Ford Frame Strength--Pt. 2

[Brad Hunt]

Saw that video re: Ford Frame Strength and it was pretty impressive at 1st glance. BUT, typical American that I am, if a little bit is good more is even better then I ask myself--Just how important is frame strength in towing an AS? It seems to me that if your towing at the outer edges of towing capacity all the time then frame strength is important (I'm thinking horsetrailer or gooseneck trailer full of steel). If not, then maybe its overkill to consider the frame strength (more than 1/2 ton in video) of a typical 2500 truck as it applies to an AS. Andy at Inland RV might even say that frame strength contributes to damage of an AS if I understand some of his comments.

It seems to me that once you have configured the TV you want, ie quad cab, long bed etc. that the only consideration is the engine--1. Will it do the job; 2. Fuel economy; and 3. Will the engine last a long time--A new diesel engine is 12K or better and it would make me sick to have to replace one at say 120,000 miles.

So, frame strength, is it all that important once your in the 2500 territory with an AS? Chime in, I am curious how others think on this issue and how you evaluate whats an important consideration.

[henw]

I believe suspension rather than frame strength would be the main contributor to vibration/shock insult to the TT.

Tom

[BillTex]

While the videos addressed 1/2 ton chassis, we can be pretty sure a 3/4 ton chassis is capable of towing anything AirStream has ever built. The tongue weight of the heaviest AS are well within 3/4 ton capability...
That is why many of us go with 3/4 ton trucks; to remove any doubt about towing capacity.
Why operate on the hairy edge when your families safety is at risk?

I kind of like killing flies with sledge hammers...

Bill

[SteveH]

I watched that video also, and was less than impressed with the Toyota frame in the static load tests. However, the part of the video where they run the three trucks across the bumps and watch the rear of the truck is, in my opinion, obviously slanted to make Ford look good. Every suspension has a resonance, and any vehicle driven over those bumps at the speed that would get the suspension into resonance, would look bad.

Granted, the 3/4 ton truck has stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and is overall heavier duty than a 1/2 ton, but in my personal situation, I felt the 3/4 ton was not needed for the load of our 23'. Additionally, I felt the 3/4 ton was a liabilty in ride quality and fuel mileage when not towing the AS which is about 85% of the time.

I recently bought a 1/2 ton, extended cab GMC pickup equipped with the towing package, and the 5.3 liter gasoline V8 and could not be happier. The truck pulls our AS without any problems.

I did drive a Ford truck of simular specs (1/2 ton, extended cab, 5.4 engine with towing package). I thought it did not have any where close to the power of the GMC, was not rated to get as good of fuel mileage, did not ride as good, and had the most uncomfortable seat I had ever sat in. I have a bad back and by the time I had driven it a couple of blocks, I was in pain.

I did get under the GMC and look at the frame, and although I certainly have no way of testing it, it is built very simular to the Ford frame....totally boxed and about one foot tall in the center section.