Tow Vehicle Upgrade to an F250

fmoore · 09-07-2011, 02:46 PM

My wife and I are looking to upgrade our tow vehicle as we are at our limit with our lite TT with our Dodge 1500 (tow package incl). We'd like to get a tow vehicle that not only is more than adequate for our TT but one that is adequate for a future 5'er on the lower end dry weight end of around 9k - 11k lbs with a hitch weight around 1100-1300 lbs. Here is what we're looking into: 2006, F250, 4WD, 6.0L engineTurbo Diesel, 325hp, 570 torque@200rpm, axel ratio of 4.10, GVWR of 8800lbs with a curb weight of 6207 lbs. The dealer confirmed with two sources that the tow capacity of this truck was 15,800 but nowhere could I verify that. Is it that high? Any opinions on this truck would be greatly appreciated seeing you guys are def the experts! - thanks!

IC2 · 09-07-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmoore

My wife and I are looking to upgrade our tow vehicle as we are at our limit with our lite TT with our Dodge 1500 (tow package incl). We'd like to get a tow vehicle that not only is more than adequate for our TT but one that is adequate for a future 5'er on the lower end dry weight end of around 9k - 11k lbs with a hitch weight around 1100-1300 lbs. Here is what we're looking into: 2006, F250, 4WD, 6.0L engineTurbo Diesel, 325hp, 570 torque@200rpm, axel ratio of 4.10, GVWR of 8800lbs with a curb weight of 6207 lbs. The dealer confirmed with two sources that the tow capacity of this truck was 15,800 but nowhere could I verify that. Is it that high? Any opinions on this truck would be greatly appreciated seeing you guys are def the experts! - thanks!

This is from the Ford Truck Enthusiasts web site: 2006 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty Specifications

Francesca · 09-07-2011, 02:57 PM

Hi

Here's another resource- it could be useful if you're considering other vehicles, too...
It's a link to a site that has a "tow limit calculator".
It takes into consideration the parameters you listed above.
Travel Trailer Weight Calculator

Hope this helps!

Francesca

RustyJC · 09-07-2011, 02:57 PM

If you're going to be sizing a tow vehicle for a 5th wheel, don't just go by the fictitious "manufacturer's tow rating" that's based on the curb weight of a base model truck with no options or accessories and only a 150 lb driver.

Just as important is the truck's GVWR since a 5th wheel can transfer 20% or more of its loaded weight to the truck as pin weight.

When dealing with 5th wheels, it's not just how much the truck can pull, it's also how much it can carry.

If you're bound and determined to have a SRW truck, why not get a SRW F350 and have the bonus GVWR? As far as the Ford 6.0L is concerned - no comment.....

Rusty

fmoore · 09-07-2011, 03:27 PM

Thanks all for the quick replies and great info. I do have a lead on a 2006 F350 DRW which obviously will suite my future 5'er needs a lot better and a much higher GVRW. But, it's only a 2WD. Not that we get a ton of snow here or anything though. Thanks again!

RustyJC · 09-07-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmoore

But, it's only a 2WD.

So is ours, and so have been our previous duallies. We've towed fifth wheels with 2WD duallies since 1996 and have yet to be stuck or been unable to go anywhere we wanted to go - and no, I don't go rock-crawling!

Rusty

TXiceman · 09-07-2011, 06:34 PM

I agree with Rusty. Been running DRW for a bunch of years and never had the desire of need for a 4-wheel drive. And toss the manufacturers tow ratings out the wwindow and work with real weights.

ken

fmoore · 09-07-2011, 07:18 PM

Thanks again for the opinions! After talking it over, we're definitely not going to walk a fine line here and going for the 350 DRW for the power but also it opens up so much more travel possibilities with the TT we have now. Thanks again! It's much appreciated!

TXiceman · 09-07-2011, 07:47 PM

Fayne and Bonnie, we use an F350 DRW to pull our 34' Avion TT. The truck was from when we had a larger 5er. It is more truck than I need for the trailer we now have, but is sure pull the TT easily. And we still have the option to go back to a 5er if we choose. Since we are not towing a 5er, I added the cap to get the cargo out of the weather and out of sight.

I have never heard of anyone complain about having too much truck.

Ken

IC2 · 09-08-2011, 05:18 AM

As far as 4x4 vs 4x2 = mine is a 4x4. I think I might have used that option 2-3 times last year to get up my driveway after stopping at the end to pick up the mail. Those other 360 plus days that other gear train just knocks a couple mpg off my hohum gas mileage (yes, it's a gasser).

The DRW will be a little tougher to drive in 'virgin' snow though.

BCooke · 09-08-2011, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2

As far as 4x4 vs 4x2 = mine is a 4x4. I think I might have used that option 2-3 times last year to get up my driveway after stopping at the end to pick up the mail. Those other 360 plus days that other gear train just knocks a couple mpg off my hohum gas mileage (yes, it's a gasser).

The DRW will be a little tougher to drive in 'virgin' snow though.

That reminds me, got to pick up 500 lbs of baged sand before winter.
SRW is fine for 99.99% of the time. And if you watch you can avoid the other .01 unless you need it for work... speaking of which....

BCooke · 09-08-2011, 05:27 AM

Sorry to early yet 4x2 not srw

lynn boyd · 09-08-2011, 02:29 PM

2 things I would not have in a truck.. a stepside or 2 wheel drive. But we get a lot of snow here, and some of my favorite fishing and hunting spots require it.