Best towing bet for a new 27

[altamont]

I too was looking at a new adequate TV for my 27 FB and settled (very easily) on the new F250 Super Duty. The new diesel is a great motor with more than adequate power for your needs. The interior is very car like (wifey likes that) and quiet. I got a bed locker which covers the bed with a metal, weather resistant electrically retractable top. Very cool and secure. This leaves me with a huge trunk to store things. They can be expensive but with some trimming of unneeded options can be had for under $40k.

[Don Cook]

I have a 16 Babmbi soon to hav a 25FB and I have a 2004 Chevy 3/4 ton diesel. It doesn't even know there's a trailer behind and the peace of mind and stability is worth every penny. Not to mention the cheaper diesel and better mileage.
DC

[Sean Michael]

I just returned from a 2500-mile trip, towing my 25-foot Classic with an '07 F250 diesel (nicknamed Seymour ... as in SEE MORE )....

This is my first diesel (heck, it's my first truck!) and I love it also. The diesel is a little noisier than a gas engine, but the fuel is cheaper, and most importantly the torque and power are amazing. I really think these trucks may handle better when towing; they're built for that purpose.

[tphan]

I'm also looking for something to pull my 27-footer, and am intending on getting a late 90's or early 2000's Suburban 2500 with the 5.7 or 6.0 liter engine, and 4.10 rear end. This is the best compromise I can come up with for gas mileage/power/stability/interior cargo room/and cost. They can be had for approx. $10k, depending on year and mileage. For some, a truck is more useful to them. But from what I've seen and read, a 1/2 ton is not really up to the job, except I guess for in really flat states. My friend with a 26' Avion got away with, for a year, towing with a GMC Suburban 1500, which had a diesel but only the 3.55 rear-end and light duty transmission. This spring, towing it from Phoenix to the Colorado mountains, the transmission gears MELTED! The 1/2 tons are just not engineered for that kind of abuse, I am now convinced. Just my 2 cents worth.

[jdalrymple]

We LOVE our 2003 Chevy Duramax! Great power and handles our 31' with ease. Standard Reese hitch, and away we go.

[outthere]

Any opinions on the strong / weak points of a F250 diesel verses a Dodge 2500 diesel? I am looking at buying a new TV to go with a 25 Safari. Not experienced in pickups let alone diesels. Are they both equally good and does it come down to looks or is there any advantages of one over the other??

[LI Pets]

It's what you like and cost.

But why haven't you mentioned the Chev or GMC with the best trany for twing in the world? The Allison Trans.

[thecatsandi]

Ford F-250 or Dodge 2500? Wat do you like to ride in? I liked the look and feel of the Ford over the Dodge. I bought one (Gas 5.4L) Totalled it and bought another one (6.0L Diesel). If I had know i would be towing a max weight 10,000 lb trailer I would have bought the diesel to start with.
The 250 and the 2500 are in the same class with simular capabilities.
I drive the Ford my Boss a Dodge and a co-worker a Chevy.

All have pluses and minuses.

[altamont]

Our friends have a new Dodge 2500 diesel and they commented our how nice our 2008 F250 SuperDuty rode. I thought they were joking until I talked to other Dodge owners and they say the ride is quite punishing. I like our truck so much I sometimes prefer to drive it over our 5 series BMW. Each to their own.

[n2916s]

Okay, I'll venture some heresy here.

I am 5 1/2 months out on a 10000 mile tour from Miami to Seattle and back. I am towing a 31' Sovereign that was weighed last at 7800#.

I am towing it with a 2004 Nissan Titan.

Okay -- I can't run all day at 75 because my tires are rated for 65 and my wallet is calibrated for 55 (at 55 I get 13-14 mpg vice 10-11 at 65)

On probably half a dozen climbs (i.e Stevens Pass in Wyomimg) I had to motor on up at 45 in the granny lane using 3rd gear. Probably a total of 45 minutes of climbing at that speed. Descents, again in 3rd, no problem.

While I was shopping, the best deal I could get on a 3/4 ton with a diesel was a solid $8 grand more than my Titan.

I am very happy with my Titan although my brother-in-law has the new Tundra and it very nice -- probably next time....

mike the heretic

[wingfoot321]

(1) suburban 2500 with the old 454

(2) gm pickup 2500 with the 6.0

(3) ford pickup 250 with the v-10

(4) gm pickup 2500 with the new 8.1

Low mileage if possible and try to find out how much towing it has done. Transmissions usually go first and they are a expensive repair item.

[millvalleyca]

Originally Posted by LI Pets

A 3/4 just does it so easy, you can drive and relax.

Ditto on the drive and relax......
We upgraded from a YukonXL to a Ford 250 diesel and LOVE it!

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by outthere

Any opinions on the strong / weak points of a F250 diesel verses a Dodge 2500 diesel? I am looking at buying a new TV to go with a 25 Safari. Not experienced in pickups let alone diesels. Are they both equally good and does it come down to looks or is there any advantages of one over the other??

dodge has the cummins, but not much else.

ford had the best mirrors and a built in brake controller and properly sized tires, a nice 7 pin connector nd a lot more!

cheers
2air'

[Brad Hunt]

3/4 ton. Minnies Mate is pretty close, the best Ford's are 97-03' midyear with the 7.3. Absolutely best allaround truck for build quality and longevity under harsh conditions (Flatbed 10-15,000 pounds of steel constantly). Great engine. Remarkably, Dodge 5.9 and Chevy Duramax w/ Allison had perhaps even better engines but the Ford truck itself was stouter. Until 04' Dodge automatics were suspect, manuals were bulletproof. Happily, an AS isn't what I would consider a harsh load and you'll do fine. The Ford 6.0 is the worst choice you could ever make (03'-07'). This engine was so bad the new 6.4 needs to be a masterstroke (pun intended) to keep Ford in the game.