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Old 06-30-2016, 03:58 PM   #1
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1993 29' Excella
Pontotoc , Mississippi
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Tow Vehicle for 30' Argosy

I'm looking for a used tow vehicle for a 30' Argosy. I don't have the trailer yet but I think the gvwr is 6200 pounds. At first I was only considering 3/4 trucks but now I'm wondering if that is more truck than I need. Maybe an F-150 with ecoboost would do the job and save fuel costs? Would payload capacity be a problem with any 1/2 ton truck for this size trailer? I'll probably be towing 6-8 times a year and the rest of the time just daily driving. I don't want to overspend on the truck and sabotage mpg unnecessarily, but I want to be safe when I am towing! I can only buy one truck and want to pick wisely. Anyone having experience towing a compatible trailer please let me know what you think - Opinions welcome!
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Old 06-30-2016, 04:17 PM   #2
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Old 06-30-2016, 06:10 PM   #3
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1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh , Ontario
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I found this on the web....

The 1978 Argosy 30 had an empty weight of 4,270 lbs (center-double) or 4,290 lbs (rear-twins/center bath). The empty hitch weight was 405 lbs (center-double) or 520 lbs (rear-twins/center bath).

If you're looking for a tow vehicle that you can live with as a daily driver, may I suggest the Honda Ridgeline, made in Alabama. It has a larger footprint than the C-class GM trucks but not as big as a S-class full size. I know the tow rating right now states 5000 lbs but that estimate is very conservative. Can-Am RV in London Ontario who has set up a Saturn Aura to tow a 26' AS trailer would be the ones to get you on the road properly, with safety in mind.

As for full size trucks, the sky's the limit and so is price and cost of ownership.

Cheers
Tony
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Old 06-30-2016, 06:14 PM   #4
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1983 27' Excella
Vesuvius , Virginia
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Many good ones.

I'm pleasantly surprised at how well my 2007 Tundra Limited 5.7 tows and brakes with my 27 ft Excella. Also pleased with zero repairs at 135k miles plus resale value.
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Old 06-30-2016, 06:18 PM   #5
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Morrill , Nebraska
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Any '07 or newer Tundra with a 5.7 Ltr V8 will do just fine.
Make sure it has the tow package.
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Old 07-01-2016, 11:07 AM   #6
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Greenwood , Mississippi
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Ditto on the Tundra.
I tow a 30' Classic with a 2007 Tundra 5.7 iForce.
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Old 07-01-2016, 11:13 AM   #7
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The ecoboost should do a great job. Just look for one with the 3.55 or 3.73 gears, not the 3.21.
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Old 07-01-2016, 05:51 PM   #8
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Euless , Texas
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I tow a 1977 28' Argosy which is only slightly lighter than the 30'. The extra length is in the front living area so the tongue weight should be slightly higher but the overall weights are very close. My 28' is 4200# empty and I tow at about 6000# loaded and my tongue weight is 550# with full water and propane which is slightly light.

I tow with a 2013 Tundra 4.6L with the tow package with no problems. I just towed from Texas to West VA to the Lewisberg Rally and pulled some steep grades at 50mph, 3500 rpm in 3rd gear and regularly tow on flat ground in 5th(od) at 2000 rpm and 75mph. I would recommend the 5.7L since it comes with a towing rear end ratio, 100 more hp and is the only engine you can get with the tow package on a new one. Be sure to also get the factory tow mirrors that slide out.
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Old 07-01-2016, 09:20 PM   #9
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tow vehicle

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmIHereYet View Post
I'm looking for a used tow vehicle for a 30' Argosy. I don't have the trailer yet but I think the gvwr is 6200 pounds. At first I was only considering 3/4 trucks but now I'm wondering if that is more truck than I need. Maybe an F-150 with ecoboost would do the job and save fuel costs? Would payload capacity be a problem with any 1/2 ton truck for this size trailer? I'll probably be towing 6-8 times a year and the rest of the time just daily driving. I don't want to overspend on the truck and sabotage mpg unnecessarily, but I want to be safe when I am towing! I can only buy one truck and want to pick wisely. Anyone having experience towing a compatible trailer please let me know what you think - Opinions welcome!

Hi there the easiest way to tell is take the gvw (gross vehicle of the truck is is located on the door pillar ) and the Gross vehicle of the trailer which you said to be 6200 lbs and sub tract the truck from the trail gvw if the truck come out ahead then you can pull it if the trailer come out ahead you cannot

now we have a 1965 Airstream 27 foot international overlander and we pull it with our F150 with a 351 engine (5.8 L) in it with no problem
we also have a 1992 f150 with a 302 cu (5.0L)in and again not problem towing it they are bot 1/2 tons with original spring pack hope this helps you
don
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Old 07-01-2016, 10:18 PM   #10
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Yorba Linda , California
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We went thru the same worries selecting a TV when we purchased our 2015 27' Flying Cloud. We almost pulled the trigger on an F-150 Eco. Too many second thoughts when considering tow capacities, payload, and especially pulling and BRAKING capabilities while driving the grades in the West. We are SOOOO! happy with the confidence, convenience and towing comfort we get out of our 2015 F250 Turbodiesel. Wow...no worries about routes or grades.
We get 14mpg towing in the west. This is my daily driver. Only 1 ft longer than an F150. The current Powerstroke Fords are quiet inside and out, not smelly, get mileage reasonably comparable with the 3.5 Eco.

Don't rule it out. At least drive one. What ever you do BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!🎉🎉
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Old 07-02-2016, 06:39 AM   #11
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2014 28' International
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VW Torage. Great vehicle you'll love it for towing.
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Old 07-03-2016, 11:13 PM   #12
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Cambridge , New York
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Heavy division here, adding my $0.02 worth...

On a long hill or an emergency stop, no person has ever been known to say "I wish I had less truck!"

A lot depends on how you intend to use it. For extended trips, a full-size 2500 with 8' bed and topper keeps a lot of tools and gear that you will want to bring - and keeps the weight off your trailer. An F-150/short bed is fine for weekending.

Most would consider my Ram 3500 Cummins crew cab 4x4 long bed overkill on a 9,000 GVW 27FB Classic; but I tend to over engineer everything and love having the extra capacity and safety margins. It also tows like a dream and gives me 14.5 average mpg on a 17,000+ GCVW combo. Just returned from a Mississippi to Adirondack (northern New York State) vacation, throwing in stops in MD and VA for good measure - TV/TT combo performed flawlessly.

Welcome to the forums - good to see another Mississippian!

Good luck on your upcoming purchase and future 'streaming; buy what makes you happy!
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