Looking for 5th wheel TV recommendations

[Timing]

I currently have an F150 and will be selling it to step up to something bigger to primarily two a 5th wheel. I would appreciate some recommendations/suggestions for a tow vehicle. I'm going to provide a lot of information to help.

Pretty much set on getting a pre-owned truck, as new truck prices are outrageous. However, I am not in a big hurry and am looking to get something possibly by end of summer 2023.

We are looking at 5th wheels that have a bunk house and 1.5 baths. They tend to be around the following specs:

- Dry Weight: 9,400 lbs
- Length: 36' – 37’
- GVWR: ~11,900 lbs

That would put the wet pin weight at around 1,800 lbs to 2,400 lbs.

The cab load will be a family of five, electronics (tablets, gaming devices, phones), water bottles, snacks, etc. Looking at around 850-900lbs worth of stuff in the cab.

With a top-end payload of around 3,300 lbs (maybe more), we are definitely sticking to 1 ton trucks.

Now for driving habits:

The truck will primarily be used to tow the 5th wheel around 4-5 times per year (warmer seasons). The trips will be primarily around the rust belt (MI, OH, IN, western PA, Chicago area) and Ontario, and will involve flat highway driving. Trip lengths will be around 400-1000 miles round trip.

Other potential uses include towing my skid steer around town and other heavy-duty equipment (e.g., mini excavator) rentals.

Once the kids get older, we will definitely be towing out west (Idaho, Wyoming, etc.), further south (TN, NC, SC, etc.), and maybe out to New England along I-80 in PA and I-90 in NY.

When the truck is not towing, it will most likely sit there for weeks/months on end not being used (just like my F150 currently). Maybe taking it a few miles down the road to some home improvement for home projects.

Ownership habits:

I keep my vehicles. I'll be going on 40 soon and have only owned two vehicles (the F150 being one of them). That is the plan for this truck as well. I'd like to get something that is going to be comfortable for the family to ride in and handle everything we throw at it. Our life has a habit of being unpredictable, so I'm thinking that more truck is better than less truck, especially since we plan on keeping the truck for the life of the vehicle. Longevity/reliability over the life of ownership is definitely a big concern.

My short list of trucks that I have been looking at are:

2015+ RAM 3500 SRW Laramie CCSB 6.7L Cummins + AISIN transmission
2019+ RAM 3500 SRW Laramie CCSB 6.4L HEMI + 8-speed transmission + 4.10 gears
2020+ Ford F350 SRW Lariat CCSB 7.3L Godzilla + 10-speed transmission + 4.30 gears

Some requirements I've been given are that it has to have nav, leather, heated/cooled seats, and preferably heated steering wheel. I got shut down hard on a DRW, so sticking to SRWs. So far, I have only had a chance to test drive a Cummins + ASIN RAM 3500 and that felt fine to me.

I'm happy to hear any thoughts on this and if there are other recommendations to consider.

Especially on gas vs. diesel for my specific use case. At first I was thinking diesel since we will be driving long distances pulling an 11k+ fairly heavy 5th wheel + potentially into the mountains out west and through TN, KY, PA, etc., + I plan on keeping it forever so might as well get more truck in case I need it at some point. The extra torque, exhaust brake, and higher MPGs would be really nice. Also it seems that the diesel would quieter in the cab (wife is very sensitive to this) given the lower RPMs while towing). However, the truck sitting there unused for weeks/months on end and using it for short trips to pick up machine rentals and building materials worries me about the diesel. The other issue with the diesel is that, at least around here for the time being, diesel is around $1.25-$1.80 more per gallon than gas, which pretty much negates and fuel cost savings.

Then I'm not sure about Ford 7.3 vs RAM 6.4 (and should I be considering the 6.7 Ford PowerStroke? I wasn't given that the Cummins is a less complex engine). The Fords seem to be a bit pricier on the used market given the newer engine/transmission combo and the 6.4 is more proven. However, it seems that the 7.3 might tow a bit better than the 6.4. However, the shorter overall length of the RAM is very enticing for garage storage.

Thanks!

[Old-Biscuit]

Any of those 350/3500 SRW trucks and DIESEL
Diesel is a towing Pleasure and works just fine as a daily driver etc

[Dave Pelletier]

Any of those trucks would work. You could go either way on the gas vs. diesel but if you decide to go gas, the 7.3/10spd has far better towing performance than anything else. I almost bought a 6.4 Hemi Ram but watching TFL's towing tests, I wasn't impressed. I would have bought a 7.3 for my 9,995 GVWR trailer but couldn't find one and ended up with a Powerstroke.

There are some legitimate reasons to go gas, including the fact that they will cost less over the long haul (people will argue this, but if you keep it long enough, it will be the case). Sporadic usage, short trips and a relatively light load all make the 7.3 a solid choice.

OTOH, diesels have unmatched towing power; I don't NEED 1050 ft. lbs. but it doesn't suck! I like my Rams/Cummins but I wouldn't limit my search to just those; all modern diesels are comparable IMO and all the necessary pollution control crap means they are all about the same as far as complication goes.

I still have 5 Rams (4 diesels) and I like them but I went Ford this time because; I'm tired of rust so the alloy body was a draw, Ram charges extra for the HO/Aisin but you get the big dog 6.7 in every Ford, I like the tow mirrors and side windows better and the big one is the 10 spd; it's a game changer. Cons are the longer wheelbase (though you get more cab space) and the CTD has a better exhaust brake.

The diesel has great range and it's easier to fill up at a truck stop with the trailer behind. The Super Duty with the CC long box gets the 48 gallon tank which is very nice when towing. The short box 7.3 gets a small tank and with the mileage difference, you could be looking for a gas station twice as often.

Good luck,

Dave

[KingKid]

Go right to a 3500 ask me why I made the mistake 2 times.

[kdauto]

Any of those 1 tons would work. Personally, I'd push for the DRW if you'll haul something really heavy at some point. Can't beat the stability and safety of a DRW. Not a big deal to use a daily either.

Ford 7.3 gasser gets rave reviews except for fuel consumption, but since your trips are kinda short (to me anyway) it's no big deal.

Have you considered the GM gasser with 6.6? The only downfall is its now dated 6 speed auto 6L90. Rumours have it there might be a 10 speed behind it in a year or 2, but I have my doubts. It'd be awesome if it did.

One thing can't stand on Fords is the weak front ends and death wobble. Suspension and steering parts wear 2x as fast than any comparable GM with independant front suspension, which rides better IMO.

I was in the same boat as you and went for a gasser, which I still own today. When I retire soon, I may go to a diesel as trips will get longer and more mountain driving expected, possibly a heavier trailer too.

[Timing]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Any of those 350/3500 SRW trucks and DIESEL
Diesel is a towing Pleasure and works just fine as a daily driver etc

Thanks for the input! I'm leaning diesel but just wanted to get some third-party opinions as well.

[Timing]

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

Any of those trucks would work. You could go either way on the gas vs. diesel but if you decide to go gas, the 7.3/10spd has far better towing performance than anything else. I almost bought a 6.4 Hemi Ram but watching TFL's towing tests, I wasn't impressed. I would have bought a 7.3 for my 9,995 GVWR trailer but couldn't find one and ended up with a Powerstroke.

There are some legitimate reasons to go gas, including the fact that they will cost less over the long haul (people will argue this, but if you keep it long enough, it will be the case). Sporadic usage, short trips and a relatively light load all make the 7.3 a solid choice.

OTOH, diesels have unmatched towing power; I don't NEED 1050 ft. lbs. but it doesn't suck! I like my Rams/Cummins but I wouldn't limit my search to just those; all modern diesels are comparable IMO and all the necessary pollution control crap means they are all about the same as far as complication goes.

I still have 5 Rams (4 diesels) and I like them but I went Ford this time because; I'm tired of rust so the alloy body was a draw, Ram charges extra for the HO/Aisin but you get the big dog 6.7 in every Ford, I like the tow mirrors and side windows better and the big one is the 10 spd; it's a game changer. Cons are the longer wheelbase (though you get more cab space) and the CTD has a better exhaust brake.

The diesel has great range and it's easier to fill up at a truck stop with the trailer behind. The Super Duty with the CC long box gets the 48 gallon tank which is very nice when towing. The short box 7.3 gets a small tank and with the mileage difference, you could be looking for a gas station twice as often.

Good luck,

Dave

Thanks for the detailed comments, Dave! I did watch the TFL video of the 6.4 with the 8-speed and wasn't impressed either. I wish they would have ran it with the 4.10 gears instead of the 3.73 gears.



I will take a look at the Ford PSD as well. I guess want I meant in terms of complexity is that, from what I've read, the Cummins takes up less space and therefore provides more room to work in under the hood. I've seen the latest Duramax and was kind of intimidated by the "spaghetti bowl" under the hood.



I will admit that the Ford (either gas or diesel) is kind of enticing because it would feel more "familiar" after driving my F150 and my wife's Expedition.

[Timing]

Originally Posted by KingKid

Go right to a 3500 ask me why I made the mistake 2 times.

I agree. One look at the payload ratings on the 3/4 trucks (especially with a diesel) tells you all you need to know.

[Camp CA]

Ford F350 crew cab long bed 6.7 diesel with a 3.73 axle ratio is what I have and offers good mileage, torque for uphill climbs, stable ride and plenty of towing capacity.

[Timing]

Originally Posted by kdauto

Any of those 1 tons would work. Personally, I'd push for the DRW if you'll haul something really heavy at some point. Can't beat the stability and safety of a DRW. Not a big deal to use a daily either.

Ford 7.3 gasser gets rave reviews except for fuel consumption, but since your trips are kinda short (to me anyway) it's no big deal.

Have you considered the GM gasser with 6.6? The only downfall is its now dated 6 speed auto 6L90. Rumours have it there might be a 10 speed behind it in a year or 2, but I have my doubts. It'd be awesome if it did.

One thing can't stand on Fords is the weak front ends and death wobble. Suspension and steering parts wear 2x as fast than any comparable GM with independant front suspension, which rides better IMO.

I was in the same boat as you and went for a gasser, which I still own today. When I retire soon, I may go to a diesel as trips will get longer and more mountain driving expected, possibly a heavier trailer too.

I have not looked at the 6.6 GM only because I just started considering these latest generation gassers. I test drove a 2019 LP5 Duramax 3500 Denali right after the 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Cummins/AISIN and felt that it rode fine though my wife and I both felt that the interior felt outdated and not as nice compared to the 2015 Laramie. However, I will take a look at the updated GMs with the newer gassers to see what is going on with those interiors.

[Yosemite77]

Our 5er has a GVWR of around 12k. We pull it with a 2018 Chevrolet 3500 SRW Duramax diesel. At 12k, you could easily get by with a SRW.
I’m not terribly brand loyal. The Big 3 all make good diesels. A big part of the reason I opted for Chevy was that the seats were the most comfortable. I was at the Chicago Auto Show, and was able to go back and forth to compare them.

[kdauto]

Originally Posted by Timing

Thanks for the detailed comments, Dave! I did watch the TFL video of the 6.4 with the 8-speed and wasn't impressed either. I wish they would have ran it with the 4.10 gears instead of the 3.73 gears.



I will take a look at the Ford PSD as well. I guess want I meant in terms of complexity is that, from what I've read, the Cummins takes up less space and therefore provides more room to work in under the hood. I've seen the latest Duramax and was kind of intimidated by the "spaghetti bowl" under the hood.



I will admit that the Ford (either gas or diesel) is kind of enticing because it would feel more "familiar" after driving my F150 and my wife's Expedition.

I wouldn't base much of my decision off any TFL tests. Who in their right mind is running their truck that way anyhow? There is rarely if ever talk of durability, reliabilty, ease of repair etc.

A test where the "winning" truck has a maximum and rare optioned axle ratio, vs trucks with the worst ones?

The GM 6 speed IS a drawback for that test, I know, because I have the same trans. There's a way to wake up that trans and it doesn't happen in a few miles of driving either.

At any rate, post questions as you are now. Most people here are better references than any online videos.

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by kdauto

I wouldn't base much of my decision off any TFL tests. Who in their right mind is running their truck that way anyhow? There is rarely if ever talk of durability, reliabilty, ease of repair etc.

A test where the "winning" truck has a maximum and rare optioned axle ratio, vs trucks with the worst ones?

The GM 6 speed IS a drawback for that test, I know, because I have the same trans. There's a way to wake up that trans and it doesn't happen in a few miles of driving either.

At any rate, post questions as you are now. Most people here are better references than any online videos.

I agree with most of your posts but I disagree with this one; knowing what the fully loaded towing performance numbers/times looks like is important to me.....and I suspect many others. I couldn't find a single HD truck towing test that used comparable data anywhere. No, it doesn't deal with durability, reliability or ease of repair - those are separate issues and you'll need to look elsewhere for that info. The only other info on the 'net is drag racing trucks which couldn't be any more irrelevant to these trucks' purpose.

Not sure on the "rare optional axle ratio"? most trucks are equipped as most people would buy them. I'm not aware of a rare axle ratio on a Super Duty.

IMO, the data is pretty clear as far as gas trucks go: the 7.3/10spd Ford offers superior towing performance to any other gas powered pickup ever built. The 6.6 GMC is hampered by the 6spd as you've noted......too bad because I think with the 10 speed "Allison" from the Duramax, it would significantly close the gap - though not eliminate it. The 6.4 Hemi is lowest for torque of the three, but the 8spd is a step up and you can get better axle ratios IIRC.

On the diesels, they all make so much power, it doesn't really matter unless you plan on towing 30,000 lbs.... the Ram is the weak link here because you get the standard output engine with the 68RFE on the 3/4 ton and have to pay extra for the HO/Aisin on the one ton.


2 cents,

Dave

[darrellr]

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

the Ram is the weak link here because you get the standard output engine with the 68RFE on the 3/4 ton and have to pay extra for the HO/Aisin on the one ton.

Are you trying to start a war? Might as well bring in politics and religion lol.