Looking for truck recommendations (for towing)

[Reevesfamily]

We pulled a 30' Trail Cruiser with our F150 KR for three years. It was adequate. Then we pulled our current unit for one year and it was adequate, but at the limits of what I felt safe doing. It worked the 5.4l pretty good on long uphills and wasn't really heavy enough to give me a safe feel. The F250 is a night and day improvement. I like the diesel for both up and down the hills, and just feel safe with it. I'm getting 14 mpg with the camper in tow pulling throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia. 24+ mpg with no camper. Lots of margin and comfortable. So, I recommend you consider a 3/4 ton tow vehicle, diesel or gas depending on your preference.

[09 harley]

Man that’s some good mileage. Everyone here would like that. My brother gets 10 mpg with his 350 but his trailer weighs about 15k.

[ScenicView]

Originally Posted by nomad_archer

A super duty with a 6.2 gasser and 4:30 gears is a special order. Finding one on a lot is like finding a unicorn. I agree with the rest of your post. Additionally I wouldn't recommend a diesel on a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton as you will take a big payload hit.

This. I have a 2018 Silverado 2500 gasser. When I bought it the dealer told me the payload was 3200 - 3300 pounds. Technically that’s true. But the sticker on the inside of the door says 2700 lbs. The weight of the engine and everything else is deducted from that and the remainder is what you have available for the tongue weight, passengers, equipment etc.

[yowmemperor]

Just to add my 2c, skip straight to the 3/4. nearly everyone seems to find they under buy when they match their loads to capacity. I really like the torque of the diesels being right at cruising rpm, same with the 3.5 ecoboost, but, as stated that's additional weight and cost.

[AJE]

A gas 3/4 ton sounds perfect for your situation.

[09 harley]

Anything over 7k I would go with a 3/4 ton. If you compare the suspension components between the two it is a no brainer to go with the 3/4. When I purchased my 2017 F250 CCLB 4 wheel drive 6.2 gas with 4:30 axles in XLT with lots of options it was actually less expensive than the 150. No real sense in pickup pricing.
My trailer weighs about 6850 and I pulled it just for fun with my neighbors F150 CCSB with the 3.5 eco boost. It pulled it ok but you really knew the trailer was back there. With mine I don’t.

[Oscar_Mike]

I'd go 3/4 ton just for the payload, which is almost always the first limiting factor. Everything eats into it. You, the family, the clothes, the tools, the tool box, the tongue (or pin) weight. it all adds up fast.

[seaeagle2]

I went with F1250 with 6.2 gasser. I got a used 2014 in this market diesel is an 8000 adder. Gas doesn't get the same mileage, but I can buy some gas with 8000. As we were pulling mountain passes, it slowed to about 50 mph, and it was reving to 4500, but redline is 6000 so it just takes some getting used to. I think I could get a whole engine for what it would cost to do the fuel pump failure repair. Of course I have 400 ft lbs of torque not 800....

[RLawrence]

We have noticed there are multiple views on tow vehicles. I do agree with the thought that you should shop trailers first to have an idea of what your desired rig will need to allow safe towing. A good RV dealer can be of great help in this area. I have also noticed you might want to consider getting more tow vehicle than you need right now. Upgrading seems to be in a RV’rs nature and it is easier if you already have a good tow vehicle. We tow a 28 ft with a 1/2 ton tundra, but it is equipped with all the tow package bells and whistles. We travel to Colorado and points beyond with no issues, but I would not want to go to a larger, heavier TT with our current truck. Find a good RV dealer. They are out there and can be a great resource.

[Fritz.]

I towed a 8,000lb 30' TT all over the mountain states last summer with my 3/4 ton gasser. I have a good weight distributing hitch($500) and sumo springs. I can't image using a lighter duty truck. There where times on the highway with gusty winds I wish I'd had a dually.

My truck is rated 13,000 bumper pull so I am no where near my max.

Power was adequate until I had a 25mph headwind for 8 hours straight and I was in a hurry to get home. 8 hours of 4,000+ rpms at 55mph.

I'd still recommend the gasser but make sure you get the towing gears! I've got 4.10's and get about 14mpg, unloaded not towing.

[BandSA]

And if you don't need the box on it, go with a flat bed. Then when and if you upgrade to a fiver, you are already set to tow it. There is a ball for a gooseneck trailer in the bed under the flat plat with the hole in it. Didn't request it, but it came with it. Was very surprised when I popped that plate up last month. Now looking for a 30' TH.

[davis2]

Originally Posted by rjw72

Hello RV friends!

I'm an experienced RV traveler having owned an 18' trailer, which I've been towing with my SUV for the past several years. Overall, great experience! However, my two kids are older, and we've outgrown our little trailer, which we will be selling.

We're now looking at 27'+ trailers with a gross weight range 6000 to 7500 lbs. I've never owned a truck before, let alone towed with one, and I'm looking for recommendations on what to look for when shopping for a truck, especially for towing purposes. Also, any recommendations for brands/models, too that have worked for you would also be appreciated.

#1 advice... Do not trust what a salesman tells you regarding tow capacity! Verify it!

[Jshopes81]

Single wheel 1 ton. Its the same truck as a 3/4 ton but with a bunch more payload

[davis2]

Originally Posted by Jshopes81

Single wheel 1 ton. Its the same truck as a 3/4 ton but with a bunch more payload

I'm looking to upgrade too, that is a good point to consider.