Community Forums

GOBB · 06-15-2015, 10:08 PM

I am thinking I may need to get a 3/4 pickup to haul my camper instead of the SUV.

Now what to get? Chevy, Ford, Ram? Really seems personal preference I am normally a GM guy but may be leaning towards Ford or Dodge. Thoughts?

Next gas v. diesel? Thoughts?

Let the fun begin.

GOBB

chertz · 06-16-2015, 05:02 AM

What's is the length and weight of the camper? What hitch setup are you using?

TDI-Minnie · 06-16-2015, 07:49 AM

And what else are you using the truck for when not towing?
Short drives in northern climate or long distance commute?

For what it's worth, trailer sway is an issue with your trailer and setup, not the tow vehicle.

jimcumminsw · 06-16-2015, 08:01 AM

Or it is an excuse to the DW so he can get a new truck.

SmokeyWren · 06-16-2015, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOBB

Now what to get? Chevy, Ford, Ram?

Brand bashing is not allowed on IRV2, so I'll just praise.

The dealer is more important than the brand. Be sure you pick a good, honest dealer that does NOT have a brand new store on the interstate. New facilities are outrageously expensive, and the customers are the ones that will pay for those facilities.

That said, Ford outsells GM by two to one, and Ram by three or more to one. So more folks agree that Ford is "best".

My '99.5 F-250 diesel was wonderful after a couple of mods to increase power, intake air, and tranny cooling. My 2012 F-150 EcoBoost is wonderful without need for any mods to make it a great tow vehicle. If I were buying one today, it would be a Ford with enough payload capacity to haul the hitch weight of any trailer I might buy.

Gas or diesel? Depends on how much weight you plan to tow. If less than about 8,000 pounds, then I'd go for the new Ford EcoBoost drivetrain with optional max tow pkg and HD payload pkg. That twin-turbo engine gets the job done. More than 8,000 pounds then it's time for the SuperDuty with turbo-diesel engine. Ford knows turbos as well as diesels.

justafordguy · 06-16-2015, 11:01 AM

I agree with SmokeyWren 100% on this one.

lanerd · 06-16-2015, 11:10 AM

You put a camper on the back of your SUV??

Just kidding, of course. We know you're actually talking about a TT.

As mentioned, sway in a TT is typically a problem with the TT...not the TV. 9 times out of 10, it's usually due to insufficient tongue weight.

If you could tell us what TT you have, it might give us a better idea of what to recommend.

Ron

GOBB · 06-16-2015, 11:28 AM

Key Stone Carbn 27, 31 ft length 27 living/garage, 6800 "dry" about 8300 loaded with bike. SUV is set up to pull 8500. I have the E2 WD hitch.

GOBB · 06-16-2015, 11:37 AM

Mostly for towing TT but may move to 5th wheel in a couple of years. I found pulling up hills in the Texas hill country that the SUV struggled dropping almost 10 mph not sure it would handle the Smokies. Also the best mpg I had was 7mph. Thinking a 3/4 with diesel may improve both mpg (some) but more importantly more torque for the hill climbs.

GOBB · 06-16-2015, 11:39 AM

Thx, not looking for bashing but pros and cons shared in a constructive manner how is that for being PC.

TDI-Minnie · 06-16-2015, 12:39 PM

They are all very capable. Go drive a bunch and see what you like.

timetogo · 06-16-2015, 03:59 PM

A SRW 3500 would work for you as well or better than a 2500 if you see one you like.

NFlcamper · 06-16-2015, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOBB

Key Stone Carbn 27, 31 ft length 27 living/garage, 6800 "dry" about 8300 loaded with bike. SUV is set up to pull 8500. I have the E2 WD hitch.

Are these actual weights or manufacturers posted weights and gestimations for what has been added? My Salem has a dry weight of 6500 or so, and a GVR of 11,800lbs. It comes across certified scales at 8,800 - 9,500 depending on which toy, and other stuff I load for where I am going.

Someone mentioned "not enough tongue weight", I do not believe this to be the case for most TT toy haulers as their axles are usually set farther back than regular TTs to carry the toy load. Empty, the tongue weight is greater than with a load in the garage. It sounds to me that he has the WDH set up properly, but lacks enough tow vehicle. I was there once and "IT CAN BE DONE" but it isn't the safest thing to do. Towing experience will let him get away with it and with the right precautions nothing may happen. A 2500/250 or 3500/350 series truck will be more inline to pull the toy hauler. I went from 7 mpgs towing, with the gas 1500 to 11.5 mpgs with the diesel 2500 truck towing. Worth the difference in fuel cost.

Dasmoeturhead · 06-16-2015, 05:47 PM

2500 Ram CTD srw will do fine.
Remember, 99% of all Fords are still on the road.
The other 1% made it home.

"HEY" as a Ram guy I had to through that in there. :-)