Tow vehicle for ORV 20FQ

[Northcal]

Originally Posted by whit2020

what was your reasoning behind going ram 2500 vs another 3/4? We are looking at the Rams too, and fords. F250 is stiff though. Thanks

The bigger 6.4 motor and the 8 speed transmission. This is off the top of my head without looking at the specs: 410 HP 440 ft torque 14,400 towing capacity and the big payload. Ram had the 6.4 in previous years but not the 8 speed trans until 2019. The 8 speed is the way to go. Doesn't, of course have the torque of a diesel but this is one bad a** truck.

All the best

[450Donn]

Trying to find a max tow F150 is like pulling teeth. Cost if you do find one is roght up against what a f250 would cost. A new 2400 gas motor truck to me might seem overkill, but would be a much better truck at the end of the day. New 2500 series teucks today ride so much better than even teucks 5 years old. Heck a new Ram 2500 with coil rear springa ahould ride every bit as nice as a F150 max tow package, and maybe even better. I would get the 2500 series.

[MtCamper]

We towed our 20FQ with a 3/4 ton duramax. Didn't even know the trailer was back there. I ran a Blue Ox WDH mostly for the sway control and we always traveled with a full water tank. We liked the ride of the heavier truck and I like the diesel. I know the diesels are more expensive both to buy and to run, but I'm on my third one and so far I've gotten the money back on the far end and had the pleasure of all that torque. Our current truck is quieter and more luxurious than many sedans. I've towed with just about everything through the years starting with a tent trailer and a 4 door Datsun sedan. I've found you can tow with just about anything but I'm a lot more relaxed and easier to live with at the end of the day if my TV had lots of unused capacity. More is better.

[rampowerwago]

I towed a 20FQ with a 2018 Ram 1500 with 3.92s. I was under all weights including rear axle at. In short, it was a good combination.

However, be aware that it's a gas engine and wants to rev in the mountains. I got about 8mpg towing that trailer through the Blue Mtns in NE Oregon. The Hemi has plenty of power, but likes to be fed.

I have not driven one yet, but the new Eco Diesel might be a good choice. If we continue towing, it will be on my short list for my next truck.

[Vintage465]

Originally Posted by MtCamper

We towed our 20FQ with a 3/4 ton duramax. Didn't even know the trailer was back there. I ran a Blue Ox WDH mostly for the sway control and we always traveled with a full water tank. We liked the ride of the heavier truck and I like the diesel. I know the diesels are more expensive both to buy and to run, but I'm on my third one and so far I've gotten the money back on the far end and had the pleasure of all that torque. Our current truck is quieter and more luxurious than many sedans. I've towed with just about everything through the years starting with a tent trailer and a 4 door Datsun sedan. I've found you can tow with just about anything but I'm a lot more relaxed and easier to live with at the end of the day if my TV had lots of unused capacity. More is better.

What he said..........X2

[whitlowe]

Originally Posted by snxwmxn

We have a 17 20 FQ and tow with a 2019 GMC 1/2 ton 6.2 l with max tow. We live in the Rocky Mountains and it tows fine. My friend has a 2018 Tundra and 21RD and likes the way it goes.

Thanks!

[CoAK]

I’ve towed a 22BHS for 6 summers and >30k miles all over Alaska and Canada with a Lexus LX 570, only mods - 2” lift on 33” AT tires. On the scales my trailer is ~6800 lbs and 700 lbs TW, GVW loaded in about 13,500 lbs. it does just fine, although it I was doing long straight flat roads would want a 3/4 ton diesel. But the LX is such a nice driver and exceptional off road. A modern 1/2 ton will do just fine.

[Area13]

I have the most similarities to your situation and can answer some of your questions. I too come from the truck camper super duty world. I had 5 different truck campers, 2 different super duties along with currently driving a super duty daily to pay the bills.
I also have a 21RD and a 2015 F150 with the 5.0, standard tow package, FX4, crew, 5.5’ bed and 3.73’s.
I like this package, it’s good for my needs. I also feel it’s near the top end of weight for my liking on an F150.
Power isn’t an issue, 3.5 eco would be even better, but love my 5.0 Coyote and it’s roar, fun truck. The soft suspension of the F150 is what limits this truck imo. That being said, it’s a GREAT truck for beer runs and getting around town opposed to the rough riding super duty. It’s a trade off and a tough decision. I don’t regret it, wouldn’t get anything bigger though. I also tow a 20’aluminum boat at 5k wet, perfect.

Weight- I’m about 6-6500 lbs wet depending on tanks.
Hitch weight is heavy, about 900 lbs plus. This is what you have to watch more than anything depending on what your payload is and how much you are loaded up. This is the most important thing, period. My payload is 1750 lbs, i’m usually loaded light, 2 adults, i’m good.

Good luck. I believe a well equipped F150 will suit you fine and be a PLEASURE to drive around town. If you have any reservations, get a newer F250. They ride a little better than the older ones, but not a car like ride like the F150.

[Gammel]

Whitlowe, I have a '16 F150 Crew Cab w/5.5' box pulling a 21RWS, probably pretty close to yours in weight. The 3.5 Ecoboost pulls it fine although it is working pretty hard on the big grades. I just feel like it isn't enough truck in the weight department. The other issue is that the short wheelbase has us porpoising more than is comfortable on California's lousy roads. I'm gonna move up to a F350 - you can never have too much truck!

[Mordecai]

Finishing our third season with our 20FQ. About 16k miles towed and just got back from 5 weeks in the Bighorns and central Colorado. Max tow F150 3.5 EB does very well in the mountains. US14 through the Bighorns is no cakewalk but letting it rev up and down grades works really well.
I've weighed the rig several times and stay under all the usual limiting numbers. Equalizer hitch is dialed in and we have no issues up to 30mph x-winds, semi-trucks etc. An F150 HDPP would give more cushion with payload and rear axle weights but this truck has served us well.

[BridgeGuyMI]

We had a 21RWS which has a tongue weight of 880 lbs with a '20 F150 with the heavy tow package, probably over 1,000 lbs fully loaded with batteries, LP, etc. It really was too much trailer due to the tongue weight. This is probably the most important factor as with a normal amount of stuff in the bed our rear axle was over its max load. So look at the tongue weight as the major factor and consider the trucks allowable cargo capacity. As others had noted if you are near max it porpoise's terribly on bad roads. We added a Roadmaster active suspension which helped but I am still of the opinion the truck is too light. The other factor is truck weight versus TT weight which influences sway.

[OldShu]

I have the rig in the Sig. The limiting factor on a ford 1/2 ton is the receiver rating and may be other brands as well. My PU has a factory receiver rating of 1160lbs w WDH. A max tow F150 equipped PU has 1320lbs.

I recently weighed my combo (CAT) and the TT has a TW of 960lbs with a total trailer in at 6500. Loaded for travel, 2 full 30 LP tanks, EMPTY FW tank which seems to be located mid way between the axles and tongue. What about the batteries? I have 2 Lion Lith batteries located in the stock location that weigh a whopping 42 lbs. I was over 1k with the Grp 27 wet ones I am sure. I estimate that the TW will be 1360lbs with a full water tank (1/2 of the water weight) which is over the Max tow rating.

I guess what I am saying is I would seriously look at a 3/4 gas or 1 ton Diesel PU to ensure you has enough receiver rating. Ford 3/4 generally have a 1500 rating and 1 tons @ 2100 on the ones I have Sunday shopped.

Rig tows fine BTW.

Ticket notes: RA rating 3800lbs. PU GVW 7000lbs. PU was weighed with full fuel (36 ga) DW and I in cab along with the things normally in cab for traveling.