxxis 235/80/16E; AirBags w/AirLift1; mor/Ryde Rubber Pinbox; Andersen UltimateII Alum. 5erhitch on Reese Flipball w/Curt 4" offset; LCI Ground Control3; King Dishtailgater; Traveling with 10' Portabote;
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09-17-2015, 04:28 PM
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#32
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,183
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gjlabree
I tow a 2014 FR 30' Wildcat 5er with my 2007 Toyota Tundra with Firestone ride rite air bags and 10 ply tires. I can climb a 6% grade at 70 mph with more throttle to go. It has been a great tow vehicle. My mpg is 10-11.
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I concur withe gilabree. My 08 5.7 Tundra with the tow pkg does about the same milage as his. Air bags and E rated tires a must. Over payload and I know it. The Tundra has pulled two different 5rs over the past 5 years and still going strong.
__________________
Joe & Beverly
2014 Ram 2500 CTD, CC, SB
2014 8289WS lifted
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09-17-2015, 04:37 PM
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#33
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 925
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reformed_Stockbroker
Towing guides say 1/2 ton trucks max out about 11K lb, when it comes to towing. Not enough for a 5er. I noticed the Big 3, do not put a 3.92 or 4.10
rear axle in their 1/2 ton PUs. Even some 3/4 ton PUs still only tow about 14K lb, not very much. So, I would really need to buy a full 1 ton truck, to pull a 5th wheel, big enough for 2 people, dog & kitty. I'm thinking at least 30 feet, plus a slide would work for us, to travel around the country. However, that would cost a lot of money. I notice 5th wheels and HD PU trucks have increased in price, quite a bit over the past 7-8 yrs. The Big 3 have no competition. Toyota's Tundra can only tow about 10K lb, and that the most truck you can get from Toyota. Nissan is 9500 lb, so even less. However, the titan can be purchased for less than most other comparable PUs.
New only, the only way I would buy used is like from friends or family. Any other suggestions on a PU truck/5er rig, at least 30 ft long?
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My 5er's GVWR is only 8097 pounds and it is a 32 foot trailer I tow it with a Dodge 1500 with a full towing package and 20 inch wheels. It is a 5 speed trany counting OD. I normally lock out OD and on big hills drop it down to the towing range. Just got to push a button on the shifter. Truck has a 5.7L Hemi in it.
Where are you getting your info? I am far from the only one towimg the size you are looking for with a 1500 truck.
It has plenty of room for me and a 70 pound chocolate lab.
Jim
__________________
07 Dodge 1500 crew cab with 20" wheels, 08 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra-lite 8280SS
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
George Bernard Shaw
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09-17-2015, 05:23 PM
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#34
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 77
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I pull a 2015 Wild Cat Max 31' feet over all length, pulling it with a 2013 1/2 ton Dodge Big Horn with HD tow package. Added Air Bags. I've done a total of 6 trips this year and am pleasantly surprised how well it pulls.
The Wild Cat length on the side of the rig says 24ft, I believe that's inside living space.
The gross weight of the trailer is 13k fully loaded, pin weight far below my truck rating.
Be advised it is a 1/2 ton series 5th Wheel.
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09-17-2015, 05:29 PM
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#35
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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They tell me I can't pull a 31' 5er with my 05 Silverado 1500, so I haven't pulled it for 3 + yrs over 40k miles.
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09-17-2015, 05:36 PM
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#36
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Engineer of Crazy Train
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Tiverton, RI
Posts: 1,585
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__________________
TV - 2015 Ram Truck EcoDiesel
TV - 2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel (Retired to Daily Driver)
TT - 2015 Rockwood Roo 183 (SOLD due to 2 years off work)
Locomotive Engineer
Nights Camping --- 2015 - 19 Camped | Winterized -- 2014 - 18
Come read my Camping Blogs
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09-17-2015, 05:54 PM
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#37
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 31
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My wife and I have Rockwood 8289WS Signature Ultra Lite 32 foot fifth wheel that weights only 8,000 pounds. I pull it with a 2009 2500 Chevy LTZ short bed extended cab. My tow capacity is 10,000 lbs. We have traveled back and forth from Indiana to Florida three times and have had no issues.
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09-17-2015, 05:56 PM
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#38
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itat
You can change the suspension and tires on a 1/2 ton, but if they're not the weakest component in the mix it won't change the payload capacity. It will definitely make it more solid though. It did in my case with the addition of an extra leaf spring on each side and LE tires, but I'm fully aware that my payload capacity has not changed.
The OP is talking about a 30' 5th wheel. The MPG and power of a diesel sounds great but you can pull a 30' 5th wheel with a gas engine no problem. So, for the MPG to make any economic difference, you'd want to use it as a hauler regularly and drive a lot of miles to justify the extra expense of the initial purchase. Would be nice though.
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Very True statement! I had a F 150 and did change tires, huge difference. The next thing I was going to do was add a leaf to the springs. If OC can tow with his older Chevy with a V8 a Eco is a cake walk with 11,200 lbs. I was close to max weight, over on pin. F 250 came because of a deal, I would still be running the F 150.
__________________
B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
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09-17-2015, 06:03 PM
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#39
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
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The HD Payload on F150 might come close to handling the weight but test one before you buy because I did and the ride is rougher then my F350.
Hmmmm. My F 250 which can tow and haul the same as F 350 has the same ride. The F 150 has a much smoother ride compared to Super Duty.
For many people a F 150. 1500 or Eco Diesel Ram fits the need for a ultralight Fifth Wheel. For a weekend warrior camping 4 weekends a year, or a week at the lake a F 150 suits just fine. If you are going across the Rockies you need more, that's why I changed it up to a Super Duty Diesel.
__________________
B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
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09-17-2015, 06:04 PM
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#40
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldCoot
They tell me I can't pull a 31' 5er with my 05 Silverado 1500, so I haven't pulled it for 3 + yrs over 40k miles.
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You can not do it. I never saw you back into Goshen with your half ton and fifth wheel. Also the TWOTA was not there either.
__________________
B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
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