Tow Vehicle Advice Needed

[LessOrdinary]

We are looking to buy an AS 27’ or 30’ Flying Cloud or Classic. What type of tow vehicle should we get? We are considering Ford F-150 or F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500. Car dealerships have advised us to get the bigger of the two models. We will be driving all over the U.S. all year long.
All advice and opinions are welcome and appreciated on the tow vehicle and model of AS. Thanks!!!

[DBinSD]

Welcome to the forum.

This is waaaaay to open for personal opinion.

I would first recommend heading to the nearest full AS dealer and SIT in as many units as possible. Get a "feel" for the unit you like best.

From there look at your tow vehicle (TV) but, you will also need to weigh if the TV doubles as a daily driver etc. Again, go test drive as many as possible. A 1/2 ton will drive more comfortable than 3/4-1tons. However, 3/4+ gives you more payload and better pulling options (engine).

Good luck in your hunt!

[joshjack]

Don’t forget if you buy a propride/Hensley hitch you can tow the 30’ with any vehicle you want - even a “little” mustang...

[tjdonahoe]

Go with the 250...be way ahead

[Isuzusweet]

Phone Andy Thompson at Can-am RV in London Ontario. If there was an expert on what can tow what, it's him. You'd be surprised at what vehicles he has modified to tow anything. Ask him for a modified (where the vehicles hitch will need to be beefed up) list, and a list of unmodified vehicles for the length of trailer you plan on pulling.

Of all people, he'd give you the straight goods on what packages or options to buy or not to buy. Be sure to give him all pertinent information, like amount of people, (adults, kids), items you plan to take with you, (generators, bikes) and most important, anticipated terrain you wish to travel, (mountainous or relatively flat land). If you have a peticular brand of manufacturer that you like, or don't like, I'd include that too, but be open to some really bizarre options, as he last towed a 30' new AS with a Chrysler 300C sedan.

I'd phone him just to introduce yourself, and them e-mail him all the information he needs.

As for 27' or 30', you need to go see some trailers and try them out.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[PaulnGina]

Go with the F250 or 2500, save yourself some time.

You won’t regret it.

[wulfraat]

X2.

The real question is... gas vs diesel

[DBinSD]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

X2.

The real question is... gas vs diesel

Now you did it !

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

X2.

The real question is... gas vs diesel

Well......... that’s an “it depends”.

I absolutely LOVE diesel, but I can baby ours myself and really lessen the cost of maintenance. If you can do that, or don’t mind paying someone else to do it, I would recommend a diesel. Of course, mine is a 1995 PowerStroke, so it is archaic by today’s trucks. Mine is a cream puff at 129,000 miles! But the lack of “tech” and def is a huge plus in my book! And, it sounds like a DIESEL!

If I didn’t go the diesel route, I would obviously get the biggest gasser I could find. From there, apply your personal preferences, wants, and abilities. (I wish I had my Dad’s 1979 F250 that had a 460 automatic..... that was a beautiful truck and only had 70,000 pampered, Avion-towing miles on it when he sold it in 2003....... didn’t have a use for it at the time, and had other expenses to deal with..... sad!!)

[brick1]

The diesel 3/4 ton will tow better. Period. But it will not be as smooth for a daily driver.
The F150 ecoboost can handle it. But it is easy to exceed payload, if you carry much in your truck.
If your primary function is towing, go 3/4 ton.
brick

[LessOrdinary]

I think diesel. A salesperson told me the 2019 Ford F-150 will be available in diesel too.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by LessOrdinary

I think diesel. A salesperson told me the 2019 Ford F-150 will be available in diesel too.

Before you commit to a fuel type, you need to weigh carefully the pro's and cons of both

Gas

Cheaper to buy
Fuel is cheaper. no additives like DEF or fuel conditioners required.
Parts are cheaper (excluding turbo's)
Maintenance is cheaper, (unless you have turbo's)
Easier to find fuel in some circumstances, (especially in cities)
Maybe less in resale, but that depends on reliability of motor (Ford's small diesel is untested)
Better payload numbers, as diesel engine is heavier and will cut into payload.

Diesel

Better torque and pulling power
I'm going to add longevity based on proven diesel designs BUT, and it's a big BUT, the newer diesels, I'm not convinced they will last as long.

Look long and hard, get some frequent maintenance figures, (oil changes, DEF fluid, injectors) before you pull the trigger.

Yes, there's a mini van crowd, SUV crowd, 1/2 ton crowd, 3/4 ton crowd and even people that wouldn't dream of towing, with anything less than a 1 ton dually. I belong to the crowd that thinks you trailer people are crazy for towing anything! We are convinced that the others are lunatics for towing that, with that; relax, ask the experts and make a decision that is comfortable to you.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by PaulnGina

Mine is a cream puff at 129,000 miles! But the lack of “tech” and def is a huge plus in my book!

Yeah, I guess the diesel particulates you inhale when standing around the truck when it’s running that cause lung cancer are worth the extra 2-3 HP

I watched a couple pretty good videos on this today:

How a modern Diesel engine works:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yzRR8BTVsyw

Why a diesel particulate filter is important and how to keep yours problem free:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-bOlDFFhuPM

I have a 2017 gmc 2500 diesel with all the tech - and I like it that way

Sorry, back on topic:

3/4 ton if you are going to travel extensively no doubt. You may even consider a 1-ton. The only difference (for GM anyways) is 5 leaf springs in the back (vs 4) and 18” tires (vs 20). For the gmc you get another 800lbs if payload with the additional leaf spring and stronger tires.

Anyhoo the big 3 all make fine products. Buy a new one with the tech - Mother Earth and your lungs will thank you!

[majorairhead]

Originally Posted by PaulnGina

Go with the F250 or 2500, save yourself some time.

You won’t regret it.

I'm with PaulnGina. Hands down, 3/4 ton. If you've got the money, and drive long and lots, a diesel, if you want to save a few bucks, and like me are prone to making a bunch of short trips, grocery store runs, to the pharmacy, 10 miles to wherever and back, a gasser might be better.

But definitely a 3/4 ton over a half ton.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by LessOrdinary

We are looking to buy an AS 27’ or 30’ Flying Cloud or Classic. What type of tow vehicle should we get? We are considering Ford F-150 or F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500. Car dealerships have advised us to get the bigger of the two models. We will be driving all over the U.S. all year long.
All advice and opinions are welcome and appreciated on the tow vehicle and model of AS. Thanks!!!

I just towed my 2018 27’ South from Michigan, about 1200 miles round trip. The F350 and Hensley did a great job. The 27’ is very comfy. We got the Salsa leather.

1. Get the 250 or 350 truck. It got windy on my trip and I was thankful for the mass of the 350.

2. The gas engine is adequate, but you may find yourself wanting more power. Get the diesel. If I was headed west (not likely since I lived out there and kinda had enough of it to last a lifetime, long story) I would get the diesel. They are up to 450 hp now.

My 2 cents lol

[jwpaquette]

Recently took delivery of a 30’ FC. When I ordered our unit, I was originally planning on using our existing ‘16 Suburban with the max trailering package. I figured that I could manage the weight and balance and stay within the limits of the Suburban. While I was awaiting delivery over the course of months, I saw the repeated anecdotes of people and their white knuckle experiences. I also saw repeated comments about constantly worry about weight and capacity and balancing the vehicles. There is a lot of incredible advice here too that knows how to set things up and pull with a car that enjoys a lower center of gravity and a much more comfortable ride. Being that I was both a newbie and lacked the experience, I needed excess on my side. So I decided to purchase the Chevrolet 2500 with the Duramax diesel. I recently returned from my first extended trip, 2,500miles with several hundred traversing the Great Smokies. With that trip in the books as they say, I know that I absolutely made the right choice for me. The pulling power, stability of the drive, and ability to stop during the crazy spring break north/south migrations all left me feeling good about my TV decision. It’s important to note that the TV decision doesn’t come cheap. With the money and expense acknowledged, I reiterate that I am very comfortable with both the 3/4 ton decision and the diesel decision. You’ll need to decide which mfg is for you, they all perform the task of TV well.

[tbashin]

If you need an equalizer hitch to keep the rear end from sagging then you need a bigger truck. F250 with tow camper package would be my choice from those you have in mind.

[spark01]

I'm a newbie myself having picked up my 2018 FC 28RB this past weekend. After much research, I decided to get a 3/4 ton truck and bought Ram 2500. Drove the trailer out of the dealer to the storage place and had absolutely no problem. Very pleased with the two-vehicle/trailer combination! If I were you, I would go with F250 for sure.

[sbowman]

Originally Posted by LessOrdinary

We are looking to buy an AS 27’ or 30’ Flying Cloud or Classic. What type of tow vehicle should we get? We are considering Ford F-150 or F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500. Car dealerships have advised us to get the bigger of the two models. We will be driving all over the U.S. all year long.
All advice and opinions are welcome and appreciated on the tow vehicle and model of AS. Thanks!!!

40 plus years of towing and our 2 cents. Sure you "can" tow a 27' or 30' w/a 1/2 ton. Me I would not, no matter as to hitch set up. Its a TV weight VS. RV weight thing. 3/4 ton would be my choice and buy a good sway/transfer hitch set up. There are many out there. Which one is open for great debate. Now as to Gas or Diesel, this also open for great debate on this forum. There are +'s and -'s to both. To reiterate, 40 plus years of towing, 38 w/gas, last 2 years w/Diesel. All I can say is the gas and Diesel are worlds apart in how they work, perform, and how you us them in towing. The Diesel is here to stay for us.

Best regards and safe travels

[loft47]

F250 powestroke diesel; bought 6 months ago, wish I’d done it 12 years ago. Amazing experience, tows so easily. Yes it costs more to buy and operate, also holds its value better than gas engine.