Help- Need a new Tow Vehicle

[Irobutterfly59]

Monday was to be our first excursion with our new camper and we had issues half way to our camp ground which was 2.5 hrs from our home.

Our TV 2015 1500 Ram Eco Diesel starting give low voltage, low battery messages going on and off. Then we started smelling diesel fuel in the truck. I looked in the mirror and could see diesel smoke coming from the back of truck. We got to gas station, husband left truck running and opened hood and smoke rolling from the engine. Long story headed back to RV place to drop camper and mechanics there said Oh boy, you blew an injector. Taking truck in next week(earliest they can schedule). Now this truck we bought in 2016 1 yr old with 20K miles on it. At 30K engine blew. They put in new engine. We now have 77K miles on it so it is covered until 100K for warranty.

We want to dump this vehicle and get something different. Our camper is 23ft Wildwood Lite and just hubby and I traveling.

We are looking at Toyota Tundra or Ford 150 even the Eco Boost to tow. I never want another diesel or Ram. Never had a Chevy. I have been reading on Toyota Tundra 2015 and 2016 had IBC issues that were really bad and folks put in P3 module. However in 2017 Toyota put out a fix for the IBC. So we would look at 2017 for Toyota or newer.

Thoughts on year and TV for us. We are really upset with our first attempt to camp but happy we made it home safely.

[jd50i]

Check the tow specs on the Tundra. I looked at Tundra's before I purchased my 2016 F150 and the Tundras didn't have the tow capacity of the F150.

[007matman]

Have you thought about a slightly older 3/4 ton truck?

Everyone I've known with the Ecoboost has had issues if they use it to tow with a lot (and outside of warranty).

Can and Should are two very different things.

[Irobutterfly59]

We checked the Tundra Specs. Our camper is 4600#: Here is info on 2017 Tundra

2017 Toyota Tundra towing capacity
The 2017 Toyota Tundra offers features like staggered, outboard-mounted shocks and a ridiculously powerful engine that are designed to allow the Tundra to tow and haul anything and everything you need it to. When the Tundra’s standard i-FORCE 5.7-liter V8 engine and Toyota’s Tow Package are mixed, the 2017 Tundra is strong enough to pull over 10,500 pounds. Now that’s what we call power.

But the power doesn’t stop there. In fact, all sixteen configurations of the six trim levels can all tow at least 10,000 pounds. All trim levels with the 5.7-liter V8 include the TOW/HAUL Mode, which holds lower gears for longer, increases throttle response, increases pulling power and increases engine braking.

[Irobutterfly59]

No, but good idea. We've had many issues with our Ram and this latest is really making me truck shy. I think we got a lemon with the Ram. I recently retired and hubby has been retired. I don't want to spend a fortune a new TV. Hubby has recent health issues as well so it's not like we will travel all over US for a while at least a another year or two. We plan on traveling in Michigan or Ohio for a while.

[007matman]

Originally Posted by Irobutterfly59

No, but good idea. We've had many issues with our Ram and this latest is really making me truck shy. I think we got a lemon with the Ram. I recently retired and hubby has been retired. I don't want to spend a fortune a new TV. Hubby has recent health issues as well so it's not like we will travel all over US for a while at least a another year or two. We plan on traveling in Michigan or Ohio for a while.

There were issues with some of the older Diesel trucks. However, the aftermarket has really stepped things up and most Diesel shops can do what needs to be done to make the truck last a long time.

7.3/6.0/6.7 Powerstroke, Cummins, Duramax, etc can all go 500k or more with the proper work and be under 25k out the door.

[Summit1]

Originally Posted by Irobutterfly59

No, but good idea. We've had many issues with our Ram and this latest is really making me truck shy. I think we got a lemon with the Ram. I recently retired and hubby has been retired. I don't want to spend a fortune a new TV. Hubby has recent health issues as well so it's not like we will travel all over US for a while at least a another year or two. We plan on traveling in Michigan or Ohio for a while.

Issues? Heck, that injector failure and engine failure are more than that... they are problems. How well did the dealer shop handle the repair process? If they did well for you, then maybe switching brands because of a past problem (despite being handled well and properly) is not necessarily a reason to change brands. If the dealership messed up, then switching dealerships would be (and has been in the past) a good choice. Just trying to avoid one of those "frying pan into the fire" scenarios.

Some of the early EcoDiesel Rams had some problems like yours did, but they were taken care of (and then some) by the better dealer shops, and there are many of them... it may take a while to find them, regardless of brand. That having been said (or typed), maybe considering a gas engine (Hemi, not PentaStar V-6, although the latter is a great engine for general use) is in your better interest. If you are going to a larger TT (or 5th Wheel), I heartily recommend a 3/4-ton pickup. My preference in that size is the Cummins 6.7 TurboDiesel... that thing is a beast and is pretty much bulletproof. I have one and use it as a daily driver as well. The truck (2017 Ram 2500 Laramie) has been trouble free and comfortable.

Drive the different brands and speak with friends and relatives who have done business with each of the dealerships you are considering.

[Irobutterfly59]

Dealer has been great overall. We are never going to 5th wheel or even a bigger camper.

We are heading out in a bit to look at different brands.

Yeah new engine now blown injector just a bad truck.

[ronheater70]

Ecoboost f-150.. No 1/2 ton really compares to it in terms of towing performance. I had one and Loved it, My brother put 100K on his in 4 years and loved it.. Son went out and bought the baby boost (2.7) and uses it for a daily driver when he's not using his f-350 welding rig. I know other folks with them and have all had great experiences with it. BTW I also say this as a Ram Owner

[AlaskaErik]

Silverado/Sierra 1500 with 6.2L engine and Max Tow package.

[tande]

Originally Posted by Irobutterfly59

We checked the Tundra Specs. Our camper is 4600#: Here is info on 2017 Tundra

2017 Toyota Tundra towing capacity
The 2017 Toyota Tundra offers features like staggered, outboard-mounted shocks and a ridiculously powerful engine that are designed to allow the Tundra to tow and haul anything and everything you need it to. When the Tundra’s standard i-FORCE 5.7-liter V8 engine and Toyota’s Tow Package are mixed, the 2017 Tundra is strong enough to pull over 10,500 pounds. Now that’s what we call power.

But the power doesn’t stop there. In fact, all sixteen configurations of the six trim levels can all tow at least 10,000 pounds. All trim levels with the 5.7-liter V8 include the TOW/HAUL Mode, which holds lower gears for longer, increases throttle response, increases pulling power and increases engine braking.

If you do any serious research, what you'll learn is Toyota manufactures the most reliable vehicles in the industry.....are the perfect? .....nope.......Do they come closer than the rest?......yup.......just saying......you will also learn this forum is not particularly pro Toyota......

[jd50i]

Originally Posted by Irobutterfly59

We checked the Tundra Specs. Our camper is 4600#: Here is info on 2017 Tundra

2017 Toyota Tundra towing capacity
The 2017 Toyota Tundra offers features like staggered, outboard-mounted shocks and a ridiculously powerful engine that are designed to allow the Tundra to tow and haul anything and everything you need it to. When the Tundra’s standard i-FORCE 5.7-liter V8 engine and Toyota’s Tow Package are mixed, the 2017 Tundra is strong enough to pull over 10,500 pounds. Now that’s what we call power.

But the power doesn’t stop there. In fact, all sixteen configurations of the six trim levels can all tow at least 10,000 pounds. All trim levels with the 5.7-liter V8 include the TOW/HAUL Mode, which holds lower gears for longer, increases throttle response, increases pulling power and increases engine braking.

You need to get the numbers for the truck you are wanting. The ford brochure states:


Max towing 12,200lbs
max payload 3,270 lbs


My truck at max payload has a max towing capacity of 7,400lbs. I think my payload is 1,880, not sure though.

[Jeff from Burlington Ont]

I have a 2011 Ford F150 ecoboost - max tow for 6 years. I towed a 9,000lb 5th wheel for over 30,000km over that time.. I only upgraded when I purchased a much larger trailer and needed a F350 Diesel

[Antwonimo]

Recently bought ‘15 F150 w/ the 5.0 V8, this truck tows my 24’ TT very nice. I’m just shy of 6000 lbs. with all my gear. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Ecoboost but I stuck with the tried and true V8. Nice truck and the price was very reasonable for an XLT.

[SunseekerFunseekers]

WHY something so big, if it's just the two of you?! We bought a Mercedes Benz Smart Car, & tow it on a small trailer behind our Sunseeker; we love it! It weighs only 1500 lbs & gets 35 mpg!

[SunseekerFunseekers]

PS - The are w-a-y-y bigger than they look - we fit the both of us w/plenty of leg room, & our THREE min. schnauzers can all lay down, in the space behind the seats!

[Irobutterfly59]

It's 23 ft with Murphy Queen Bed and then double bunks. We have grand-children and thought it would be nice when we went camping they could go and come and stay with us. Also, we like the extra room of the bump out.

[Cost4133]

Originally Posted by SunseekerFunseekers

WHY something so big, if it's just the two of you?! We bought a Mercedes Benz Smart Car, & tow it on a small trailer behind our Sunseeker; we love it! It weighs only 1500 lbs & gets 35 mpg!

I think you might be confused. They are looking for a tow vehicle. To tow their travel trailer. Not a TOAD to be towed by a motorhome.

[Irobutterfly59]

Originally Posted by jd50i

Check the tow specs on the Tundra. I looked at Tundra's before I purchased my 2016 F150 and the Tundras didn't have the tow capacity of the F150.

Originally Posted by SunseekerFunseekers

WHY something so big, if it's just the two of you?! We bought a Mercedes Benz Smart Car, & tow it on a small trailer behind our Sunseeker; we love it! It weighs only 1500 lbs & gets 35 mpg!

We have a TT not a motor home. Our Ram is our TV for our TT not that we are towing the Ram.

[SunseekerFunseekers]

Yep, sorry, MY mistake! (Thought you were looking for a TOAD.) Erinn