Help finding a tow vehicle

[tuffr2]

You might shop the new GM work trucks vs the Ford work trucks so you have some leverage. The new GM trucks were redesigned in 2020 so they compete well with Ford. They have a new 6.6L gas engine that moves the truck nicely. Here is a video of going from 5,000' to over 10,000' of elevation. I think this guy is towing a out 8,000lbs with his 2020 Chevy 2500.

https://youtu.be/PVd7p91rBjc

[2cyber71]

Just my advice from 21 yrs of RVing
Buy a diesel Doully
You will be happy because I just know you will go larger in a few yrs.
You can avoid buying a new truck then and just get a big rig!!
Trust me. I know you will go bigger
Everyone does.

[jenandjon]

I gave up on pickup trucks 4 years ago. Got a truck with some real pulling and stopping power.

[2cyber71]

Originally Posted by jenandjon

I gave up on pickup trucks 4 years ago. Got a truck with some real pulling and stopping power. Attachment 327784

Good way to go!
You’re all set, forever!

[tuffr2]

Holy smokes - what is the wheelbase on your rig. Agree - that is a good way to go.

[Jshopes81]

Yep, just get a semi and call it a day.

[LanceKeys]

Originally Posted by amjones

So it turns out I can get a brand new bare bones F250 for about $40K. That sounds a lot better than $30K for a used one with 100K+ miles.

For a new F250, any concerns about using the base 6.2L V8 versus the upgraded 7.3L V8?

According to the specs the 4.10 axle gets me more towing headroom, do you think it is worth getting?

If you are going to order, I don’t think you could go wrong with either engine. I would suggest you get the 4.30 rear end for the best towing experience.

Also if you are going to order, you should really do yourself a favor and check out the single rear wheel F-350, no reason to get the 250 if you are ordering.

I have researched trucks a lot, and if I were buying today, I would get an F-350 SRW with the 7.3 and 4.30 rear end, 4x4 long bed, white. I could care less about any other options, but I’m a no frills type of guy.

[amjones]

At the moment I am leaning towards RAM instead of Ford, based on all of the great reviews of the ride quality of the new RAMs. (Still have to test drive one!)



For RAM owners, I'm curious about "must have" options to look for, especially this one. I think I definitely want the trailer brake controller option. I would think it would also be nice to get the 5th wheel prep option, just in case.



Towing Technology Group

$2,525

• Mirror-Mounted Auxiliary Reverse Lamps
• Power Adjustable Convex Aux Mirrors
• Center Stop Lamp with Cargo-View Camera
• Gloss-Black Grille with Chrome Accents
• Premium Black Power Tow Mirrors
• Surround-View Camera System
• Trailer Reverse Guidance
• Blind-Spot with Tag Trailer & Cross-Path Detection (Unavailable with some configurations)
• LED Tail Lamps (Unavailable with some configurations)

[tuffr2]

Ram just added an 8 speed transmission to their trucks with much better shift mapping.

I think all the trucks will ride close to the same. I test drove a 2500HD GM Custom trim truck. 1 step above work truck. I actually felt this truck road the best. The only truck with indepent front suspension.

Ford added electric steer assit to make their trucks drive better. I liked the steering assist as the steering is lighter.

Back to Ram - that towing package is a good option. Like I said before they will and 8 speed transmission coupled to their 6.4L Hemi gas engine. In 2019 Ram was improved with a new frame too.

Bottom line - you can not go wrong with any new truck.

[tuffr2]

Here is a good video of the Ram 2500 6.4L 8 speed towing. In a nut shell it did better than the GM 6.6 gas but not as good as the Ford 7.3 gas. They were towing 16,000lbs with GM and Ford and 14,000lbs with Ram because of tow ratings. Also this is the top trim level of Ram.

You can find towing with all the trucks

https://youtu.be/wBUNRegovis

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

But in a F-350 I believe you can order the 6.2L with the 10 speed.

actually the standard tranny in the F350 is a 10 speed whether you get the 6.2 or 7.3. In an F250 the 6.2 gets the older tranny and the 7.3 gets the 10 speed.

I just looked at two new 2021 F350 6.2/10speeds yesterday

Dave

[kdauto]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Here is a good video of the Ram 2500 6.4L 8 speed towing. In a nut shell it did better than the GM 6.6 gas but not as good as the Ford 7.3 gas. They were towing 16,000lbs with GM and Ford and 14,000lbs with Ram because of tow ratings. Also this is the top trim level of Ram.

You can find towing with all the trucks

https://youtu.be/wBUNRegovis

I firmly believe if GM put a decent 8 or 10 speed behind the new 6.6 gas they'd blow away the competition, maybe not in looks but at least in performance on gas engines. I believe my 6 speed programming on mine is what hinders it most when towing.

[bneukam]

Personally I would go with a higher Trim level like the Laramie, and then limit the options. As the truck ages not sure all those fancy options will bring issues. But if your the kind that trades up every 3 to 5 years like most, then maybe no worries.

As far as ride quality goes, definitely the Ram, and Chevy IMO will give you a better ride. But that differs from who’s driving. Test drive them all, and spend lots of time in the drivers seat. Sit in the dealers lot relaxing, getting a good feel for the truck.

Having driven many of the trucks I would even say the Chevy, and Ram 2500 ride just as good as the F150. At least on the interstate with concrete expansion cracks.

[LanceKeys]

All good options. You should still consider a single rear wheel 350/3500 no matter which brand you choose. If gas powered, get the lowest rear gears available ( numerically higher ie 4.10 or 4.30)