Need help on new tow vehicle

[The_Rhino]

Originally Posted by Jeffjeeptj

...Moral - buy more truck than you think you need...

Not everyone has the deep pockets needed to buy more truck than you NEED. Also, IMO, it is MUCH easier to sell a used TV without losing your shirt vs. selling a used TT. Therefore, try to plan your RV purchase carefully so you won't need to upgrade anytime soon.

IMO, for TTs <9,000 loaded, IMO a gently-used gas 3/4 ton offers the best bang/buck. In 2013 we bought a 2 year-old Ram 2500 w/5.7 Hemi, 3,000 payload & balance of 100K powertrain warranty for only $14K. We then paired it with a mildly used <8,000 lb. 2-slide TT for around $20K. Together this $35K combo has worked well & we have even taken it out West without any issues going up/down mountain passes... Also, our COMBINED payments were only $400/mo. & now that the TV is paid-off I just apply the same amount to the TT payment...

Note - if I were buying today, I would strongly consider the Ford F250 w/6.2 gas or Ram 2500 w/6.4 gas. You gain better performance without taking-away from payload or adding much to cost...

[ksmith954]

Take a hard look at the chev. 3/4 gas. A newer F150 Ecoboost can do a lot but I would NEVER tow a 5th wheel with one, even with the Max Tow and HD Payload Packages, but that's me and me.

[JimChow]

Thank you everyone. I knew I would get additional knowledge on the forum. I do agree that you can have Too little of truck but I don't think the Peterbuilt will fit in the garage...LOL.

I hadn't considered the Ram truck so I'll look into that. I have only found new 2500's both Chevy/GMC at dealers but they are loaded to the max with stuff I'd like to have but don't really need, and no Fords setup for towing.
My experience with used vehicles hasn't been to good since most are off of lease and never really taken care of. I've had two used cars that even though they were Certified they gave me agates.

Since I just retired I don't see another TT in our future after this one. It is what they are calling a 'couples coach'. Had to laugh because they are camping trailers to me, although they are more luxurious then what we had. I guess that's where the term Glamping comes from.

Thanks again for the info and I'll continue to search for that one truck with additional knowledge. I was hoping to catch a deal and buy closer to year end to take advantage of closeouts. But that will depend on if we get the trailer first.

Jim

[RACarvalho]

Originally Posted by JimChow

I am thinking the 2500HD or F250 might be the way to go.

Just make sure whatever you choose is the properly equipped version for what you want to do...

Just to be a 3/4 ton doesn't mean too much today .....
RAM is advertising the new 2500 with "improved" payload of 3000lbs (which probably you only will find on the single cab version, etc...) ...
Just for comparison, my 2018 F150 has 2700 lbs payload limit on a crew cab version ....

[justjoe]

After reading many forums here and talking to friends/co workers, I finally bought a new truck. Many that had 1/2 tons, some rv owners, some not, most wished they bought a 3/4 ton. They own Chevy’s Dodges and Fords, all love their brand. After much browsing I decided on the 2018 Chevy Silverado HD Duranax crew cab with standard bed, I loved the lines! Towed my 4700lb trailer through the hills of eastern Tennessee like a dream! Too much truck for my trailer? Probably, but hope to be getting new trailer soon.

[popeye305]

I tow an 8500 # dry 5th wheel with my 2500 Hd. Gas. I get 10 mpg. Go to Florida and back every year from Michigan. I would not tow with anything less. Just wish it was deisl. Why? Because it’s easier to gas up in truck stops and not get boxed in. That’s my only beef otherwise no issues.

[twosocks]

My suggestion is get the biggest diesel powered truck you can afford. My trailer is a 36 foot pull behind I have a 2015 Ford 3/4 ton 6.2 gas and it pulls my trailer but I only get 7 MPG when pulling it and I can not get a bigger trailer without getting a different truck. Get the biggest diesel powered truck you can afford better to have too much truck than not enough.

[AdamKam]

If you opt for a truck get a longbed, much better for towing.

[dbledan]

Originally Posted by popeye305

I tow an 8500 # dry 5th wheel with my 2500 Hd. Gas. I get 10 mpg. Go to Florida and back every year from Michigan. I would not tow with anything less. Just wish it was deisl. Why? Because it’s easier to gas up in truck stops and not get boxed in. That’s my only beef otherwise no issues.

Great point!

I lived this the last two weeks on our last trip.[emoji26] if only I had found my Diesel truck in time for the last trip. Got boxed in twice and had to wait or back out.

[lmiller63304]

We have a Silverado 1500 6.2L short bed crew cab with max tow and 8 speed transmission with tow-haul mode.

It is a beast when towing with 420HP and 460 ft lb of tongue.

Payload is 1934 pounds as indicated by sticker on door (very important).

We tow a Forest River Surveyor 33KRLOK trailer (over 8000 pounds loaded) using a Propride hitch and it is a great combination (no sway ... trailer does not push truck around).

We elected to spend a little more and get a Propride hitch rather than spend a lot more on more truck than we needed.

When not towing we average 25 mpg on the highway and 15 in the city or 20 mpg overall.

Towing we get 10 to 12 mpg depending on speed and terrain.

[stantyszka]

Originally Posted by JimChow

Hi All,

I am looking for some help in deciding on a new tow vehicle. I've read on the forum on different tow vehicles and have become more confused.
We haven't found the trailer yet but several that we are looking at are Empty weight of 6,100 lbs and loaded weight of 7500 lbs. I know that our 2007 Tahoe 5.3L w/3.37 gear and trans cooler is up to the task. Maybe here in Michigan it might be Ok but not even sure of that.

I am considering a Chevy 2500HD with the extras for towing. Most 2500's are well up to the task with rated tow capacity of 13,000 lbs. and decent payload capacity. But this might be more truck than I need. Since we would be occasionally towing with the hopes of venturing out of the state and out west, I'm are aware of the mpg's when not towing, about 12mpg's city.

Also looking at the Silverado 1500 with the Max trailer/tow package. Capable if loaded properly with better non-towing mpg's. Rated tow capacity about 12,000 lbs.

Lastly, the Ford F150 V6 w/eco boost with the necessary trailer/tow equipment. Tow capacity about 13,00 lbs.

I am looking for comments from folks with similar setups and if they are happy with their choices or have regrets.

Thanks,
Jim

Towing a trailer of similar dry and loaded weights with a half ton pick up, I wish I could turn back time and get a 3/4 ton truck instead. The half ton will do the job but if your wallet can handle the difference the 3/4 ton will be much less challenged.

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by Telstar

If your looking for a truck I suggest you lock into Ram. I have always been a Ford man, but after comparing stats and reviewing trailer towing road tests, I decided on Ram 3500 diesel. Ratted a hair above F-350 in road tests. GMC wasn’t included in a latest tests because they can’t meet the requirements for the test.

there seems to be many comparisons between 2018 the big 3 diesels . seems ram is bottom of most lists . ram 370 hp and 800 lbs torque gms 445 hp 910 torque . i suggest everyone look up comparisons for themselves cause it's hard to get unbiased info from an rv forum

[aceinspp]

And the die hard diesel guys keep punishing when the OP says he not looking to up grade and is not doing that many long trips. Even out west he can get by with just a3/4 ton gas just fine. Later RJD

[Maxwell D Pratt]

If they still make the K-2500 . Not the HD model it comes with a 3.73 rear . And will tow 9400 lbs . That’s what I have and I love it the ride is good . I get 17 MPG without TV and 13 pulling a 5700lb Trailer thru the mountains in WV. It is now on vacation pulling a Rockwood Freedom PU at 3300.

[Brickie]

Originally Posted by justjoe

After reading many forums here and talking to friends/co workers, I finally bought a new truck. Many that had 1/2 tons, some rv owners, some not, most wished they bought a 3/4 ton. They own Chevy’s Dodges and Fords, all love their brand. After much browsing I decided on the 2018 Chevy Silverado HD Duranax crew cab with standard bed, I loved the lines! Towed my 4700lb trailer through the hills of eastern Tennessee like a dream! Too much truck for my trailer? Probably, but hope to be getting new trailer soon.

I'm curious.
What's the trucks payload?

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by Brickie

I'm curious.
What's the trucks payload?

I've got the 2013 version of his truck and my payload is 2400lbs

[cactus69]

hi jim i have a 30ft forest river 5th wheel and a 2006 2500 gmc hd diesel and i would recommend the gmc 2500diesel i use it for short trips and long trips and it just keeps rolling along with no problems theonly update i made is i chipped it with a duramax chip kit and my milage went up as well as power last trip mileage was 17 mpg

[JimChow]

Thanks all,
Never having a diesel before I don't know what the maintenance differences are between the two. Do diesels require any special oils, etc ? Not meaning to offend but Are they noisy ? I have seen that the mpg's are better then gas engines.

[tappsman]

Ricardo
I assume your F-150 is equipped with the Heavy duty Payroll Package. Does this package have a negative effect on the ride when not towing?

Dennis

[cactus69]

Originally Posted by JimChow

Thanks all,
Never having a diesel before I don't know what the maintenance differences are between the two. Do diesels require any special oils, etc ? Not meaning to offend but Are they noisy ? I have seen that the mpg's are better then gas engines.

hi jim i find the diesel a little bit noisier than a gas engine but not by much as far as maintenance its a little more money than gas but the pulling power is worth it fuel filters need to be changed twice a year in my case i use to run 15-40 oil in the crank case but have switched to o-40 synthetic oil about 10 years ago i use a good fuel conditioner ,i put one ounce in every fill up and in winter i use a high arctic fuel conditioner,as far as fuel mileage i use to get 9 miles to the gallon pulling a 36ft 10000 lbs trailer and 13-15 mpg empty after looking at all the chips available for diesels i settled on dura milage chip that is made specificatly for duramax engines and what a difference my emty milage went up to 26 mpg and the last trip with our new 5th wheel i got 17 mpg hope i have answered some of your questions john anderson 2006 gmc2500 hd 4x4 diesel pulling a 30 ft chaparral lite