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Old 01-26-2013, 12:35 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuffr2 View Post
For 'Full Timing' I would want the most capable vehicle I could afford. If I was just a 'wally weekended' that would change everything. As a full timer a truck with a cap is a must. The ability to 'carry' stuff is very important.
You're a 5th-wheeler, not an Airstreamer, tuffr'. The concept of stuff is different for most of us (another arguable point). Has to be.

Our own trips (6 months each year) are with a light truck, bicycles, generator, a few hoses, and rv water softener in the bed. I think if I was full-timing I would find secure storage somewhere and call it home port, and leave as much as I could there.

Shed stuff, less is more when traveling.

doug k
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Old 01-26-2013, 02:11 PM   #22
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I pull a 34 foot triple axle that grosses 9600lbs with a 3.73 rear. You don't need a 4.10 unless you're pulling a 40' 5er. Get the 3.73 and go traveling
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Old 01-26-2013, 04:18 PM   #23
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First of all, thank you everyone for your input. It has been so valuable in our decision. We are also now trying to consider other options besides a pickup, but I am not seeing much out there reasonably priced except something along the lines of a 3/4 ton van such as the chevy express. Anyone use one of these? It looks like it meets the specs for weight and payload but I don't see anything about engine/transmission cooling in them and it has a 3.42 axle but from everyone's input it seems that the axle would be okay.

Again, thank you all so much.
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Old 01-26-2013, 04:37 PM   #24
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I have a 25 FC and I tow with a Suburban 1500 5.3L. I have a 4spd and 4:10 gears. I am quite happy with the towing. If I had a choice, I'd have gotten a 3:73 gear, not a 4:10.
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Old 01-26-2013, 05:43 PM   #25
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A van is a good option. My friend has the Chevy Express 2500 painted red. So it is called 'Big Red'. He does not tow with it but carries a lot of sports plagues, sports mags, and trophies that he takes to shows. He says he really likes it. My neighbor has Ford E350 which he carries people and a wheel chaired elderly person. Says he likes it.

You did say you will be full time - correct?

If so, a van might actually be better than a truck. You will still be interested in quality of life so you can carry things that you.enjoy. Life is too short not to do what you want - if you like wood working you can carry wood working stuff, if you like hiking you can carry that stuff etc. I meet a couple full timing in a 1974 25 footer. They both had fishing poles and tackle boxes because they liked to fish.

Chevy and Ford still make full size vans.

Good luck
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Old 01-26-2013, 08:41 PM   #26
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So, I cannot thank everyone enough for their input!!!
I think we are going to go with a Silverado 2500HD with the 3.73 axle and the 6.0 engine. Now it is time to find one.
Again, thank you.
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Old 01-26-2013, 09:02 PM   #27
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Tom,
as another Newbie, i have to agree with the others.
the TV you have in mind is WELL capable of doing what you are considering.
as we are in the exact same situation, i wonder if you aren't going over what you need if this will be your DD too. i will be pulling the FC2012 and i am looking to get a Ford 4x4 150 eco Screw 3.73 rear with HD tow and Trailer pkgs 6.5' bed 18" LT tires and the Hensley Hitch. we will be FT for a least a year all over the States and most likely Canada and i am confident that these truck specs will make for a safe and uneventful tow. imho anyway. i would love to get your opinion, have you considered any Less of a truck ?
Rob
Rob,
We did consider a 1/2 ton including the Ford F150 eco but what it came down to for us is the payload. Estimating from what I have read the tongue weight would be 1000-1100lbs and that would bring down the available packing of the truck to a couple hundred pounds after passengers. I did not want this to restrict us in any way.
As we only own one car (I bike everywhere) I don't want to own 2 cars and this will be our daily driver also. The 1500 and 2500 don't seem very much difference in size. We own a CR-V right now so they are both big compared to that! Here's my main thing, I don't want to push the truck's capabilities. I want something that I can just tow with and not have to worry at all about what I am packing it up with.
That about sums up my thought process on the 1/2 ton trucks. Just what I came up with from these forums and others responses to this thread as a whole.

And congrats on full timing it next year!!!
We can't wait to hit the road.
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Old 02-13-2013, 12:46 PM   #28
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Good suggestions.
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