Community Forums

Zrider1967 · 05-05-2015, 05:32 PM

I am looking at a getting a new truck to pull a TT, with the possibility of upgrading to a smaller 5th wheel in a few years. I really don't want to buy another truck if/when I upgrade to a 5er, so I want to get a truck now that could handle a future 5er.

I'm looking at a gas SRW F250 4x4, which is rated to tow 15,300 lbs (with the 4.30 rear end). The 5er I would upgrade to is an Arctic Fox 27-5L, which has a GVWR of 13,400 lbs. I am a solo RVer without a bunch of junk, so I will most likely be closer to 12,500 lbs loaded (dry wt is 9650 lbs). I can't imagine I'd have over 3000 lbs of stuff, even with water/batteries/LP/etc.

I know the truck *could* tow it, but how practical would it be? Will I regret not having a diesel and DRW? The truck will be my daily driver when not RVing, so I'd rather have the gas SRW. Not to mention the extra $10,000 I'd save not getting diesel/DRW.

TDI-Minnie · 05-05-2015, 07:22 PM

Why not get a SRW 3500?
They are not much more money to buy and then you need not fret.

Zrider1967 · 05-05-2015, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDI-Minnie

Why not get a SRW 3500?
They are not much more money to buy and then you need not fret.

I probably would actually get the 350, just for the slightly higher payload capacity, but the towing ratings are exactly the same for the 250 & 350.

TDI-Minnie · 05-05-2015, 07:46 PM

That extra payload is what you want/need for the 5er. Also the gasser should actually have more capacity than the diesel.

I will say that the fuel economy on diesels is considerable. Especially if it's your daily driver... I average about 19mpg and easily get 23mpg on the highway.
When you go 75% farther on every gallon of fuel, it starts to add up. Plus that initial investment comes back big-time in resale value on the diesel. But I understand the challenge of the initial price.

SeabeckS · 05-05-2015, 10:29 PM

We started our search for a tow vehicle by considering a 150, discovered a 250 with desired options was just a little bit more than a max optioned load package 150. And the 250 had significantly better capacities! Then realized the move up to a 350 was really just chump change over the 250...

Guess what we got? (Just for grins the other night, used Fords online "build and price" feature and noted that for an XLT, a max/tow and heavy load option 150 was about $1200 more than a 250. The 250 had more tow/haul capacity than the 150...and the 350 had even better capacities for still less moohla than the 150. Go figure!

)

Really helped bunches to bypass the regular salesman by getting in touch with a fleet sales manager. Nice to pay for exactly what we wanted with a factory order, but it was worth the wait...even though I'm NOT a patient guy! LOL

Best of luck...

YMMV, based on optional equipment.

PS. We ended up with a 350 XLT, Crew Cab, gasser, 4x2 w/e lock diffy, and a few other options. Mom's happy, her pooches are happy...I'm ecstatic.

Cumminsfan · 05-05-2015, 10:57 PM

You might post the question over here.
Northwood RV Owners Association Forum

I know there are several 27-5L owners over there and IIRC a couple tow with gassers or at least did.

SeabeckS · 05-05-2015, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zrider1967

I probably would actually get the 350, just for the slightly higher payload capacity, but the towing ratings are exactly the same for the 250 & 350.

Tow ratings are the same...but look at the "slightly" higher payload capacity. Depending on options, a 350 can have up to 630 pounds extra payload over a 250. If the OP is considering a 5er as a future possibility that extra capacity can add a significant margin which widens the options. (630 pounds times 4 or 5 is an extra 2500 to 3000 pounds bigger 5er, again depending on 5er options. A nice safety margin if nothing else.)

Just sayin'...

Cheers!

SeabeckS · 05-06-2015, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDI-Minnie

That extra payload is what you want/need for the 5er. Also the gasser should actually have more capacity than the diesel.

I will say that the fuel economy on diesels is considerable. Especially if it's your daily driver... I average about 19mpg and easily get 23mpg on the highway.
When you go 75% farther on every gallon of fuel, it starts to add up. Plus that initial investment comes back big-time in resale value on the diesel. But I understand the challenge of the initial price.

Uh, 75% further on a gallon of fuel? If a gasser get 16mpg, then an oiler would have to get 28mpg. Just sayin'...

At my local Chevron, oil fuel is about 20% more costly than regular gas. If I was a full timer doing a lot of miles, the oiler starts to make more sense. For part-timers the cost differential is hard to swallow.

Totally agree on the resale issue, but I'll be dead long before this truck will be...lol

Cheers!

road dogs · 05-06-2015, 12:49 AM

Too many variables. If you are planning on a lot of mountain towing, the diesel is (to me anyway) well worth the extra money. We have traveled extensively in Colorado and the PNW where there are an abundance of mountain passes. I have passed many gassers screaming at 4,500 RPM just to maintain 35-40 MPH up an 8% grade. If this is your idea of enjoyment, then that's OK. I also like the fact that I can travel 350 miles before having to fuel up again. I try to do as much of my own maintenance and upgrades as I can, which helps offset the higher costs of maintaining a diesel truck.

autorot8 · 05-06-2015, 07:59 AM

Gassers of today are quite capable. I live on the west and can't go anywhere without encountering some hill or mountain pass of some kind. I recently finished a trip between California and central Oregon, I was ~19k combined gross and had no problems maintaining 55-60 in my gas powered truck. It was not screaming either, unless you think 3000 rpm is screaming. It was a very comfortable ride. My previous diesel towed the same route (with less weight), at 2500 rpm. I also have the measly 3.73.

Cumminsfan · 05-06-2015, 09:05 AM

My 12 Ram 2500 CTD 3.73 cruises all day at 1600 rpms @16,000+ combined. I vary rarely see 2500 rpms, even in the mtns of Oregon. 2000 rpms is the max. Sure I can wind it out higher and go faster but then I'd be going over the speed limit.

We've looked at the 27-5L several times and the weights are really good for the 2500 we have. I tow a 9000lb 5er right now and going to 11,000lb as would be the case with the 27-5L I would definitely want diesel in Oregon. Out on the flat lands not so much. With 3.73 or even 4.10-4.30 gears a gasser would do well. In the mtn passes you'd have to wind it up a bit, but that's a gasser. We have hills and passes all over out here, so a diesel makes it much easier. If I had just some rolling hills then a gasser would be fine, not to mention $8-9,000 cheaper. It really just boils down to what you like or don't like when towing.

And for the most part when climbing passes it really isn't for a long time, meaning hrs on end. You may cruise all day and only have 15-30 mins max of winding out the gasser. It also depends on the gearing. With the 4.10 or 4.30s depending on vehicle the gasser won't shift down as much. It will hold an upper gear longer.